UK-POLOS.NET - THE VW Polo Forum

The latch on my 9N is engaging (i.e. it catches it but then can be opened with squeezing the lever under the bonnet).

I have to keep slamming the bonnet up and down until it finally locks. Its getting annoying as it takes about 10 minutes after filling up the screen wash.

Anybody have the same issue? Is it as simple as changing the mechanism in the grill?

I think that you should start by having a look at the locking mechanism, tripping it with a large screwdriver and so making sure that it can still operate, then wash it with a good degreaser check again that it operates when tripped with a screwdriver, then grease it well, check it still works okay, then close the bonnet as normal - it should now work okay.

When last was it cleaned/checked/greased - that area gets a lot of road dust/grit/etc blown into it as you are driving?