QPV - Bonnet will not shut

[makeshiftUK]

Out for a drive in the QP this evening, didn't get more than a mile away from home when the bonnet-open warning came up on the dashboard... this happened a few years ago on the way home from SportsItalia, @conaero and the gang remedied the issue and got me back on my way.

Any ideas? There doesn't seem to be anything obviously awry with the catch mechanism... the bonnet will not close, irrespective of whether I attempt to push it slowly, forcefully, or dropping it from a height.

 

[conaero]

Usually it’s the centre catch on the slam panel being a bit low. There are 3 nuts to loosen, pull it up to its highest position and lock it off. If it does not take (regardless of not sitting flush then it’s a cable (not returning) or the catch itself.

Clean it all with a liberal dowsing of WD40, work it, let it dry then finish with white grease.

 

[Alan Surrey]

Good luck with this makeshift.
I remember you saying you had an issue with the bonnet closing at the last Bletchingley meet.

 

[makeshiftUK]

Usually it’s the centre catch on the slam panel being a bit low. There are 3 nuts to loosen, pull it up to its highest position and lock it off. If it does not take (regardless of not sitting flush then it’s a cable (not returning) or the catch itself.

Clean it all with a liberal dowsing of WD40, work it, let it dry then finish with white grease.

Thanks... I'll give this a go. Irrespective of what happens I'll probably end up buying a new catch anyway, according to ES/ScudParts they're roughly £30 + VAT and something to add to our list of jobs with you guys next month!

 

[Alan Surrey]

Would make a nice Christmas present.

 

[makeshiftUK]

Right... engine covers removed, and with the 3 nuts loosened I could raise the catch mechanism by a few mm... and it was enough to do the trick, the bonnet now latches first-time, every-time. So far



Also took the opportunity to do a teeny bit of cleaning... a bit mucky (note the plastic bag was to cover an electrical connection!):





Is it safe to use something like Meguiars Ultimate black plastic restorer on the engine bay covers? The plastic seems to be peeling/delaminating in places (reaction to heat or chemicals?) and maybe trying to gloss over it will save me buying a new set.