my ford focus bonnet release catch doesnt lock?

[paulcadman]

i own a focus millenium 1800 zetec and the bonnet release catch doesnt lock. when i close the bonnet the 1st stage closes but the 2nd stage doesnt lock the bonnet down. has anyone had the same problem.

if i have to replace the whole item do i have to replace the whole thing inc the key fob - then how do you remove it without removing the radiator and air conditioner matrix.

Any help appreciated

paul cadman

[tufty7]

just a presumption , when you view the lock in operation behind the ford badge does it turn freely both ways with the key ??
If it does not you may only need a good squirt of wd40 to release it so it works freely , secondly you could allways try "tricking" the catch with a screwdriver placed where the bonnet loop bar crosses over the lock mechanism , ie , the screwdriver pretends to be the bonnet bar contacting the lock ! if it does catch and lock the catch needs adjusting ,
On the focus the key does not need to be in for the bonnet to catch and lock just hold the bonnet up 12 inches and drop it after you have given it a freeing up with wd40

[paulcadman]

i have used a screwdriver in the locking to 'trick' the mechanism but the catch doesnt stay locked - if there is a adjustment screw'lever can you tell me where it is?

[tufty7]

what year is it ?? I have both the new shape 54 plate and a old shape 51 plate , tell me what year and i will have alook at them for you and check, you have tried giving it a good dose of wd40 and working it with a screw driver which is smaller than the locking hoop attached to the bonnet ??

This normally does the trick if they have dirt in them , salt and corrosion may have siezed it a little, loads of cars suffer from this , oil it up and work the lock till it does work , 9 times out of 10 this will do the trick

[paulcadman]

thanks for any replies. i went out and bought a new mechanism �25 ish there's 2 screws at the back of the front x member (real swines to get at) unless you take the radiator and air conditioner matrix out, the mechanism separate from the key fob simples slides apart - i ended up cutting out 2 slots so i could get a spanner down the side - did the trick and now im back on the road - thanks again