Hill start FIAT DUCATO 2018 Owner handbook (in English)

WARNING
1)Used batteries are harmful to the
environment. You can dispose of them
either in the correct containers as specified
by law or by taking them to a Fiat
Dealership, which will deal with their
disposal.
IGNITION SWITCH
The key can be turned to 3 different
positions fig. 3:
STOP: engine off, key extractable,
steering locked. Some electrical
devices (e.g. sound system, central
door locking system, etc.) can operate;
MAR-ON: driving position. All
electrical devices are enabled;
AVV: engine starting (unstable
position).
The ignition switch is fitted with an
electronic safety system that requires
the ignition key to be turned back
to STOP if the engine will not start,
before the starting operation can be
repeated.
2) 3) 4) 5)
STEERING LOCK
Activation
When the key is at STOP, remove the
key and turn the steering wheel until
it locks.
Disengagement
Move the steering wheel slightly as you
turn the ignition key to MAR-ON
WARNING
2)If the ignition device has been tampered
with (e.g. an attempted theft), have it
checked over by a Fiat Dealership before
driving again.
3)Always remove the key when you leave
your vehicle to prevent someone from
accidentally operating the controls.
Remember to engage the handbrake.
Engage first gear if the vehicle is parked
uphill or reverse gear if the vehicle is
parked downhill. Never leave children
unattended in the vehicle.
4)Never extract the key while the vehicle is
moving. The steering wheel will lock as
soon as it is turned. This also applies
to cases in which the vehicle is towed.
3F1A0009
10
KNOWING YOUR VEHICLE

ESC (Electronic
Stability Control)
SYSTEM
(for versions/markets, where provided)
The ESC system improves the
directional control and stability of the
vehicle in various driving conditions.
The ESC system corrects the vehicle’s
understeer and oversteer, distributing
the brake force on the appropriate
wheels. The torque supplied by the
engine can also be reduced in order to
maintain control of the vehicle.
The ESC system uses the sensors in
the vehicle to determine the trajectory
required by the driver through steering
and compares it with the real trajectory
of the vehicle. When the real trajectory
deviates from the desired trajectory, the
ESC system intervenes to counter the
car’s understeer or oversteer.
Oversteer: occurs when the vehicle
is turning more than it should according
to the angle of the steering wheel.
Understeer: occurs when the vehicle
is turning less than it should according
to the angle of the steering wheel
The ESC system also includes the
following subsystems:
Hill Holder
ASR
HBA
ERM
HDC
58) 59) 60)
SYSTEM INTERVENTION
This is signalled by the flashing of the
warning light in the instrument panel,
to inform the driver that the vehicle is
in critical stability and grip conditions.
SYSTEM ACTIVATION
The ESC system switches on
automatically when the engine is
started and cannot be switched off.
HILL HOLDER SYSTEM
This system is an integral part of the
ESC system and facilitates starting on
slopes.
It is automatically activated in the
following conditions:
uphill: vehicle stationary on a road
with a gradient higher than 5%, engine
running, brake pressed and gearbox
in neutral or gear (other than reverse)
engaged;
downhill: vehicle stationary on a road
with a gradient higher than 5%, engine
running, brake pressed and reverse
gear engaged.When setting off, the ESC system
control unit maintains the braking
pressure on the wheels until the torque
necessary for starting is reached, or
in any case for a maximum of 2
seconds, allowing your right foot to be
moved easily from the brake pedal to
the accelerator.
When two seconds have elapsed,
without starting, the system is
automatically deactivated, gradually
releasing the braking pressure. During
this release stage, the typical brake
disengagement noise indicating that the
vehicle is going to move imminently
will be heard.
IMPORTANT The Hill Holder system is
not a parking brake; therefore, never
leave the vehicle without having
engaged the handbrake, turned the
engine off and engaged first gear,
so that it is parked in safe conditions
(for further information read the
"Parking" paragraph in the "Starting
and driving" chapter).
86
SAFETY

