Technical Locked out of cab, no access to battery

[martyarmstrong]

Hi all,

I've had a few Fiat cars, but have always driven Ford Transit Vans, until last week when I bought a Fiat Ducato L3H2 Tecnico, 130hp. I ply-lined it last weekend and parked it in my driveway on Sunday. It is now Friday and I discover that I can't open the van. When I use the remote key, nothing happens- no noise, no flashing lights. I then put the key in the driver side lock and again, nothing happened. I can turn it both ways but the door won't unlock. I tried the back door lock and managed to open it, but obviously this doesn't help me into the cab. The interior lights did not come on, which confirms my original suspicions that the battery must be flat, but doesn't explain why the key won't open the cab.

Does anybody know of a way to a)pop the bonnet to charge the battery, without opening the cab, or b) get the cab open without damaging my brand new van - if I call Fiat Assistance out, what can they conceivably do that I can't try myself? Ideally, if I can get the bonnet open, I'll be able to use the central locking and then the cab might magically open.

Thanks and sorry for the wordy post.

Martin

 

[corcai]

You should be able to reach alternator positive from underneath and charge via that.

 

[corcai]

If H and your van may be deadlocked