Focus Mk2 Bonnet Lock Won't Open - Hood Release Problem (Full Guide) 

Thanks, just did it to my '08 focus mk2.5! Popped the 2 side clips by turning a flat screwdriver and with some effort got the grille out (pop the hood open a bit by pushing a rubber handle between hood and headlights). The front cylinderlock and cable replacement is actually the easy part. Heads up tho for people with the 2.5, if you see a plastic v shaped cold air intake duct behind your grille try to undo the 2 bolts that hold it in. In my case i snapped them out causing in some damage to the plastic, couple zip ties to the rescue shhht haha. Opens and closes fine now, spent euro 29,99 and prob 45 minutes wasn't in a hurry.

Now I know why my 2010 Focus engine is so clean. I'm the first person to get the bonnet up. Many thanks.

I'm a 50 (very odd) year old non mechanic female and using this video I was able to get into and replace my faulty lock. In doing so I saved over £300 (as quoted by the Ford dealer in Frinton on Sea) good publicity for them cheeky little chappies. So a big THANK YOU to MotoringEvents for taking the time to record and up load this video to RU-vid, the gentleman saved me a whole weeks wage by showing me how to do it myself. Thank you x

This lock is definitely a design fault. Thank you for your time and patience with the solution.

Who made this bonnet design ? Raise your hand ! HATE IT !

Helpful vid! The hardest part for me was getting the grill off. Managed to do it without causing too much damage. I wouldn't have thought about just smashing off the old unit with a hammer, but I was finally able to get the bonnet open after following what you did.. only I used long nose pliers to twist the remaining part of the mechanism. Was such a relief to finally see the bonnet pop up! All in all it cost me £13 to do the job with a replacement kit from ebay. Once the bonnet is open the replacing part is a piece of cake. Just a little tip for anyone using the same replacement kit I used, when you slide the key barrel back into the plastic sleeve of the grill, put a tie wrap around the the plastic clips and pull it tight so it grips the barrel better. I had a little issue where the new barrel was slightly turning in the plastic sleeve when I turned the key left, which meant the bonnet wouldn't pop. The tie wrap sorted that out though. If I can do this repair with extremely limited mechanical experience, anyone can! Thanks again!

Thank you for this video. I haven't managed to replace the mechanism yet (ordering it now), but I managed to get the bonnet open with minimal damage to the paintwork. I can confirm that he's right about the 2 plastic screws to get the grill off, no need to release all of the intermediate screws. Thanks again! Very helpful.

Thanks for this. I found it difficult getting the bonnet open at 9:36 with a screwdriver - I solved it by putting 3 small drill bits in a drill to do the anti-clockwise turn. Drilling out the bits at 13:36 took me somewhat longer than you as well. Fantastic video and well needed given all the comments in such a short period of time. Call me old fashioned, but I still prefer the old bonnet leaver under the drivers side or passenger side door available on almost every other car in the world.

Nice one uploading this. It worked! I was a bit cautious at first taking a hammer to the car but all the bits that break off are plastic and are replaced by the new part. Got a replacement for 20 quid off eBay, came with a key so no lock bothering either. Saved me a packet!

Thanks very much for this - it gave me a great start - and an idea that saved a lot of trouble. I removed the grill and and pushed out the lock casing. Then I pushed and drilled out the securing pins to release the lock barrel. This allowed me to get hold of the end of the inner cable with a small pair of locking grips. After a fair bit of waggling and pushing in various combinations I got lucky and the bonnet popped. (I'm sure it won't work every time, but it's worth a try.) On dismantling the mechanism it appears that the small cross-section piece of plastic is the culprit.

To the genius engineer who decided to design this kind of bonnet lock instead of the traditional one... A big bucket of human crap down his mouth! Got rid of mine just need to install a new one.

You are an absolute legend mate! This video saved me labour costs at a garage! Thank you so much!

Thanks for the excellent video, it saved me a lot of money and not taking the car to service center. I have viewed the other video on RU-vid to fix the lock to use the same key. Highly appreciate your efforts in sharing this video. Thank you.

Followed your video and just done the two end clips, worked a treat thanx

You just saved me 😂, all week its been fine, and this morning, just not happening. Saw your vid, copied it for my 07 Ford Focus. And done. Thanks again.

