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Old 06-11-2007, 02:04 AM   #1
purple_jeep
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How to open bonnet without getting in car

Hey Guys,

I have a strange question, how do I open the Bonnet with out getting inside the cab??

I parked my car at the airport for a 2 week trip and opened the bonnet, locked the car and disconnected the battery so that it would not go flat. Once I did that I closed the bonnet but unfortunatly I had my keys in the engine bay when i closed the bonnet

So i need to be able to get into the bonnet to get my keys to open the car

Is this possible?

And what sort of tools do i need?
I have some tools with me as the trip was installing some equipment for work.

Thanks

Chris

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Old 06-11-2007, 02:11 AM   #2
QuadraTokn
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i would get the keys out of the cab first. use your strong hands and pull the door away from the body of the jeehipular. have someone else stick an object about the size of the handle of a hammer, while you pull the door away. then stick a small, long, stiff stick through the open space and go for the switch the manual switch thing by the handle, cuz going for the button wont help cuz your battery is disconnected./
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Old 06-11-2007, 02:25 AM   #3
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You could always shake the crap out of the JEEP (not car) and hope they fall to the ground underneath it...

I'm guessing your refering to the hood as a bonnet? Only thing I've ever heard called a bonnet was something that little girls and women wore in the old days. Not ragging on you, just never heard it call that before
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Old 06-11-2007, 02:32 AM   #4
Texas WJ
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 10achik
You could always shake the crap out of the JEEP (not car) and hope they fall to the ground underneath it...

I'm guessing your refering to the hood as a bonnet? Only thing I've ever heard called a bonnet was something that little girls and women wore in the old days. Not ragging on you, just never heard it call that before
He's probably British. It's a common usage across the pond.

Assuming that you have a WJ:
I went and opened my hood. Unfortunately the cable runs through the firewall and along inside the engine compartment so it's inaccessible for the most part. It does run right in front of the radiator just before the latch, and that can be reached through your grill. Doing so doesn't appear to do anything unfortunately. It looks like your best bet is to call a locksmith and have them open your door for you. Then you can unlatch your hood.

You can try and break into your vehicle, but I've always found it easier in the long run to just pay "Pop-A-Lock" or some such similar place.
Good Luck.

Last edited by Texas WJ; 06-11-2007 at 02:45 AM..
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Old 06-11-2007, 07:30 AM   #5
Hogweed
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there is often a catch on the mechanism that you can use to open the hood w/ a screwdriver, but getting to it can be a problem. look and see if you can get a shot at the latch w/ a long thin flat blade driver. if not, i would call a locksmith as the previos post suggests
gh
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Old 06-11-2007, 10:11 AM   #6
PlatinumZJ
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I vote for Locksmith as well. or bust a window to get in the cab and pull the bonnet release. Or, is there a significant other or spouse with an extra key, perhaps?
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Old 06-11-2007, 10:51 AM   #7
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Ever heard of a slim jim..?

If you are at the airport, most police officers carry slim jims and will open your car as long as they can verify ownership.
Lost keys is a very often occurrence at airports.
You could try it yourself, and be patient.
The ZJ's window seal is rubber, unlike the felt on XJ's that can be popped out easily.
You can insert an object like a thin piece of wood between the rubber seal and the glass, and shine a flishlight to see which rod you need to prop up.
Insert slim Jim and move them.
I have opened my Dads XJ using that method many times, and my ZJ once last week when my little locked the keys inside.
Just be ready to show proof of ownership when LE comes, cuz somebody will call them on you...lol

Edit.. BTW, the slim jim I have I bought it at advance auto for $9.99
Once you are done, keep it in your garage... not inside the car...
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Old 06-11-2007, 11:00 AM   #8
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How about call the dealership give them your VIN number and have them cut a key for you and just unlock the door with the key then pop the hood and get your keys.
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Old 06-11-2007, 11:59 AM   #9
purple_jeep
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Yes im from Australia originally and its the car bonnet, and at the back is a boot not a trunk :P

Hmmm doesnt sound like an easy way to get into the car spare key seems to have gone walkabout. Might have to ring for roadside assistance to get into my car then I guess.

Chris
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Old 06-11-2007, 12:11 PM   #10
SpeedyCat3
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Like I said..
Try the police if you are in an US int airport. They always do that...
Ask me how we know...
we have lost or temporarily misplaced keys all over the US, and most of the times we get help from them.
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Old 06-11-2007, 12:36 PM   #11
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HAHAHA my first post is the perfect solution! funny people dont know any better......
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Old 06-11-2007, 12:53 PM   #12
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Call a locksmith and then pop the hood from inside?


PS, my GF is Australian
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Old 06-11-2007, 01:20 PM   #13
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i heard a story about someone opening up a hood with a crowbar....
trying to disco. a battery to turn off the security system...
funny story
but yeah try the crowbar...
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Old 06-11-2007, 03:13 PM   #14
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Old 06-11-2007, 10:44 PM   #15
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Too much info!

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