176VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
Furthermore, remember that high in-
take electric devices (such as baby bot-
tle warmers, vacuum cleaners, cellular
phones, mini-fridges, etc.) powered
when the engine is offcan deploy
the battery.
IMPORTANTWhen installing ad-
ditional systems on the vehicle, bear
in mind that improper branches on
connections of the vehicle wiring are
dangerous, particularly if safety devices
are involved.
Battery
60 Ah
88 Ah
100 Ah
The total intake of these systems
(factory and after-market) must be
less than 0.6 mA x Ah (of the bat-
tery) as shown in the following table:
Maximum
admitted stand-by
intake
36 mA
52.8 mA
60 mA
If the vehicle is inactive for a long pe-
riod of time, refer to the “Vehicle stor-
age” paragraph in section “Getting the
best out of you vehicle”.
Before performing any operation on
the electrical system, disconnect the
battery negative cable.
Battery terminals shall always be
perfectly separated.
If you want to add accessories after
buying the vehicle (antitheft system,
free-hand phone kit, radio navigator,
etc.) visit a Fiat Dealership. They
can suggest the most suitable acces-
sories to get and check whether the
electric system can support the
required load or whether a higher
capacity battery is required.
These devices will, in fact, run off
the battery even when the key is not
inserted (vehicle parked, engine off).
177VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
ELECTRONIC
CONTROL UNIT
When the vehicle is being used nor-
mally, special measures are not nec-
essary.
The following instructions must be
followed very carefully however, if
you work on the electrical system or
in cases where emergency starting is
necessary:
– never disconnect the battery from
the electric system while the engine is
running;
– disconnect the battery from the
electric system if you are recharging it;
– never perform emergency starting
with a battery charger. Always use an
auxiliary battery;
– be particularly careful when con-
necting the battery to the electric sys-
tem. Make sure that the polarity is
correct and that the connection is ef-
ficient;
– do not connect or disconnect the
terminals of the electronic units while
the ignition key is at MAR;
– do not check polarity through
sparking;– disconnect the electronic control
units if you are electrically welding the
vehicle body. Remove the units if tem-
peratures exceed 80 °C (special op-
erations on the bodywork, etc.).
IMPORTANTIf the sound system
or vehicle alarm systems are not in-
stalled correctly, they can interfere
with the working of the electronic
control units.
Modifications or repairs to
the electrical system car-
ried out incorrectly and without
bearing the features of the system
in mind can cause malfunctions
with the risk of fire.
WARNING
SPEED LIMITER
On certain version, the injection con-
trol unit is set to limit the vehicle
speed at a max. preset limit.
Speed limits are the following:
– for Minibus versions (M2 homolo-
gation category): 100 km/h;
– for good Transport versions (ve-
hicle dead weight: > 3.5 t) (N2 ho-
mologation category): 90 km/h;
Label (fig.16) with admitted top
speed (90 or 100 km/h according to
versions) is applied on the wind-
screen.
This limit has been established by Eu-
ropean Directive 2002/85/EC, what-
ever violation is therefore punishable
by law.
IMPORTANTWhen the device
comes into action, the speed value
displayed on the instrument panel
could be approx. 10% higher than the
actual one.
fig. 16
F0D0299m
178VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
WHEELS AND
TYRES
Check the pressure of each tyre, in-
cluding the spare, every two weeks
and before long journeys.
The pressure must be checked when
the tyre is rested and cold.
It is normal for pressure to rise
when you are driving. If you have to
check or restore the pressure when
the tyres are warm, remember that
the pressure value must be 0.3 bar
above the specified value.
See “Wheels” in “Technical specifi-
cations” chapter for the correct tyre
inflation pressure.Wrong pressure causes uneven
wear of the tyres fig. 17:
A- correct pressure: tyre wears
evenly
B- under-inflated tyre: shoulder
tread wear
C- over-inflated tyre: centre tread
wear.IMPORTANTAs far as possible
avoid sharp braking and screech starts.
Be careful not to hit the kerb, pot-
holes or other obstacles. Driving for
long stretches over bumpy roads can
damage the tyres.
Periodically check that the tyres have
no cuts in the side wall, abnormal
swelling or irregular tyre wear. If any
of these occur, have the vehicle seen
to at a Fiat Dealership.
Avoid overloading your vehicle: this
can seriously damage wheels or tyres.
If you get a flat tyre, stop immedi-
ately and change it so as not to dam-
age the tyre, the wheel, the suspen-
sion and the steering.
fig. 17
F0D0027m
If the pressure is too low,
the tyre overheats and this
can cause it serious damage.
WARNING
Tyre pressure must be cor-
rect to ensure good road
holding.
WARNING
Tyres must be replaced when the
tread wears down to 1.6 mm. In any
case, comply with the laws in the coun-
try where the vehicle is being driven.
179VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
Tyres age even if they are not used
very much. Cracking of the tread rub-
ber and the side walls are a sign of this
ageing. In any case, if the tyres have
been fitted for more than six years
they should be examined by an expert
who can judge whether they are still
fit for use. Remember to check the
spare tyre particularly carefully too.
