towing FIAT DUCATO BASE CAMPER 2018 Owner handbook (in English)

MOVING FOOTBOARD
(for versions/markets, where provided)
On opening the passenger
compartment side door or the luggage
compartment, a footboard fig. 16
comes out from under the chassis to
aid climbing on board the vehicle.
12) 13) 14) 15) 16)
2)
REAR FOOTBOARD
(for goods carrier van versions)
12) 13) 14) 15) 16)
2)
The vehicle can be equipped with a rear
retractable footboard A fig. 17, which
aids climbing into and out of the rear
load compartment.The footboard can slide under the
vehicle when not used so as not to
increase the vehicle external
dimensions.
The footboard slides manually both
when opening and closing.
WARNING
6)Once the dead lock device is engaged it
is impossible to open the doors from
inside the vehicle. Before engaging the
system please therefore check that there is
no-one left on board. If the remote control
battery is flat, the system can be
disengaged only by inserting the key metal
insert in either of the door locks as
described previously: in this case the
device remains active only for the rear
doors.
7)Before leaving the vehicle parked with
sliding doors open, always check that
the latch is engaged.8)Always use this device when carrying
children.
9)Do not move the vehicle with side doors
open.
10)This spring loaded system has
activation forces that were designed for
optimum comfort. Accidental knocks or a
strong gust of wind may release the
springs and let the doors close
spontaneously.
11)With the doors opened to 180 degrees,
no locking system is effective. Do not use
this opening with the vehicle parked on
a gradient or when it is windy.
12)It is forbidden to drive the vehicle with
the footboard open.
13)Do not use the retracted footboard for
getting up or down the load compartment.
14)Make sure that the footboard is suitably
locked by the provided retaining systems
before, after and during its use. An
incomplete opening or closing might cause
an improper movement of the footboard
with risks arising for the operator and
external users.
15)Before setting off after parking or
before moving the vehicle in any way,
ensure the footboard is fully stowed away.
Because the movement of the footboard
is controlled by that of the sliding side door,
incomplete stowing of the footboard or
non-closure of the rear doors is indicated
by the lighting of a warning light
on
the instrument panel.
16)The footboard lightly projects from the
vehicle even if retracted; therefore, when
rear parking sensors are provided, their
operating range is lightly reduced.
16F1A0119
17F1A0410
16
KNOWING YOUR VEHICLE

STARTING AND DRIVING
Let’s get to the "heart" of the vehicle:
seeing how you can exploit all of its
potential to the full.
We’ll look at how to drive it safely in any
situation, so that it can be a welcome
companion, with our comfort and
our wallets in mind.STARTING THE ENGINE .................119
PARKING THE VEHICLE .................121
MANUAL TRANSMISSION ..............122
COMFORT-MATIC GEARBOX .........123
START&STOP SYSTEM ..................125
CRUISE CONTROL (CONSTANT
SPEED REGULATOR) .....................126
SPEED BLOCK ...............................128
PARKING SENSORS.......................128
REAR CAMERA (PARKVIEW®
REAR BACK UP CAMERA) .............130
TRAFFIC SIGN RECOGNITION .......131
SAVING FUEL .................................132
REFUELLING THE VEHICLE ...........133
ADDITIVE FOR DIESEL EMISSIONS
ADBLUE (UREA)..............................138
VERSION WITH METHANE
SYSTEM (NATURAL POWER) .........138
LOADING ADVICE...........................140
TOWING TRAILERS ........................141
PROLONGED VEHICLE
INACTIVITY .....................................147
118
STARTING AND DRIVING

