Front bonnet soft-close installation

BYD owner handbook · factory bonnet release

1. Locate the bonnet-release handle under the dashboard, using your vehicle's handbook.
2. Pull the handle twice to release the bonnet. It should open slightly.
3. Lift the bonnet until its supports take over and raise it. Make sure it stays securely open before working underneath.

Sources: BYD Seal Australian handbook (2023), “Opening the Hood”, printed p. 174; 2025 handbook, printed p. 181. Both describe two pulls, but their text differs on handle location. Use the handbook supplied for your vehicle.

Before taking anything apart · additional practical guidance Photograph the original panel positions, cable routing and fasteners. Keep removed clips and bolts grouped by panel. If the bonnet does not release normally, or the supports do not hold it open, stop and have that fault checked first.

Manufacturer instruction The spoken instruction adds an important detail not obvious in the short written article: if foam padding is present around the latch block / extended latch area, remove it so the mating surface stays flat. Leaving it in place can rub on the motor and interfere with the mechanism returning.

Written warning Do not energise the electric suction latch while it is unloaded/uninstalled. Remove the shipping cable tie from the latch tongue before normal operation.

Installation tip A plastic trim tool is preferable. Release clips progressively and keep track of the order in which the cover pieces come off.

Removing the cover without forcing it · additional practical guidance

1. Watch the full clip first, then compare the starting edge with the still below.
2. Inspect the panel for visible clips or screws before lifting. Use a plastic trim tool close to the attachment point, supporting the panel with your other hand.
3. Release one attachment at a time. If the panel bends or remains firmly held, stop and look for a fastener or interlocking tab; do not pull harder.
4. Before refitting, inspect the clips and their receiving holes. Replace damaged clips with matching parts, align the tabs, then seat each attachment individually.

These are general handling tips, not a verified clip map. The supplied manufacturer video remains the reference for this installation; an exact clip count and release direction have not been independently confirmed for every model year.

Installation tip Before loosening the three factory bolts, mark the latch position with a paint marker or tape. The manufacturer video does not call this out; it simply gives you a reference if alignment needs to be restored.

What the installer is saying He repeatedly says to pass the cable “through here”, then through an internal gap, pull it through to the other side, position the original latch/linkage, tighten the bolts, and place the motor in the demonstrated location.

Before power Operate the mechanical linkage by hand. Confirm that the cable housing stays seated, the spring/linkage moves freely and returns, and no wire can contact the latch, spring or sharp metal.

Manufacturer instruction This short clip is essentially a confirmation: secure the soft-close assembly with all three mounting bolts — two at the upper/visible positions and the third underneath.

Manufacturer instruction The narration is explicit: red goes to positive (+), black goes to negative/ground (−). No wire-splicing step is demonstrated.

Recommended sequence Leave the positive connection until the mechanical installation and cable routing are complete. This follows from the manufacturer's warning not to run the lock unloaded.

Before driving Confirm that the bonnet is fully closed and securely latched. If it binds, will not latch securely, or the normal release does not work, do not drive; ask a qualified installer to inspect it. BYD warns that an unsecured bonnet can open while driving. Source: Seal handbook, “Hood”, printed p. 174.