2005 FIAT DUCATO 244 Pressure

Always adjust the height of the seat
belt to fit the person wearing it. This
could greatly reduce the risk of injury
in the case of collision.
The belt is adjusted properly when
the webbing passes approximately
halfway between the edge of the
shoulder and the neck.
5 different adjustments in height are
provided.PRETENSIONERS
Ducato vehicles fitted with airbags
are also fitted with pretensioners to
improve protection.
These devices “feel” that a violent
collision is in progress via a sensor and
pull back a few inches of webbing. In
this way the pretensioners ensure that
the belt is adhering perfectly to the
body before the belt begins to hold
back the wearer.
When the pretensioner has been
triggered the retractor will lock. The
seat belt cannot be drawn back up
even when guiding it manually.
After you have made the
adjustment, always make
sure that the loop is attached firm-
ly in one of the preset positions. To
do this, with the button released,
exert a further pressure to allow
the anchoring device to catch if re-
lease did not take place at one of
the preset positions.
WARNING
18GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
To adjust, press button A-fig. 16and
raise or lower the grip B-fig. 16. ADJUSTING THE FRONT
SEAT BELT HEIGHT
fig. 16
F0D 0051m
Only adjust seat belt
height when the vehicle is
stationary.
WARNING

36GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
LOW ENGINE OIL
PRESSURE (red)
When the engine oil pres-
sure falls below the normal level. The
light comes on when you turn the ig-
nition key to MARand should go out
as soon as the engine starts.
A delay in the light going out is ac-
ceptable when the engine is idling. If
the engine has been taxed heavily, the
light may flash when idling. It should,
however, go out when you acceler-
ate slightly.vASR (ANTISLIP
REGULATION
SYSTEM) (amber)
Turning the ignition key to MAR,
the warning light turns on, but it
should go off after few seconds.
The warning light flashes when the
system cuts in, to alert the driver that
the system is adapting to the road sur-
face grip conditions.
When the system is turned off with
the specific button, the warning light
comes on without flashing.
When the system is on and an ASR
fault is detected, the warning light
comes on without flashing. Check that
the information is correct by pressing
the button once (in this way, if the
system is working and the ASR is re-
stored, the warning light will go off,
but if there is a system failure, the ASR
will not be restored and the warning
light will stay on).
In this case contact a Fiat Dealer-
shipas soon as possible.PASSENGER SIDE
AIRBAG
DEACTIVATED
(amber)
When the passenger airbag has been
deactivated by means of the respec-
tive key switch.
FV
If the warning light comes
on when the vehicle is run-
ning, stop the engine and contact a
Fiat Dealership.
WARNING
Warning light Findicates
also warning light ¬fail-
ure. This is indicated by intermit-
tent flashing, over 4 seconds, of
warning light F. In this event,
warning light ¬could be not up to
indicate restraint system failures, if
any. Stop the car and contact Fiat
Dealership to have the system
checked.
WARNING

104GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
IMPORTANTThe airtight seal of
the cap may lead to a slight increase of
pressure in the tank. A hissing sound
when the cap is removed is therefore
quite normal.
After refuelling, screw the cap until
hearing one or more clicks, turn the
key and then remove it.. close the lid.
IMPORTANTMoreover, before
starting the engine, for the sake of
safety, check whether the refuelling
gun is properly hung onto the fuel
pump.If required, replace the
fuel cap with another gen-
uine cap to avoid affecting
the efficiency of the fuel vapour
recovery system.
fig. 153
F0D0140m
PROTECTING THE
ENVIRONMENT
Protection of the environment has
been the guiding principle in the design
of the Fiat Ducato right from the start.
The result is the use of materials and
creation of devices that can reduce or
considerably curtail harmful influences
on the environment.
The devices for curtailing petrol en-
gine emissions are:
– a three-way catalytic converter;
– a lambda sensor;
– a fuel evaporation system.
The devices for curtailing diesel en-
gine emissions are:
– an oxidising catalytic converter;
– an exhaust gas recirculation system
(E.G.R.) (for certain versions).
Consequently, the Fiat Ducato is
ready to travel well ahead of the most
stringent international pollution control
standards.
Keep naked flames or light-
ed cigarettes away from
the fuel filler hole as there is a dan-
ger of fire. Do not bend too close to
the hole either so as not to breathe
in harmful vapours.
WARNING

