FIAT DUCATO 2008 Owner handbook (in English)

DRIVER’S FRONT AIR BAG fig. 14
It consists of an instant-inflating cushion
contained in a special recess in the cen-
tre of the steering wheel.
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PASSENGER’S FRONT
AIR BAG (where
provided) fig. 15
It consists of an instant-inflating cushion
contained into a special recess in the
dashboard, this cushion has a volume
bigger than that of the driver.
WARNING
WARNING
SERIOUS DANGER: With passen -
ger’s air bag active (ON), never
place child’s seats with
the cradle facing back -
wards since the air bag activation
could cause to the child serious
injuries, even mortal. In the case
of need, always deactivate the pas -
senger’s air bag when a child’s
seat is placed on the front seat. The
front passenger’s seat shall be ad -
justed in the most backward po -
sition to prevent any contact be -
tween child’s seat and dashboard.
Even if not compulsory by law,
you are recommended to reacti -
WARNING
soon as child transport is
no longer necessary.
WARNING
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MANUAL DEACTIVATION
OF PASSENGER’S FRONT
AIR BAG
A N D SIDE BAG
(where provided)
WARNING
Should it be absolutely neces-
sary to carry a child on the
front seat, the passenger’s front air bag
and the side bag (where provided) can
be deactivated.
The instrument panel warning light F
will stay on glowing steadily until reac-
WARNING
tivating the passenger’s front
air bag and the Side Bag (where
provided).
WARNING
To deactivate the passen -
ger’s front air bag and the
side bag (where provided), re -
fer to paragraphs “Digital dis -
play” and “Multifunction dis -
play” in section “Dashboard and
controls”.
WARNING
SIDE AIR BAGS
The vehicle is fitted with front side bags
for driver and passenger (where pro-
vided) for protecting the chest and win-
dow bags (where provided) for pro-
tecting front passengers’ head.
WARNING
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Side bags (where provided)
protect vehicle occupants from
side crashes of medium-high severity, by
placing the cushion between the occu-
pant and the internal parts of the side
structure of the vehicle.
WARNING
Non-activation of side bags in
other types of collisions (front
collisions, rear shunts, roll-overs, etc...)
is not a system malfunction.
In case of side crash, an electronic con-
trol unit, when required triggers the in-
flation of the cushion. The cushion im-
mediately inflates, placing itself as a pro-
WARNING
tection, between the occu-
pant’s body and the structure
that could cause injuries. Immediately af-
ter, the cushion deflates.
Side bags (where provided) are not a re-
placement of but complementary to the
belts, which you are recommended to
always wear, as specified by law in Eu-
WARNING
rope and most non-European
countries.
WARNING
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ENGINE STARTING ........................................................... 134
PARKING................................................................................ 136
USING THE MANUAL GEARBOX ................................. 136
LOAD RECOMMENDATIONS ........................................ 137
CONTAINING RUNNING COSTS................................. 138
TOWING TRAILERS............................................................ 139
SNOW TYRES....................................................................... 143
SNOW CHAINS................................................................... 143
VEHICLE INACTIVITY ....................................................... 144
CC C
O O
R R
R R
E E
C C
T T
U U
S S
E E
O O
F F
T T
H H
E E
V V
E E
H H
I I
C C
L L
E E
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ENGINE
STARTING
The vehicle is fitted with an electronic en-
gine lock device: if the engine fails to start,
see the paragraph “The Fiat CODE sys-
tem” in section “Dashboard and controls”.
We recommend that during
the initial period you do not
drive to full vehicle perfor-
mance (e.g.: excessive accel-
eration, long journeys at top speed,
sharp braking, etc.).
When the engine is switched
off never leave the key into
the ignition switch to prevent
pointless current absorption
from draining the battery.
Running the engine in con-
fined areas is extremely dan-
gerous. The engine consumes oxygen
and produces carbon monoxide
which is a highly toxic and lethal gas.
WARNING
Remember that the servo-
brake and power steering
are not operational until the engine
has been started, therefore much ef-
fort than usual is required on the
brake pedal and steering wheel.
WARNING
STARTING PROCEDURE
Proceed as follows:
❒engage the handbrake;
❒put the gear lever into neutral;
❒turn the ignition key to MAR: the
warning lights
mand Yon the in-
strument panel will turn on;
❒wait for the warning lights Yand
mto turn off. The hotter the engine
is, the quicker this will happen;
❒press the clutch pedal down to the
floor without pressing the accelerator;
❒turn the ignition key to AVVas soon
as warning light
mturns off. If you
wait too long you will lose the bene-
fit of the work done by the glow plugs.
Release the key as soon as the engine
starts.
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If the engine does not start at the first at-
tempt, return the ignition key to STOP
before repeating starting.
If, when the ignition key is at MAR, the in-
strument panel warning light
Yremains
lit together with warning light
mturn
the key to STOPand then back to MAR;
if the warning lights remain on, try with
the other keys provided with the vehicle.
IMPORTANT If the instrument panel
warning light
Ystays on glowing steadi-
ly, contact immediately Fiat Dealership.
