FIAT DUCATO 2011 Owner handbook (in English)

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IMPORTANT For versions with right and left side flaps,
it is advisable to reposition the release lever in the
closed position before lowering the sides.
LOAD ADVICE
The Fiat Ducato version used by you has been designed
and type approved on the basis of certain maximum
weights (see “Weights” table in the “Technical Data”
section): kerb weight, payload, total weight, maximum
weight on front axle, maximum weight on rear axle,
towable weight.
Each of these must be strictly observed
and MUST NEVER BE EXCEEDED in
any case. In particular, ensure that you never
exceed the maximum permitted weights on the
front and rear axles when arranging the load on
the vehicle (particularly if the vehicle is
equipped with a specific trim level).
WARNING
IMPORTANT The maximum permitted load on the
floor fastenings is 500 kg; the maximum permitted load
on the side panel is 150 kg.
Irregular trajectories and abrupt braking
may cause sudden movements of the
load with consequent situations of hazard for
the driver and passengers: before setting off,
secure the load tightly using the appropriate
hooks on the floor and use steel cables, ropes
or chains strong enough to hold the items to be
secured.
WARNING
If a vehicle is parked on a very steep
gradient or with a side gradient, opening
the rear door or side door could cause any
unsecured items to emerge suddenly.
WARNING

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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
atmosphere.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Vehicle maintenance
Have checks and adjustments carried out in accordance
with the “Scheduled Servicing Plan”.
Tyres
Check the pressure of the tyres routinely 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 an overloaded boot. The weight of
the vehicle (especially when driving in town) and its
geometry greatly affect fuel consumption and stability.
Roof rack/ski rack
Remove the roof rack or the ski rack from the roof
after use. These accessories decrease aerodynamic
penetration of the vehicle and have a negative effect on
fuel consumption. It is better to use a trailer, particularly
for transporting bulky objects. In addition to these general precautions, some simple
precautions can improve driving safety, travelling
comfort and vehicle durability:
❒distribute the load evenly over the floor: if it is
necessary to concentrate it in a single area, choose
an area mid-way between both axles;
❒remember that the lower the load, the lower the
vehicle’s centre of gravity, making for a safer drive:
therefore always position the heaviest goods lower
down;
❒lastly, remember that the vehicle’s dynamic
behaviour is affected by the weight transported:
in particular, the stopping distances are longer,
especially at high speed.
If you wish to carry petrol in a reserve
tank, observe the legal restrictions and
only use a tank that is type approved and
properly secured to the load anchorage
eyebolts. However, the risk of fire in the event
of an accident increases.
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Unnecessary actions
Avoid accelerating when starting at traffic lights or
before switching off the engine. The latter action, like
doubling the clutch, is unnecessary and causes increase
of consumption and pollution.
Gear selection
Use a higher gear as soon as traffic and road conditions
allow. Using a low gear for faster acceleration will increase
consumption. In the same way improper use of a high gear
increases consumption, emissions an engine wear.
Max. speed
Fuel consumption considerably increases with speed.
Keep your speed as even as possible, avoiding unnecessary
braking and acceleration, which cause excessive fuel
consumption and increased emissions.
Acceleration
Accelerating violently will greatly affect consumption and
emissions: acceleration should therefore be gradual and
should not exceed the maximum torque. Electric devices
Use electric devices only for the amount of time
needed. Rear heated window, additional headlights,
windscreen wipers and heater fan need a considerable
amount of energy, therefore increasing the requirement
of current increases fuel consumption (up to +25% in
the urban cycle).
Climate control system
The climate control system is an additional load which
greatly affects the engine leading to higher consumption
(on average up to +20%). When the temperature
outside the car permits it, use the air vents where
possible.
Devices for aerodynamic control
The use of non-certified devices for aerodynamic
control may adversely affect air drag and consumption
levels.
DRIVING STYLE
Starting
Do not warm the engine with the vehicle at a standstill or
at idle or high speed: under these conditions the engine
warms up much more slowly, increasing consumption and
emissions. It is therefore advisable to move off
immediately, slowly, avoiding high speeds. This way the
engine will warm faster.

