tow FIAT DUCATO BASE CAMPER 2014 Owner handbook (in English)

STOPPING THE ENGINE
Turn the ignition key to STOP while the
engine is idling.
31) 32)
IMPORTANT
26) It is advisable not to demand
maximum performance from
your vehicle (e.g. excessive
acceleration, long distances at
high speeds, excessively intense
braking, etc.) during the initial
period of use.
27) When the engine is off, do not
leave the ignition key turned to
MAR-ON to prevent unnecessary
electrical consumption from
draining the battery.
28) If the
warning light flashes
for about 60 seconds after
starting or during prolonged
cranking, this indicates a fault in
the glow plug preheating system.
Use the vehicle normally if the
engine starts, but contact a Fiat
Dealership as soon as possible.29) 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.
30) Never start the engine by
pushing, towing or driving
downhill. This could cause fuel to
flow into the catalytic converter
and damage it beyond repair.
31) A quick burst on the accelerator
before turning off the engine
serves absolutely no practical
purpose; it wastes fuel and is
especially damaging to
turbocharged engines.
32) In some cases, when the engine
switches off, the fan could
activate for max. 120 seconds.
WARNING
125) It is dangerous to run the
engine in enclosed areas. The
engine takes in oxygen and
releases carbon dioxide, carbon
monoxide and other toxic gases.
171

WARNING
126) Never leave children
unattended in the vehicle. Always
remove the ignition key when
leaving the vehicle and take it out
with you.
IMPORTANT
33) 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.
USING THE
GEARBOXTo engage the gears, press the clutch
pedal fully and put the gear lever into
the required position (the diagram
for gear engagement is shown on the
knob fig. 171).
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.171
F1A0163
173

LOADING ADVICEThe 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.
35)128) 129) 130)
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.
IMPORTANT
35) 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
128) 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.
129) 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.
130) 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. Anyway, by
doing so, you increase the risk
of fire in the event of an accident
with your vehicle.
175

SAVING FUELSome useful tips are given below for
fuel saving and reducing harmful
emissions of CO2 and other pollutants
(nitrogen oxides, unburnt
hydrocarbons, Particulate Matter (PM),
etc.).
GENERAL
CONSIDERATIONS
The general factors that affect fuel
consumption are listed below.
Vehicle maintenance
Have checks and adjustments carried
out in accordance with the “Scheduled
Servicing Plan”.Tyres
Check the tyre pressures at least once
every four weeks: if the pressure is
too low, consumption levels increase as
resistance to rolling is higher.
Unnecessary loads
Do not travel with an overloaded
luggage compartment. 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.
When transporting particularly large
objects, use a trailer if possible.Electric devices
Use electrical devices only for the
amount of time needed. The heated
rear window, additional headlights,
windscreen/rear window wipers and
heater fan need a considerable amount
of energy, therefore increasing fuel
consumption (by up to 25% in
the urban cycle).
Climate control system
Air conditioning leads to higher fuel
consumption (on average up to +20%).
If the temperature outside permits, try
and use the ventilation only.
Devices for
aerodynamic control
The use of non-certified spoilers may
adversely affect air drag and fuel
consumption.
176
STARTING AND DRIVING

TOWING TRAILERSIMPORTANT
INFORMATION
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
door 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
to 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.
You are advised to fit a suitable
stabiliser to the trailer drawbar.
In the vehicles equipped with parking
sensors, after fitting the tow hook
malfunctioning warnings may be
displayed, as some parts (tow bar, ball
tow hook) may be within the sensor
detection range. In this case the
detection range must be adjusted or
the parking assistance function must be
deactivated.
131) 132)
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/EC 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 electric winch)
should be supplied directly by the
battery through a cable with a cross
section of no less than 2.5 mm
2.
178
STARTING AND DRIVING

IMPORTANT Electric brakes or other
devices must be used with engine
running.
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.Installation diagram for
Van versions fig. 172
The tow hook structure must be
fastened in the points shown by the
symbol Ø using 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).
133)
To install a tow hook, the bumpers
must be trimmed as described in the
supplier's installation kit.
Installation diagram for
Truck and Chassis Cab
versions fig. 173
Another tow hook specific to Truck and
Chassis Cab versions in shown in fig.
173.
The structure Ø must be fixed in the
points indicated 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).
134)
179

