FIAT DUCATO BASE CAMPER 2017 Owner handbook (in English)

any container or part that comes in
contact with the UREA must be compatible
with it (plastic or stainless steel). Materials
such as copper, brass, aluminium, iron
or stainless steel is not as susceptible to
corrosion by UREA are to be avoided;
if UREA is spilled from a container,
completely clean the area.
METHANE ENGINES
(NATURAL POWER)
METHANE GAS FILLER
The methane filler is located near the
petrol filler. It is equipped with a
"non-return" valve: the non-return valve
is inserted in the filler itself and prevents
the methane from flowing back
towards the filler.
To access the filler, unscrew the cap A
fig. 118.
The profile of the filler is of the universal
type, compatible with Italian and NGV1
standards.
In some European countries adapters
are considered ILLEGAL (e.g. in
Germany).
For service stations with cubic metre
(m3) nozzles (pressure differential),
to measure the residual pressure in the
cylinder, the non-return valves must
be released by delivering a small
amount of methane.The other plates (provided with the
vehicle documentation) contain the date
for the first inspection of the cylinders.
35) 36)
Fuel - Vehicle
compatibility
identification - Graphic
symbol for informing
consumers in
accordance with
EN16942
The symbols shown below aid
recognising the correct fuel type to be
used on your vehicle. Before
proceeding with refuelling, check the
symbols inside the fuel filler flap (where
provided) and compare them with the
symbols shown on the fuel pump
(where provided).Symbols for petrol/methane bi-fuel
cars
E5: Unleaded petrol containing up to
2.7% (m/m) oxygen and with maximum
5.0% (V/V) ethanol compliant with
EN228
E10: Unleaded petrol containing up to
3.7% (m/m) oxygen and with maximum
10.0% (V/V) ethanol compliant with
EN228
CNG: Automotive methane and
bio-methane compliant withEN16723
Symbols for diesel powered cars
B7: Diesel containing up to 7% (V/V) of
FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Esters)
compliant with theEN590specification
B10: Diesel containing up to 10%
(V/V) of FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Esters)
compliant with theEN16734
specification
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129

WARNING
128)Do not approach naked flames or lit
cigarettes to the fuel tank filler: fire risk.
Keep your face away from the fuel filler to
prevent breathing in harmful vapours.
129)To avoid fuel spillage and the
exceeding of the maximum level, avoid
topping up after filling the tank.
130)Any fuel pumping in portable
containers located on a floor can cause a
fire. Danger of burns. Always put the fuel
container on the ground during filling. Avoid
using contaminated fuel: a fuel
contaminated with water or earth can
cause serious damage to the motor supply.
Proper maintenance of the fuel filter, of
the engine and the fuel tank is essential.
131)If AdBlue overheats for a prolonged
period inside the tank to over 50 ° C (for
example due to direct solar irradiation),
AdBlue can decompose ammonia vapours.
Ammonia vapours have a pungent odour
when the cap of the AdBlue tank is
unscrewed, therefore be careful not to
inhale any ammonia vapours in the tank
outlet. In this concentration, however, the
ammonia vapors are not harmful or
dangerous to health.
132)Do not open the fuel system at high
pressure with the engine running. The
operation of the engine creates a high fuel
pressure. A jet of high-pressure fuel can
cause serious injury or death.
WARNING
34)Only refuel with automotive diesel
complying with the European specification
EN 590. The use of other products or
mixtures may damage the engine beyond
repair and consequently invalidate the
warranty, due to the damage caused. If
you accidentally introduce other types of
fuel into the tank, do not start the engine.
Empty the tank. If the engine has been run
for even an extremely limited amount of
time, you must not only drain the fuel tank,
but the rest of the supply circuit as well.
35)Methane refuelling stations are not
authorised to refill the cylinders when the
inspection date has expired. The check
valve prevents the methane from flowing
back to the fuel filler.
36)If the vehicle has been registered in a
country other than Italy, the certification
data, identification and inspection
procedures for the methane cylinders
should conform to the legislation in that
country. In any case, it should be
remembered that the life of the cylinders is
20 years from the production date as set
out in ECE Regulation no. 110.
ADDITIVE FOR
DIESEL EMISSIONS
ADBLUE (UREA)
The vehicle is equipped with a Selective
Catalytic Reduction system to meet
the strict Diesel emissions standards
required by the Agency for
Environmental Protection.
The purpose of the system of Selective
Catalytic Reduction is to reduce the
nitrogen oxides levels emitted by
engines; these elements are harmful to
our health and to the environment
even at minimum levels. A small
amount of additive for Diesel emissions
AdBlue (UREA) is injected upstream
of the catalyst exhaust outlet where,
when it turns into gas, converts
nitrogen oxides, that create smog, in
simple nitrogen and water vapour, two
natural components of air we breathe.
You can use your vehicle with the
peace of mind of knowing that you are
contributing to a cleaner and healthy
environment for future generations.
System description
The vehicle is equipped with an UREA
fuel injection system and a Selective
Catalytic Reduction catalyst to meet the
emission standards.
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These two systems ensure compliance
with the diesel emissions requirements;
at the same it maintains fuel saving
levels, driveability, torque and power.
For the system messages and warnings
refer to the "Warning lights and
messages" paragraph in the "Knowing
the instrument panel" section.
Notes
When you stop the vehicle you
could hear a distinct click coming from
under the vehicle due to the UREA
injection system, this is normal.
The UREA injection system pump
continues to operate for a short period
of time after the engine is switched
off, to purge the circuit. This is normal,
and you can still hear its noise from
under the vehicle.
VERSION WITH
METHANE SYSTEM
(Natural Power)
37) 38)
INTRODUCTION
The "Natural Power" version of the Fiat
Ducato features two fuel system, one
primary natural gas (methane) system
and one emergency petrol system.
METHANE CYLINDERS
The vehicle is equipped with five
cylinders (total capacity of about 218
litres) located under the vehicle floor
and protected by two special shields.
The cylinders are the tank that contains
the methane in its compressed
gaseous state (nominal pressure of 200
bar at 15°C). The methane, stored in
the cylinders at high pressure, flows
through a dedicated pipe to reach the
pressure regulator/reduction unit which
supplies the 4 methane injectors at
low pressure (about 6 bar).
IMPORTANT If gas is smelled, switch
from methane operation to petrol
operation and immediately go to a Fiat
Dealership to have the vehicle checked
and possible system faults excluded.FUEL SWITCHING
LOGICS
Management of switching between the
two different fuel supplies is fully
automatic, and carried out by the
engine control unit.
When the residual amount of methane
drops below 1/5 of the cylinder
capacity, the lowest level and the edges
of the other levels flash to indicate the
reserve state and that refuelling fig. 119
is required.
If the methane runs out, it is
automatically switched to petrol; on the
display, all the empty segments stop
flashing and then the
indicator near
the CNG icon fig. 120 turns on.
Having reached the reserve methane
pressure threshold, and completely
filled the methane tank, the system
forces the switch to petrol for 5
seconds, with the aim of keeping the
petrol fuel supply system fully efficient.
119F1A0436
131

