Front lid stuck shut!

[willyjp]

After a great track session in the morning (see separate post), I loaded my stuff in the front and went to the beach (100 mi) for a long weekend. On arrival my front lid would NOT OPEN! The center latch would release, but the two side latches remained firmly shut! This was true whether I used the remote, the door button or pulled the "emergency cargo lid release cable" (found under the carpet in front of the glove box).

After an unplanned 200 mi. rt to the dealer the next am, the problem is fixed. But I wonder: has anyone else experienced this?

Tech said the "cable jumped one of the guides." He replaced it and "secured it with an extra cable tie" (per the work order). In converstation he said he'd seen this once before (they've delivered about 16 R8s total) and thought it shouldn't recur. I hope not! It was VERY inconvenient, to say the least!

[harrison]

Just one side of my hood is giving release prob. Occasionally I have to double click...A niusance to say the least. I'll have dealer look at it AGAIN.

[willyjp]

Just one side of my hood is giving release prob. Occasionally I have to double click...A niusance to say the least. I'll have dealer look at it AGAIN.

I had several occasions of one side (in my case always the left) sticking, requiring a couple of re-close/reopen cycles over the past month. But the day it stuck for good I had opened it about 4 times with no problem. The tech said the one side problem might have been a sign of slack developing in the cable which then led to it coming out of one of its guides.

I would definitely have your R8 tech take a close look at it. It is a major P.I.T.A. to get it open. To access the latching system with both sides stuck, they had to remove both front wheels and front wheel well liners! NOT a "quick fix" or one you'd like to try in the field!!

In this case, I had EVERYTHING I needed for 10 days at the coast (except my cell phone, but my ac charging cord was in there) in a duffle bag in the front! Even my laptop was in there, so I couldn't consult R8Talk for help!! In the future, I think I will be sure to have my "can't live withouts" in a small bag behind the seat!!!

A brief search now didn't show me any posts about this, so I am encouraged that maybe it's just an aberration and that it's fixed for good.

Also, fwiw, I tried calling the "R8 24 hr. Roadside Assistance" 800 number and I reached a very cheerful and pleasant lady who's response to my problem was: "Gee! I never heard of that before. I don't have any idea what you do for that. You need to take it to a dealer."

Interestingly enough, she didn't know of (or at least didn't mention) the "emergency manual release cable" in front of the glove box. I had forgotten about its mention in the owners manual and, in this case, when I did read that and try it, it didn't work any better than the electrically activated release (it being for the case of power failure I believe). But clearly the folks who staff the "R8 24 hr." assistance line don't know much about the car.

[SBFV10]

Well at least you had a good ride Willy!

Are the cables hidden under the plastic...I don't see any uncovered???? My boot cover opens well, so far....did they say that the problem occurs with a lot of use???

Steve

[SBFV10]

I wrote my question while you were expanding on your experience. SO...no need to further respond Willy...I get it!

I hope I don't have that problem on my trip to CA next week! OR.....I'm in big trouble.

Good idea to keep the essentials in the car!!

Steve

[OEMplus.com]

Just one side of my hood is giving release prob. Occasionally I have to double click...A niusance to say the least. I'll have dealer look at it AGAIN.

Harrison, this is the early indicator of the problem Willy is mentioning. We have had it happen here and fixing it is not something you want to try yourself. Get to the dealer and have them correct it before you are quite literally "stuck" shut...

[willyjp]

Well at least you had a good ride Willy!

Are the cables hidden under the plastic...I don't see any uncovered???? My boot cover opens well, so far....did they say that the problem occurs with a lot of use???

Steve

well, you know how long I've had my car (slightly over 8 mo. and about 2 weeks less than you), and I have rarely used the front cargo compartment....though I do open it during drying/wipe down after every wash

the guys @ Sunset opined that maybe the cable system just had a little extra slack from the beginning and with a little initial stretch from early use developed enough to "jump" a cable guide. I did not view the spot in question, only had it described after the fix. They took me right in and got me out fast (and free, of course) with a nicely washed car to take back out into the rain!!

I have not, as yet, dug around to see what of the release system can be seen without major body disassembly, but I'm sure going to be watching the performance of the latch now, at least for awhile!

Steve: did you take any pictures at the track day on Wed.? I know there weren't any particularly photogenic locations available, but it was interesting to see the R8s and GT3s with their "rooster tails" going by the pits once the rain really got going. That one, gray, R8 really sounded extra nice too! Do you know does he have an after market exhaust and what it is? If car sounds are your thing, you'd sure take an R8 over a Porsche any day, wouldn't you!

[SBFV10]

Wow Rich....now I'm worried. Hopefully you will get a bit of "notice" like Harry is getting first, and not a total failure like Willy had. (Did you ever notice anything funny before the failure Willy?)

Steve

[SBFV10]

Again Willy were are typing simultaneously!

We should be Skype"ing"!

Sorry no pictures on that rainy day. I don't know if that gray R8 had a different exhaust. I think it was the std. one.

The StaSis exhaust for the V8 and V10 look good. But I'm not prepared to spend 6 or K one it now! They DO install them at Sunset though.

Talk to you soon.

Steve

[KfabR8]

Harrison, this is the early indicator of the problem Willy is mentioning. We have had it happen here and fixing it is not something you want to try yourself. Get to the dealer and have them correct it before you are quite literally "stuck" shut...

I guess I'll have my left one looked at again, then. It's touchy on occasion (maybe 10% of the time) and requires a second bump - and usually doesn't let go on the second bump unless the hood's been pulled up on a tad. I usually hit the button twice, just for good measure.