IMPORTANT Never leave the ignition key
to MARwhen the engine is off.
The warning light
mwill
flash for 60 seconds at start-
up or during prolonged crank-
ing to indicate a fault in the
glow plug heating system. You can use
the vehicle as usual if the engine starts
but you should contact Fiat Dealership
as soon as possible.
HOW TO WARM UP THE
ENGINE AFTER IT HAS JUST
STARTED
Proceed as follows:
❒drive off slowly, letting the engine turn
at medium revs. Do not accelerate
abruptly;
❒do not drive at full performance for
the initial kilometres. Wait until the
coolant temperature gauge starts
moving.
Remember that the servo-
brake and power steering are
not operational until the en-
gine has been started, there-
fore much effort than usual is required
on the brake pedal and steering wheel.
Never bump start the engine
by pushing, towing or coast-
ing downhill as this could
cause fuel to flow into the
catalytic exhaust system and damage
it beyond repair.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Turn the ignition to STOPwhile the en-
gine is idling.
IMPORTANT After a taxing drive, you
should allow the engine to “catch its
breath” before turning it off by letting it
idle to allow the temperature in the en-
gine compartment to fall.
A quick burst on the acceler-
ator before turning off the en-
gine serves absolutely no
practical purpose, it wastes
fuel and is damaging especially to tur-
bocharged engines.
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CORRECT USE
OF THE VEHICLEWhen the handbrake lever is pulled up
and the ignition key is at MAR, the in-
strument panel warning light
xwill turn
on.
To release the handbrake:
❒slightly lift the handbrake and press the
release button A;
❒keep button Apressed and lower the
lever. Warning light xwill turn off.
Press the brake pedal when carrying out
this operation to prevent the vehicle mov-
ing accidentally.
IMPORTANT Pull the handbrake only
when the vehicle is stationary or, with
vehicle running only if the hydraulic sys-
tem is failing. Should it be necessary to
use the handbrake with the vehicle run-
ning, pull it slowly to prevent rear axle
locking and vehicle side skid as a conse-
quence.
PARKING THE VEHICLE
Proceed as follows:
❒stop the engine and engage the hand-
brake;
❒engage a gear (on a slope, engage
first gear if the vehicle is faced uphill
or reverse if it is faced downhill) and
leave the wheels steered.
Block the wheels with a wedge or a
stone if the vehicle is parked on a steep
slope. Do not leave the key in the igni-
tion switch to prevent draining the bat-
tery. Always remove the key when you
leave the vehicle.
HANDBRAKE fig. 1
The handbrake lever is located on the left-
hand side of the driver’s seat.
Pull the handbrake lever upwards until the
vehicle cannot be moved. Four or five
clicks are generally enough when the ve-
hicle is on level ground while nine or ten
may be required if the vehicle is on a steep
slope or laden.
IMPORTANT If this is not the case, con-
tact Fiat Dealership to have the handbrake
adjusted.
Never leave children unat-
tended in the vehicle. Always
remove the ignition key when leaving
the vehicle and take it out with you.
WARNING
fig. 1F0N0073m
USING THE MANUAL
GEARBOX
To engage the gears, press the clutch ped-
al fully and shift the gear lever into one of
the required positions (the diagram is
shown on the knob fig. 2).
To engage the 6th gear (where provided)
move the gearshift lever pressing slightly
rightwards to prevent engaging the 4th
gear accidentally. Do the same for shifting
from 6th to 5th gear.
IMPORTANT The vehicle can only be put
into reverse gear when it has stopped
moving completely. With the engine run-
ning, before engaging the reverse, wait at
least 2 seconds with the clutch pedal ful-
ly down to prevent damage and grating of
the gears.
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fig. 2F0N0074m
To change gears properly
you must push the clutch
pedal fully down. It is therefore es-
sential that there is nothing under the
pedals: make sure the mats are lying
flat and do not get in the way of the
pedals.
WARNING
Do not drive with your hand
resting on the gear lever as
the force exerted, even if
slight, could lead over time to
premature wear on the gearbox inter-
nal components.
To engage reverse R from neutral, pro-
ceed as follows: raise the sliding ring Aun-
der the knob and at the same time move
the gearshift lever leftwards and then for-
ward.
LOAD
RECOMMENDATIONS
The version of the Fiat Ducato you are
driving has been designed and approved
on the basis of several set maximum
weights (see the tables “Weights” in sec-
tion “Technical specifications”): kerb
weight; payload; total weight; total weight
on the front axle; total weight on the rear
axle; towable weight
Each of these limits must be
borne in mind and MUST
NEVER BE EXCEEDED under any cir-
cumstances. In particular, never ex-
ceed the maximum weight permitted
on the front and rear axles when ar-
ranging loads in vehicle (especially for
special version vehicles).Chance knocks or sudden
braking can cause sudden
shifts of the load which could jeop-
ardise the safety of the driver and the
passengers: before you start off make
sure the load is firmly secured by us-
ing the hooks built into the floor for
that purpose. Use metal cables, ropes
or straps strong enough to support
the weight of the load to be fixed.
