towing FIAT DUCATO 244 2005 3.G Owners Manual

116GETTING THE BEST OUT OF YOUR VEHICLE
BUMP STARTING
Starting by pushing or towing the ve-
hicle is not possible. In the event of an
emergency, when the battery is flat,
start the vehicle with a suitable emer-
gency battery, following the instruc-
tions given in section “In an emer-
gency” at paragraph “Jump starting”.
TOWING THE VEHICLE
IMPORTANTFor towing the ve-
hicle comply with current local regu-
lations and follow the instructions giv-
en in section “In an emergency” at
paragraph “Towing the vehicle”.If the vehicle is to be towed, adhere
to the following recommendations:
– if possible, carry the vehicle on the
floor of a rescue vehicle;
– if this is not possible, tow the ve-
hicle raising the driving wheels (front)
from the ground;
– if this, too, is not possible, the ve-
hicle should not be towed for more
than 200 km at a speed of no more
than 50 km/h.
When towing, the gearshift lever
should be at N.
Do not start the engine
while the vehicle is being
towed.
The failure to comply
with these instructions
may cause serious dam-
age to the automatic gearbox.
When travelling with the
gearbox faulty, drive with
the utmost care in consideration of
the limited performance (in terms
of acceleration and speed) that the
vehicle can offer.
WARNING
When travelling with the
gearbox faulty, the revers-
ing gear lock might not be active:
absolutely never move the lever to
the R position with the vehicle on
the move.
WARNING– Warning light flashing= auto-
matic gearbox fault.
Warning light flashing at starting or
when travelling indicates a fault in the
automatic gearbox.
The automatic control system sets
an “emergency programme” engaging
the 3
rdgear.
Switching the engine off and then on
again, the self-test system could ex-
clude the fault and therefore turn off
the warning light. The failure is how-
ever stored and the automatic gear-
box shall be checked at a Fiat Deal-
ership.

128GETTING THE BEST OUT OF YOUR VEHICLE
LOOKING AFTER EMISSION
CONTROL DEVICES
The correct use of pollution control
devices not only ensures respect for
the environment but also has an effect
on the vehicle’s performance.
Keeping these devices in good con-
ditions is therefore a fundamental rule
for driving that is easy on your pock-
et and on the environment too.
The first step to take is to follow the
Service Schedule to the letter.
If your vehicle has a petrol engine
with catalytic converter use only un-
leaded petrol.
if you have trouble starting, do not
keep turning the ignition key for long
periods. Be especially careful to avoid
bump starting the vehicle by pushing,
towing or rolling downhill: these are
all manoeuvres that can damage the
catalyst.
Use an auxiliary battery for start-ups
only.If the engine begins to “loose its
smoothness” when travelling, contin-
ue your journey but reduce the de-
mands you are making on the engine
and have the vehicle seen to at a Fi-
at Dealershipas soon as you can.
When the instrument panel fuel re-
serve warning light comes on, fill up as
soon as possible. A low fuel level may
cause an uneven supply of fuel to the
engine with inevitable increase in the
temperature of the exhaust gas and se-
rious damage to the catalytic con-
verter.
Never run the engine with one or
more spark plugs disconnected, even
for testing purposes.
Do not warm up the engine by let-
ting it idle for a while before moving
off unless the outside temperature is
very low and, even in this case, only
do so for less than thirty seconds.
Do not install heat shields and do not
remove those already fitted to the cat-
alytic converter and exhaust pipe.
Do not allow anything to
be sprayed onto the cat-
alytic converter, lambda sensor and
exhaust pipe.
WARNING
Ignoring the above rules
may lead to fire.
WARNING
When functioning normal-
ly the catalytic converter
reaches high temperatures. For this
reason do not park the vehicle over
inflammable material (grass, dry
leaves, pine needles, etc.): fire haz-
ard.
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

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

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

159IN AN EMERGENCY
WITH A SHOP JACK
The vehicle can be raised on a shop
jack if it is empty. This is only possi-
ble from the side by placing the jack at
the points provided in the underbody
as indicated infig. 41.
WITH AN ARM HOIST
The vehicle must be raised by plac-
ing the ends of the arms at the points
indicated in fig. 41.TOWING THE
VEHICLE
The vehicle has two eyes for an-
choring the tow hitch fig. 42.
A- Front eye
B- Rear eye (for towing another ve-
hicle).
fig. 42
F0D0177m
Before starting to tow, turn
the ignition key to MAR
and then to STOP. Do not remove
the key. If the key is removed, the
steering lock engages automatical-
ly which prevents the wheels being
turned.
WARNING
While the vehicle is being
towed with the engine off,
remember that the brake pedal and
steering will require more effort as
you no longer have the benefit of
the power brakes and power steer-
ing. Do not use flexible cables to
tow. Avoid jerking. Whilst towing,
ensure that coupling to the vehicle
does not damage the surrounding
components.
WARNING