PROCEDURE FOR
NATURAL POWER
VERSIONS
(For versions/markets, where provided)
The various engine cranking methods
are described below:
METHANE tank not on reserve –
petrol tank not empty:
the engine is always started in methane
mode;
METHANE tank empty – petrol tank
not empty:
the engine is forced to start on petrol
and it will not switch to methane until
the methane tank has been filled. At the
same time, the reserve warning light
will turn on and the "REFUELLING
REQUIRED" message will be shown on
the instrument panel display;
METHANE tank not on reserve –
petrol tank empty:
the engine is always started in methane
mode.
17) 18) 19) 20) 21)
WARNING
116)It is dangerous to run the engine in
enclosed areas. The engine consumes
oxygen and engine exhaust contains
carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and
other toxic gasses.
WARNING
14)It is advisable not to demand maximum
performance from your vehicle (e.g.
excessive acceleration, long distances at
high speeds, excessive intense braking,
etc.) during the initial period of use.
15)When the engine is switched off never
leave the key turned to MAR-ON to prevent
useless current absorption from draining
the battery.
16)If the engine fails to start with a gear
engaged, the potentially dangerous
situation due to the fact that the
transmission is automatically placed in
neutral will be signalled by a buzzer.
17)
If the warning light
flashes for 60
seconds after starting or during an
extended towing period, this indicates a
problem in the glow plug pre­heating
system. Use the vehicle normally if the
engine starts, but contact a Fiat Dealership
as soon as possible. 18)
Remember that the brake servo and
power steering are not operational until the
engine has been started, so you need to
apply much more force than usual to
the brake pedal and steering wheel. 19)
Never bump start the engine by
pushing, towing or coasting downhill. This
could cause fuel to flow into the catalytic
converter and damage it beyond repair. 20)A quick burst on the accelerator before
stopping the engine serves no practical
purpose; it wastes fuel and is especially
damaging to turbocharged engines. 21)
In some cases, when the engine
switches off, the fan could activate for max.
120 seconds.
120
STARTING AND DRIVING

PARKING THE
VEHICLE
117)
22)
Proceed as follows when parking and
leaving the vehicle:
engage the gear (on a slope, engage
first gear if the vehicle is facing uphill
or reverse if it is facing downhill) and
leave the wheels steered;
stop the engine and engage the
handbrake;
always remove the ignition key.
If the vehicle is parked on a steep
slope, it is advisable to block the
wheels with a wedge or stone.
On versions equipped with automatic
transmission (Comfort matic), wait
for the letterPto appear on the display
before releasing the brake pedal.
IMPORTANTNEVERleave the vehicle
with the gearbox in neutral (or, on
versions equipped with automatic
(Comfort matic) transmission, before
putting the shift lever in thePposition).VERSIONS WITH MANUAL
TRANSMISSION
Proceed as follows:
engage a gear (on a slope, engage
first gear if the car is facing uphill or
reverse if it is facing downhill) and leave
the wheels steered.
stop the engine and engage the
handbrake;
If the vehicle is parked on a steep
slope, it is advisable to block the
wheels with a wedge or stone.
Do not leave the key in the ignition as
this drains the battery. Always remove
the key when you leave the car.
VERSIONS WITH COMFORT MATIC
TRANSMISSION
To park safely, it is essential to engage
1st gear or reverse (R), with your foot
on the brake pedal and, if the road
is sloping, to operate the handbrake; it
is also essential to wait for the engaged
gear to disappear from the
reconfigurable multifunction display
before releasing the brake pedal.
IMPORTANT NEVER leave the car with
the gearbox in neutral (N).
IMPORTANT NOTES
With the vehicle stationary and a
gear engaged, always keep the brake
pedal pressed until you decide to
set off, then release the brake and
accelerate gently;
during prolonged stops with the
engine running, it is advisable to keep
the gearbox in neutral (N);
to keep the clutch in good condition,
do not use the accelerator to keep the
car stationary (e.g. when stopped
facing uphill); the clutch could be
damaged by overheating. Use the
brake pedal instead and operate the
accelerator only when you are ready to
set off;
only use second gear when you
need greater control for starting
manoeuvres on surfaces with poor grip;
if, with reverse gear (R) engaged,
you have to engage first gear or vice
versa, only do this when the vehicle is
completely stationary and with the
brake pedal pressed;
although it is strongly inadvisable, if
you are driving downhill and, for
unexpected reasons, you let the vehicle
move forward with the transmission in
neutral (N), when you engage a gear,
the system will automatically engage
the best gear to transmit the correct
drive torque to the wheels depending
on the vehicle's speed;
121

