110GETTING THE BEST OUT OF YOUR VEHICLE
STARTING
After starting the engine, with the en-
gine idling and keeping the brake ped-
al pressed, move the gearshift lever to
position D. Release the brake pedal
and gradually press the accelerator
pedal.
IMPORTANT Movement of the
lever from position Pis allowed only
with the ignition key at MARand the
button on the lever and the brake ped-
al pressed. STOPPING THE VEHICLE
To stop the vehicle, simply press the
brake pedal regardless of the position
of the gearshift lever.
IMPORTANTRemoving the igni-
tion key is only allowed with the
gearshift lever in position Pand for a
maximum time of 30 seconds from
when the engine is turned off P, when
the door is opened a buzzer will sound
for about 15 seconds to alert the dri-
ver.
In the case of an emergency (faults,
flat battery, etc.) the ignition key can
be removed from the switch fitting a
screwdriver in hole infig. 3set under
the ignition switch and pressing up-
wards Do not attempt to ob-
tain peak performance
until the engine has
reached normal operating tem-
perature.
fig. 3
F0D0236m
With the engine idling, also
on a level surface, and the
gearshift lever in position D or R,
the vehicle tends to move if the
brake pedal is not kept pressed.
WARNING
ELECTRONIC
AUTOMATIC
GEARBOX
(2.8 JTD versions
only)
The automatic gearbox fitted on Fi-
at Ducato features four speeds plus
reverse with self-adapting control (i.e.
capable of adapting to the driver’s dri-
ving style), which transmits power
continuously and with very fast elec-
tro-hydraulic gear engagement times.
STARTING THE ENGINE
The engine can be started only with
the gearshift lever in the P or Nposi-
tion.
For safety reasons, it is advisable to
start the engine with the brake pedal
pressed.
IMPORTANTWhen moving off af-
ter starting the engine, do not press
the accelerator pedal before and dur-
ing the movement of the gearshift
lever. This is particularly important
when the engine is cold.
112GETTING THE BEST OUT OF YOUR VEHICLE
IMPORTANTRemoving the igni-
tion key is only allowed with the
gearshift lever in position Pand for a
maximum time of 30 seconds from
when the engine is turned off P, when
the door is opened a buzzer will sound
for about 15 seconds to alert the dri-
ver.
In an emergency (flat battery) it is
possible to move the gearshift lever
from position P, pressing the clamp-
ing device fig. 7set under the gearshift
lever cap.R - Reverse
Move the gearshift lever to Rwith
the vehicle stationary, the engine idling
and the brake pedal pressed.
To prevent accidental movements,
the lever can only be moved to this
position with the button C-fig. 4
pressed.
With the lever in position Rthe re-
verse lights turn on and a buzzer
sounds for about 4 seconds to warn
the driver.
IMPORTANTWith the lever in
position R, reverse gear is not engaged
if the vehicle speed exceeds the es-
tablished limit (approx. 12 km/h).
When the speed falls below this value,
reverse gear engages and stays en-
gaged even if the limit is exceeded.
fig. 7
F0D0240m
Before moving the lever,
press the brake pedal: the
vehicle must be stationary.
WARNING
Move the gearshift lever to position
Pwith the vehicle stationary and the
engine idling before switching off.
For safety reasons the ignition key
can only be removed with the gearshift
lever in this position.
IMPORTANTMovement of the
lever from position P is only allowed
pressing the button C-fig. 4with the
brake pedal pressed.
Move the gearshift lever to
position P when getting out
of the vehicle leaving the engine
running.
WARNING
Before moving the lever
from position P, press the
brake pedal: the vehicle must be
stationary.
WARNING
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
127GETTING THE BEST OUT OF YOUR VEHICLE
In addition to these general precau-
tions, some simple measures could en-
hance driving safety, comfort and the
length of the vehicle’s life:
– distribute the load evenly over the
load floor: if you need to concentrate
it all in one point choose the part be-
tween the axles;
– remember that the lower the load
is, the lower the vehicle’s centre of
gravity will be, contributing to a safe
drive; you should therefore always po-
sition the heavier goods at the bottom;
– finally, remember that the way in
which the vehicle moves is influenced
by the weight being carried. In partic-
ular, stopping distance lengthens par-
ticularly at high speed.CHEAP RUNNING
THAT RESPECTS
THE ENVIRONMENT
Environmental protection has been
one of the guiding principles in the
production of the Ducato. It is no ac-
cident that its pollution control equip-
ment is much more effective than that
required by current legislation.