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TOWING TRAILERS
IMPORTANT NOTES
The vehicle must be provided with a type-approved tow
hook and adequate electrical system to tow caravans or
trailers. Installation should be carried out by specialised
personnel who will issue the required papers for
travelling on roads.
Install any specific and/or additional rear view mirrors as
specified by the Highway Code.
Remember that when towing a trailer, steep hills are
harder to climb, the braking 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 of the trailer on the vehicle tow hook will
reduce the loading capacity of the vehicle by the same
amount. Consider the weight of the trailer fully laden,
including accessories and luggage, to make sure you do
not exceed the maximum towable weight (shown on
the vehicle registration document).
Do not exceed the speed limits specific for each country
you are driving in, in the case of vehicles towing trailers.
In any case, the top speed must not exceed 100 km/h.
Fit a suitable towing stabiliser to the trailer to be towed. CONDITIONS OF USE
Cold starting
Short journeys and frequent cold starts will prevent the
engine from reaching optimal running temperature.
Consequently, both consumption (from +15 to +30% on
urban cycle ) and emissions will increase.
Traffic and road conditions
Rather high consumption levels are linked to situations
with heavy traffic, for instance when travelling in queues
with frequent use of the lower gears or in cities with
many traffic lights. Winding mountain roads and rough
road surfaces also adversely affect consumption.
Traffic hold-ups
During prolonged hold-ups (e.g. level crossings) the
engine should be switched off.

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INSTALLING THE TOW HOOK
The towing device should be fastened to the body by
specialised personnel according to any additional and/or
integrative information supplied by the Manufacturer of
the device.
The towing device must meet current regulations with
reference to Directive 94/20/EEC and subsequent
amendments.
For any version the towing device used must match the
towable weight of the vehicle on which it is to be
installed.
For the electric connection a standard connector should
be used which is generally placed on a special bracket
normally fastened to the towing device, and a special
ECU for external trailer light control must be installed
on the vehicle. For the electrical connection, 7 or 13 pin
12 V DC connections are to be used (CUNA/UNI and
ISO/DIN Standards). Follow the instructions provided by
the vehicle manufacturer and/or the tow hitch
manufacturer.
An electric brake or other device should be supplied
directly by the battery through a cable with a cross
section of no less than 2.5 mm
2.
The ABS device with which the vehicle
may be equipped will not control the
braking system of the trailer. Particular caution
is required on slippery roads.
WARNING
Never modify the braking system of the
vehicle to control the trailer brake. The
trailer braking system must be fully independent
from the hydraulic system of the vehicle.
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IMPORTANT The engine must be running to use the
electric brake or a winch.
In addition to the electrical branches, the vehicle’s
electric system can only be connected to the supply
cable for an electric brake and to the cable for an
internal light, though not above 15 W. For connections
use the preset control unit with battery cable no less
than 2.5 mm
2.
IMPORTANT The trailer tow hook contributes to the
length of the vehicle. When installing on long wheelbase
versions, it is only possible to install removable tow
hooks because the total vehicle length limit of 6 metres
is exceeded.
If no trailer is fitted, the hook must be removed from
the attachment base and it must not exceed the
vehicle’s original length.IMPORTANT If you wish to leave the tow hook fitted
without towing a trailer, it is advisable to contact a Fiat
Dealership for the relevant system update operations
because the tow hook could be detected as an obstacle
by the central sensors.

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Installation diagram for Van
versions – fig. 156
The tow hook structure must be
fastened in the points shown by the
symbol Øusing a total of 6
M10x1.25 screws and 4 M12 screws.
The internal back plates must be at
least 5 mm thick.
MAX LOAD ON BALL: 100/120 kg
according to the payload (see
“Weights” table in the “Technical
data” section).
After fitting, the screw
holes must be sealed to
prevent exhaust gas leaks.
WARNING
fig. 156F0N0189m
Existing hole
Existing nut
Existing nutExisting hole
Existing hole
laden
Standard ball M12
M12
M10 (3x)
M10 (3x)
M12
To install a tow hook, the bumpers
must be trimmed as described in the
supplier’s installation kit.