Thanks for this video, this happened to mine a few days ago, just got round to replacing it this morning, nice quick and easy after following your video, my only difference was I only knocked out the 2 end plugs and pulled the grill out whole, as you found out after wards you could do. Thanks once again!

Perfect! I repaired mine thanks to this comprehensive video. Thanks 👍

Video was spot on, my sons focus bonnet refused to open, followed your tutorial and 43 minutes later all sorted. Just £28 for a new release mechanism on eBay job done. Thanks for taking the time to post the tutorial 👍

I LEFT THE GRILL IN!!! MK2.5 MODEL Thank you!! Your video gave me the confidence to do it. I have a mk2.5 (a little different). I have horizontal slats unlike your criss-cross. Screws on edge are not visible. I sliced through 3 slats, able to get hand in and unclip lock. BIG BONUS though.... once rubber bung pulled away... I smashed the end a few times with long screw driver and hammer to crack it open, then thought I would try key... it worked!!! Still replaced the whole thing except I used old key barrel. Will glue slats back up. Thanks again for the detail. As many have said.... you are a legend!!

Great video, really helped as the frustration levels rose. The grill on my RS was different and I had to go in through the lock and take off part of the bumper to get hand access. But only for this video on how to approach the problem I'd still be out in the driveway. Thanks again.

This video is as clear as it is accurate. Got my bonnet open within 20 minutes and switched the locks within 10. Good as new and saved myself £100+ Thank you!

Thank you so much, have been stressing because couldnt get bonnet open for a couple of weeks, ordered new lock and grill (just in case) and followed your instructions, was a little different behind grill because of an air pipe so couldnt get a hammer to it, so used screwdriver, made up the new lock to match key and works lovely, just got to get some plastic screws to hold it all together, did take a couple of hours as was scared shitless and kept stopping to watch video again.

your a bloody legend !!!! my Focus ST had the same problem. .i did as you showed and within about 30 min it was removed and the bonnet was up (after 10 months of it being locked) .i did it slightly different to get those plastic screw locks off, i took the bottom stone guard off for easier access. being from Australia it's hard to get advice other than smash in the grille. . Lucky your movie shows the most domestic way!

Thanks for the useful information on how to do this. I'm now going out to the fields to torch my focus 😂

Great video mate sorted my bonnet lock out cost me 20 quid instead of trip to garage cheers pal

Absolutely superb vid. Wish I had seen this before another which shows you have to destroy the front grill to get access. Works as explained. Even having to get another front grill the packege is still over £200 cheaper than a ford garage.. Dfinately following your posts..

Successfully fixed the bonnet lock on my 2007 Focus by following this video step-by-step! As a total non mechanic, the thought of whacking anything under the bonnet of my car with a lump hammer and chisel seemed pretty alarming, so I made tentative enquiries with a local garage, only to get the usual sharp intake of breath, and a shake of the head, saying it was a nasty job and that the replacement lock cost £90.00 from Ford etc, etc, and that they couldn't do it for a fortnight. I went away wondering what the hell I could do - my MOT is due nest week - and after a sleepless night, decided to be brave and go for it. Took me about an hour all in and completed with no damage to the grill (or any other part of the car!). Trust me - follow the guy step by step and all will be well! It's also worth pointing out that I ordered my replacement lock from ebay (£19.95 plus postage) and this came with it's own key (plus a spare), which meant I could ignore the tricky-looking key barrel assembly part of the video. It just means you have a seperate key for your bonnet lock, which is hardly the end of the world... Cheers for posting this video - saved me the best part of £200.00!

Mine broke yesterday, soon found your video, brillant worked no prob i think the most fiddley part was getting out that hex peace of plastic out prior to unlocking bonnet but once broke it fell out , great video thank you

Thank you so much . It helped me repair my car myself .

Thanks for the help.Released the grill at the bottom,sheared the two plastic screws nearest the lights,got my hand in and the whole plastic unit came out.This allowed me to reach the latch with my fingers thus opening the bonnet. From there I broke the plastic surround and re assembled the lock mech.Working a treat.Cost £0.Dudeism;-)

Thanks very much! I have the opposite problem, my bonnet won't close. So I need to just replace the latch/catch thingummybob but this has demonstrated what I need to do. Whether I'm apt enough is another matter.

