Problem with 1997 E36 power hood.

[robant251]

The last time the hood on my car was closed something obviously became trapped between the right hand (viewed from the rear) end of the tonneau ( top) cover and the securing catch underneath.The hood then proceeded to close fully and will not now operate at all. My immediate idea was to open the hood manually to enable me to raise the tonneau cover manually and remove the offending material. I attempted to do this as follows:-
1. Lowered all windows. 2. Disconnected the motor drives using the lever under the left hand rear seat squab. 3. Removed fuse no7. 4. Released the hood from the top rail and began to raise the front using the cranked allen key from the tool kit until resistance was felt. At this point I expected to be able to lift the back of the hood clear of the tonneau cover and be able to raise the cover manually to find the trapped item. Unfortunately the hood refuses to move one little bit. Can anyone please help ?????

[plastic-car]

Great video at YouTube - BMW DIY #3 E36 Top Repair

I used that to help with mine.

Sometimes the drive gears don't really disengage and you might have to expose the motors in the trunk by pulling back the liner so you can help them.

I think the video will be a big help.

[robant251]

Hi there plastic-car : Many thanks for your reply. I have already downloaded the video you recommended and checked everything you suggested but the hood still will not fold manually. I would be glad to hear from you if anything else springs to mind.
Best regards.
Bob Riley.

[robant251]

In answer to my own query-Viewed from the rear of the car and counting forward from the rear window - The joint in the hood frame between the right hand side of tensioning hoops 1 and 2 had ''locked'' in place - probably owing to the extra force being applied by the motor in an attempt to close the tonneau cover being transferred upwards into the frame. I discovered this by applying pressure downward on each joint in turn while a colleague tried to open the hood manually. Why this should result in the complete failure of the hood to open I do not know but having resynchronised the motors all worked perfectly.