How Much Does A Bonnet Release Cable Replacement Cost in the UK?

A bonnet release cable is a cable that is used to release the bonnet, or hood, of a car. The bonnet release cable is usually located under the dash, near the steering wheel. When the cable is pulled, it releases the bonnet latch, allowing the bonnet to be opened.

The bonnet release cable is a small but important part of your car, and if it breaks, it can be a big problem. Fortunately, it is relatively easy to replace a bonnet release cable, and it is not a very expensive repair.

How much does it cost to replace a bonnet release cable?

The average cost of replacing a bonnet release cable is £100, with prices ranging from £70 and £200. The exact price of the bonnet release cable replacement depends largely on your car and the parts recommended by the manufacturer.

Your location can also be a key factor in determining the price of a bonnet release cable replacement. For example, average hourly labour rates and demand in cities like London is around £50-£100 while in towns with lower demand, the labour rates can range from £35-£50. The type of mechanic, for example, a mobile mechanic vs a dealership garage technician can also affect the total cost of a bonnet release cable replacement.

To avoid having car owners overpaying and get a fair price for a bonnet release cable replacement, we use real-time data of thousands of car makes and model data, local labour prices for bonnet release cable repairs and replacements and part prices to provide an instant fair quote. Simply enter your vehicle registration number and postcode to get an instant price for a bonnet release cable replacement for your car.

Signs your bonnet release cable needs to be replaced

• The bonnet won't open when you pull the release lever
• The bonnet opens slowly or partially when you pull the release lever
• The bonnet release lever feels loose or detached from the vehicle
• Bonnet doesn’t latch on securely
• You struggle to open the bonnet

Frequently asked questions about bonnet release replacement cost

What does the bonnet release cable do?

The bonnet release cable is used to release the bonnet of a vehicle so that it can be opened. The cable is usually located near the bonnet latch and is attached to the bonnet release handle.

Can I open a bonnet with a broken cable?

It may be possible to open the bonnet if the cable is broken by finding the cable and manually tripping it. This differs from vehicle to vehicle so there is no standard procedure for this. Keep in mind that attempting this yourself can sometimes result in damage to the mechanism if not done properly.

Can I drive with a broken bonnet or hood release cable?

A broken bonnet release cable will not stop your car from running but this can be an extremely dangerous issue from a safety standpoint. It’s best to get it checked and repaired as soon as possible before attempting to hit the road again.

How long does a bonnet release cable replacement take?

A bonnet release cable replacement on average takes around 1 hour. Ultimately, the time that the job will take will depend on a number of factors, like your vehicle's make and model, year, as well as other factors. Select your car at the top of this page for information on job time and cost for your vehicle through ClickMechanic

Can I carry out a bonnet release cable replacement myself?

A bonnet release cable replacement is a fairly straightforward job for a mechanic. Unless you are a qualified mechanic with the required skills, training and equipment to do the job, we strongly recommend a bonnet cable release replacement is only carried out by a professional mechanic.

ClickMechanic can help get you a vetted and local mechanic to carry out the work. Just enter your postcode and your car's registration number at the top of this page and select the work needed to get an instant fixed price upfront.

What else could be the problem if my bonnet release cable isn’t broken?

If you’re having trouble opening the bonnet and it’s not the cable at fault then it’s possible the issue lies with the latch. The latch could be jammed over time due to build-up of rust or dirt.

The other issue could be the lever that you’d use to ‘pop open’ the bonnet has been damaged or is somehow disconnected from the cable.

What happens during a bonnet release cable replacement?

While the exact steps may differ depending on the make and model of the vehicle, these are the steps involved:

• Mechanic will locate the old/ damaged cable
• Mechanic will remove any fastener holding the cable in place
• Mechanic will detach the old cable and install the new one
• Mechanic will test and ensure the cable is working as it should