load FIAT DUCATO 244 2005 3.G Owner's Manual

125GETTING THE BEST OUT OF YOUR VEHICLE
Electric devices
Use electric devices for the neces-
sary time only. The heated rear win-
dow, fog lights, windscreen wipers,
heater fan require large amounts of
electricity and increasing the request
for power will also increase fuel con-
sumption (up to +25% when driving in
towns).
Climate control system
The climate control system is an ad-
ditional load which greatly affects the
engine leading to higher consumption.
When the temperature outside the
vehicle allows it, use the air vents
where possible.
DRIVING STYLE
Starting
Do not warm the engine when the
vehicle is stationary or at high or low
speed: in this way the engine will warm
up gradually increasing consumption
and emissions. You should drive off
slowly straight away avoiding high revs
so that the engine will warm up more
quickly.Unnecessary actions
Avoid revving the engine when
stopped at traffic lights or before
switching off the engine and avoid dou-
bling the clutch as these actions have
no purpose on modern vehicles and
serve only to increase consumption
and pollution.
Gear selections
As soon as the traffic and road con-
ditions allow it, shift to a higher gear.
Using a low gear to liven up accelera-
tion greatly increases consumption. In
the same way improper use of high
gears will increase consumption, emis-
sions and engine wear.
On passenger transportation versions
fitted with 2.3, 2.8 JTD and 2.8 JTD
POWER engines, fuel consumption can
be optimised by starting (on level road)
in 2nd gear instead of 1st gear.Top speeds
Fuel consumption increases consid-
erably as speed increases. Your speed
should be kept as even as possible and
superfluous braking and acceleration
avoided as this increases both con-
sumption and emissions.
Acceleration
Accelerating violently increasing the
revs will greatly affect consumption
and emissions; acceleration should be
gradual and should not exceed the
maximum torque.

126GETTING THE BEST OUT OF YOUR VEHICLE
CONDITIONS OF USE
Cold starting
Frequent cold starting will not enable
the engine to reach optimal running
temperature. It follows, therefore,
that consumption will be higher (from
+15 to +30% in towns) as will the
production of toxic emissions.
Traffic and road conditions
Heavy traffic and higher consumption
are synonymous: for example, when
driving slowly with frequent use of low-
er gears or in towns where there are
numerous traffic lights.
Winding roads, mountain roads and
bumpy roads also have a negative effect
on consumption.
Enforced halts
During prolonged stops (traffic lights,
level crossings, etc.) the engine should
be switched off.LOAD
RECOMMENDATIONS
The version of the Ducato you are
driving has been designed and ap-
proved on the basis of several set
maximum weights (see the tables
“Weights” in section “Technical spec-
ifications”):
– kerb weight
– payload
– total weight
– total weight on the front axle
– total weight on the rear axle
– towable weight
fig. 10
F0D0047m
Each of these limits must be
borne in mind and MUST
NEVER BE EXCEEDED under any
circumstances. In particular, never
exceed the maximum weight per-
mitted on the front and rear axles
when arranging loads in vehicle (es-
pecially for special version vehicles).
WARNING
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 using the hooks built into the
floor for that purpose fig. 10. Use
metal cables, ropes or straps strong
enough to support the weight of
the load to be fixed.
WARNING

127GETTING THE BEST OUT OF YOUR VEHICLE
In addition to these general precau-
tions, some simple measures could en-
hance driving 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
gravity will be, contributing to a safe
drive; you should therefore always po-
sition 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.CHEAP RUNNING
THAT RESPECTS
THE ENVIRONMENT
Environmental protection has been
one of the guiding principles in the
production of the Ducato. It is no ac-
cident that its pollution control equip-
ment is much more effective than that
required by current legislation.
Nonetheless, the environment can-
not get by without a concerted effort
from everyone. By following a few sim-
ple rules you can avoid harming the
environment and often cut down fuel
consumption at the same time.
On this subject, a few useful tips have
been given below to supplement those
marked by symbol #at various points
of the handbook. You are asked to
read both the former and latter care-
fully.
Even if the vehicle is sta-
tionary on a steep hill or
sideways incline, goods not proper-
ly secured could fall out when the
back or side doors are opened.
WARNING
Observe the enforced rules
if you need to carry a spare
can of petrol. Only use a homolo-
gated can and secure it to the load
anchoring eyebolts. Even given
these precautions, the risk of fire in
the event of an accident is in-
creased.
WARNING

