Bonnet Struggling to release fully

[Rocinante]

Bonnet on my 2011 V60 is struggling to release fully. When I pull the level in the footwell on the passenger side, the drivers side pops up that 1/2", but the passenger side stays closed.

With a bit of fiddling with the bonnet / 'really' turning the release level on the inside, it eventually popped, giving me access to the release at the bonnet. It's happened a couple of times.

• Obvious answer would be the cable, I suppose.
• Other thoughts would be the bonnet struts, they hold the bonnet up, but don't seem the most energetic in doings so. So if they were lacking they wouldn't have enough strength to lift the bonnet ?
• Issue with the latch ?

Thoughts and Solutions welcome.

[Squire]

Sorry I don't know the proper answer, but give catches in the slam panel a good soaking/cleaning with a penetrating oil, Plusgas, not WD40, check with a screwdriver that the securing catches are moving freely. I noticed the other day mine were getting a bit sticky, they now move nice and freely, it's worth a try first off.

[Rocinante]

Originally Posted by Squire

Sorry I don't know the proper answer, but give catches in the slam panel a good soaking/cleaning with a penetrating oil, Plusgas, not WD40, check with a screwdriver that the securing catches are moving freely. I noticed the other day mine were getting a bit sticky, they now move nice and freely, it's worth a try first off.

I've given it a couple of blasts with WD40 as that is what I had available. Didn't seem to make much difference from the first application, haven't tried again since the second application. (I didn't really want to open and close it unnecessarily, as if it is a stretched cable, I didn't want to stretch it further, by using it more than I have to before I can get it sorted), but will try and get some Plusgas and a screwdriver, for next time.
Thanks.

[Squire]

Originally Posted by Rocinante

I've given it a couple of blasts with WD40 as that is what I had available. Didn't seem to make much difference from the first application, haven't tried again since the second application. (I didn't really want to open and close it unnecessarily, as if it is a stretched cable, I didn't want to stretch it further, by using it more than I have to before I can get it sorted), but will try and get some Plusgas and a screwdriver, for next time.
Thanks.

If you look carefully you'll see the catch hook (best I can describe it), I gently and cautiously prodded/poked at it and could see it moved. I carried on with this until it stared to move freely, I didn't keep opening and closing the bonnet, just try and get things as clean as you can, maybe brake cleaner may be better.
I think the problem lies in the fact this area catches all the spray/dirt off the road and works its way in, fine grit/dust sticks to the grease and then things start to bind. This was a common problem on my Rover 75 and the method I described worked well on that, I can't guarantee it will work on my Volvo or yours, it's early days at the moment. If it's successful for me I intend to use silicone/ptfe spray or light oil to lubricate them rather than grease.
Good luck and hope you sort it.
By the way it was a nightmare to get a stuck bonnet released on the Rover if the cables broke but doable, I think it'll be a lot worse on these!!! Mine is a 2012 v60 with 134k on the clock.