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.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.
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.
WARNING
37)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.38)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.
120F0N0403I
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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.
133) 134) 135)
39)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
133)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.
134)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.
135)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
39)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).
133

SAVING FUEL
GENERAL INFORMATION
The general factors that affect fuel
consumption are listed below.
Vehicle maintenance
Tyres
Unnecessary loads
Roof rack/ski rack
Electric devices
Climate control system
Devices for aerodynamic control
DRIVING STYLE
The main driving styles that affect fuel
consumption are listed below.
Starting
Do not warm up the engine at low or
high revs when the vehicle is stationary;
this causes the engine to warm up
more slowly, thereby increasing fuel
consumption and emissions.
Unnecessary actions
Avoid accelerating when stopped at
traffic lights or before switching off the
engine.Gear selection
In the same way improper use of a high
gear increases consumption, emissions
and engine wear.
Top speed
Fuel consumption increases
considerably with speed.
Acceleration
Accelerating violently will greatly affect
consumption and emissions:
acceleration should be gradual.
CONDITIONS OF USE
The main usage conditions that
negatively affect fuel consumption are
listed below.
Cold starting
Short journeys and frequent cold starts
do not allow the engine to reach
optimum operating temperature.
Traffic and road conditions
Rather high consumption levels are
linked to situations with heavy traffic, for
instance when travelling in queues
with frequent use of the lower gears or
in cities with many traffic lights. Winding
mountain roads and rough road
surfaces also adversely affect
consumption.Stops in traffic
During prolonged hold-ups (e.g. level
crossings) the engine should be
switched off.
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TOWING TRAILERS
IMPORTANT NOTES
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.
In vehicles equipped with "Comfort-
matic" transmission, make sure that the
gearbox is in neutral (N) (checking that
the vehicle moves when pushed) and
proceed in the same way as for towing
a normal vehicle with manual
transmission. If the gearbox cannot be
put in neutral, do not tow the vehicle
and contact a Fiat Dealership.
136) 137)
INSTALLING THE TOW
HOOK
The towing device should be fastened
to the body by specialised technicians
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.
Any electric brake (or electric winch,
etc.) should be supplied directly by the
battery through a cable with a section
of at least 2.5 mm
2.
IMPORTANT Electric brakes or other
devices must be used with engine
running.
135

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. 121
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 depending on the
payload (see the “Weights” table in the
“Technical Data” chapter).
138)
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. 122
Another tow hook specific to Truck and
Chassis Cab versions is shown in fig.
122.
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
depending on the payload (see the
“Weights” table in the “Technical Data”
chapter).
WARNING
136)The ABS with which the vehicle may
be equipped will not control the braking
system of the trailer. Particular caution
is required on slippery roads.
137)Never modify the braking system of
the vehicle to control the trailer brake. The
trailer braking system must be fully
independent from the hydraulic system of
the vehicle.
138)After fitting, screw holes must be
sealed to prevent a exhaust gas inlet.
.
136
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.

M12
121F1A0164
137

122F1A0165
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