I pulled it out and it broke in two, cable is identical to that found on a bicycle so no surprise it will rust if exposed to water and the elements. I tried cleaning the rusted bonnet latch but it didn't last a year (see Stuart Dalby - 2005 Volkswagen Golf Mk 5 - Sticking Bonnet). I’m summising it is also because it doesn’t give enough flexibility to the new lock module after you have installed it into your car and it pushes it out of placement.

It's held in a holder underneath, you will need to look over the bonnet as it sits behind the radiator next to the headlamp. If you are still not sure about the compatibility of this part to your vehicle, please supply us with the VIN number or Registration number in our live chat or contact form and our experts will gladly help! As regards the grille I was fortunate in that mine failed open so I didn't need to mod it to reach the 3 fixing screws (2 long,one short, short one behind the grille blanking plug you mention) should it ever fail shut in future.So I took it off again and went back to using the claw and then greased the latch up (especially when the clip is in the locked position - you can get down in the back of it with WD40 and grease). Then clean it up as best you can - hit the wd40 and spray it everywhere and reseat the cable unit into the lock unit with a couple of mini catches if its come away (as mine had). You can just about see the head of the two bolts if you get down below this point and squint up under this plastic lip from below with a torch.

I had initially soaked it with WD/penetrating spray but that didn't work for me either so I ended up removing the catch.Obviously, the previously removed grommet will then no longer fit the hole, but the hole is obscured from casual sight by its location within the top slat of the grille.

As stated, I didn't know where this lever was, so had to remove the catch body completely by removal of the third bolt. Once the series of holes are created (recommend a hexagonal shape around the screw) then remove the centre plastic piece. I thought this may have been more due to not refitting the lock correctly but I didn’t want to take any chances.First thing I do with any new car is re-tension the bonnet cable if possible and lube up the bonnet catch. This is the plastic inside the guide, this must be fitted to the car otherwise it loses all tension in the bonnet release cable.

JustAnswer is not intended or designed for EMERGENCY questions which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals.

Posts are for general information, are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (medical, legal, veterinary, financial, etc. However, I do live in the worst place for cars in the UK - they salt roads for well over 6 months of the year up here.