WARNING
WARNING
Even if the vehicle is sta-
tionary on a steep hill or
sideways incline, goods not properly
secured could fall out when the back
or side doors are opened.
WARNING
IMPORTANT Max. admitted load on floor
fixings is 500 kg; max. admitted load on
body side is 150 kg.IMPORTANT For versions with right and
left side boards, before opening the side
boards you are recommended to refit the
release lever in closing position.
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CONTAINING
RUNNING COSTS
Here are some suggestions which may
help you to keep the running costs of your
vehicle down and lower the amount of
toxic emissions released into the atmos-
phere.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Vehicle maintenance
Carry out the checks and adjustments/reg-
ulations specified in the “Service Sched-
ule”.
Tyres
Check the pressure of the tyres routine-
ly at an interval of no more than 4 weeks:
if the pressure is too low, consumption
levels increase as resistance to rolling is
higher.
Unnecessary loads
Do not travel with too much luggage
stowed in the boot. The weight of the ve-
hicle (especially when driving in town) and
its trim greatly affects consumption and
stability.Roof rack/ski rack
Remove the roof rack or the ski rack from
the roof as soon as they are no longer
used. These accessories lower air pene-
tration and adversely affect consumption
levels. When needing to carry particular-
ly voluminous objects, preferably use a
trailer.
Electric devices
Use electric devices only for the amount
of time needed. Rear heated window, ad-
ditional headlights, windscreen wipers and
heater fan need a considerable amount of
energy, therefore increasing the require-
ment of current increases fuel consump-
tion (up to +25% in the urban cycle).
Climate control
The air conditioner is an additional load
which greatly affects the engine leading to
higher consumption (on average up to
+20%). When the temperature outside
the vehicle permits it, use the air vents
where possible.
Spoilers
The use of non-certified aerodynamic
items may adversely affect air drag and
consumption levels.
Observe the enforced rules if
you need to carry a spare
can of petrol. Only use a homologat-
ed can and secure it to the load an-
choring eyebolts. Even given these
precautions, the risk of fire in the
event of an accident is increased.
WARNING
In addition to these general precautions,
some simple measures could enhance dri-
ving safety, comfort and the length of the
vehicle’s life:
❒distribute the load evenly over the
load floor: if you need to concentrate
it all in one point choose the part be-
tween the axles;
❒remember that the lower the load is,
the lower the vehicle’s centre of grav-
ity will be, contributing to a safe drive;
you should therefore always position
the heavier goods at the bottom;
❒finally, remember that the way in
which the vehicle moves is influenced
by the weight being carried. In partic-
ular, stopping distance lengthens par-
ticularly at high speed.
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Acceleration
Accelerating violently increasing the revs
will greatly affect consumption and emis-
sions: acceleration should be gradual and
should not exceed the maximum torque.
CONDITIONS OF USE
Cold starting
Short journeys and frequent cold starts do
not allow the engine to reach optimum op-
erating temperature. This results in a sig-
nificant increase in consumption levels
(from +15 to +30% on the urban cycle)
and emission of harmful substances.
Traffic and
road conditions
Rather high consumption levels are tied to
situations with heavy traffic, for example
in queues with frequent use of the lower
gears or in cities with many traffic lights.
Also winding mountain roads and rough
road surfaces adversely affect consump-
tion.
Traffic hold-ups
During prolonged hold-ups (level crossings)
the engine should be switched off.TOWING TRAILERS
IMPORTANT NOTES
For towing caravans or trailers the vehi-
cle must be fitted with a certified tow
hook and an adequate electric system. In-
stallation should be carried out by spe-
cialised personnel who release a special
document for circulation on the road.
Install any specific and/or additional rear-
view mirrors as specified by law.
Remember that when towing a trailer,
steep hills are harder to climb, the brak-
ing spaces increase and overtaking takes
longer depending on the overall weight.
Engage a low gear when driving downhill,
rather than constantly using the brake.
The weight the trailer exerts on the ve-
hicle tow hook reduces by the same
amount the actual vehicle loading capaci-
ty. To make sure the maximum towable
weight is not exceeded (given in the log
book) account should be taken of the ful-
ly laden trailer, including accessories and
personal belongings. DRIVING STYLE
Starting
Do not warm the engine when the vehi-
cle is stationary or at high or low speed:
in this way the engine will warm up grad-
ually increasing consumption and emis-
sions. You should drive off slowly straight
away avoiding high revs so that the engine
will warm up more quickly.
Unnecessary actions
Avoid accelerating when waiting at traffic
lights or before switching off the engine.
This and also double declutching is ab-
solutely pointless on modern vehicles and
also increase consumption and pollution.
Gear selection
As soon as the conditions of the traffic and
road allow, use a higher gear. Using a low
gear to obtain brilliant performance in-
creases consumption.
In the same way improper use of a high
gear increases consumption, emissions an
engine wear.
Top speed
Fuel consumption considerably increases
with speed. Avoid superfluous braking and
accelerating, which cost in terms of both
fuel and emissions.
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