160IN AN EMERGENCY
IF AN ACCIDENT
OCCURS
– It is important to keep calm.
– If you are not directly involved in
the accident, stop at least ten metres
away from the accident.
– If you are on a motorway, do not
obstruct the emergency lane with
your vehicle.
– Turn the engine off and the haz-
ard lights on.
– At night, illuminate the scene of the
accident with your headlights.
– Act carefully, you must not risk be-
ing run over.
– Mark the accident by putting the
red triangle at the regulatory distance
from the vehicle where it can be clear-
ly see.
– If the doors are blocked, do not at-
tempt to smash the windscreen to get
out of the vehicle. It is made of layered
glass and is very hard. Side and rear
windows are much more easily bro-
ken. VEHICLE WITH AUTOMATIC
GEARBOX
If towing is not due to gearbox faults,
proceed as follows:
– gearshift lever to N;
– do not exceed 50 km/h;
– the vehicle should not be towed
for more than 200 km.
If towing is due to gearbox faults or
the vehicle should be towed for more
than 200 km, tow the vehicle raising
the front wheels from the ground.– Call for rescue making the infor-
mation you give as accurate as you
can.On the motorway use the special
column-mounted emergency phones.
– In pile-ups on the motorway, par-
ticularly when the visibility is bad,
there is a high risk of other vehicles
running into those already
stopped.Get out of the vehicle imme-
diately and take refuge behind the
guard rail.
– Remove the ignition keys from the
vehicles involved.
– If you can smell petrol or other
chemicals, do not smoke and make
sure all cigarettes are extinguished.
– Use a fire extinguisher, blanket, sand
or earth to put out fires no matter how
small they are. Never use water.
When towing the vehicle
you must comply with the
specific traffic regulations regard-
ing the tow hitch and how to tow
on the road.
WARNING

166VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
IMPORTANT - Pollen filter
If the vehicle is often used in dusty
or extremely polluted environments,
you should change the filter element
more frequently. It should be changed
especially if the amount of air intro-
duced into the passenger compart-
ment has decreased.
IMPORTANT - Diesel filter
Refuelling with diesel fuel not com-
plying with the grade of purity pre-
scribed by European Specification
EN590 might make it necessary to re-
place the filter more frequently than
indicated in the Service Schedule.
IMPORTANT - Battery
The charge in your battery should be
checked, where possible at the start
of the winter, to limit the risk of the
battery electrolyte freezing.
This check should be carried out
more frequently if the vehicle is mainly
used for short trips or if it is fitted
with accessories that permanently
take in electricity even when the igni-
tion key is removed, especially in the
case of after market accessories.You should check the battery fluid
(electrolyte) level more frequently
than shown in the Service Schedule if
the vehicle is used in hot climates or
particularly demanding conditions.
IMPORTANTAs concerns Camp-
ing Car versions, due to high electric
absorption, observe indications rele-
vant to battery contained in para-
graphs "Vehicle storage" (section
"Getting the best out of your vehicle")
and "Battery – Checking the charge"
(section "Vehicle maintenance").
Maintenance of your ve-
hicle should be entrusted
to a Fiat Dealership. For
ordinary routine maintenance
operations which you are able to
carry out yourself, ensure that
you have the necessary tools and
original Fiat spare parts and flu-
ids available. Do not carry out
servicing operations if you have
no experience.IMPORTANT - Engine oil
Change the engine oil more fre-
quently than shown in the Service
Schedule if the vehicle is normally dri-
ven in one of the following particular-
ly severe conditions:
– towing a trailer
– on dusty roads
– short distances (less than 7-8 km)
repeated and with external tempera-
tures below zero.
– frequently idling engines or long
distance low speed driving (e. g. taxis
or door-to-door deliveries) or in case
of a long term inactivity replace engine
oil more frequently than required on
Scheduled Maintenance Plan.
IMPORTANT - Air cleaner
Replace the air cleaner more fre-
quently if the vehicle is used on dusty
roads.
If you are in doubt about how often
the engine oil or the air cleaner should
be changed in relation to how you use
the vehicle, contact a Fiat Dealer-
ship.

250INDEX
Rev counter ................................. 30
Reversing light replacement ..... 146
Rims
- understanding rim markings .. 219
Roof rack/ski rack (presetting) .. 101
Rubber tubing .............................. 179
Safe driving.................................. 119
Scheduled Service ....................... 162
Seat belts ....................................... 15
Seats ............................................... 42
Self-standing supplementary
heater .......................................... 59
Service indicator .......................... 33
Service Schedule .......................... 163
Side central windows (opening) 78
Side/taillights ................................. 65
- front bulb replacement ......... 146
Smart wash ................................... 67
Snow chains .......................... 133-218
Snow tyres ............................ 132-221Sound system ............................... 98
- aerial ......................................... 100
- heavy set-up ............................ 98
- light set-up ............................... 98
Spare wheel .................................. 218
Spark plugs .................................... 215
Speed limiter ................................ 177
Speedometer ................................ 30
Spray nozzles ............................... 181
Starting the engine ...................... 105
- bump starting .......................... 137
- Diesel engine procedure ...... 106
- emergency starting ......... 107-135
- ignition switch ......................... 28
- jump starting .................... 136-157
- petrol engine procedure ...... 105
- stopping the engine ................ 108
- warming up the engine after
it has just started ................... 107
Steering ......................................... 218
Steering column lock .................. 28Steering column stalks ............... 65
Steering wheel ............................. 51
Sun visors ...................................... 78
Suspensions .................................. 217
Symbols ......................................... 7
Tank cap ................................ 99-103
Technical specifications........ 185
Third brake light
replacement ................................. 146
Tools ................................................ 138
Top speeds ..................................... 226
Tow hitch
(fitting diagrams)................... 130-131
Tow hitch installation .................. 129
Towing a trailer ............................. 129
Towing the vehicle ....................... 159
Transmission .................................. 216
Transporting children in safety .. 22
Tyre pressure ................................. 220
Tyres ......................................... 178-220