INSTRUCTIONS FOR
USING THE REMOVABLE
BALL HEAD TOW BAR
36) 37) 38) 39) 40) 41)
Before setting off, check the correct
locking of the removable ball head tow
bar, as follows:
❒The green mark of the flywheel must
coincide with the green mark on the
tow bar.
❒The flywheel is in the stop position on
the tow bar (without slot).
❒Locked lock and key removed. The
flywheel cannot be removed.
❒Ball head bar firmly secured to the
housing pipe. Check by shaking
with a hand.
The fitting procedure must be repeated
if any of the 4 checked requirements
is not met.
If even only one of the requirements is
not met the tow hook must not be
used, as in this case there is risk of
accidents. Contact the joint
manufacturer.The ball head tow bar can be fitted and
removed manually, without needing
any tool.
Never use working tools or means, as
the mechanism could be damaged.
Never unlock in the case of trailer
attached to the vehicle or fitted rack.
When driving without trailer or rack the
ball head tow bar must be removed
and the closing plug must always
be inserted in the housing pipe. This
applies particularly if the visibility of the
number plate characters or of the
lighting system is reduced.Removable ball head
tow barfig. 174 - fig. 175 - fig. 176
1. Housing pipe - 2. Ball head tow bar
- 3. Locking balls - 4. Release lever -
5. Flywheel - 6. Cap - 7. Key - 8. Red
mark (flywheel) - 9. Green mark
(flywheel) - 10. Green mark (tow bar) -
11. Symbol (control release) - 12.
Closing plug - 13. Coupling pin - 14.
No slot between 2 and 5 - 15. Slot
of approx. 5 mm
174
F1A0380
175 - Locked position, driving
F1A0381
183

Installing the ball head
tow bar
1. Remove the plug from the mounting
pipe.
The ball head tow bar is usually in the
released position when taken out from
the luggage compartment. This can
be observed by the flywheel spaced
from the tow bar, corresponding to
a slot of approx. 5 mm (see figure) and
by the red mark on the flywheel
directed to the green mark on the tow
bar.Please note that the tow bar can be
installed only when in these conditions.
If the locking mechanism of the tow
bar is disengaged before the
installation, or at any other time, and is
in the locked position, it must be
pre-loaded. The locked position can be
identified by the green mark of the
flywheel coinciding with the green mark
of the tow bar and by the flywheel in
the stop position on the tow bar,
namely without slot (see figure).
The locking mechanism is pre-loaded
as follows: with the key inserted and
the lock open, extract the flywheel
following the direction of the arrow and,
to pre-load, rotate according to the
direction of the arrow b until the stop.
The release lever is engaged and the
locking mechanism remains in the
pre-loading position even when the
flywheel is released. The tow bar must
be inserted in the housing pipe with the
coupling pin for the installation. Insert
from the bottom and push upwards.
The mechanism then locks
automatically. Keep your hands far from
the flywheel, as it rotates during the
locking procedure.2. The tow bar must be inserted in the
housing pipe with the coupling pin
for the installation. Insert from the
bottom and push upwards. The
mechanism then locks automatically.
Keep your hands far from the flywheel,
as it rotates during the locking
procedure.
3. Close the lock and always remove
the key. The key cannot be removed
when the lock is released. Apply the
protection cap on the lock.
Removing the tow bar
1. Remove the protection cap from the
lock and press it on the key grip. Open
the lock with the key.
2. Hold the tow bar firmly, remove the
flywheel following the direction of the
arrow and rotate according to the
direction of the arrow b until stopping,
so as to remove till the extracted
position. Then remove the tow bar from
the housing pipe. The flywheel can
then be released; it autonomously
stops in the released position.
3. Arrange the tow bar in the luggage
compartment so that it cannot be
dirtied or damaged by other
transported objects.
4. Insert the suitable plug in the
mounting pipe.176 - Released position, removed
F1A0382
184
STARTING AND DRIVING

IMPORTANT
36) The removable ball head bar can
be repaired and disassembled by
the manufacturer only.
37) The supplied plate must be
applied in a visible point on the
vehicle, close to the mounting
pipe or inside the luggage
compartment.
38) Regularly remove all dirt
deposits from the ball head bar
and from the mounting pipe to
ensure a correct system
operation. The mechanical
components must be serviced at
the specified intervals. The lock
must be treated with graphite
only.
39) Periodically lubricate the joints,
the sliding surfaces and the balls
with grease without resin or oil.
Lubrication is also a further
corrosion protection.
40) When the vehicle is cleaned with
high-pressure jets, previously
remove the ball head bar and
insert the suitable plug. The ball
head plug must never be treated
with high-pressure jets.41) Two keys are supplied together
with the removable ball tow bar.
Note down the key number on the
pawl for any following order and
keep it.
185

IN AN EMERGENCY
A punctured tyre or a burnt-out bulb?
At times, a problem may interfere
with our journey.
The pages on emergencies can help
you to deal with critical situations
independently and with calm.
In an emergency we recommend that
you call the freephone number found in
the Warranty Booklet.
It is also possible to call the 00 800
3428 0000 freephone number to
search the nearest Fiat Dealership.STARTING THE ENGINE .................190
REPLACING A WHEEL ...................191
FIX & GO AUTOMATIC QUICK
TYRE REPAIR KIT ...........................196
CHANGING A BULB .......................201
REPLACING AN EXTERIOR BULB ..205
CHANGING AN INTERIOR BULB ....211
REPLACING FUSES........................212
BATTERY RECHARGING ................219
LIFTING THE VEHICLE....................220
TOWING THE VEHICLE ..................220
189