117GETTING THE BEST OUT OF YOUR VEHICLE
CONSTRUCTION FEATURES
DUCATO automatic gearbox is con-
trolled electronically with four for-
ward gears and reverse.
It is controlled by an electronic con-
trol unit which handles:
– the torque distributor;
– gearshifting;
– specific programmes.
The gearbox is coupled with a flow
power torque distributor with piloted
antislip device which makes it possible
to obtain demultiplication ratios.
The characteristic of this gearbox
which works without idle gear enables:
– higher compactness and weight re-
duction;
– improved output due to less fric-
tion;
– lower stress of transmission com-
ponents.GENERAL FEATURES
Electronic gearbox control makes it
possible to obtain gearshifting suited
to momentary engine characteristics
with a certain elasticity.
The electronic control unit has the
following task:
– adapting the oil pressure for
gearshifting to the engine torque;
– activating safety functions;
– defining the manual gearshifting
programme;
– system diagnostics.
For controlling these operating log-
ics the control unit uses the follow-
ing signals:
– engine rpm;
– engine temperature;
– engine torque;
– vehicle speed;
– gearbox oil temperature;– gearshift lever position;
– accelerator pedal position;
– brake pedal position.
The control unit also communicates
with the injection system electronic
control unit.
Conditions of use analysed by
the control unit
The control unit analyses each single
condition of use of the vehicle, dis-
criminating it on the basis of the sig-
nals received from the various sensors.
Analysed conditions are the follow-
ing:
– starting (position/accelerator ped-
al changing speed);
– acceleration (accelerator pedal
completely pushing down speed);
– full load (number of engine full load
kickdown signals or position mainte-
nance time);

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.

124GETTING THE BEST OUT OF YOUR VEHICLE
To get the most out of ABS:
– During emergency stops or when
grip conditions are poor, you will feel
a slight pulsation on the brake pedal.
This is the sign that the ABS is work-
ing. Do not release the brake pedal but
continue to press so as not to inter-
rupt the braking action;
– ABS enables you to brake and steer
at the same time. If you meet an un-
expected obstacle you can therefore
steer around it;
– the ABS prevents the wheels from
locking but it does not increase actu-
al grip conditions between tyre and
road. Therefore, even if your vehicle
is fitted with ABS, keep a safe distance
from the vehicle in front of you and
keep your speed down when driving
into bends.
ABS serves to increase your control
over the vehicle, not to enable you to
go faster.Some suggestions which may help
you to keep the running costs of the
vehicle down and lower the amount
of toxic emissions released into the at-
mosphere are given below.
GENERAL
CONSIDERATIONS
Vehicle maintenance
Carry out the checks and adjust-
ments/regulations specified in the
“Service Schedule”.
Tyres
Check tyre inflation pressure regu-
larly. Tyres should be checked at least
once every four weeks: if the pressure
is too low, fuel consumption increas-
es as the resistance to the rolling
movement of the tyre is greater.Unnecessary loads
Do not travel with too much load.
The weight of the vehicle (specially in
urban traffic) and its trim greatly ef-
fects consumption and stability.
Roof rack/ski rack
Remove the roof or ski racks from
the vehicle as soon as they are no
longer needed. These accessories re-
duce the aerodynamic penetration of
the vehicle and will increase con-
sumption. When transporting partic-
ularly large objects, use a trailer,
where possible.CONTAINING RUNNING COSTS

132GETTING THE BEST OUT OF YOUR VEHICLE
SNOW TYRES
Use snow tyres specified in the
“Snow tyres” table in section “Tech-
nical Specifications”.
Fiat Dealershipwill be happy to
provide advice concerning the most
suitable type of tyre for the customer’s
requirements.
For the type of tyre to be used, in-
flation pressures and the specifications
of snow tyres, follow the instructions
given at paragraph “Wheels” in section
“Technical Specifications”.The winter features of these tyres
are reduced considerably when the
tread depth is below 4 mm. In this
case, they should be replaced.
Due to the snow tyre features, un-
der normal conditions of use or on
long motorway journeys, the perfor-
mance of these tyres is lower than that
of normal tyres.
It is therefore necessary to limit their
use to the purposes for which they are
certified.
IMPORTANT When snow tyres
are used with a max. speed index be-
low the one that can be reached by
the vehicle (increased by 5%), place a
notice in the passenger compartment,
plainly in the driver’s view which states
the max. permissible speed of the
snow tyres (as per EC Directive).All four tyres should be the same
(brand and track) to ensure greater
safety when driving and braking and
better driveability.
Remember that it is inappropriate to
change the direction of rotation of
tyres.
The max. speed for snow
tyres with “Q” marking is
160 km/h. The Road Traffic Code
speed limits must however be al-
ways strictly observed.
WARNING