bonnet clasp

[little h]

I did a Helenism today, I shut my keys under the bonnet, so, I thought I'd unhook the bonnet by getting underneath and pulling the cable. It worked, however, when I tried to close the bonnet it wouldn't shut. I have taken the clasp off and the cable is intact but the main lock is stuck on open and I don't get why. Help!
The car is a Mazda 232f, I maybe wrong but I think most are the same.

[Toureman]

Do you mean the bonnet will not stay shut if so, by pulling it from underneath you have somehow pulled the outer sleeve of the cable through one of it's retaining clips, this would make the inner cable shorter so it will not release the bonnet retaining clip to hold the bonnet shut.

The other alternative is to adjust the cable where it connects to the bonnet retaining clip, usually a nut and bolt clamp, get this tight or the cable will slip and you will not be able to open your bonnet at all.

[little h]

Hi thanks for answering. The bonnet is open, but the hook thingy that secures it shut is open, I wonder if there is a problem with the mechanism that the cable works which operates the hook to close. Hope that makes sense.

[Toureman]

The "hook thingy" could be the extra bonnet safety catch which is a secondary safety catch for the bonnet, this does not have the cable attatched to it.

If this does not help I am sure a garage would sort out your problem quickly and cheaply.

Can't help any more without seeing your car, sorry.

[little h]

Well thank you for trying. I have decided to bolt the clasp back onto the car and then get underneath and secure it with string until I can get it fixed properly.
It's my own fault for being so dizzy..... hey ho!