FIAT DUCATO 244 2005 3.G Owners Manual

90GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
FRONT AND SIDE
AIRBAGS
FRONT AIRBAGS
Description and operation
The front airbag (driver’s and passen-
ger’s) is a safety device which comes in-
to action in the event of a head-on col-
lision.
It consists of a cushion that inflates
instantaneously contained in a special
recess:
– in the centre of the steering wheel
for the driver; fig. 137;
– in the dashboard and with a bigger
cushion for the passenger fig. 138.The front airbag (driver and passen-
ger) has been designed to protect the
occupants in the event of head-on
crashes of medium-high severity, by
placing the cushion between the oc-
cupant and the steering wheel or dash-
board.
In case of crash, an electronic con-
trol unit processes the signals from de-
celeration sensor and, when required,
triggers the inflation of the cushion.
The bag inflates instantly and acts as
a protective barrier between the front
seat passengers and the structures in
front of them that could cause injury.
The bags deflate immediately after-
wards.
fig. 137
F0D0131m
fig. 138
F0D0169m
In case of crash, a person not wear-
ing the seat belt moves forward and
may come into contact with the cush-
ion while it is still inflating. Under this
circumstance the protection offered
by the airbag is reduced.
The front airbag (driver and passen-
ger) is therefore not a replacement of
but is complementary to the use of
belts, which should always be worn, as
specified by law in Europe and most
non-European countries.
In the case of minor head-on colli-
sions, (for which the restraining action
of the seat belt is sufficient) the airbag
is not triggered.
In collisions against highly deformable
or mobile objects (such as road signs,
heaps of gravel or snow, parked vehi-
cles, etc.), in rear crashes (such as
bumps from behind by another vehi-
cle), side impacts, and in case of wedg-
ing under other vehicles or protective
barriers (for example under a truck or
guard rail), the airbag is not triggered
as it offers no additional protection
compared with the seat belts, conse-
quently, it would be pointless.

91GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
Therefore, failure to come into ac-
tion in the above circumstances does
not mean that the system is not work-
ing properly.
Airbag system efficiency is constant-
ly monitored by an electronic control
unit.
If warning light
¬(A-fig. 139)
comes on when travelling (indicating a
fault), have immediately the system
checked and repaired at a Fiat Deal-
ership.FRONT AIRBAG
PASSENGER SIDE
The passenger’s front airbag has been
designed and calibrated to improve the
protection of a person wearing seat
belts.
At its maximum inflation, its volume
fills most of the space between the
dashboard and the passenger.
fig. 139
F0D0190m
SERIOUS DANGER If it is
absolutely necessary to car-
ry a child on the front pas-
senger seat with the cradle
child’s seat facing back-
wards, the front passenger’s air bag
must be deactivated using the key
switch. In this case it is absolutely
necessary to check the warning
light
F(see paragraph “Passen-
ger’s front air bag”) to make sure
that deactivation has actually tak-
en place.
WARNING
With passenger’s air bag
active, never place child’s
seats with the cradle facing back-
wards since the air bag activation
could cause to the child serious in-
juries, even mortal, regardless of the
seriousness of the crash that trig-
gered it. You are advised to carry
children always with proper re-
straint systems on the rear seats, as
this is the most protected position
in the case of a crash.
WARNING

92GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
SIDE BAGS fig. 142
The purpose of the side bag is to
protect the front seat passenger’s
chest in the event of a side impact of
medium to high degree.
The device consists of a bag housed
in the front seat backs which imme-
diately inflates. This solution ensures
that the bag is in an optimal position
regardless of the seat position.
In the event of a side impact, the con-
trol unit processes the signals from a
deceleration sensor and fires the side
bag.
The bag inflates instantly and acts as
a soft protective barrier between the
front seat passenger’s chest and vehi-
cle door. The bag deflates immediate-
ly afterwards.
fig. 142
F0D0042m
fig. 140
F0D0163m
Manual deactivation
Should it be absolutely necessary to
carry a child on the front seat, the pas-
senger’s airbag can be deactivated.
Deactivation/reactivation takes place
with ignition key at STOPand oper-
ating it in the special key switch on the
left side of the tachograph.
IMPORTANTOperate the switch
only when the engine is not running
and the ignition key is removed.The key-operated switch (A-
fig. 140) has two positions:
– front passenger’s airbag on (posi-
tion ON
P): instrument panel warn-
ing light off F; it is absolutely pro-
hibited to carry a child on the front
seat.
– front passenger’s airbag off (posi-
tion OFF F): instrument panel
warning light on F; it is possible to
carry a child protected by special re-
straint system on the front seat.
The instrument panel warning light
F(B-fig. 141) stays on permanent-
ly until the passenger’s airbag is reac-
tivated.
Deactivation of the front passenger’s
airbag does not inhibit operation of
the side airbag.
fig. 141
F0D0227m

93GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
In the event of low speed side colli-
sions (for which seat belts are suffi-
cient protection), the airbag is not trig-
gered. Also in this case, it is important
to wear seat belts at all times. This will
ensure correct positioning of the pas-
senger and prevent being projected
from the vehicle in the event of very
violent crashes.
The side bag (driver and passenger)
is therefore not a replacement of but
is complementary to the use of belts,
which should always be worn, as spec-
ified by law in Europe and most non-
European countries.GENERAL WARNINGS
The front and/or side airbags
may be deployed if the vehicle is
subject to heavy knocks or acci-
dents involving the underbody
area, such as for example violent
shocks against steps, kerbs or low
obstacles, falling of the vehicle in
big holes or sags in the road.
Triggering of the airbags re-
leases a small amount of powder.
This powder is not harmful and
does not indicate the start of fire.
The unfold cushion surface and
the vehicle interiors could be cov-
ered by dusty remains: this dust
could irritate skin and eyes. In
case of contact, wash yourself us-
ing neutral soap and water.The airbag system has a validity
of 14 years as to the pyrotechnic
charge and 10 years as to the coil
contact (see the plate set on the
left front door post near hinges).
As these dates approach, con-
tact Fiat Dealership for replace-
ment.
If an accident has triggered the
airbag, contact a Fiat Dealership
so that the whole safety device,
electronic control unit, belt, pre-
tensioners can be replaced and
have the electric system checked
over.
All control, repair and replace-
ment operations concerning the
airbags must only be carried out
at a Fiat Dealership.
If you are having the vehicle
scrapped, have the airbag system
deactivated at a Fiat Dealership
first.

94GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
If the vehicle changes owner-
ship, the new owner must be in-
formed of the method of use of
airbags and the above warnings
and also be given this Owner
Handbook.
The triggering of pretensioners
and front and side airbags is de-
cided in a differentiated manner
by the electronic control unit, de-
pending on the type of crash. The
failure to deploy one or more of
them does not mean that the sys-
tem is not working properly.
If the ¬warning light does
not turn on when turning
the ignition key to MAR or if it stays
on when travelling, this could indi-
cate a failure in safety retaining sys-
tems; under this condition air bags
or pretensioners could not trigger
in the event of collision or, in a re-
stricted number of cases, they could
trigger accidentally. Stop the car
and contact Fiat Dealership to have
the system checked immediately.
WARNING
If the vehicle has been
stolen or an attempt to
steal it has been made, if it has
been subjected to vandals or floods,
have the airbag system checked by
Fiat Dealership.
WARNING
Do not apply stickers or
other objects to the steer-
ing wheel or to the airbag console
on the passenger’s side. Never trav-
el with objects on your lap, in front
of your chest or with a pipe, pencil,
etc. between your lips; injury may
result in the event of the airbag be-
ing triggered.
WARNING
Always keep your hands on
the steering wheel rim
when driving, so that if the airbag
is triggered, it can inflate without
meeting any obstacles which could
cause serious harm to you. Do not
drive with the body bent forwards,
keep the seat back rest in the erect
position and lean your back well
against it.
WARNING
When the passenger’s front
airbag is active (passenger
front airbag deactivation switch at
ON), the
Fwarning light will
come on for approx. 4 seconds and
flash for other four seconds when
the ignition key is turned to MAR to
remind the driver that the passen-
ger’s front and side airbags (where
provided) will be fired in the event
of a crash. The warning light should
go off immediately afterwards.
WARNING

95GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
The correct operation of
front and side airbags and
pretensioners is only ensured if the
vehicle is not overloaded.
WARNINGEOBD SYSTEM
(petrol versions only)
The EOBD (European On Board Di-
agnosis) system fitted on the vehicle
complies with Directive 98/69/CE
(EURO 3).
This system continuously monitors
the engine emission system compo-
nents. Furthermore, the system warns
the driver of deterioration concerning
the emission system components by
means of the Uwarning light on the
instrument panel.
The objective is to:
– monitor system efficiency;
– warn when failures can increase
emissions over the threshold estab-
lished by the European regulations;
– warn of the need to replace dete-
riorated components.
Remember that with the
key engaged and in the
MAR position, even with the en-
gine not running, the airbags may
be triggered on a stationary vehi-
cle if it is bumped by another mov-
ing vehicle. Therefore, never seat
children on the front seat even
when the vehicle is stationary. On
the other hand, remember that
with the vehicle stationary, with-
out the key engaged and turned,
the airbags are not triggered in the
event of an impact; in these cases,
failure to come into action of the
airbags cannot be considered as a
sign that the system is not working
properly.
WARNING
On vehicles equipped with
side bags, do not cover the
backrest of the front seats with
trims or covers.
WARNING
The airbag does not substi-
tute the seat belts, but on-
ly increases their effectiveness.
Moreover, since the front airbags
do not come into operation in the
event of front impact at low speed,
side collisions, bumps from behind
or overturning, in these circum-
stances the occupants would only
be protected by the seat belts which
must therefore always be fastened.
WARNING
Do not wash the seat back
in vehicles with side bags
with pressurised steam or water in
automatic seat washing station.
WARNING

96GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
The action of the ASR is particularly
helpful in the following circumstances:
– slipping of the inner wheel due to
the effect of dynamic load changes or
excessive acceleration.
– too much power transmitted to
the wheels also in relation to the con-
ditions of the road surface.
– acceleration on slippery, snowy or
frozen surfaces.
– in the case of loss of grip on a wet
surface (aquaplaning). Furthermore, the system is equipped
with a connector for interfacing with
specific tools used to read the error
codes stored in the control unit mem-
ory along with a set of diagnostic and
engine specific parameters.ASR SYSTEM
(Antislip Regulation)
The ASR system controls the vehicle
drive and cuts in automatically every
time one or both driving wheels slip.
In slipping conditions, two different
control systems are activated:
– if the slipping involves both the dri-
ving wheels, the ASR function inter-
venes reducing the power transmitted
by the engine;
– if slipping involves only one driving
wheel, the ASR system cuts in auto-
matically braking the wheel that is slip-
ping.
IMPORTANTAfter eliminating the
problem, your Fiat Dealershipwill
run a bench test to fully check the sys-
tem. In some cases, a long road test
may be required.Contact a Fiat Dealer-
ship as soon as possible if
the Uwarning light ei-
ther does not come on when the
key is turned to MAR or comes
on, with fixed or flashing light,
when travelling. Warning light U
operation can be checked by
means of special equipment by
traffic agents. Always comply
with the road traffic regulations
in force in the Country where you
are travelling.
The performance of the
system, in terms of active
safety should not induce the driver
to take pointless and unnecessary
risks. The style of driving must in
any case always be adapted to the
conditions of the road surface, vis-
ibility and traffic. Road safety is al-
ways the driver’s responsibility.
WARNING

97GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
SWITCHING THE ASR
SYSTEM ON AND OFF
The ASR function switches on auto-
matically each time the engine is
started.
When travelling the device can be
switched off and on again pressing
switch A-fig. 143 on the centre con-
sole.
Function deactivation is indicated by
the instrument panel warning light A-
fig. 144coming on. If the ASR func-
tion is turned off when travelling, it
will be restored at the following start-
up.For correct operation of the ASR
system the tyres must absolutely be of
the same brand and type on all
wheels, in perfect conditions and,
above all, of the specified type, brand
and size.
IMPORTANTWhen travelling on
snowy road with snow chains, it may
be helpful to turn the ASR device off:
in fact, in these conditions, slipping of
the driving wheels when moving off
makes it possible to obtain better
drive.
fig. 143
F0D0206m
ASR system failure indication
In the event of malfunctioning, the
ASR system is automatically discon-
nected and the warning light Von
the instrument panel comes on with
fixed light.
Press once button A-fig. 143to
check that the signalled information is
correct:
– button pressed, the warning light
goes off, no ASR system faults are de-
tected;
– button pressed, the warning light
stays on, ASR system fault detected.
In this case the vehicle will go o as a
vehicle not equipped with this system.
Anyway, you are recommended to go
to a Fiat Dealershipas soon as pos-
sible.
fig. 144
F0D0251m

98GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
SOUND SYSTEM
Visit a Fiat Dealership if
you want to fit a sound
system after buying the
vehicle. They can advise you on
how to safeguard battery life. Ex-
cessive idle intake can damage
the battery and may invalidate
the warranty.LIGHT SET-UP
The system consists of:
– radio power supply cables
– dashboard front speaker cables
– housing for the radio
– aerial and relevant wire
HEAVY SET-UP
The system consists of:
– radio power supply cables
– dashboard front speaker cables
– dashboard speakers
– door speaker cables
– door speakers
– housing for the radio
– aerial and relevant wire.
fig. 145
F0D0171m
For the Panorama version, four ad-
ditional speakers are provided, two on
the right and two on the left side, set
one in the body side and the other on
the top of the pillar.
For the Combi version, two addi-
tional rear speakers are provided, one
per body side.
The sound system should be installed
in the compartment occupied by the
object tray which can be removed by
releasing the two retaining tabs A-
fig. 145.
The power supply, speaker connec-
tion and aerial cables can be found in
this compartment.

99GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
IMPORTANT The cables are se-
cured to the heater cables bundle with
adhesive tape to cut out noise.
For speakers, use the housings at the
ends of the dashboard fig. 146:
A- left-hand speaker housing
B- right-hand speaker housing.
To install: dismantle the press-fitted
dashboard panel and insert the speak-
er in its special recess.
To fit speakers in the doors, loosen
screws A-fig. 147and remove the
protection grid. After securing the
speakers refit the protecting grid.
fig. 146
F0D0061m
SOUND SYSTEM (optional)
The complete system consists of:
– system set-up (see previous para-
graph)
– sound system (radio with cassette
or CD player) with removable front
panel (for features and operation, see
the attached “Sound system” supple-
ment).
fig. 147
F0D0060m
The wiring diagram is as follows
(fig. 148):
Connector A
A1Vehicle speed
A2Booster
A3Spare
A4Key-controlled power (+15)
A5Aerial power
A6Light
A7Power + (battery)
A8Ground
fig. 148
F0D0672m