Ford Focus - bonnet lock not working

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Tue 31 Mar 2015 00:37
Ford Focus - bonnet lock not working - eustace

Hello All,

The bonnet lock on my Ford Focus (Feb 2008 model) has stopped working.

The key turns, but the bonnet does not pop open. On researching the problem, I have read that the Focus is prone to this.

I had the air conditioner compressor changed a week ago and this is the first time that I am opening the bonnet after that. It is possible that the bonnet lock was mis-handled during the compressor change. The garage that did the compressor change says that they are not competent to deal with the bonnet lock, and have reccomended an alternative garage.

Any advice on how this repair should be handled? Can an independent garage handle this repair or should I take it to a main dealer?

Has anyone else on this forum had this problem before?

Thanks

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Tue 31 Mar 2015 02:51
Ford Focus - bonnet lock not working - TooStressed

Mine does this sometimes!

I just push a little pressure on the bonnet above the catch and then it seems to work fine for a while.

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Tue 31 Mar 2015 11:14
Ford Focus - bonnet lock not working - eustace

I tried that. but no joy....

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Tue 31 Mar 2015 13:46
Ford Focus - bonnet lock not working - Chris M

I'd be a bit concerned if a garage can change an A/C compressor, but say they can't sort out a bonnet lock.

I suggest you do a Google or Youtube search for Focus bonnet lock problem.

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Tue 31 Mar 2015 14:25
Ford Focus - bonnet lock not working - eustace

Yes, there is a lot of detail about this problem at the below link.

http://www.fordownersclub.com/forums/topic/35338-guide-to-fixing-common-focus-bonnet-lock-problem/

This includes information about how to try and get it to open.

I tried the advice of prodding it open with a screw driver, but it did not work.

However since I am not very handy with tools, I did not want to try too much and risk causing damage.

I guess what I am really looking for is advice from people who have has similar issues regarding:-

1) Can I get this problem fixed at an independent garage or does it require specialist knowledge that only a Ford dealer may have.

2) What is the best way to get the bonnet open, without causing too much damage.

3) Once the bonnet is open, what is the best way for fixing the lock, or does the lock need to be changed?

The above post says something about:-"cut of the two tags from the male plastic cross." Which should sort out the problem.

But I am not sure what that meant. So was wondering if anybody on this forum has had experience with this issue.

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Mon 11 May 2015 16:11
Ford Focus - bonnet lock not working - Coombs33

Yes, there is a lot of detail about this problem at the below link.

http://www.fordownersclub.com/forums/topic/35338-guide-to-fixing-common-focus-bonnet-lock-problem/

This includes information about how to try and get it to open.

I tried the advice of prodding it open with a screw driver, but it did not work.

However since I am not very handy with tools, I did not want to try too much and risk causing damage.

I guess what I am really looking for is advice from people who have has similar issues regarding:-

1) Can I get this problem fixed at an independent garage or does it require specialist knowledge that only a Ford dealer may have.

2) What is the best way to get the bonnet open, without causing too much damage.

3) Once the bonnet is open, what is the best way for fixing the lock, or does the lock need to be changed?

The above post says something about:-"cut of the two tags from the male plastic cross." Which should sort out the problem.

But I am not sure what that meant. So was wondering if anybody on this forum has had experience with this issue.

Hi

My dad had a simular issue and once the bonnet was open it wouldnt lock. We managed to get it working by pumping as much WD40 into it and scraping away what dirt was there. It worked and just to make sure it would keep working every month clean it and oil it again. Not sure if you would have a simular issue but worked for us

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Mon 12 Feb 2018 21:23
Ford Focus - bonnet lock not working - Dave.J

3 years on and this problem still arises , except now we could be talking about a 400 quid banger.

Easiest and Quickest method if bonnet opens partly with left turn of key -

Remove lower watershield -8 torx screws all easy. Reach up and pull lock IN , may have to bend 2 clips back.

Using sharp wood chisel from front of partly just open bonnet cut heads off the 6 visible PLASTIC screws holding top of the grill in place - use a hammer.

Remove grill by pushing back at bottom to unhook and then whole lot forewards.

Using wood chisel through the grill space smash all white plastic away from bonnet catch. , remove white cross section bit - pliers .

You can now use a screwdriver to open bonnet.

When grill is replaced , use extra self tappers if you like ,you will need a longer screwdriver or bar but you will know what is what by now.

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