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AIBU?

To not know how to open the car bonnet

22 replies

EricNorthmansFangbanger · 13/02/2014 14:11

Blush Blush Blush

I have had my car for almost three months. When we bought it, the sales man opened it for us to have a look. The bonnet has been openee twice since when I had to get the windscreen replaced and for its MOT, but I wasn't present at either of those. I've not needed to open the bonnet at all, but my screen wash needs filling urgently and I can't for the life of me figure out how to open the bonnet.

I have a Renault Megane Scenic (dynamique if that makes any difference). Obviously I know that there is a lever just under the glove box compartment on the passenger side, it's popped the bonnet open a little but I can't feel or see any little lever to pull. I am feeling increasingly stupid...I know I'm unreasonable to not know this, but if you can help please do!! Blush

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ilovepowerhoop · 13/02/2014 14:13

do you have the manual? I keep mine in the car for when I dont know how to do things. The last time i had to use it when i didnt know how to put the handbrake on as it didnt have a handbrake, just a little lever that you had to push or pull to set or release it!

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Juliaparker25 · 13/02/2014 14:20

Your bonnet release is in the footwell on the passenger side a black handle just under the glove compartment.

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IWantToMakePeppaBacon · 13/02/2014 14:21

In my Renault the bonnet release was in the passenger side footwell.

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IWantToMakePeppaBacon · 13/02/2014 14:21

X-post Julia!

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IWantToMakePeppaBacon · 13/02/2014 14:23

Oh, just read the last paragraph properly Blush

In the centre of the bonnet you should be able to slide your hand underneath/inside and pull a lever towards you...

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Fudgeface123 · 13/02/2014 14:24

She's managed to pop the bonnet as per her post. If you run your fingers under the bonnet lid, you should feel a little catch/lever that you press and it will unlock.

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ApprenticeViper · 13/02/2014 14:24

I've got a Renault Clio and I had the same problem, so don't feel stupid Smile

You pull/push the lever in the footwell as described above, then you go to the front of your car and run your finger inside the gap that has opened with pushing the lever. There is another little lever that you push sideways (if I remember correctly) to get the bonnet to open fully. Hope this helps!

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Binkyridesagain · 13/02/2014 14:24

If you've popped the bonnet release in the foot well and the bonnet has lifted you need to fiddle under the bonnet, in line with the Renault badge, you should feel a latch, you need to pull it.

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steff13 · 13/02/2014 14:25

If it's like my car, the release inside the car will pop it a little, then you have to feel around under the hood for the release lever. In my car (Kia Optima), it's in the front. Just slide your fingers around under the edge of the hood, and you'll feel it.

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MaxPepsi · 13/02/2014 14:26

She already knows the release is in the passenger foot well.......as she's already opened it...just can't find the relevant 'bit' on the actual bonnet!

Have you tried the full width of the bonnet?? Mine is in a weird place and I can never find the damn thing.

Plenty of people can't open their bonnets btw so yanbu!

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mum11970 · 13/02/2014 14:26

There is either a lever to pull or a catch to press, just under the bonnet. Good luck.

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bumblebeebzz · 13/02/2014 14:26

I had a Clio and had this problem!

I had to run my hand under the gap when the bonnet pops up and finally found a button.

it's been ages since I've had that car so I can't remember exactly, sorry!

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EricNorthmansFangbanger · 13/02/2014 14:27

Mine has that type of handbrake too.

I just checked the manual again...found it! Blush I looked in it a while back and couldn't find the page, I mustn't have been looking properly. Thank you very much Flowers

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EricNorthmansFangbanger · 13/02/2014 14:29

Cross posted. Thank you for all the posts. It isn't just under the bonnet lid, but a bit further down in one of the grille's. It's very well hidden.... Blush

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Starballbunny · 13/02/2014 14:41

I have a friend who's job sometimes takes him to army basses. He says he always reads the manual for company cars after the time he had to do so at gun point.

The guards on the gate didn't take kindly to lots of fumbling about in foot wells and glove boxes the day after the IRA blew something up. If they want to check under bonnets and boots they want to do it now.

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Maggiewil · 10/11/2016 10:56

I have just joined this site although I am a grandmother of 8-intellegent 40 years driving and loads of cars over those years - BUT I could not open the bonnet of my Renault Scenic Megane. Found your advice on here and got it open to charge the battery.
I spent an hour trying to do it - shouting at the car/kicking the tyres etc. only a man could have thought to put the lever in the grille at the front of the car!!
Having opened the bonnet with the lever inside the footwell drivers side I then ran my fingers under the bonnet to find the catch. We have an older Scenic as well and that is where it is on there.
Nothing!! Decided to look on line found your site and the explanation.
What a stupid place to put it and it is very small and black on a black grille - so no Ladies you are not stupid/thick/daft etc its just manufacturers who don`t think!!

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Charli64 · 07/12/2017 15:20

Hi. The latch Handel inside my Renault scenic is not opening my bonnet at all. Any ideas guys

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steff13 · 07/12/2017 15:27

Try having someone push down on the hood while you pull the lever to release it.

You'll likely need a mechanic to fix it.

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NeedsAsockamnesty · 07/12/2017 15:30

Yanbu the scenic has a really nasty pully thingy hidden in the front grill that you have to look very hard to find.
Bastard cars

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NeedsAsockamnesty · 07/12/2017 15:32

Hi. The latch Handel inside my Renault scenic is not opening my bonnet at all. Any ideas guys

Pull latch handle then go to front of car look carefully in the gril for a small black plastic strip, pull that hard and you should be able to open it

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Charli64 · 07/12/2017 15:44

YEAH did that bonnet still tight shut

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Charli64 · 07/12/2017 15:44

No movement at all

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