Stuck 240 bonnet

Discussion in 'Volvo 240' started by Sammy, Jul 18, 2004.

  1. Sammy

    Sammy Guest

    Hi all

    I have a little problem with my old (83) 240gl. The pull handle under the
    steering wheel no longer opens the bonnet and I desperately need to change
    the oil, check the radiator and other things.
    Can anyone here offer some advice on how I might be able to get the lid up?
    I can probably fix the cable to open it properly in future then, too.
    Please help, I don't want to run this great car down by not changing the oil
    etc and I can't afford a mechanic to open it for me at the moment.

    Also, I hope this isn't an inappropriate post: is there a faq for this NG?

    Regards
    Sammy
     
    Sammy, Jul 18, 2004
    #1
  2. This happened once on my old 240.

    I removed the front grill, and was able to access the opener from
    underneath. The grill has two lugs on the lower edge that slot into
    holes in the body work. The top of the grill is held by two
    quarter-turn clips. By prising carefully along the bottom of the grill
    I was able to ease the lugs out of their holes without too much
    damage, then reach in and grasp the bottom of the clips and turn them
    a quarter turn. The grill should now come away. From here you should
    see the underside of the bonnet latch.
    All things Volvo welcome here. There isn't a FAQ as such, but most
    people get guided to:

    http://brickboard.com/
    and
    http://www.swedishbricks.net/
    --

    Stewart Hargrave


    For email, replace 'SpamOnlyToHere' with my name
     
    Stewart Hargrave, Jul 18, 2004
    #2
  3. Sammy

    Rod Gray Guest

    Look under the dash. You may be able to remove the kick panel and grab the
    cable with pliers, depending on where the cable broke. Another alternative
    is to use a pair of long needle nose pliers and go through the grill and
    pull the cable.
     
    Rod Gray, Jul 18, 2004
    #3
  4. Sammy

    athol Guest

    When pushing the lever to release the bonnet, some pressure on the
    top of the bonnet may also be beneficial.

    Also, noting that the OP was posting from UK, I'd strongly recommend
    that he convert the bonnet release to be on the left side instead, as
    it makes the catch much easier to open. There's some info about this
    on my web page, although the page is rather out of date ATM.
     
    athol, Jul 19, 2004
    #4
  5. Sammy

    don hodgdon Guest

    There are a couple of ways to release the latch. Often the clamp holding
    the cable in place on the fender will lose it's grip and the hood release
    will not operate. Fashion a hook with stiff wire and stick it through the
    grill to pull the cable.

    In the event of a broken cable, jack up the front end and look up from under
    the car, behind the bumper, in front of the radiator. You should see that it
    is possible to reach up and manipulate the hood latch with a screwdriver.
    You may have to remove a plastic air duct or two, depending on your
    particular model 240.

    Good luck,
     
    don hodgdon, Jul 19, 2004
    #5
  6. Sammy

    Sammy Guest


    Dear Stewart, Athol and Don,

    Thankyou very much for the top notch advice :).

    I followed your suggestions and I've sorted the problem (inasmuch as I can
    now open the bonnet) although I now need to unseize the cable and latch cam.
    No problems there, though: that's something I understand. The important
    thing is that I am able to change the oil, plugs and other (vital) bits and
    bobs. I can worry about making the bonnet easy to open later. Importantant
    thing is that I'm able to look after the engine, steering fluid and others
    before they deteriorate due to me being unable to acces them..

    Thanks again for your valuable and friendly advice.
    Sammy
     
    Sammy, Jul 20, 2004
    #6
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