2006 FIAT DUCATO neutral

113GETTING THE BEST OUT OF YOUR VEHICLE
N - Neutral
This corresponds to the neutral po-
sition of a standard manual gearbox.
This position is to be used if the ve-
hicle is to be pushed or towed.
With the engine idling and
the gearshift lever at N the
vehicle tends to move by inertia if
it is not on a level surface: keep the
brake pedal pressed when the lever
is at N.
WARNING
D - Forward gear
This is the position to be used when
driving forward normally. The elec-
tronic control unit controls automat-
ic engagement of the 4 gears depend-
ing on the position of the accelerator,
driving speed, engine rpm, longitudinal
and transversal acceleration and the
type of road.
The electronic gearbox can chose
between different operating pro-
grammes, which range between com-
fortable economy driving and sporty
driving coming into operation between
the lowest and the highest speed.
Pressing the accelerator pedal quick-
ly the gearbox will immediately select
the sportier programme to meet the
request for increased performance. To
disengage the function release the ac-
celerator by at least 1/4 of the stroke. In the same way, during braking a
lower gear is engaged to better exploit
the braking action of the engine. If
there is another bend the new ratio
will be engaged already when slowing
down before the bend, this way at the
end of the bend the gearbox will not
have to shift gear to cope with accel-
eration.
Kickdown
To obtain optimum acceleration, for
example when overtaking, the gearbox
will kickdown by two gears simply by
quickly pressing fully home the accel-
erator pedal (in 1/10 of a second).
Engagement of the next longer ratio
will take place when the maximum
rpm limit is reached.
With the engine at idle
speed and the gearshift
lever at D, the vehicle tends to move
also on a level surface: keep the
brake pedal pressed until moving off.
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.

184VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
INTERIORS
From time to time check that water
has not collected under the mats
(from dripping shoes, umbrellas, etc.)
which could cause the steel to rust.
CLEANING SEATS
AND FABRICS
Remove dust with a soft brush and
vacuum cleaner. For velvet seats use
a damp brush.
Brush the seats with a damp sponge
with water and neutral soap.PLASTIC PARTS INSIDE
THE VEHICLE
Clean plastic parts with damp cloth
with water and non-abrasive neutral
soap. To remove grease or hard
stains, use special solvent-free prod-
ucts designed not to alter the appear-
ance and colour of components.
IMPORTANTDo not use alcohol
or petrol to clean the instrument
panel.
Never use flammable prod-
ucts (petroleum ether or
petrol) to clean the inside of the ve-
hicle. Electrostatic charges gener-
ated by rubbing while cleaning
could cause fires.
WARNING
Do not keep aerosol cans in
the vehicle. There is the risk
they might explode. Aerosol cans
must never be exposed to a tem-
perature above 50°C; when the
weather starts to get hot the tem-
perature inside the vehicle might go
well beyond that figure.
WARNING