2008 FIAT DUCATO warning light

203
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE VEHICLE
IN AN
EMERGENCY
VEHICLE
MAINTENANCEIMPORTANTThe charge in the battery
should be checked at the start of winter
to limit the risk of electrolyte freezing.
This check should be carried out more
frequently if the vehicle is used mainly for
short trips, or if it is fitted with accessories
that permanently absorb electricity even
with the ignition key removed, especially
in the case of after market accessories.
fig. 12F0N0110m
Bright whiteTop up electrolyte Contact Fiat
colourDealership
Dark colourLow charge level Charge the battery
without green area (advisable to
in the centrecontact Fiat Dealership)
Dark colour Electrolyte level and No action
with green area charge sufficient
in the centre
CHANGING THE BATTERY
If required, replace the battery with a gen-
uine spare part having the same specifi-
cations.
If a battery with different specifications is
fitted, the service intervals given in the
“Service schedule” in this section will no
longer be valid.
Refer therefore to the instructions pro-
vided by the battery manufacturer.Incorrect fitting of electrical
and electronic accessories can
seriously damage the vehicle.
If after buying the vehicle, you
want to install electric accessories
which require permanent electric sup-
ply (alarm, free-hand phone kit, etc.)
contact Fiat Dealership whose qualified
personnel, in addition to suggesting the
most suitable devices, will evaluate the
overall electric absorption, checking
whether the vehicle electric system is
capable of withstanding the load re-
quired, or whether it should be inte-
grated with a more powerful battery.
Batteries contain substances
that are very harmful for the
environment. You are advised
to have the battery changed
at a Fiat Dealership, which is properly
equipped for disposing of used batter-
ies respecting nature and the law.
If the vehicle is left inactive
for long periods at cold, re-
move the battery and store it in a
warm place to prevent freezing.
WARNING
IMPORTANT When a tachograph is fit-
ted and the vehicle has been parked for
longer than 5 days, it is advisable to dis-
connect the battery negative terminal to
preserve the charge status.
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204
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE VEHICLE
IN AN
EMERGENCY
VEICHLE
MAINTENANCE
❒do not keep accessories (e.g.: sound
system, hazard lights, etc.) switched on
for a long time when the engine is not
running;
❒before performing any operation on
the electrical system, disconnect the
battery negative cable;
❒battery terminals shall always be per-
fectly tightened.
IMPORTANT A battery which is kept at
a charge of less than 50% (optical indica-
tor with dark colour without green area
in the middle) for any length of time will
be damaged by sulphation leading to a re-
duction in cranking power.
Moreover, this might lead to a higher risk
of the battery electrolyte freezing (this
may even occur at –10° C). If the vehicle
is inactive for a long period of time, refer
to “Vehicle inactivity”, in section “Correct
use of the vehicle”. USEFUL ADVICE FOR
LENGTHENING THE LIFE OF
YOUR BATTERY
To avoid draining your battery and length-
en its life, observe the following indica-
tions:
❒when you park the vehicle, ensure the
doors are closed properly. The ceiling
lights must be off;
❒turn the ceiling lights off. The vehicle
however, is provided with an auto-
matic system for switching off internal
lights;
When working on the bat-
tery or near it, always wear
the proper goggles.
WARNINGIf after buying the vehicle, you want to in-
stall electric accessories which require
permanent electric supply (alarm, etc.)
contact Fiat Dealership whose qualified
personnel, in addition to suggesting the
most suitable devices, will evaluate the
overall electric absorption, checking
whether the vehicle’s electric system is ca-
pable of withstanding the load required,
or whether it should be integrated with
a more powerful battery.
In fact, since these devices continue ab-
sorbing energy even when the ignition key
is off, they gradually run down the battery.
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205
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE VEHICLE
IN AN
EMERGENCY
VEHICLE
MAINTENANCE
WHEELS AND TYRES
Check the pressure of each tyre, includ-
ing the spare, every two weeks and before
long journeys. The pressure should be
checked with the tyre rested and cold.
It is normal for pressure to rise when you
are driving. For the correct tyre inflation
pressure, see “Wheels” in section “Tech-
nical specifications”.
Incorrect pressure causes abnormal tyre
wearfig. 13:
Anormal pressure: tread evenly worn.
Blow pressure: tread particularly worn
at the edges.
Chigh pressure: tread particularly worn
in the centre.
