Xantia Bonnet stuck!!

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Blackdog
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Xantia Bonnet stuck!!

Post by Blackdog »

Hi All... yesterday I was about to open the bonnet up..released the lever and then got a phone call...as I was talking I remember I leant on the drivers side of the bonnet..when I then went to open her up it seems like the drivers side is locked in but the centre and left hand side arent....so cant close it there is always a little bit of play I have been pretty firm when banging it down but it wont fully engage when I pull the release lever there is a click but it just wont release the drivers side of the bonnet which seems to be stuck!! wot a nightmare!! any Ideas of how to resolve without tacking any panels off?? looking forward to your suggestions...Thanks..
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Post by CitroJim »

MK1 or MK2?

On a MK1 with the drivers side only locked down, it might be possible to get something to operate the catch on the passenger side by carefully tilting the bonnet which in turn may release the drivers side.

On a MK2 it won't be so easy as the grille bit on the bonnet end will be in the way...

Snowing hard here at the moment but if a MK1, I can have a look at possible ways later....
Jim

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Post by andmcit »

Of the two catches holding the bonnet the left passenger side one has the
primary release cable that runs from the lever under the steering column.

A rod about 25/30cm long then runs from the left hand catch to another
identical one on the driver's side and this can get disconnected from the
right mechanism as there's a fragile plastic clip securing it in place.

You need to create access to hook and pull the unlock mechanism on the
driver's side and this is done if you lift the nearside corner of the bonnet
up as far as you dare and prop that edge/corner up. A long rod similar to
the inner door mechanism handle release arms will allow you to pull the
catch open towards the nearside of the car and with a bit of fiddling you'll
be done. Not tried this on a mk2 so it may have more shielding covering
the rod though.

Glorious warm springlike day here Jim!? :?

Andrew
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Post by CitroJim »

andmcit wrote: Glorious warm springlike day here Jim!? :?
Send it on here then Andrew :wink:

It's not at all nice here today :twisted: It's holding up project work :(
Jim

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Blackdog
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Post by Blackdog »

Thanks for the reply guys and its a MK2 99 so yeah grille is different..will read through your posts again slowly and see what results I can get..sounds as though I will be able to sort this out though was a bit anxious it could turn into a nightmare of a job..it still might but heres hoping it wont..
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Post by xantia_v6 »

CitroJim wrote:
andmcit wrote: Glorious warm springlike day here Jim!? :?
Send it on here then Andrew :wink:

It's not at all nice here today :twisted: It's holding up project work :(
It is also a glorious day down here in Beaune 8-)
Jim, I know you have some indoor projects waiting... :D
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Post by andmcit »

Sorry Blackdog OT - not really helpful to your plight I'm afraid.
CitroJim wrote:Send it on here then Andrew
It may be easier if you popped over here actually Jim! :wink:
Piccy 10 minutes ago whilst out walking the dogs (one not pictured!!)
to the nearby old castle ruins! :D Tide is well in - usually there's acres
of flat golden beach though not quite Pendine - that's further round
the corner.
Image



Andrew
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Post by CitroJim »

What a beautiful spot Andrew :D I envy you living so near such a place...

Yes, sorry Blackdog for this :offtopic: ramble into weather...

Hope the bonnet opens soon. Sadly I have no MK2 models here to look at...
Jim

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Post by andmcit »

I'll have a look now under the bonnet of my V6 mk2 though I very nearly
have it etched into my retina from looking at it so much. :roll:

Andrew
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Post by Blackdog »

Enjoying your "banter" and lovely photo!! if you do get a chance to look at the V6mk11 that would be usefull as I am not sure how the rod runs from left to right..however am sure that once Ive propped the left handside up then with a rod I should be able to grip the connector rod and pull towards the nearside?I will be looking at her later so anymore replys will be read before I have a go..Many Thanks
I.9TD Green xantia estate sx 96.
1.9TD Green xantia estate sx 99.
andmcit
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Post by andmcit »

Right, it's the same design as the mk1 Xantia but the shield/shroud over the
nose above the fans is moulded quite tightly to the dropped line of the mk2
light and may be a pita to get under.

The rod that runs between the nearside catch and the offside is set into the
main headlight panel and may be difficult to actually get at through a gap on
the side of the bonnet.

Some pictures to help illustrate the layout:

Image
Image
Image

Andrew
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Post by HDI »

Sometimes this problem can be sorted with two pairs off hands. 1 Body pushes the bonnet down while the other pulls the bonnet release , then body one lets go or gives it a tug. If it's still reluctant , just jiggle the bonnet generally whilst pulling the release. Have fun , it's happened to me so I know how it feels !
Now using '00 Xantia LX HDI, pov spec :(
My past Citroens :-
'00 Xantia SX HDI, now dead due to accident :(
'99 Xantia HDI 110 Exclusive, RIP :(
'97 Xantia TD SX
'96 Xantia TD LX
'96 ZX TD
'89 BX TD
'88 AX GT
'79 CX2400 Pallas (scrapped :( )
& a couple of Peugeots !
andmcit
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Post by andmcit »

Certainly that used to work on a Gs I had release issues with on the bonnet
- seems almost identical in it's layout only there was just the one catch not
two of the Xantia.

Andrew
Blackdog
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Post by Blackdog »

Thanks for the photos Andrew..they helped alot as far as where I was trying to locate a catch point..however I still havent cracked it managed to raise the one side and insert a old LHM pipe with a hooked end..so then managed to insert the pipe up by the drivers side light right up to where the catch was and spent ages wiggling and all sorts....think I will try HDIs suggestion of 2 bodies?...thought I would have got a grip on it via the headlamp sliding the hook in the ditection of the catch...but its a real hit or miss innit...thanks again for the posts...any more welcomed!!
I.9TD Green xantia estate sx 96.
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VertVega
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Post by VertVega »

Blackdog wrote:...they helped alot as far as where I was trying to locate a catch point...any more welcomed!!
Previous photos were really good that I thought there's no need to send more.
If more are welcomed then here's one from me which is taken from a bit different angle and showing distance to headlamp.

Image

As seen from the pic it's oil wet :) Somehow I learned to keep catch mechanism lubricated.
You can also try some from the gap with a straw. In case its dry.
_______________________________

Edit: and counter part from bonnet... hope these will help.


Image
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