How does the front bonnet latch mechanism work? | FerrariChat
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How does the front bonnet latch mechanism work?

Discussion in '308/328' started by DrScientist, Feb 3, 2021.

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  1. DrScientist

    DrScientist Rookie

    Feb 3, 2012
    29
    #1 DrScientist, Feb 3, 2021
    my front bonnet isn't opening.
    the left latch is closed, the right latch is open.
    when i pull the normal release, it doesn't travel.
    when i pull the emergency release i get no movement at all.

    do both latches require "locking" in order for the release cable to operate?
    do they both open off of the same cable?

    i went through the wheel well. saw two cables coming from behind where the tire is, both tracing up to around where i imagine the latch to be. one had exposed cable. i vice gripped it, tried to pull, same lack of movement as when pulling the chromed latch in the cockpit.

    what could be going on? any suggestions? and i just too much of a weakling?
     
  2. DrScientist

    DrScientist Rookie

    Feb 3, 2012
    29
    #2 DrScientist, Feb 3, 2021
  3. Brian Harper

    Brian Harper F1 Rookie
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Feb 17, 2006
    4,078
    San Jose area
    Full Name:
    Brian Harper
    #3 Brian Harper, Feb 3, 2021
    Did this condition just suddenly begin or has it been getting harder to open progressively?
     
  4. DrScientist

    DrScientist Rookie

    Feb 3, 2012
    29
    #4 DrScientist, Feb 4, 2021
    it had been working ok...
    then i drop closed the bonnet from about 12 inches (as i usually do) and it made a funny catch noise. then while driving, i noticed the passenger side wasn't locked.

    (its an '82 gtsi--sorry forgot to mention earlier.)

    specific questions:
    can anyone confirm the two cables behind the wheel well are the normal and emergency release cables? which is which? which should i be pulling on?

    does anyone have a photo of how/where the cables attach to the latch? and if there's someway i can get a tool in there to push/pull a lever to have it release?
     
  5. BigTex

    BigTex Seven Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Dec 6, 2002
    79,321
    Houston, Texas
    Full Name:
    Bubba
    #5 BigTex, Feb 4, 2021
    I can get you a picture in the morning...you may be right it's possible to hit and "latch" one closed and then the hood falls on a latch that is already closed.

    I don't think that's your issue as the remaining latched one should still work on the release lever.

    Try pushing down on the hood gently, as you work the lever.
    If your foam seals are present and i good shape they tend to put tension on the latches.
    I think both cables have a nylon jacket on them originally, but I may be wrong.

    I will try to get you some detail pics, as you know one cable does operate both latches so perhaps the closest first one "latching" would modify the tension to the second one?
     

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