Bonnet release
 

I wanted to check coolant after cylinder head problem but bonnet wouldn't release. I didn't want to pull too hard for fear of breaking the cable, it was fine when I checked early last week. I tried getting help to press down on the bonnet while I pulled the cable but no luck. If all else fails I guess I'll ask garage to get car up on a ramp to try to release from below. Any ideas as to what might be the cause and what I might be able to do without involving garage?

You can reach up from under the car to release the bonnet. No need to jack it up

mine sticks every now and then. sometimes the plunger you pull needs pushed back in full.

I noticed on my 240 this week that the release cable became sluggish:~ put this down to the very cold & icy conditions in the area.
Once the ice disappeared then back to normal.

The cable will be double checked this week & lubricated.

As previously mentioned- no need for expense on this problem as the grill can be removed with the bonnet in place and then work the lock by hand.
Could also be worth checking that the outer sleeve securing clip (near the lock) is held firm.
Hope it helps,
Bob.

Good article here if needed:~ https://ozvolvo.org/d/10635-10635
Bob.

Updated:~

Completed a fix on my car in a couple of ways: the cable had developed some play so made these adjustments.

Remove the lock and cable holding clip at the side of the catch.
Remove the bolt holding the cam and clean/grease the parts.
The cable outer clip is adjustable once the same is loose- the hole can be extended a little if you wish.
I also required some packing to take up slack on the outer cable cover as it butts against the holding clip- one small stainless nut & two washers used- these are easily pushed along the cable.

Bonnet now releases far better with minimal free play.
You can also fit an emergency cable: a wire can be fastened to the catch (cam has a spare hole) then extended over/down the front grill - hidden away ready. etc.
Hope it helps.
Regards Bob.