Tyres must be replaced when the tread
wears down to 1.6 mm. In any case, com-
ply with the laws in the country where the
vehicle is being driven.
fig. 13F0N0111m
IMPORTANT NOTES
❒As far as possible, avoid sharp brak-
ing and screech starts etc. Be careful
not to hit the kerb, potholes or oth-
er obstacles hard. Driving for long
stretches over bumpy roads can dam-
age 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 the vehicle when
travelling: this may cause serious dam-
age to the wheels and tyres;
❒if a tyre is punctured, stop immediately
and change it to avoid damage to the
tyre, the rim, suspensions and steer-
ing system;
❒tyres age even if they are not used
much. Cracks in the tread rubber are
a sign of ageing. In any case, if the
tyres have been on the vehicle for
over 6 years, they should be checked
by specialised personnel, to see if they
can still be used. Also remember to
check the spare wheel;
❒in the case of replacement, always fit
new tyres, avoiding those of dubious
origin;
❒if a tyre is changed, also change the in-
flation valve;
❒to allow even wear between the front
and rear tyres, it is advisable to change
them over every 10-15 thousand kilo-
metres, keeping them on the same
side of the vehicle so as to not reverse
the direction of rotation.
Remember that road holding
depends also on the correct
tyre inflating pressure.
WARNING
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206
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE VEHICLE
IN AN
EMERGENCY
VEICHLE
MAINTENANCE
WINDSCREEN
BLADES
Periodically clean the rubber part using
special products; TUTELA PROFES-
SIONAL SC 35is recommended.
If the rubber blades are bent or worn they
should be replaced. In any case they should
be changed once a year.
A few simple notions can reduce the pos-
sibility of damage to the blades:
❒if the temperature fall below zero,
make sure that ice has not frozen the
rubber against glass. If necessary, thaw
using an antifreeze product;
❒remove any snow from the glass: in ad-
dition to protecting the blades, this
prevents effort on the motor and
overheating;
❒do not operate the windscreen
wipers on dry glass.
Driving with worn wiper
blades is a serious hazard,
because visibility is reduced in bad
weather.
WARNING
RUBBER HOSES
As far as the brake system and fuel rubber
hoses are concerned, carefully follow the
“Service schedule” in this section.
Indeed ozone, high temperatures and pro-
longed lack of fluid in the system may
cause hardening and cracking of the hoses,
with possible leaks. Careful control is
therefore necessary.If the pressure is too low the
tyre overheats and this can
cause it serious damage.
WARNING
Do not cross switch the
tyres, moving them from the
right of the vehicle to the left and vice
versa.
WARNING
Never submit alloy rims to
repainting treatments re-
quiring to use temperatures exceed-
ing 150°C since the mechanical prop-
erties of the wheels could be im-
paired.
WARNING
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207
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE VEHICLE
IN AN
EMERGENCY
VEHICLE
MAINTENANCE
Changing the windscreen wiper
blades fig. 14
Proceed as follows:
❒raise the windscreen wiper arm Aand
set the blade at 90° with the arm;
❒remove the snap-fitted blade Bfrom
the arm A;
❒refit the new blade and lock it.
fig. 14F0N0137m
SPRAY NOZZLES
Windscreen wiper fig. 15
If the jet of fluid is inadequate, firstly check
that there is fluid in the reservoir: see
“Checking fluid levels” in this section.
Then check that the nozzle holes are not
clogged, if necessary use a needle.
The windscreen jets are directed by ad-
justing the angle of the nozzles using the
special screwdriver.
Fluid jets shall be directed at about
1/3height from the window upper edge.
fig. 15F0N0112m
HEADLIGHT WASHERS
Regularly check that the spray jets are in-
tact and clean.
The headlight washers are automatically
switched on when the windscreen wash-
er is operated and the headlights are on.
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208
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE VEHICLE
IN AN
EMERGENCY
VEICHLE
MAINTENANCE
BODY AND UNDERBODY
WARRANTY
Your vehicle is covered by warranty
against perforation due to rust of any orig-
inal element of the structure or body.
For the general terms of this warranty, re-
fer to Fiat Warranty Booklet.
ADVICE FOR PRESERVING THE
BODYWORK
Paint
Paintwork does not only serve an aesteth-
ic purpose, but also protects the under-
lying sheet metal.
In the case of deep scrapes or scores, you
are advised to have the necessary touching
up carried out immediately to avoid the for-
mation of rust. For touching up use only
original products (see “Bodywork paint
identification plate” in section “Technical
specifications”).
Normal paint maintenance consists in
washing at intervals depending on the con-
ditions and environment of use. For exam-
ple, in highly polluted areas, or if the roads
are sprayed with salt, it is wise to wash the
vehicle more frequently. These include:
❒Painting products and systems which
give the vehicle particular resistance
to corrosion and abrasion;
❒Use of galvanised (or pretreated)
steel sheets, with high resistance to
corrosion;
❒Spraying the underbody, engine com-
partment, wheelhouse internal parts
and other parts with highly protective
wax products;
❒Spraying of plastic parts, with a pro-
tective function, in the more exposed
points: underdoor, inner fender parts,
edges, etc;
❒Use of “open” boxed sections to pre-
vent condensation and pockets of
moisture from triggering rust inside.