Thanks for your video it saved me having to take it to a garage, what I did different was after you pulled the white cross shaped piece out of the lock I fitted the lock without the key and cable repair kit and now use a long screwdriver through the top hole in the grill above the keyhole to turn the latch no more problems and save £50 on repair kit. I you want you can fit the old lock back in the grill as a dummy, hope this helps.

Thank you, thank you, thank you !!! Have just done this job on a mate's car. Just removed the two side clips and was able to remove the grill. Slightly more difficult on his car (2007 1.6 petrol) due to the inlet air piping. He is so happy now. BTW Ebay are selling the kits for about £20 !!!

Very well explained and just need to follow step by step, have fixed mine today. Big Thanks to you.

good vid. addressed the problem perfectly/ I ,managed to prise the 2 top corner grill clips up und out without chopping the heads off.

Great video Remove grill as described, side fixings only. Then Rather than break the fitting to enable turning the mechanism, you can use a small 10mm spanner and undo the the actual lock itself. Then lift bonnet and undo electrical connection. The lock will return be left hanging on nonnect catch ready for easy removal with apliers or such like. Less destructive this way

Just fitted a new lock this morning. getting the old one to release the bonnet was a bit of a ball ache but got there in the end. And yes you are correct about just chopping the 2 end screws on the grill. thanks for the video - helped me out 100%

Thank you so much for this video. I was able to go so far. The old lock was just not coming out. The BIG HAMMER trick worked. I'm in lol. Lock changed in 5 min after that. Had to rip the grill out. Mk2 st.

Thank you for the thorough explanation. It helped me understand my problem. In my case the metal cable connecting the lock with the key barrel had the metal bit at the end slipping out of its hole. It was partially working. Luckily it got out in my hands when I had all the parts taken out safely with no damage whatsoever. Greatly appreciate the video!

Had this happen to me a week ago after I had work done to get my car through an mot, so this was the last thing i needed. This is definitely the best A to Z video I've managed to find. Just got to beat the barrel to death so I can access the cross part. :) or drill as suggested by someone else :)

Brilliant video. I used this to recover my car and managed to get the bonnet open in ten minutes. Minimal damage too. Cheers!

Top bloke !!! ..... this got me out of a right mess. You was correct with the 4 middle plastic screws, didn't need to break them in my case. Straight easy video to follow..... thanks again !!!👍👍

Excellent video, thank you so much, definitely helped me out. But one thing I notice on this and other vids, people go straight for the hammer once the grille is removed. I decided to just have another go with the key once the grille was off and I could wiggle the assembly around. Managed to get it to engage and open the bonnet with without resorting to breaking stuff. Obviously if that doesn’t work breaking it is the only way to go. Also, warning for Mk2 c-max owners, I bought an assembly off ebay, which I thought was correct but is actually too short. The standard one appears to be 11cm length of the flexi tube part between the last part of the lock barrel and the plastic release assembly (ignoring the rubber gaitor). The one I took out of my c-max is 13cm. So before you start make sure you have the correct unit, and if not, a long screwdriver, 25cm ought to do it, so you can still open and close the bonnet when everything is re-assembled without the lock assembly. Hope this helps someone.

Thank you! Just got my bonnet open thanks to your advice!

My lock refused to open today so glad i found this video, thank you ill have a go next weekend ;)

Great video thanks, just successfully got into my bonnet after the key wouldn't open it. Just need to order the new parts and put it back together again! Cheers

Thanks pal used the video today and it took me about 15 minutes to sort and I didn't break anything I shouldn't 😂

Well thats how other people undo their bonnets/ Without you showing me this I would have had to spend a lot of money for a garage to do it. One more thing when I found a replacement on ebay I found that they come complete with 2 new spare keys. Brilliant . Thanks for your help.

Thanks very much , I was dreading this . My Focus bonnet lock failed at Christmas and I just got round to replacing it today . Following the instructions it took me a couple of hours . Be careful , the little white plastic cross shaped piece must be fitted into both parts of the mechanism carefully . Don't shut the lid until you've checked it several times .

