Here's a question for you technical minded forum members prompted by my snapped bonnet cable which is being replaced next week
Some older cars used to have an additional external bonnet release system hidden away behind the front grille or bumper. Does anyone have a schematic diagram or similar of the innards of a L322 bonnet release mechanism so that I can realistically assess if a 'secret' external release could be fitted.

I realise that it will seem unnecessary nonsense to many but I can see a use for it and want to see if it can be done.
Thanks in advance for any responses.
Ta, Chris

if you look on our wiki there's a download link for the workshop manual for your range [rave] ... - .- -.




Y. O. L. O.
.

Ta, will do.

If you do come up with a suitable solution, which could be very handy indeed, please don't post it on the open Forum. Regretably not everyone is honest.

I could not find what I was looking for in the manual. I could not even find how to change my broken bonnet release cable in it. (But I've found how to do it elsewhere on this forum)

Anyway I still intend to see if it's possible to fit a hidden external bonnet release cable. Watch this space!

there isn't one ,basically for security reasons... ... - .- -.




Y. O. L. O.
.

You dont say which of the three sections has snapped either.

If its the internal one just remove the plastic trim and use some long nose pliers and grip on HARD to the cable, and gently pull the cable  FFRR MY06 facelift With TDV8 Alloys Zeros/ATR's
Mantec Sump Guard, Rigid Load liner, MY10 BT upgrade.

There was a post recently where the owners indie removed the front left inner wheel arch, climbed inside the wheel arch and released the left bonnet latch with tools. Not sure if the right latch can be reached in the same way, from either side.... .
Experience is the only genuine knowledge, but as time passes, I have forgotten more than I can remember
Volvo V70 P2 2006 2.4 Petrol 170bhp Estate SE
MG Midget Mk1 1962

Previous: L322 Range Rover TDV8 3.6 2008; L322 Range Rover TD6 3.0 2002; P38A Range Rover V8 1999

OK peeps, you can install an external bonnet release. I went to Halfords today and bought a small selection of bike brake cable. I was able to push fit the metal blob at the end of one of the brake cables into the remaining space next to the factory fitted cable on the release mechanism. I then threaded the cable through and out of the engine compartment in the vicinity of the front offside wheel arch. I then gave the cable a good pull with a set of pliers and it released the bonnet.

It only worked twice out of ten attempts because the end of the brake cable kept popping out of where I pushed it in to place.
It was a very crude attempt but it showed the theory works. Open your bonnet and have a look at where the cable runs. Have a good look at the mechanism that releases the bonnet, you'll get the gist of it

Anyway I am not going to pursue this any further. Once my replacement cable has been fitted if it snaps at the handle end I'll just pop off the trim around the handle and pull the cable using pliers.

For those of you who have security concerns at the concept of a hidden and known only to you, external bonnet release IMHO you are more likely to get your motor stolen by leaving your keys on the telephone stand in your hallway or leaving your car unattended whilst warming it up in the winter

Anyway I now return to my other problem; the oil filter housing that I still can't get undone .
Bye everyone.

its great when a bit of ingenuity works and you get it sorted..  ... - .- -.




Y. O. L. O.
.

J90 pop round and I'll loosen it off for you if you want as your not far away  FFRR MY06 facelift With TDV8 Alloys Zeros/ATR's
Mantec Sump Guard, Rigid Load liner, MY10 BT upgrade.

I'll PM you after you collect your new wheels
Ta, Chris

Where are you J90? [img]http://www.fuelly.com/driver/rob2529/range-rover[img/]
04, 4.4V8, Vogue Oslo Blue with LPG.
"You can sleep in your car, BUT you can't race your house!!!!"

If something can't be fixed with a hammer....... You have yourself an electrical fault!

Having had a look at the bonnet catch mechanisms I agree it would be quite straight forward to fit an emergency external bonnet release.
However before doing that it might be worth considering a bit of straight forward maintenance.
Looking at the two mechanisms involved it seems to me that they potentially corrode and become stiff to operate and also the cables tend to corrode at the ends adjacent to the lead blobs. Presumably this is where the cables break?
I ended up pressing copious amounts of general purpose grease into each mechanism and covered the casings in it paying particular attention to ensuring the exposed cable ends were covered in grease.
The result is the bonnet un-lock is far smoother requiring minimal effort on the footwell lever. Hopefully this work will minimise the risk of the cables breaking in the future.

that makes a lot of sense, job for the weekend me thinks..  ... - .- -.




Y. O. L. O.
.