OT: Bladdy garages or unlucky coincidence?

Question

Took my Focus car for MOT + Service a couple of weeks ago.

Last week whilst out somewhere I noticed that the Ford logo bonnet lock cover was turned 180deg from its home position. In fact I could just pull it out. No other obvious issues, no scratches, bonnet opened as per usual.

Strange I thought, mentioned it to the garage who said bring it in this morning and will be ready by lunchtime, just 1/2 hr job.

Just gone to pick it up and the whole lock assembly is out, needs a new one 'cause the lock isn't working. Will be ready before tea time.

So prior to the service & MOT I didn't have a problem, now I have two.

Small private local garage, not a main dealer.

Answers pls on a post card.

Bob Minchin · Answer

Those locks are a real PITA with an inherent weakness in the flexible  cable between the lock and bonnet catch. I've had to remove two, one on  my sons focus and the other on my Cmax and replace with custom cruciform  keys that reach into the bonnet catch. The cover issue sounds like heavy handedness by your garage but the  locks do fail. Anth

AnthonyL · Answer

So do they fail if someone heavy handed who doesn't know how to work them turns the key the opposite way?

I had my last Focus for nearly 10yrs, this one since 2011 without problem and this is the first time I've taken the car to this garage.

Might now be ready tomorrow morning. Gawd only knows what the bill will be.

AnthonyL · Answer

Well ?85 including fixing the original logo bonnet lock cover and a new lock assembly and fitting. All very good value if they didn't cause the problem in the first place.

Do I use the same garage again?

OT: Bladdy garages or unlucky coincidence?

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