129GETTING THE BEST OUT OF YOUR VEHICLE
TOWING A TRAILER
IMPORTANT
The vehicle must be fitted with a ho-
mologated tow hitch and suitable elec-
trical system for towing a caravan or
trailer. Have the tow hitch fitted by an
expert who will issue specific docu-
mentation for use on roads.
Fit special wing mirrors in accor-
dance with the highway code.
Remember that towing a trailer
makes it harder for the vehicle to
climb the maximum gradients speci-
fied, increases braking and overtaking
distance, proportionally to the overall
weight of the trailer.
Engage a low gear when driving
downhill rather than constantly brak-
ing.
The weight the trailer exerts on the
vehicle’s tow hitch coupling reduces
the vehicle’s payload by the same
amount.In order to be sure you are not ex-
ceeding the maximum towing weight
(shown in the log book) you have to
take into account the trailer weight ful-
ly laden including the accessories and
personal luggage.
Do not exceed the speed limits for
towing a trailer in the country you are
driving in. In any case, do not exceed
the top speed of 100 km/h.TOW HITCH INSTALLATION
The tow hitch must be fixed to the
body by an expert in accordance with
the following instructions and re-
specting the additional and/or integra-
tive information provided by the tow
hitch manufacturer.
The tow hitch to be fitted must com-
ply with the current regulations in
force, with reference to Directive
94/20/CEE and subsequent modifica-
tions.
Use a tow hitch suited for the maxi-
mum towable load of the vehicle version
on which the tow hitch is to be fitted.
Use a unified coupling for the elec-
trical connections. The coupling is gen-
erally fitted on a specific mount fas-
tened to the tow hitch.
For the electrical connections, a 7 or
13 pole 12VDC coupling must be used
(CUNA/UNI and ISO/DIN standards).
Follow the instructions provided by
the manufacturer of the vehicle and/or
the tow hitch.
For the electric connections use the
proper trailer light control unit.
Under no circumstances
modify the vehicle’s braking
system for trailer braking control.
The trailer braking system must be
completely independent from the
vehicle hydraulic system.
WARNING
Where your vehicle is
equipped with ABS, re-
member that this has no effect over
the trailer braking system. Particu-
lar care must be taken on slippery
surfaces.
WARNING

131GETTING THE BEST OUT OF YOUR VEHICLE
Truck and Chassis cab versions -
fig. 12
An additional tow hitch - specific for
chassis cab and truck versions is shown
in fig. 12. The structure Ømust be se-
cured to the points shown with a total
of twelve M 10 screws.
Fit the tow hitch with the light cluster
crossmember in its original position. If
the crossmember has been removed,
replace it with another crossmember
of the same size and resistance.
IMPORTANTFasten a tag in
clearly visible position at the same
height as the tow hitch. This tag is
compulsory. It must be adequately
sized, made of suitable material and
carry the following information:
MAX ADMITTED LOAD ON
HITCH 80 kg.
fig. 12
F0D0243m
Holes to boreHoles to bore
Existing holes
2 shims
Vehicle centre line
2 shims
After assembly, seal the fas-
tening screw holes to pre-
vent exhaust fumes from entering
the vehicle.
WARNING

137IN AN EMERGENCY
BUMP STARTING IF A TYRE IS
PUNCTURED
General instructions
Observe the instruc-
tions on this and the fol-
lowing pages to use the
jack and spare wheel correctly.Catalysed vehicles must
not be bump started
(pushed, towed or
coasted downhill) as this could
cause fuel to flow into the cat-
alytic exhaust system and dam-
age it beyond repair.
Never start the engine
when the vehicle is jacked
up.
WARNING
Remember that until the
engine has started the
brake booster and power steering
systems will not work and a greater
effort will therefore be required to
depress the brake pedal or turn the
steering wheel.
WARNING
If you are towing a trailer,
remove the trailer before
jacking up the vehicle.
WARNING
The jack should only be
used to changed a wheel on
the vehicle for which it was de-
signed. It should not be put to oth-
er uses or employed to raise other
models. Under no circumstances
should it be used when carrying out
repairs under the vehicle. An incor-
rectly positioned jack may cause
the vehicle to fall. Do not use the
jack to lift loads exceeding that in-
dicated on the label attached to the
to the jack itself.
WARNING