Thanks for the video, it was very easy and fast. Took me about 10 min.

great vid bought a new barrel and didnt fit the lock.watched this vid and realized i was doing it all wrong ,took me 5 min to fix CHEERS

This is far the most useful video I’ve seen for this problem … and we’ll be using it to fix the problem on my son’s Focus ASAP. Worth noting in review that 1. Only the relatively accessible outer 2 plastic screws needed to be chiselled off in order to get the grille off neatly as shown. And no need to smash up the grille as shown in other videos! 2. The long screwdriver seems to be a much simpler long-term bonnet-opening solution than replacing the mechanism. It seems that you still need to get in and smash that white plastic fitting to access the spot to insert the screwdriver though.

The best thing Ford could do would be to use a cable inside the car, with for example a lever under the corner of the fascia!!!!

Thanks for the video, I followed everything and was done in 40 mins, I bough my new lock off ebay for £22 and it came with keys so i didn't need to mess about with the lock barrel.

Brilliant video, thank you - managed to accidentally relatch my bonnet after breaking in with the long screwdriver method through the grille so now having to go invasive with the hammer method - very useful to see how the lock works and how to change the barrel etc. 🙌

THANK YOU £15 KIT ON EBAY DID IT YOU ARE A TOTAL LEGEND SUBCRIBED THANX AGAIN

Absolutely spot on that mate. Nice1. Had this problem, needed to get bonnet open yesterday, couldn't, watched your video last night, executed part A tonight after work. Spot on, didn't take too long. Just need to get a new barrel kit off Amazon now. Thanks again mate, life saver

I had the same problem. I just have an observation. You can reach and cut off the two side screws with a knife, this way you can cut off easily and you won't damage the painting on the bonnet or bumper. Great video helped me a lot. Thanks!!

Thanks a lot from France for the video. It helps me today!!! 👍🏿

Typical car makers creating a problem where none existed and fitting a system guaranteed to fail !

Though it took us a little longer (a few hours longer) as we have a different model it worked and I have saved myself over £200 thank you for this video.

Great video, took me 10mins after watching this. Just need to buy the replacement lock ?

God job with the video , very useful many thanks.

Thanks for posting this. I had to get into my daughter’s 2010 Focus yesterday ,the bonnet shut fast, your film was a great help. I sprung out the grille lower pegs then the 2 upper outer fixings after levering the bonnet corners up with a wedge and getting under the grille flange to pop the push in fixings out. Breaking the plastic fitment wasn’t so easy with the bonnet locked down and required multiple hits with a big screwdriver and hammer. I was very relieved when the secondary safety latch gave in and I could lift the bonnet. We ordered a replacement release mech so as a temporary hood retention I used a big/long cable tie over the striker bar and thru the cross beam hole where the latch would be. It all pulled down tightly and just to be sure I used a 2nd cable tie. New one arrives Tuesday. Thanks again.

Thanks a lot for this. I trust my mechanic but even so, saved me some money here, so I'm very grateful sir! I prized up the two plastic holding screws up, like Kesslerden said and they went back a treat. Unfortunately the cost of the lock in your link is now £90!! (inflation inflation🤦) After market ones on Amazon for £19 so think I'll go there....but will it fit the existing barrell though, who knows, they come with keys anyway! Thanks for your time, to make this, really helpful.👏👏👏

Thanks for this. I followed some advice elsewhere that suggested if the white cross piece is simply loose, not broken, then you can try putting pressure on the lock (flexing the grill) while turning the key. That got the bonnet open so I could take it all apart. I used this video to find my way around the assembly: 1) Removed the plastic screws from 6:35 (some with a screwdriver, some by prising up with a sharp tool) allowing me to remove the grill (with some force for the bottom clips) and top panel. 2) Unbolted and popped out the latch assembly (see 10:15) and then I could pop the white cylindrical shroud through the hole without having to break it. 3) Used pliers to remove the cross piece from the latch (takes a bit of force but came out intact), like at 11:52. 4) Clipped the piece into the cross-shaped slot in the other end, using a screwdriver to nudge the clips in, so it looks like 15:47. 5) Rebuilt everything, and it's all good!

Got the same problem and will need to do something very soon to open. I'm not a DIY man but your video helps a lot!

After watching your informative video i ordered this part but beforehand i had changed the whole lock system !!, i decided to change the new part as per your video !! Just in case it happened again . I then found out that ford had upgraded this part to a black plastic insert on the new locking system without telling anybody !!, so at least i have a spare just in case it happens again . Hopefully not

Thanks mate, you're a hero. All done and working fine.