If a replacement is necessary, always
use new tyres and avoid using ones
the origin of which you are not cer-
tain about.
The Ducato uses tubeless tyres. Un-
der no circumstances use an inner
tube with these tyres.
If you replace a tyre it is a good idea
to change the inflation valve, too.To ensure the front and rear tyres all
wear evenly, you are advised to change
the tyres over every 10 - 15 thousand
kilometres keeping them on the same
side of the vehicle so as not to reverse
the direction of rotation.RUBBER TUBING
Follow the Service Schedule carefully
in the case of braking and fuel supply
system rubber tubing.
Ozone, high temperatures and long
absence of fluid in the system can in
fact cause the hardening and cracking
of the pipes with possible loss of fluid.
A careful check is therefore essential.
Do not change the tyres
over in criss-cross fashion
by moving a tyre from the left-hand
side of the vehicle to the right and
vice versa.
WARNING
Never submit alloy rims to
repainting treatments re-
quiring to use temperatures ex-
ceeding 150°C since the mechani-
cal properties of the wheels could
be impaired.
WARNING
181VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
SPRAY NOZZLES
Windscreen washer
If there is no jet of liquid, first make
sure that there is liquid in the reser-
voir: see “Checking fluid levels” in this
section. Then make sure that the
holes in the nozzles are not clogged
upfig. 19. Use a pin to open the noz-
zles if necessary. The windscreen jets
are directed by adjusting the inclina-
tion of nozzles. Direct the spray so
that it reaches the highest point
reached by the brushes.Headlight washer
If there is no jet of liquid, first make
sure that there is liquid in the reser-
voir. Then make sure that the holes
in the nozzles fig. 20are not clogged
up. Use a pin to open the nozzles if
necessary.BODYWORK
PROTECTING THE VEHICLE
FROM ATMOSPHERIC
AGENTS
The main causes of rust are:
– atmospheric pollution;
– salt and humidity in the atmos-
phere (coastal or very hot and humid
areas);
– environmental conditions that are
specific to the season.
In addition, the abrasiveness of dust
in the atmosphere and sand carried by
the wind as well as mud and stones
kicked up by other vehicles must not
be underestimated.
For your vehicle, Fiat has used lead-
ing-edge technological solutions to ef-
fectively protect the body from rust.
These are the most important:
– painting systems and products that
make the vehicle particularly resistant
to rust and scratching;
fig. 20
F0D0122m
fig. 19
F0D0125m
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
215TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
FUEL SUPPLY/IGNITION
Petrol version
Electronic Multipoint sequential
phased integrated electronic injection
and ignition; a single injection system
controls both functions. It processes
both the time the injection lasts (for
fuel metering) and the ignition advance
angle.FUEL SUPPLY
JTD/JTD POWER versions
UNIJET (Common Rail) electronic
control direct injection, turbosuper-
charger with WASTEGATE valve and
intercooler (2.3 JTD, 2.8 JTD and 2.8
JTD POWER versions).SPARK PLUGS
The cleanness and soundness of the
spark plugs are very important for
keeping the engine efficient and pol-
luting emissions down.
The appearance of the spark plug, if
examined by an expert eyes, is a good
way of pinpointing a problem even if it
has nothing to do with the ignition sys-
tem. Therefore, if the engine has prob-
lems, it is important to have the spark
plugs checked at a Fiat Dealership.
The spark plugs must be
changed at the times
specified in the
SERVICE
SCHEDULE
. Only use the type of
plugs indicated: if the heat ratio
is less than required or the life
specified is not guaranteed, prob-
lems can arise.
Modifications or repairs to
the fuel feed system that
are not carried out properly or do
not take the system’s technical
specifications into account can
cause malfunctions leading to the
risk of fire.
WARNING
220TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
COLD TYRE INFLATION PRESSURE (bar)
Version
11
All types
Camping Car
15
All types (**)
2.8 JTD POWER
Camping Car
MAXI
All types (**)
2.8 JTD POWER
Camping Car
(*) 4.75 bar for vehicles with maximum admitted load on rear axle over 2000 kg.
(**) Except 2.8 JTD POWER versions
For warm tyres the pressure should be +0.3 bar in relation to the prescribed value.
Check again the correct pressure when the tyres are cold.Tyre
195/70 R15C 103/101 Q
205/70 R15C 106/104 Q
215/70 R15C 109/107 Q Camping
205/70 R15C 106/104 Q
205/70 R15C 106/104 R
215/70 R15C 109/107 Q Camping
205/75 R16C 110/108 Q
215/75 R16C 113/111 Q
205/75 R16C 110/108 R
215/75 R16C 113/111 R
215/75 R16C 113/111 Q Camping Rim
6J x 15” - H2
6J x 15” - H2
6J x 15” - H2
6J x 15” - H2
6J x 15” - H2
6J x 16” - H2
6J x 16” - H2
6J x 16” - H2Inflation pressure (bar)
Unladen and fully loaded
Front
4.0
4.0
5.0
4.1
4.1
5.0
4.5
4.5
4.5
4.5
5.5Rear
4.0
4.0
5.0
4.5
4.5
5.0
4.5 (*)
4.5
4.5 (*)
4.5
5.5