Nonetheless, the environment can-
not get by without a concerted effort
from everyone. By following a few sim-
ple rules you can avoid harming the
environment and often cut down fuel
consumption at the same time.
On this subject, a few useful tips have
been given below to supplement those
marked by symbol #at various points
of the handbook. You are asked to
read both the former and latter care-
fully.
Even if the vehicle is sta-
tionary on a steep hill or
sideways incline, goods not proper-
ly secured could fall out when the
back or side doors are opened.
WARNING
Observe the enforced rules
if you need to carry a spare
can of petrol. Only use a homolo-
gated can and secure it to the load
anchoring eyebolts. Even given
these precautions, the risk of fire in
the event of an accident is in-
creased.
WARNING
153IN AN EMERGENCY
System/Component
CBA (battery fusebox)
Body-builders’ current socket
Alternator
Alternator (2.0 - 2.0 JTD with heating system)
Alternator (2.8 JTD with heating system - 2.0 JTD
with climate control system)
CVM protection
CFO protection
CFO (optional fusebox under the dashboard on passenger’s side
for LH drive versions, on driver’s side for RH drive versions)
Webasto unit
Additional climate control
Chronotachograph
Phone
Alarm
Remote control
ABI for right power window
ABI for door lock
Alarm blinker
Rotating lights (Ambulance versions)
Webasto timer
ABI for left power window
Food box power
Additional heater fan
Left heated rear window
Door mirror defrosting device
Right heated rear window
Driver’s seat warmerFuse no.
F 73
F 72
F 72
F 72
F 70
F 71
F 61
F 56
F 34
F 34
F 34
F 34
F 48
F 38
F 60
F 63
F 58
F 47
F 59
F 57
F 54
F 41
F 40
F 45Ampere
70
125
70
100
150
80
20
30
10
10
10
10
20
20
10
30
5
20
15
15
15
10
15
15Location
Fig. 34
Fig. 34
Fig. 34
Fig. 34
Fig. 34
Fig. 34
Fig. 38
Fig. 38
Fig. 38
Fig. 38
Fig. 38
Fig. 38
Fig. 38
Fig. 38
Fig. 38
Fig. 38
Fig. 38
Fig. 38
Fig. 38
Fig. 38
Fig. 38
Fig. 38
Fig. 38
Fig. 38
154IN AN EMERGENCY
System/Component
Rear current socket
Siren (Ambulance versions)
Suction fan (Minibus versions)
Current socket for special set-up
CFB (main fusebox under the dashboard on driver’s side for
LH drive versions, on passenger’s side for RH drive versions)
Windscreen washer pump
Cigar lighter
Cab heater fan
Direction indicators
Hazard lights
Instrument panel
Cab lights
EOBD diagnostic socket
Rear fog lights
Radio
Front current socket
Headlight washer pump
Front right-hand side light
Rear right-hand side light
Front left-hand side light
Rear left-hand side light
Number plate lights
Side/taillight warning light
Control lights
PCA (Ambulance - Minibus versions)
Radio
ABI
Door power window controlLocation
Fig. 38
Fig. 38
Fig. 38
Fig. 38
Fig. 36
Fig. 36
Fig. 36
Fig. 36
Fig. 36
Fig. 36
Fig. 36
Fig. 36
Fig. 36
Fig. 36
Fig. 36
Fig. 36
Fig. 36
Fig. 36
Fig. 36
Fig. 36
Fig. 36
Fig. 36
Fig. 36
Fig. 36
Fig. 36
Fig. 36
Fig. 36 Ampere
20
20
20
10
15
15
30
10
10
10
10
10
7,5
15
20
15
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
10
7.5
7.5
7.5 Fuse no.
F 64
F 64
F 64
F 65
F 43
F 44
F 55
F 53
F 53
F 53
F 39
F 39
F 33
F 32
F 52
F 49
F 12
F 12
F 13
F 13
F 24
F 24
F 24
F 51
F 25
F 35
F 35
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.