When necessary, you can engage
1st ,RorNwith the engine off, the key
in the MAR-ON position and the brake
pressed. In this case, gear shifts must
be made allowing at least 5 minutes
to elapse between one gear shift and
the next to safeguard the operation
of the hydraulic system and the pump
in particular;
for hill starts, accelerating gradually
but fully straight after having released
the handbrake or the brake pedal
allows the engine to greatly increase the
number of revs and tackle steeper
slopes with more torque at the wheels.
on gradients > 5% it is prohibited
to engage the 2ndgear with vehicle
stationary.
HANDBRAKE
Handbrake engagement:The
handbrake lever is located to the left of
the driver's seat. Pull the lever upwards
to engage the handbrake and ensure
that the vehicle does not move.
Handbrake disengagement:slightly
raise the lever, hold the button A
pressed and check that the
warning light switches off on the
instrument panel.
Press the brake pedal when carrying
out this operation to prevent the vehicle
from moving accidentally.IMPORTANT Make sure that the
handbrake is engaged in such a way as
to ensure the stationing of the vehicle,
especially in the case of steep slopes
and full load.
IMPORTANT Apply the handbrake only
when the vehicle is at a standstill or
with the vehicle in motion only in the
event of a failure in the hydraulic
system. If exceptional use is made of
the handbrake with the vehicle in
motion, moderate traction is advisable
in order not to cause locking of the
rear end with consequent swerving of
the vehicle.
WARNING
117)Never leave children unattended in
the vehicle. Always remove the ignition key
when leaving the vehicle and take it out
with you.
WARNING
22)If the vehicle is equipped with
self-levelling air suspension, always check
that there is sufficient space above the roof
and around the vehicle when parking.
Indeed, the vehicle could raise (or lower)
automatically depending on load or
temperature changes.
MANUAL
TRANSMISSION
To engage the gears, press the clutch
pedal fully and put the shift lever into
the required position (the diagram
is shown on the knob A fig. 126).
To engage 6th gear (where provided),
operate the lever by pressing it towards
the right in order to avoid engaging
4th gear by mistake. The action is
similar for shifting from 6th gear to 5th
gear.
IMPORTANT Reverse may only be
engaged when the vehicle is at a
standstill. With the engine running, wait
for at least 2 seconds with the clutch
pedal fully pressed before engaging
reverse to prevent damage to the gears
and grating.
126F1A0163
122
STARTING AND DRIVING

START&STOP
SYSTEM
IN BRIEF
The Start&Stop device automatically
stops the engineeach time the
vehicle is stationary and all the
conditions for automatic switch-off
have been met, and starts it again
when the driver wants to move off.
This improves the efficiency of the
vehicle by reducing fuel consumption,
the emission of harmful gases and
noise pollution.
OPERATING MODE
Stopping the engine
Versions with manual transmission
With the vehicle stationary, the engine
stops with the gearbox in neutral and
the clutch pedal released.
Versions with Comfort-matic
transmission
With car at a standstill and brake pedal
pressed, the engine switches off if the
gear lever is in a position other thanR.In the event of stops uphill, engine
switching off is disabled to make the
"Hill Holder" function available (works
only with the engine running).
The warning light on the instrument
panel switches on to signal that the
engine has stopped.
Restarting the engine
Versions with manual transmission
Depress the clutch pedal to restart
the engine.
Versions with Comfort-matic
transmission
Releasing the brake pedal the engine
restarts automatically; the icon
switches off on the display.
If the engine is restarted with the “Hill
Holder” function off, move the lever
towards (+), (-)orRand the engine
restarts.
MANUAL ACTIVATION
AND DEACTIVATION OF
THE SYSTEM
To activate/deactivate the system
manually, press the
button on the
dashboard control panel.
25)
SAFETY FUNCTIONS
In engine cut-out conditions through
the Start&Stop system, if the driver
unfastens his/her seat belt and opens
the driver's door or the passenger door,
the engine can be restarted only by
using the key. The driver is notified of
this condition by a buzzer, through the
instrument panel warning light
flashing and, where provided, by a
message in the display.
119) 120)
WARNING
25)If the vehicle is equipped with manual
climate control, if you want to favour
climate comfort, the Start&Stop system
can be deactivated for continuous climate
control system operation.
WARNING
119)The vehicle should always be
evacuated after the key has been removed
or turned to the STOP position. When
refuelling, make sure that the car is
switched off with the key in the STOP
position.
120)If the battery needs to be replaced,
always contact a Fiat Dealership. The
replacement battery should be of the same
type (L6 105Ah/850A) and should have
the same characteristics.
125