PROCEDURE FOR
NATURAL POWER
VERSIONS
(For versions/markets, where provided)
The various engine cranking methods
are described below:
METHANE tank not on reserve –
petrol tank not empty:
the engine is always started in methane
mode;
METHANE tank empty – petrol tank
not empty:
the engine is forced to start on petrol
and it will not switch to methane until
the methane tank has been filled. At the
same time, the reserve warning light
will turn on and the "REFUELLING
REQUIRED" message will be shown on
the instrument panel display;
METHANE tank not on reserve –
petrol tank empty:
the engine is always started in methane
mode.
17) 18) 19) 20) 21)
WARNING
116)It is dangerous to run the engine in
enclosed areas. The engine consumes
oxygen and engine exhaust contains
carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and
other toxic gasses.
WARNING
14)It is advisable not to demand maximum
performance from your vehicle (e.g.
excessive acceleration, long distances at
high speeds, excessive intense braking,
etc.) during the initial period of use.
15)When the engine is switched off never
leave the key turned to MAR-ON to prevent
useless current absorption from draining
the battery.
16)If the engine fails to start with a gear
engaged, the potentially dangerous
situation due to the fact that the
transmission is automatically placed in
neutral will be signalled by a buzzer.
17)
If the warning light
flashes for 60
seconds after starting or during an
extended towing period, this indicates a
problem in the glow plug pre­heating
system. Use the vehicle normally if the
engine starts, but contact a Fiat Dealership
as soon as possible. 18)
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. 19)
Never bump start the engine by
pushing, towing or coasting downhill. This
could cause fuel to flow into the catalytic
converter and damage it beyond repair. 20)A quick burst on the accelerator before
stopping the engine serves no practical
purpose; it wastes fuel and is especially
damaging to turbocharged engines. 21)
In some cases, when the engine
switches off, the fan could activate for max.
120 seconds.
120
STARTING AND DRIVING

The sensors are automatically
reactivated when the trailer's cable plug
is removed.
123)
26)
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.
When using special washing equipment
such as high pressure jets or steam
cleaning, clean the sensors very quickly
keeping the jet more than 10 cm away.
IMPORTANT NOTES
Do not apply stickers to the sensors.
When parking, take the utmost
care over obstacles that may be above
or under the sensor.
Objects close to the vehicle, in
certain circumstances are not detected
and could therefore cause damage to
the vehicle or be damaged.
The following conditions may influence
the performance of the parking
assistance system:
Reduced sensor sensitivity and a
reduction in the parking assistance
system performance could be due to
the presence on the surface of the
sensor of: ice, snow, mud, thick paint.
The sensor may detect a non-
existent obstacle (echo noise) due to
mechanical noises, for example when
washing the vehicle, in case of rain,
strong wind, hail.
The warnings sent by the sensor
can also be altered by the presence of
ultrasonic systems (e.g. pneumatic
brakes of trucks or pneumatic drills)
near the car.
The performance of the parking
assistance system may also be affected
by the position of the sensors. For
example by a change in the ride setting
(caused by the wear of the shock
absorbers, suspension), changing the
tyres, overloading the vehicle and
carrying out specific tuning operations
that require the vehicle to be lowered.
Detection of obstacles in the upper
part of the vehicle (particularly in the
case of vans or chassis cabs) may not
be guaranteed because the system
detects obstacles that could strike the
lower part of the vehicle.
WARNING
123)The driver is always responsible for
parking and other dangerous manoeuvres.
While carrying out these manoeuvres,
always make sure that no people
(especially children) or animals are in the
area concerned. The parking sensors
are used to assist the driver, who must
never allow his attention to lapse during
potentially dangerous manoeuvres, even
those executed at low speeds.
WARNING
26)For correct operation of the system,
sensors must always be clean from mud,
dirt, snow or ice. Be careful not to scratch
or damage the sensors while cleaning
them. Avoid using dry, rough or hard
cloths. The sensors must be washed using
clean water, with the addition of vehicle
shampoo if necessary.
129

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.
137) 138)
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.
141

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. 142
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).
139)
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. 143
Another tow hook specific to Truck and
Chassis Cab versions is shown in fig.
143.
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
137)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.
138)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.
139)After fitting, screw holes must be
sealed to prevent a exhaust gas inlet.
142
STARTING AND DRIVING

IN AN EMERGENCY
REPLACING A BULB ......................149
REPLACING AN EXTERIOR
BULB ..............................................152
REPLACING INTERIOR BULBS ......157
REPLACING FUSES........................158
GATEWAY FMS MODULE ...............171
CHANGING A WHEEL ....................176
FIX & GO AUTOMATIC QUICK
TYRE REPAIR KIT ...........................180
JUMP STARTING ............................183
BATTERY RECHARGING ................184
FUEL CUT-OFF SWITCH ................185
TOWING THE VEHICLE ..................186
148
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.
The www.fiatprofessional.com website,
or www.fiatcamper.com for motorhome
owners, provides information about
the nearest Fiat Service Network
together with a great deal of other
useful information.