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Installation diagram for Truck
and Chassis Cab versions
– fig. 157
Another tow hook specific to Truck
and Chassis Cab versions is shown
in fig. 157.
The structure Ømust be fastened in
the points shown using a total of
6 M10x1.25 screws and 4 M12
screws.
MAX LOAD ON BALL: 100/120 kg
according to the payload (see
“Weights” table in the “Technical
data” section).
After fitting, the screw
holes must be sealed to
prevent exhaust gas from
entering.
WARNING
fig. 157F0N0250m
Existing hole
Existing hole
Existing hole
Standard ball
laden

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SNOW CHAINS
The use of snow chains should be in compliance with
local regulations. The snow chains may be applied only
onto the front wheel tyres (drive wheels). Use of
Lineaccessori Fiat snow chains is recommended. Check
the tension of the snow chains after the first few metres
have been driven.
IMPORTANT With snow chains, use the accelerator
with extreme care to prevent or to limit as much as
possible slipping of the drive wheels which could cause
the chains to break resulting in damage to the car body
or mechanical components.
IMPORTANT Use reduced-size snow chains.
SNOW TYRES
Fiat Dealerships will be happy to provide advice
concerning the most suitable type of tyres for the
customer’s requirements. The performance of these
tyres is considerably reduced when the tread depth is
less than 4 mm. Replace them in this case. Due to snow
tyre features, under normal conditions of use or on long
motorway journeys, the performance of these tyres is
much lower than that of standard tyres. Limit
performance according to the use for which they were
certified.
IMPORTANT When using snow tyres with a maximum
speed index below the one that can be reached by the
vehicle (increased by 5%), place a notice in the
passenger compartment, plainly in view, which states the
maximum speed allowed by the snow tyres (as per EC
Directive).
All four tyres should be the same (brand and track) to
ensure greater safety when driving and braking and better
driveability. Remember that it is inappropriate to change
the rotation direction of tyres.
The max speed for snow tyres with “Q”
marking is 160 km/h; 190 km/h for tyres
with “T” marking and 210 km/h for tyres with H
marking. The Highway Code speed limits must
however be always strictly observed.
WARNING
Keep your speed down when snow
chains are fitted. Do not exceed
50 km/h. Avoid potholes, steps and
pavements and also avoid driving long
distances on roads not covered with
snow in order to prevent damaging the vehicle
and the roadbed.
WARNING

❒cover the vehicle with a piece of fabric or perforated
plastic sheet. Do not use compact plastic tarpaulins,
which prevent humidity from evaporating from the
surface of the vehicle;
❒inflate tyres to a pressure of +0.5 bar above the
normal specified pressure and check it at intervals;
❒if you don’t disconnect the battery from the electric
system, check its charge every month and recharge it
if the optical indicator shows a dark colour without
the central green area;
❒do not drain the engine cooling system.
IMPORTANT If the vehicle is equipped with an alarm
system, switch off the vehicle alarm with the remote
control.
LONG VEHICLE INACTIVITY
If the vehicle needs to be off the road for longer than
one month, the following precautions must be taken:
❒park the vehicle indoors in a dry and, possibly, well-
ventilated place;
❒engage a gear;
❒check that the handbrake is not engaged;
❒disconnect the negative battery terminal and check
battery charge. Repeat this check once every three
months during storage. Recharge if the optical
indicator shows a dark colour without the central
green area (see “Battery recharging” in the section
“Dashboard and controls”); If the vehicle is equipped
with a battery disconnection function (disconnector),
see the description of the procedure in the
“Controls” paragraph in the “Dashboard and
controls” section;
❒clean and protect the painted parts using protective
wax;
❒clean and protect the shiny metal parts using special
commercially-available compounds;
❒sprinkle talcum powder on the rubber windscreen
and rear window wiper blades and lift them off
the glass;
❒slightly open the windows;
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