CRUISE CONTROL
(constant speed
regulator)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
IN BRIEF
This is an electronic driving aid that
allows you todrive at a speed of
above 30 km/h on long and straight
dry roads with few driving changes
(e.g. motorways) at a preset speed
without having to press the
accelerator pedal. It is therefore not
recommended to use this device
on extra-urban roads with traffic. Do
not use the device in town.
Turning the device on
Turn the ring A fig. 131 - fig. 132 to the
ON position or
(depending on the
version).
The Cruise Control cannot be engaged
in 1st or reverse gear. It is advisable
to engage it in 4th or higher gears.
When travelling downhill with the device
engaged, the vehicle speed may
slightly exceed the stored one.When the device is turned on, the
warning light turns on together with
the corresponding message on the
instrument panel.
Storing vehicle speed
Proceed as follows:
turn the ring A fig. 131 - fig. 132 to
the ON position or
(depending
on the version) and press the
accelerator pedal to take the vehicle to
the desired speed;
move the stalk upwards (+) for at
least one second, then release it. The
vehicle speed is now stored and you
can therefore release the accelerator
pedal.
Increasing/reducing the stored
speed
Once the Cruise Control is activated,
you can increase the speed by moving
the lever upwards (+) or decrease it
by moving the lever downwards (-).
Each movement of the stalk will
correspond to a slight reduction in
speed of about 1 km/h, while keeping
the stalk held downwards will decrease
the speed continuously.
Turning the device off
The device can be switched off by the
driver in the following ways:
turning ring nut A to OFF orO
(according to the version);
by switching off the engine;
Deactivating the function
The device can be switched off by the
driver in the following ways:
turning ring nut A to OFF orO
(according to the version);
pressing the button B, both with
symbolIIand symbol CANC/RES, the
system pauses;
by switching off the engine;
131 - Versions without Speed LimiterF1A0364
132 - Versions with Speed LimiterF1A0363
126
STARTING AND DRIVING

The general recommendation is to
avoid emptying the petrol tank
completely, as this may lead to a
risk for the driver:
After the METHANE level has
dropped below the reserve threshold,
the vehicle will continue to run on petrol
until it runs out;
the vehicle has run out of petrol
during a previous mission and while
running on METHANE it has reached
the METHANE reserve pressure
threshold: in this case, the system
forces switching to petrol and the
vehicle turns off while it is in motion.NOTE Make sure that the key is in the
OFF position when refuelling with
methane. If, in fact, the system has
already forced running on petrol and
you refuel with methane with the key in
the ON position, the engine will
continue running on petrol until the next
time it is started.
RESTRICTIONS ON USE
Passing from running on methane to
running on petrol causes the maximum
speed to be limited to 90 km/h;
therefore, after the first methane reserve
indication, it is advisable to refuel and
after the second indication of gaseous
fuel running out (double beep), avoid
"risky" conditions such as overtaking at
high speed on the motorway.
Petrol operation is for emergency only.
In order to guarantee good
independence, even where there is
limited tank capacity, performance is
limited such as speed or, as for
take-off, acceleration (particularly uphill).
As such, before embarking on
demanding journeys and/or routes, in
terms of load or road conditions, it
is advisable to ensure that the gaseous
fuel canister is full.
WARNING
38)Fiat Ducato Natural Power is equipped
with a high pressure methane system
designed to run at 200 bar. It is dangerous
to stretch the system with higher
pressures. If there is a problem with the
methane system, only contact a Fiat
Dealership. Do not alter the methane
system configuration or components; they
are designed exclusively for the Fiat
Ducato Natural Power. The use of other
components or materials could cause
malfunctions and prejudice safety.
39)When oven painting, the cylinders must
be removed from the vehicle and refitted
by a Fiat Dealership. Although the methane
system has numerous safety features, it is
advisable to close the manual tap on the
cylinders every time the vehicle is not
in use for a long period, transported on
other vehicles or moved in an emergency
as a result of a breakdown or accident.
140F1A0436
141F0N0403I
139

