Bonnet latch fault?

[compassgirl]

Did a search and couldn't see anyone with a similar problem.

I've got a ZS exclusive (19 plate out of warranty due to mileage), the last few days I'm getting frequent errors with the bonnet latch, it is firmly closed but the sensor seems to think its not.

This morning I drove home from work without any error warnings until I got home and locked it on my drive, at which point the alarm started going off and when I checked the dash screen the bonnet on the car icon was flashing red.

It's doing it after long and short journeys - occasionally while driving I'm getting a bing and the bonnet icon flashing at me but not often. But it is doing it almost everytime I park and lock the car even when there's been no sign of the warning before I get out and lock it.

Given the time of year I'm not hopeful of getting my local (non MG) garage to be able to take a look before new year especially as I'm a shift worker who will be on duty all but 3 days before new year - I've asked my partner to call them this morning just incase though.

I've tried cleaning the mechanism, drying the area around it and regreasing it. Can't see anything stuck in it that might be interfering with the sensor (but again have asked my partner to take a look in daylight as he's a motorcycle and plant engineer so might not be as completely useless at car stuff as he is DIY).

Anyone got any ideas of how to resolve it before the alarm going off at antisocial hours when I'm getting home from work - or the neighbours to my work carpark - get too annoyed.

 

[fred12345]

Did a search and couldn't see anyone with a similar problem.

I've got a ZS exclusive (19 plate out of warranty due to mileage), the last few days I'm getting frequent errors with the bonnet latch, it is firmly closed but the sensor seems to think its not.

if it's out of warranty, even a local friendly mechanic might be able to help for less or if they can't fix it, they normally wouldn't charge you for "investigation". I was going to suggest cleaning around the mechanism but since you done that, no idea ...

 

[compassgirl]

Yeah it's my local I'm hoping can look at it, other half popped in this morning while walking the dog and they didn't have time but said if I can drop it off Monday morning if they have time they'll take a look.

In the meantime I'm just hoping not to need to unlock it other than my commute as it took nearly 15 mins to sort this morning and at 0645 after a busy shift the alarm is a hassle no-one needs!

 

[fred12345]

Yeah it's my local I'm hoping can look at it, other half popped in this morning while walking the dog and they didn't have time but said if I can drop it off Monday morning if they have time they'll take a look.

In the meantime I'm just hoping not to need to unlock it other than my commute as it took nearly 15 mins to sort this morning and at 0645 after a busy shift the alarm is a hassle no-one needs!

try slamming the bonnet a bit harder couple of times and pressing it down a bit, might nudge something in the right place ..

 

[compassgirl]

I have been doing but it's not a good solution for more than a day or two. I'm very conscious that at home I'm coming and going at antisocial times at the best of times but over the holidays it's going to seriously annoying my neighbours if I can't resolve it.

 

[Tim Green]

You could try looking for the wiring and the actual switch to see whether has a loose connection?
It is probably part of the latching mechanism. Of course the switch may be faulty, especially as it is quite old. If you can find the wiring to it you could cut and join them using a chocolate connector or similar. That disables the bonnet alarm of course.
Leave enough wire on both sides to allow them to be rejoined at a later date.