138IN AN EMERGENCY
1. STOP THE VEHICLE
– Stop the vehicle in a position that
is not dangerous for oncoming traffic
where you can change the wheel safe-
ly. The ground should be flat and ad-
equately firm. If you have to change
the wheel at night, choose a lit area if
possible.
– Turn the engine off and pull up the
handbrake.
– Engage first or reverse gear.
– Alert other drivers that the vehicle
is stationary in compliance with local
regulations: hazard warning lights,
warning triangle, etc.
Any passengers should get out and
wait as far away as possible from the
danger of traffic.
If the road is sloping or bumpy, place
wedges or other suitable material to
prevent the vehicle from moving, un-
der the wheels.2. TAKE OUT THE TOOLS,
JACK AND SPARE WHEEL
The tools are in the cab near the
seats.
Please note:
– the jack weights 4.2 kg;
– the jack requires no adjustments;
– the jack cannot be repaired. If it
breaks it must be replaced with a new
jack;
– no other tool, apart from the ex-
tension and the ratchet wrench shown
in this chapter can be fitted to the jack.
The spare wheel is located under the
rear part of the load bed.
Do not lubricate the bolt
threads before fitting
them back: they could come
loose.
WARNING
Check tyre pressure and
spare wheel pressure regu-
larly. Refer to section “Technical
Specifications”.
WARNING

158IN AN EMERGENCY
JACKING
THE VEHICLE
WITH THE JACK
See “If a tyre is punctured”, in this
section.Please note:
– the jack requires no adjustments;
– the jack cannot be repaired. If it
breaks it must be replaced with a new
jack;
– no other tool, apart from the ex-
tension and the ratchet wrench shown
in section “If a tyre is punctured” can
be fitted to the jack.
fig. 41
F0D0200mDo not use the jack to lift
loads exceeding that indi-
cated on the label attached to the
jack.
WARNING
The jack should only be
used to change a wheel on
the vehicle for which it was de-
signed. It should not be put to oth-
er uses or employed to raise other
models. Under no circumstances
should it be used when carrying out
repairs under the vehicle.
WARNING
Never start the engine
when the vehicle is jacked
up.
WARNING
An incorrectly positioned
jack may cause the vehicle
to fall.
WARNING
If you are towing a trailer,
remove the trailer before
jacking up the vehicle.
WARNING

163VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
SERVICE SCHEDULE
thousands of kilometres
Check tyre conditions and wear and adjust pressure, if required
Check lighting system operation (headlights, direction indicators, hazard lights,
load compartment light, ceiling lights, warning lights, etc.)
Check windscreen wiper/washer operation, adjust nozzles
Check windscreen/rear window wiper blade position/wear
Check front and rear (where fitted) disc brake pad conditions and wear
Check rear drum brake linings conditions and wear (where fitted)
Inspect conditions and soundness of:
– outer bodywork and underbody protection;
– piping (exhaust - fuel feed and brakes)
– rubber parts (boots, sleeves, bushings, etc.)
– fuel feed and braking system hosing
Check tension and conditions of various control belts and adjust, if required
(excluding engines with automatic belt tighteners)
Check accelerator pedal stroke and adjust, if required
Check handbrake lever stroke and adjust, if required
Check tappet clearance and adjust, if required (2.8 JTD version)
Check tappet clearance and adjust, if required (petrol versions)
Check exhaust emissions
30 60 90 120 150 180
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174VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
REPLACING THE BATTERY
If required, replace the battery with
a genuine spare part presenting the
same specifications. If a battery with
different specifications is fitted, the fre-
quencies shown in the “Service Sched-
ule” will no longer be valid. Refer to
the instructions provided by the bat-
tery manufacturer.
Batteries contain sub-
stances that are very
harmful for the environ-
ment. You are advised to have the
battery changed at a Fiat Dealer-
ship. It is properly equipped for
disposing of used batteries in an
environmentally-friendly way that
complies with the law.
Incorrect fitting of elec-
trical and electronic ac-
cessories can seriously
damage the vehicle. If you want
to add accessories after buying
the vehicle antitheft system, ra-
dio, free-hand phone kit, etc.) vis-
it a Fiat Dealership. They can sug-
gest the most suitable acces-
sories to get and check whether
the electric system can support
the required load or whether a
higher capacity battery is re-
quired.
The liquid in the battery is
poisonous and corrosive.
Do not let it touch the skin or eyes.
Do not bring naked flames or pos-
sible sources or sparks near the bat-
tery: risk of fire and explosion.
WARNING
fig. 15
F0D0244m
BATTERY
Fiat Ducato battery is of the “Limit-
ed maintenance” and is fitted with in-
dicator A-fig. 15to check the elec-
trolyte level and the charge.
Under normal conditions of use it
does not require topping up with dis-
tilled water. However, check it peri-
odically through the control optical in-
dicator that is placed on the battery
cover and must be dark with a cen-
tral green area.
If the indicator is a bright colour, or
dark without the green central area,
contact a Fiat Dealership.