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klawbrad

I openned my car bonnet to check the oil like a good wee car owner but then it wouldn't close properly. It has two catches, and the second one you have to release manually is working but the first one which you release by pulling the lever in the car is not opening it seems. I have tried applying CRC to it but to no avail. What do I do next? p.s. car is Toyota Starlet Carat 1997

ABayliss

It may be that the release cable is seized. I'm presuming you have applied CRC to the catch on the body of the car (ie; not the part on the bonnet). If not, this is where it may need to be lubricated.
Sometimes the lever (inside the car) can jam in the pulled out position, so the bonnet won't close. Make sure it is returning in again when you let go of the lever.
Th check the latch is sliding properly, have someone sit inside the car and pull and push the bonnet lever in and out, you should be able to see the latch sliding back and forth at the front of the car.
Hopefully you can sort it out yourself, but if not, it is unlikely to be an expensive jof for a garage to do.