snow chains FIAT DUCATO 244 2005 3.G Owners Manual

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

119GETTING THE BEST OUT OF YOUR VEHICLE
Manual sequential programme
This function enables manual se-
quential use of the gearbox merely
moving the selector lever to the left.
Each time the lever is pressed only
one gear is shifted: more than one shift
cannot be obtained.
To avoid overevving or excessively
low engine rpm, the control unit in-
hibits requests for gearshifting that
would cause such situations.
Winter driving programme
This programme is engaged by press-
ing button WINTERnear the
gearshift lever,
in case of driving wheel skidding and
it changes to specific gears.
Starting is possible only in 2
ndgear.
On snowy roads use however snow
chains and/or tyres.
The WINTERfunction shall always
be off on slopes.Engine warming up programme
This programme allows the engine to
reach normal operating temperature
in the shortest time possible (de-
pending on the outside temperature)
highering the gearshifting points, in re-
lation to engine temperature.
The programme engages automati-
cally after starting, if the engine tem-
perature is below 30 °C and it remains
active up to 34 °C.
Excessive gearbox oil
temperature programme
This is activated when the gearbox
oil temperature reaches 120 °C and it
remains active down to 117 °C.
To facilitate oil cooling, this pro-
gramme inhibits gearshifting, either up
or down. It is however possible to use
the manual programme.
SAFE DRIVING
In designing Ducato, Fiat has made
every effort to come up with a vehicle
able to provide driver and passengers
with top-class levels of safety. Never-
theless it is always the behaviour of the
person at the wheel that determines
road safety.
In the following pages you will find
some simple tips to help you travel in
safety under different conditions. You
will no doubt be familiar with many of
them already but it will be useful to
read them all carefully.

123GETTING THE BEST OUT OF YOUR VEHICLE
– if you are forced to stop your ve-
hicle (breakdown, limited visibility,
etc.) try to stop off the road. Turn on
the hazard lights and, if possible, the
dipped beam headlights. Rhythmically
sound the horn if you release anoth-
er vehicle is coming.
DRIVING IN THE
MOUNTAINS
– Check fluid levels (oil, brake fluid,
coolant) and tyre wear before driving
in the mountains;
– when driving downhill use the en-
gine braking effect by engaging a low
gear so as not to overheat the brakes;
– under no circumstances should you
drive downhill with the engine off or
with the gear in neutral, let alone with
the ignition key out;
– drive at moderate speed and avoid
“cutting” corners;
– remember that overtaking while
going uphill is slower and therefore re-
quires more free road. If you are be-
ing overtaken while driving uphill,
make it easier for the other vehicle
to pass.DRIVING ON SNOW
AND ICE
Here are some tips for driving in
these conditions:
– keep your speed down;
– use chains if the roads are covered
with snow;
– do not park the vehicle with the
engine running for long periods of
time: snow could divert exhaust fumes
into the passenger compartment;
– mainly use the braking effect of the
engine and under all circumstances
avoid braking sharply;
– when braking a vehicle not fitted
with ABS, reduce the possibility of the
wheels locking by varying the pressure
you exert on the brake pedal;
– do not accelerate suddenly and
avoid swerving;– in the winter, even apparently dry
roads may have icy patches. Be care-
ful therefore when driving over
stretches that do not get much expo-
sure to the sun or are lined with trees
or rocks where ice might not have
melted;
– keep a good distance from the ve-
hicles in front.
DRIVING WITH ABS
– ABS is a braking system that es-
sentially offers two advantages:
1) It prevents wheel lock and con-
sequent skidding in emergency stops,
particularly when the road does not
offer much grip.
2) it makes it possible to brake and
steer at the same time and direct the
vehicle where you want while braking.

133GETTING THE BEST OUT OF YOUR VEHICLE
SNOW CHAINS
The use of snow chains is regulated
by the legislation in force in the coun-
try the vehicle is driven in.
The chains may only be applied to
the drive wheel tyres (front wheels).We recommend using Lineaccessori
Fiat snow chains.
Check the tautness of the chains af-
ter driving some twenty to thirty me-
tres.With chains
mounted keep
your speed down.
Do not exceed 50 kph. Avoid
holes in the road; do not mount
steps or kerbs. Do not drive long
stretches of snow-free road with
the chains mounted, as this can
damage the vehicle and the road
surface too.
Versions
11
15
MAXI
Tyres on which
chains can be fitted
195/70 R15C
205/70 R15C
215/70 R15 Camping
205/70 R15C
215/70 R15 Camping
215/75 R16C
205/75 R16C
215/75 R16 CampingTypes of snow chains
to be used
Snow chains with
reduced size with max.
protrusion beyond the
tyre profile of 15 mm
For rim size refer to “Wheels” in section “Technical Specifications”.
Refer to the following table
for information on the
wheels where snow chains can be
fitted. Follow the prescriptions.
WARNING

218TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
WHEELS
RIMS AND TYRES
Printed steel rims with ventilated
disk.
Tubeless tyres with radial carcass.
The homologated tyres are listed in
the log book.
IMPORTANT In the event of dis-
crepancies between the information
provided in this Owner Handbook and
the Log Book, consider the specifica-
tions shown in the Log Book only.
To ensure safety of the vehicle in
movement, it must be fitted with tyres
of the same make and type on all
wheels.
IMPORTANT Do not use inner
tubes with tubeless tyres.SPARE WHEEL
Printed steel rim.
Tubeless tyre (same as those fitted).
SNOW CHAINS
Only use low profile chains, see
“Snow chains”.
WHEEL GEOMETRY
Front wheel toe-in measured from
rim to rim: – 2 ± 1 mm.
The values refer to the vehicle in run-
ning order.
STEERING
Energy-absorbing jointed steering
column and wheel.
Height adjustable steering wheel.
Permanently lubricated rack and pin-
ion.
Hydraulic power steering.
Minimum turning circle:
– short wheelbase ................ 11 m
– medium wheelbase ............ 12.1 m
– long wheelbase .................. 13,7 m
Number of steering wheel turns lock
to lock ......................................... 3.52
Do not hold the power as-
sisted steering wheel with
the engine running for longer than
15 seconds. It will make a noise and
you could damage the system.
WARNING

250INDEX
Rev counter ................................. 30
Reversing light replacement ..... 146
Rims
- understanding rim markings .. 219
Roof rack/ski rack (presetting) .. 101
Rubber tubing .............................. 179
Safe driving.................................. 119
Scheduled Service ....................... 162
Seat belts ....................................... 15
Seats ............................................... 42
Self-standing supplementary
heater .......................................... 59
Service indicator .......................... 33
Service Schedule .......................... 163
Side central windows (opening) 78
Side/taillights ................................. 65
- front bulb replacement ......... 146
Smart wash ................................... 67
Snow chains .......................... 133-218
Snow tyres ............................ 132-221Sound system ............................... 98
- aerial ......................................... 100
- heavy set-up ............................ 98
- light set-up ............................... 98
Spare wheel .................................. 218
Spark plugs .................................... 215
Speed limiter ................................ 177
Speedometer ................................ 30
Spray nozzles ............................... 181
Starting the engine ...................... 105
- bump starting .......................... 137
- Diesel engine procedure ...... 106
- emergency starting ......... 107-135
- ignition switch ......................... 28
- jump starting .................... 136-157
- petrol engine procedure ...... 105
- stopping the engine ................ 108
- warming up the engine after
it has just started ................... 107
Steering ......................................... 218
Steering column lock .................. 28Steering column stalks ............... 65
Steering wheel ............................. 51
Sun visors ...................................... 78
Suspensions .................................. 217
Symbols ......................................... 7
Tank cap ................................ 99-103
Technical specifications........ 185
Third brake light
replacement ................................. 146
Tools ................................................ 138
Top speeds ..................................... 226
Tow hitch
(fitting diagrams)................... 130-131
Tow hitch installation .................. 129
Towing a trailer ............................. 129
Towing the vehicle ....................... 159
Transmission .................................. 216
Transporting children in safety .. 22
Tyre pressure ................................. 220
Tyres ......................................... 178-220

251INDEX
Understanding rim markings ... 219
Understanding tyre markings ... 219
Using the automatic gearbox ... 110
Using the manual gearbox ........ 109
Vehicle maintenance........... 162
Vehicle storage ............................. 134
Ventilation...................................... 56
Warming up the engine
after it has just started ............. 107
Warning lights ............................. 35
Washing the vehicle ................... 182
Weights ......................................... 227
Wheel geometry ......................... 218
Wheels and tyres ........................ 178
- changing a wheel .................... 137
- inflation pressure ................... 220
- snow chains ............................ 133
- snow tyres .............................. 132
- spare wheel ............................. 218- understanding tyre
markings ................................... 219
- wheel geometry ..................... 218
Windows ...................................... 183
Windscreen washer ............ 66-181
Windscreen washer
fluid level .................................... 171
Windscreen
wiper (blades) ..................... 66-180
Writing/reading desk ................. 74