A few weeks ago I was in an 03 plate Scania which, IIRC, had covered 600k+ kms i.e. it was starting to show the signs of wear & tear, things were getting a bit loose and rattley etc.
Anyway, I pulled up at the wash-point, got out, closed the door behind me - it swung open. Closed it again - it swung open. Closed it again, rather firmly this time but not quite ‘slammed’ it shut - it stayed closed.
After the vehicle wash, went to get back in - doors locked, both of them!! Grrrrr
Not much consolation when a few of the blokes in the yard said “Yeah, that happens quite a bit. Faulty locking mechanism, worn locks, bad design, ■■■■ Scania!! lol”. Some chap, from previous experience, said the only way in is to either break a window or snap the door handle off and get to ‘the rods’ from there to open the lock, which is what happened (supposedly cheaper to replace than a new side-window).
Fast-forward to a different location/company last night and the short version is that it happened again but without the door-slamming. Last night was real inconvenient; spare keys not available until 8.30am, I was supposed to be having a night in the yard (in the truck, obviously) and I’d just put the weeks shopping (for a Spain run) on the cab floor before loading the fridge/freezer!! The tub of Ben & Jerry’s is going to make a right mess as it melts!!
Scania call-out were not surprised; “Happens all of the time, mate” and could come out to it . . . . . . . for more than an average drivers weeks wage. So, alternative sleeping arrangements last night and get the spare key this morning at 8.30am and get going for the boat NLT midday.
Question: has anyone else had this happen to them? Is there a work-around? Is there a way for a ‘legitimate’ person to ‘break-in’ to a Scania cab (answers via PM please to avoid the dodgy gits who might be reading this!! ) If it’s a ‘common occurrence’ (note Scania said ‘occurrence’, not ‘problem’) why haven’t they addressed it?
Any answers would be appreciated ASAP as my neck and back are killing me from sleeping in the car all night . . . . . . . .