How do you open your bonnet on a 2011 UK B7 Passat when the initial interior release fails?

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Hello Harry

Good to hear from you. Did you mean that the lever is broken?

Relly

This the one broken?

Ok, do you have someone there to help you? Someone should push the hood downwards while you pull the lever Harry. The latch stucks sometimes and needs a little push to release. Once you open it, I strongly suggest that you spray Wd40 on the latch mechanism to lubricate the springs and gears.

Ok... I strongly suggest that you remove the kick panel where the lever is attached Harry. The gear that holds the cable may be damaged that's why it won't pull the cable fully. Once you got the lever and kick panel out. Try pulling the release cable by pliers. This should open smoothly

Ok... looks like that the latch is rusty or the gears are out of sync which will require cleaning. Do you happen to have a WD40 at hand?

Try spraying WD40 using the nozzle that came with it. It may just need cleaning to loosen up the dirt and rust. Others will just break the grill to gain access to the latch. But there's a trick on other VWs and hopefully it applies to you without breaking the grill. Please click the blue GRILL link below and see if it will be helpful. I'll be standing by for your response.

GRILL

Hope this does the trick

Yes and it is almost impossible to use special tools by accessing it from the grill without breaking it. Can you please just spray a good amount of WD40 on the hoodlatch through the grill Harry. You may need a flashlight to give it a good aim

Once you spray a good amount of WD40 let it penetrate for about 10minutes or more to free the mechanism and have someone to push the hood again while you pull the lever. 

Another thing that I can give you is by accessing it from underneath. This will really require a lot of patience to access the latch cable. Please click the blue BYPASS link below. It's still applicable to newer and other car brands. Take note that it's not an actual PASSAT but same theory may apply.

BYPASS

Yes Harry it will enclosed on the top but will be free above the radiators. You may have a good view underneath once you remove the plastic splash pad underneath the bumper. I just hope that WD40 serve it's purpose to free the latch when lever is pulled. This will really take a lot of patience when you access it underneath

On my experience... WD40 works just fine by someone pulling the lever and other one pressing hard on the hood. One experience I have is I have to grind and bend a long flat screw driver to reach the latch for bypass. Worse experience I had is  using my hand and I have to go underneath the car and work my way behind the radiator without seeing the latch. Just pressing the latch mechanism til I get it to pop out. These are the only possible steps to go through without breaking something Harry.

Even the dealers have to do this. No easy way to pull this one off. Hope one of the procedures helps you out Harry and I wish there's an easy way to do it. It's easy to say but will require patience for cuts and bruises can be avoided doing this. 

Do you think there's anything else I can add or help you with Harry?

Hi Harry

How are you doing? This is a follow up regarding my assistance. Please let me know if there's anything else I can add or help you with. I'll be standing by for your response.

Thank you

Relly

Hi Harry

How are you doing? This is a follow up regarding my assistance. Please let me know if there's anything else I can add or help you with. I'll be standing by for your response.

Thank you

Relly

Hi Harry

How are you doing? This is a follow up regarding my assistance. Please let me know if there's anything else I can add or help you with. I'll be standing by for your response.

Thank you

Relly

Hi Harry

How are you doing? This is a follow up regarding my assistance. Please let me know if there's anything else I can add or help you with. I'll be standing by for your response.

Thank you

Relly

Good to hear back from you Harry. I thought earlier that it will end up like this that's why I'm taking my chance on the removing the emblem trick. WD40 will be really helpful in this matter. By the way, is there anything else I can help you with Harry?

Dear Harry, It was a pleasure helping you with your VW issue today. Here is a summary of the resolution.

Issue identified : Bonnet will not open
Solution Implemented :  Chat with Harry and discussed possible approach to resolve the issue. Cable seems to be attached and it's the latch itself that's holding the bonnet. Adviced Harry to put some WD40 and put pressure on the bonnet while someone opens it from the inside but to no avail. Breaking the grill (we are trying to avoid) gains access to the latch. Sprayed ample amount of WD40 and it released. Problem Solved.
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