Excellent instruction video. Many thanks for providing your knowledge & expertise to the world. Your guide was essential in helping me to fix my Ford focus bonnet locking mechanism by myself and in the process, saved me a lot of money. Greatly appreciated.

this worked spot on got replacement for £15 so all good now

Thanks for taking the time , a great video

Helped me to get it done, cheers

Had the same thing happen to me last weekend. Need to put the battery on charge but the bonnet failed to open. Thank you for your efforts to show us how it's done. I can see if you have slim small skinny arms you might be able to get to the 2x10mm bolts from underneath. I will give that a try but if all else fails I will follow your techniques and procedures. Thanks.

Very Helpful! Thanks. Although I tried getting away with the two side screws only, it didn't want to pull out. I've ended up breaking a lot of the plastic whatnots that clip it all in, maybe because its -2c out there and its all brittle with the cold or maybe just me getting frustrated and impatient. At least I can change the headlight bulb now.

Fantastic guide, thank you so much!

Great video and I was just about to start mine as no matter what I done with key it wouldn’t open. But whilst I was turning the key whilst my dad gently pushed down on the bonnet sort of bounced very gently on it and managed to open it. We then oiled the catch as when open it turn fine.

very very helpful!!! Big thanks!!

Big thanks for your DIY !!!!!! Greetings from Poland :)

Thanks for the video managed to do this and replace the lock successfully, thanks for your help cheers

Great video, just finished doing this on my 11 plate, hardest part for me was removing the grill. Thanks

Thanks, the video was helpful. I'm afraid of breaking down the front wall, so I don't break something, but I have to do it, because the locking mechanism failed for me too.

I yanked the whole grill away (including some of the plastic covering sadly) by knocking out the 2 retaining plastic rivets either side of the grill and freeing the 2 clips along the bottom. Yanked off the wire then used a hammer to knock of the white plastic bit, then used pliers to twist one way and then the other to open bonnet. You can see the 2 rivets quite easily by lifting the bonnet as much as you can.

My old mk1 has just done this... apparently very common across many generations of Focus. I'll get out and try this method tomorrow although given the age of this car I don't think I'll be looking to replace anything :)

Thanks for your help. Without your vid I'd have paid Ford to open the wretched thing.

Engineer who invented this system does not drive a Focus for sure :-)

Thanks for the guide. Did it yesterday on my 2007 Ford Focus MK2. Removed the grill without breaking of the side screws but instead placed a large flat screwdriver between the 2 plastic parts on the side screws and twisted the screwdriver so the screws popped out and could be reused.

Excelent. Helps me a lot

Helped me out loads mate... much appreciated 👍🏽

Just had to do this for my ford 2011, was a pig of q job, but did work. I now use a screw driver as a key

Saved a fortune! Thanks guys. Huge help

Thanks man. Was pisssing me right off

The MK2 Focus is full of problems which stem from shoddy designs, none of which should have ever been implemented. Two notable ones are this very bonnet lock mechanism, and the power steering pipes. I shall be following your guide this weekend to replace my lock, or at least butcher it and integrate another solution.

EXCELLENT TUTORIAL. Thank you. Everything worked as you said, no problem. You can get the kits now off eBay for about £15.

A very useful guide, thank you. I found there was no need to use a lump hammer to break the old casing, I just used a flat head screwdriver inserted inside the casing and then levering it to break the casing open. A bit more efficient but probably less fun.

Nice video, with a touch of humour. I was able to fit the new lock. However, I was unable to get the grill off (later version of it than yours), so I had to cut it out. But job done, and thanks.

You clever person you ....thanks!

Agree - a bad design . I used a long modified screwdriver for a couple of years till the plastic slot of the lock eroded. After fitting a new lock I found that tightening after removing / cleaning of two bonnet screw spacers which had aged / had dirt buildup eases rotation of the key after the bonnet was locked and the cause of seizure or resistance to turning of the key .Periodic cleaning of these spacers below the bonnet keeps the system healthy from this future problems .

Good video, I've recently replaced this on my 2010 focus I found it better to just bend the plastic grill upwards then release the key barrel and then use a set of grippers to pull out the cable with brute force then use a screw driver to open bonnet release. I did replace the white collar with a new one that came with the new kit frome ebay £15 with 2 keys

Thanks so much for your help.