coolant FIAT DUCATO 244 2005 3.G Owners Manual

29GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
INSTRUMENT PANEL
A- Engine coolant temperature
gauge
B- Speedometer
C- Rev counter
D- Fuel level gauge
E- Odometer setting and scheduled
servicing
F- Odometer
G- Clock setting.
fig. 27 Left-hand drive versionF0D0147m
fig. 28 Right-hand drive versionF0D0148m

30GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
INSTRUMENTS
ENGINE COOLANT
TEMPERATURE
GAUGE fig. 29
Under normal conditions, the needle
should hover around the middle of the
scale.
If it approaches the red section, it
means that the engine is being over-
taxed and you should reduce your de-
mand on it.
Also travelling too slowly when the
outside temperature is very hot can
cause the needle to approach the red
sector. In this case, it is better to stop
and turn the engine off. After a few
moments you can start the engine
again and accelerate slightly.SPEEDOMETER
fig. 30- left-hand drive versions
fig. 31- right-hand drive versions.
REV COUNTER fig. 32
IMPORTANT The electronic sys-
tem progressively blocks fuel flow to
prevent engine from overrevving. This
will lead to a progressive loss of en-
gine power. If the situation persists
even after the measures
you have taken, turn off
the engine and have the vehicle
seen at a Fiat Dealership.
fig. 29
F0D0150m
fig. 30
F0D0149m
fig. 31
F0D0153m
fig. 32
F0D0151m

38GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL (red)
(where provided)
When the engine coolant in the radi-
ator drops under the minimum level.
n
AUTOMATIC
GEARBOX OIL TOO
HOT (red)
Turning the ignition key to MARthe
warning light shall come on and go off
after about 4 seconds. If the warning
light stays on or comes on when trav-
elling, it indicates that there is a failure
in the gearbox (flashing light) or that
the gearbox oil is too hot (fixed light).
– Fixed light= automatic gearbox
oil max. temperature.
Warning light coming on with fixed
light when travelling indicates that
gearbox oil temperature has reached
the max. set limit; in this case stop the
vehicle, set the gear selector to “N”
or “P” with engine idling, (in this case
engine cooling fans are on), until the
warning light goes off. You can then
continue driving but you should not
tax the engine.
If the warning light comes on again,
stop the vehicle with engine idling and
wait until the warning light goes off.If the warning light comes on again
after less than 15 minutes, stop the ve-
hicle, do not switch off the engine but
wait for proper cooling of the engine
/ gearbox unit (both engine cooling
fans off).
– Flashing light= automatic gear-
box failure.
Warning light flashing at starting or
when travelling indicates a fault in the
automatic gearbox.
Engaging the 3rd gear, the automat-
ic control system starts an “emer-
gency programme”.
Switching the engine off and then on
again, the self-test system could ex-
clude the fault and therefore turn off
the warning light.
Failure is however stored and the au-
tomatic gearbox shall be checked at
a Fiat Dealership.ENGINE COOLANT
TOO HOT (red)
When the engine coolant
temperature exceeds the maximum
set level.
u
t

59GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
SELF-STANDING SUPPLEMENTARY
HEATER (where provided)
The vehicle can be equipped, upon re-
quest, with two different self-standing
heaters:one is totally automatic
whereas the other is programmable.
AUTOMATIC VERSION
The supplementary heater is totally in-
dependent from the engine.
This heater is switched on automat-
ically (if required) when turning the ig-
nition key to MAR. LOOKING AFTER THE
SYSTEM
During the winter, the climate con-
trol system must be turned on at least
once a month for about ten minutes.
Before summer, have the system
checked at a Fiat Dealership.PROGRAMMABLE VERSION
The supplementary heater is totally
independent from the engine and can
be used to:
– heat the passenger compartment
when the engine is off;
– defrost the windows;
– heat the engine coolant and con-
sequently the engine before starting.
The system consists of:
– a diesel burner to heat coolant with
exhaust fume muffler;
– a metering pump connected to the
vehicle fuel pipes to feed the burner;
– a heat exchanger connected to the
engine cooling system pipes; The system is filled with
R134a refrigerant which
will not pollute the envi-
ronment in the event of leakage.
Under no circumstances should
R12 fluid be used as it is incom-
patible with the system compo-
nents and contains CFC.
The heater burns fuel in the
same way as the engine,
though, of course, to a lesser degree
and therefore to avoid intoxication
and suffocation, never use the sup-
plementary heater in closed areas,
garages or workshops not equipped
with specific exhaust evacuation
devices even for short periods of
time.
WARNING

61GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
IMPORTANTThe heater is
equipped with a thermal switch which
cuts off the heater in the event of
overheating caused by low or leaking
coolant. In this case, press the pro-
gram selection button to start the
heater again after repairing the cool-
ing system fault and/or topping up the
fluid.
The heater can turn itself off after en-
gine ignition or if the flame goes out.
In this case, turn the heater off man-
ually and attempt to turn it back on
again. If you cannot turn the heater on,
contact a Fiat Dealership.Turning the heater on
Before turning the heater on check
that:
– the heating/ventilation unit knob is
turned to “warm air”;
– the heating/ventilation fan speed
knob is at position “2”.Digital timer fig. 86
1) Heater cycle warning light
2)Display light
3)Clock pre-set recall number
4)Clock button
5)Hour forward button
6)Program selection button
7)Hour back button
8) Heat now button
9) Display/adjust time warning light
fig. 86
F0D0133m

63GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
IMPORTANTTo recall other pre-
set times, press button 6within 10
seconds.
– press button 5or 7to select the
starting time required within 10 sec-
onds.
IMPORTANTStarting time disap-
pears and the number 3(correspond-
ing to the selected preset time) ap-
pears on the display to confirm the
starting time has been entered.
Deleting a programmed
starting time fig. 89
To delete the programmed starting
time, press button 6briefly: the dis-
play light will go off and number 3cor-
responding to the selected preset
time will disappear.Recalling a pre-set time fig. 90
Press the button 6repeatedly until
the required preset starting time ap-
pears on the display (number 3). After
10 seconds, the time will disappear,
number 3and the display will light up
thus confirming starting time has been
entered.
IMPORTANTTo change or delete
pre-set times, follow the instructions
in the paragraphs above.Turning the heater off
According to the operation mode
(automatic or manual), the heater can
be turned off:
–automatically,after the preset
period of time (60 minutes when the
display light is red);
– manuallyby pressing the “heat
now” button on the timer.
In each case, the heater warning light,
the display and the passenger com-
partment fan will be turned off and the
heater flame will be blown out.
The coolant circulation pump will
run for approximately two minutes af-
ter the heater has been turned off to
dispose of as much heat as possible.
During this phase the heater can, how-
ever, be turned on.
fig. 90
F0D0135m

64GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
– Always remember to turn the
heater off when refuelling or standing
in service stations to avoid fires and
explosions.
– Do not park the vehicle over in-
flammable material such as paper, dry
grass or leaves: fire risk!
– The temperature near the heater
must never exceed 120°C (e.g. during
painting operations in a workshop
oven). Higher temperatures could
damage the electronic control unit
components.
– When the engine is off, the heater
runs off the battery: it is consequently
important to run the engine for a cer-
tain period of time in order to restore
the battery charge.– Follow the prescriptions in “Vehi-
cle maintenance” section at paragraph
“Engine coolant level” to check the
coolant level. The coolant in the cir-
cuit must contain at least 10% an-
tifreeze fluid.
– Maintenance and repairs must al-
ways be carried out by a Fiat Deal-
ershipand only genuine spare parts
must be used.
MAINTENANCE
Have the heater checked at a Fiat
Dealership periodically (always be-
fore winter). This will ensure safe and
cheap running and long appliance life.
The heater burns fuel in the
same way as the engine,
though, of course, to a lesser degree
and therefore to avoid intoxication
and suffocation, never use the sup-
plementary heater in closed areas,
garages or workshops not equipped
with specific exhaust evacuation
devices even for short periods of
time.
WARNING

107GETTING THE BEST OUT OF YOUR VEHICLE
If you still cannot start the engine,
get in touch with a Fiat Dealership.
IMPORTANT When the outside
temperature is low, it is important to
note that the use of a more fluid oil
will facilitate starting the cold engine.
Therefore, in winter, follow the advice
in chapter “Technical specifications”,
paragraph “Fluids and lubricants”.
IMPORTANTNever leave the igni-
tion key at MARwhen the engine is off.
Minibus and School Bus versions:
press the ignition enable button lo-
cated to the left of the steering col-
umn as shown in the specific supple-
ment to this handbook.HOW TO WARM UP
THE ENGINE AFTER IT
HAS JUST STARTED
(petrol and diesel versions)
– Begin to move forward slowly let-
ting the engine turn at medium revs.
Do not accelerate abruptly.
– Do not push the engine to its lim-
it for the first few kilometres. You are
recommended to wait until the
coolant temperature indicator starts
to move.
EMERGENCY START-UP
If the Fiat CODE system fails to
recognise that code transmitted by the
ignition key (warning light Yon the
instrument panel lit) the emergency
start-up can be performed by using the
CODE card code.
See the “In an emergency” section.Catalysed vehicles must
not be bump started
(pushed, towed or coast-
ed downhill) as this could cause
fuel to flow into the catalytic ex-
haust system and damage it be-
yond repair.
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

120GETTING THE BEST OUT OF YOUR VEHICLE
BEFORE GETTING BEHIND
THE WHEEL
– Make sure all light, including the
headlights, are working properly;
– adjust the position of seats and dri-
ving and door mirrors properly for the
best driving position;
– make sure that nothing (mats, etc.)
gets in the way of the pedals when
they are pushed down;
– make sure that any child restraint
systems (child seats, cradles, etc.) are
properly fixed;
– place any objects in the load com-
partment in such a way that they can-
not be thrown forwards in the event
of an accident;
– light eating will help keep your re-
flexes prompt. Above all, do not have
anything alcoholic to drink.
Remember to periodically check:
– tyre pressure,
– engine oil level,
– engine coolant level and cooling
system conditions,– brake fluid level,
– windscreen washer fluid level.
WHEN TRAVELLING
– The first rule of safe driving is pru-
dence;
– prudence also means putting your-
self into a position where you can pre-
dict wrong or imprudent behaviour
from other drivers;
– stick closely to the rules of the
road in the particular country where
the vehicle is being driven and, above
all, do not exceed speed limits;
– ensure that, besides yourself, all the
other passengers in the vehicle have
their seat belts fastened, that children
are sitting in the appropriate child
seats and any animals in the vehicle are
placed in suitable compartment;
– you should be physically fit and
mentally alert before setting out on
long journeys.
Always fasten both front
and back seat belts
(Panorama, Minibus, Combi and
Crew Cab versions). Travelling with
the seat belts unfastened increas-
es the risk of injury or death if you
are in a collision.
WARNING
Driving while drunk or un-
der the influence of drugs
or certain medicines is dangerous
for both you and other road users.
WARNING

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.