Hi,

I was going to change to oil today on my 2007 mini cooper, but I can't open the hood. The latch inside the car works well and the hood pops about 1" or so, but the safety latch is firmly stuck. When I press on the lever with my hands I can't budge it, even a fraction of an inch. I tried prying it with a small screw driver and that did not work either.

I tried searching but most people seem to have problems with the cables to the interior latch and my problem is with the finger latch on the bonnet.

I tried lubricant, but did not work. Is there something obvious I'm missing here?

Thanks!

 

Well I finally got it open. PB Blaster and some patience did the trick. It had rusted through...

 

I think that means you don't check your oil nearly often enough...

 

Check those latches , they an take a pounding as they are directly in line with crud and road salt that comes through the grille and between the gap. I always tell people to spray them with penetrating fluid as much as possible. We have a refresh kit if you need it. Seem to be the 07 and early R56 models that are seeing this problem pop up like the Gen 1 MINIs. inside the cables can rust and the latch Handel will bend the pull tab if you pull to hard with stuck latches.

51232751378KT Hood Release Kit

http://www.ecstuning.com/News/MINI_R56_Up_Hood_Release_Kit_2007_2008_2009_2010_2 011_2012/



Thanks