LOADING 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" chapter): kerb weight,
payload, total weight, maximum weight
on front axle, maximum weight on
rear axle, towable weight.
IMPORTANT The maximum permitted
load on the floor fastenings is 500
kg; the maximum permitted load on the
side panel is 150 kg.
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.
134) 135) 136)
40)
In addition to these general
precautions, some simple precautions
can improve driving safety, travelling
comfort and vehicle durability:
distribute the load evenly over the
platform: if it is necessary to
concentrate it in a single area, choose
an area mid-way between both axles;
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.
WARNING
134)Bumpy roads and abrupt braking may
cause unexpected load shifting with
consequently hazardous situations for the
driver and passengers: before setting
off, secure the load tightly using the
partition and appropriate hooks, steel
cables, ropes or chains strong enough to
hold the items to be secured.
135)Even when the car is stopped on a
steep hill or side slope, opening the rear or
side doors could cause unsecured goods
to fall out.
136)If you wish to carry a reserve of petrol
in a can, observe the legal restrictions
and only use a can that is type-approved
and properly secured to the load
anchorage eyebolts. In the event of a
collision the fire risk is increased all the
same.
WARNING
40)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).
140
STARTING AND DRIVING

BUMP STARTING
Never bump start the engine by
pushing, towing or driving downhill.
This could cause fuel to flow into the
catalytic converter and damage it
beyond repair.
WARNING
171)This starting procedure must be
performed by expert personnel because
incorrect actions could cause electrical
discharge of considerable intensity.
Furthermore, battery fluid is poisonous and
corrosive: avoid contact with skin and
eyes. Keep naked flames and lighted
cigarettes away from the battery and do
not cause sparks.
BATTERY
RECHARGING
IMPORTANT The battery recharging
procedure is given as information only.
To carry out this operation contact a
Fiat Dealership.
IMPORTANT After setting the ignition
device to STOP and having closed the
driver side door, wait at least one
minute before disconnecting the
electrical supply from the battery. When
reconnecting the electrical supply to
the battery, make sure that the ignition
device is in the STOP position and
the driver side door is closed.
IMPORTANT Charging should be slow
at a low ampere rating for
approximately 24 hours. Charging for a
longer time may damage the battery.IMPORTANT The cables of the
electrical system must be correctly
reconnected to the battery, i.e. the
positive cable (+) to the positive
terminal and the negative cable (–) to
the negative terminal. The battery
terminals are marked with the positive
(+) and negative (–) symbols, and are
shown on the battery cover. The battery
terminals must also be corrosion-free
and firmly secured to the terminals. If a
"quick-type" battery charger is used
with the battery fitted on the car,
disconnect both battery leads before
connecting it. Do not use a "quick-type"
battery charger to provide the starting
voltage.
172) 173)
VERSIONS WITHOUT
START&STOP SYSTEM
To recharge, proceed as follows:
disconnect the terminal from the
negative battery pole;
connect the charger cables to the
battery terminals, observing the polarity;
turn on the battery charger;
when it is recharged, turn the
charger off before disconnecting it from
the battery;
reconnect the terminal to the
negative battery pole.
184
IN AN EMERGENCY