BUMP STARTING
Never bump start the engine by
pushing, towing or driving downhill.
This could cause fuel to flow into the
catalytic converter and damage it
beyond repair.
WARNING
171)This starting procedure must be
performed by expert personnel because
incorrect actions could cause electrical
discharge of considerable intensity.
Furthermore, battery fluid is poisonous and
corrosive: avoid contact with skin and
eyes. Keep naked flames and lighted
cigarettes away from the battery and do
not cause sparks.
BATTERY
RECHARGING
IMPORTANT The battery recharging
procedure is given as information only.
To carry out this operation contact a
Fiat Dealership.
IMPORTANT After setting the ignition
device to STOP and having closed the
driver side door, wait at least one
minute before disconnecting the
electrical supply from the battery. When
reconnecting the electrical supply to
the battery, make sure that the ignition
device is in the STOP position and
the driver side door is closed.
IMPORTANT Charging should be slow
at a low ampere rating for
approximately 24 hours. Charging for a
longer time may damage the battery.IMPORTANT The cables of the
electrical system must be correctly
reconnected to the battery, i.e. the
positive cable (+) to the positive
terminal and the negative cable (–) to
the negative terminal. The battery
terminals are marked with the positive
(+) and negative (–) symbols, and are
shown on the battery cover. The battery
terminals must also be corrosion-free
and firmly secured to the terminals. If a
"quick-type" battery charger is used
with the battery fitted on the car,
disconnect both battery leads before
connecting it. Do not use a "quick-type"
battery charger to provide the starting
voltage.
172) 173)
VERSIONS WITHOUT
START&STOP SYSTEM
To recharge, proceed as follows:
disconnect the terminal from the
negative battery pole;
connect the charger cables to the
battery terminals, observing the polarity;
turn on the battery charger;
when it is recharged, turn the
charger off before disconnecting it from
the battery;
reconnect the terminal to the
negative battery pole.
184
IN AN EMERGENCY

IMPORTANT After an accident,
remember to remove the key from the
ignition device to prevent the battery
from running down. If no fuel leaks
or damage to vehicle's electrical
devices (e.g. headlights) are detected
after the impact and the vehicle is
able to set off again, reactivate the
automatic fuel cut-off switch.
Restoring the fuel cut-off switch
Press button A fig. 202 to reactivate the
fuel cut off switch.
WARNING
174)If, after an impact, you smell fuel or
notice leaks from the fuel system, do
not reactivate the switch to avoid the risk
of fire.
175)Before reactivating the fuel cut-off
switch, carefully check for fuel leaks or
damage to the vehicle's electrical devices
(e.g. headlights).
TOWING THE
VEHICLE
176) 177) 178) 179) 180) 181) 182) 183) 184)
The vehicle is equipped with two rings
for attaching the tow hook.
The front ring is located in the tool box
beneath the passenger side seat. On
versions with Fix&Go kit and without
spare wheel, the tool box is available
only on request for versions/markets
where provided.
202F1A0086
203F1A0221
204F1A0222
186
IN AN EMERGENCY

In the absence of the tool box the
vehicle front tow hook is housed in the
on-board documentation container,
together with the Owner Handbook.
To use it, proceed as follows:
Open the flap A and remove it as
shown fig. 203;
turn the lock knob B fig. 203
anticlockwise and remove it to allow the
compartment fig. 204 to be removed;
take the screwdriver provided from
the box and prise up at the point
shown to raise the cap C fig. 206;
take the tow ring D from the box and
screw onto the threaded pin fig. 206.
The rear ring B fig. 207 is located at the
point shown in the figure.
VERSIONS 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 a manual transmission.
If the gearbox cannot be put in neutral,
do not tow the vehicle and contact a
Fiat Dealership.
WARNING
176)Screw on the tow ring and check that
it stops at the end of travel position.
177)Before towing, switch off the steering
lock (see "Starting device" paragraph
under the "Dashboard and controls"
section).
178)The power brakes and power steering
will not operate while the vehicle is being
towed. More effort on the brake pedal and
steering wheel will therefore be required.
179)Do not use flexible cables when
towing and avoid jerky movements. During
towing operations, make sure that the
fastened joint does not damage adjoining
components.
180)When towing the vehicle, it is
necessary to obey specific road regulations
which relate both to the towing device as
well as to the behaviour to adopt on the
road.
181)Do not start the engine whilst the
vehicle is being towed.
182)Towing must be made exclusively on
roads/streets; the device must not be used
to recover the vehicle if it got off the road.
183)Towing must not be made for getting
past significant obstacles on the road
(e.g. heaps of snow or material on the road
surface).
205F1A0344
206F1A0223
207F1A0224
187