MR2 Roadster Owners Club

The Workshop => Maintenance, Problems & Troubleshooting => Topic started by: Rocket Monkey on July 17, 2024, 15:41

Title: Flat battery and can't open engine lid to charge
Post by: Rocket Monkey on July 17, 2024, 15:41
The battery is dead on my Roadster, to the point it only just unlocked the doors on the central locking.

No problem, just pop the engine cover and charge up the battery, except.......
...I can't open the engine cover.

I've never had a problem with this latch release before, I'm assuming there must be an actuator with the central locking on the latch that is holding it shut. Could someone confirm if this might be the case; i.e. that the rear engine latch is connected to the central locking?
Title: Re: Flat battery and can't open engine lid to charge
Post by: tadekk on July 17, 2024, 16:20
No way it is linked to the battery (otherwise no one with a battery isolator could ever open it again) - it's a simple cable, but AFAIK known to get stuck.
Title: Re: Flat battery and can't open engine lid to charge
Post by: Jay on July 17, 2024, 16:29
It's a cable and latch from memory.  Maybe the latch it a bit sticky just.

Noticed mine didn't 'pop up' when released on Monday - just figured it was because the car was sitting for so long - had to pry it up a bit with my fingers.
Title: Re: Flat battery and can't open engine lid to charge
Post by: Carolyn on July 17, 2024, 16:30
It may well be that the latch release is working but the lid is not popping up properly. A plastic pry under the edge while someone else operates the lever should do the trick. 

Then lubricate the latching mechanism and screw out the two rubber rests on the top metal structure just in front of the bumper. so that they help to spring it open.

20240717_162540.jpg
Title: Re: Flat battery and can't open engine lid to charge
Post by: normanh on July 17, 2024, 16:31
Has the lock been activated by simply turning the key, that effectively stops the lever opening the boot?

Norman
Title: Re: Flat battery and can't open engine lid to charge
Post by: Iain on July 17, 2024, 17:36
Its definately not connected to the central locking.
Title: Re: Flat battery and can't open engine lid to charge
Post by: normanh on July 18, 2024, 18:59
The lock on the drivers floor by the sill?

Norman
Title: Re: Flat battery and can't open engine lid to charge
Post by: Ardent on July 18, 2024, 20:10
@Rocket Monkey

As above.
The same lock on the floor that prevents the fuel door opening.