BODYWORK
PROTECTION FROM
ATMOSPHERIC AGENTS
The main causes of corrosion are the fol-
lowing:
❒atmospheric pollution;
❒salty air and humidity (coastal areas,
or hot humid climates);
❒seasonal environment conditions.
Not to be underestimated is also the abra-
sive action of wind-borne atmospheric
dust and sand and mud and gravel raised
by other vehicles.
On your vehicle, Fiat implemented the
best manufacturing technologies to effec-
tively protect the bodywork against cor-
rosion.
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209
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE VEHICLE
IN AN
EMERGENCY
VEHICLE
MAINTENANCE
To correctly wash the vehicle:
❒remove the aerial from the roof to
prevent damage to it if the vehicle is
washed in an automatic system;
❒wash the body using a low pressure jet
of water;
❒wipe a sponge with a slightly soapy so-
lution over the bodywork, frequently
rinsing with the sponge;
❒rinse well with water and dry with a
jet of air or a chamois leather.
When drying, take particular care with the
less visible parts like door surrounds, bon-
net and around the headlights where wa-
ter may stagnate. The vehicle should not
be taken to a closed area immediately, but
left in the open so that residual water can
evaporate.Do not wash the vehicle after it has been
left in the sun or with the bonnet hot: this
may alter the shine of the paintwork.
Exterior plastic parts must be cleaned in
the same way as the rest of the vehicle.
Where possible, do not park under trees;
the resinous substance many species re-
lease give the paint a dull appearance and
increase the possibility of triggering rust
processes.
For best paint protection, from time to
time polish the bodywork with special
waxes; when paint becomes mat due to
smog, polish the bodywork with polish
waxes that have also a light abrasive effect.
IMPORTANT Bird droppings must be
washed off immediately and thoroughly as
the acid they contain is particularly ag-
gressive.
Detergents cause water pollu-
tion. Therefore the engine
compartment should be
washed in areas equipped for
collecting and purifying the liquid used
in the washing process.
Windows
Use specific window cleaner products.
Use also clean cloths to avoid scratching
the glass or damaging the transparency.
IMPORTANT The inside of the rearscreen
should be wiped gently with a cloth in the
direction of the filaments to avoid damag-
ing the heating device.
Engine compartment
At the end of the winter the engine com-
partment should be carefully washed,
without directing the jet against electron-
ic control units. Contact a specialised
workshop to have this done.
IMPORTANT The vehicle should be
washed with the engine cold and the ig-
nition key at STOP. After washing make
sure that the various protections (e.g. rub-
ber caps and various covers) have not
been damaged or removed.
Front headlights
IMPORTANT Never use aromatic sub-
stances (e.g.: petrol) or ketones (e.g.: ace-
tone) for cleaning front headlight plastic
lens.
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210
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND CONTROLS
SAFETY
DEVICES
CORRECT USE
OF THE VEHICLE
IN AN
EMERGENCY
VEICHLE
MAINTENANCE
Fabric upholstery of your Fiat
Ducato is purpose-made to
withstand common wear re-
sulting from normal use of the
vehicle. It is however absolutely neces-
sary to prevent hard and/or prolonged
scratching/scraping caused by clothing
accessories like metallic buckles, studs,
“Velcro” fixings, etc. that stressing lo-
cally the fabric could break yarns and
damage the upholstery as a conse-
quence.
INTERIOR PLASTIC PARTS CLEANING SEATS AND FABRIC
AND VELVET PARTS
Use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner to re-
move dust. Velvet is cleaned better if the
brush is moistened.
Rub the seats with a sponge moistened
with a solution of water and neutral de-
tergent.Never use flammable prod-
ucts like oil ether or rectified
petrol for cleaning vehicle interiors.
Electrostatic discharges generated by
rubbing during cleaning operations
could cause fire.
WARNING
Do not keep aerosol cans in
the vehicle: they might ex-
plode. Aerosol cans must never be ex-
posed to a temperature above 50° C.
The temperature inside the vehicle
exposed to the sun may go well be-
yond that figure.
WARNING
INTERIORS
Periodically check that water is not trapped
under the mats (due to water dripping off
shoes, umbrellas, etc.) which could cause
oxidisation of the sheet metal.STEERING WHEEL/GEAR LEVER
KNOB WITH GENUINE
LEATHER COVERING
These components shall only be cleaned
with water and neutral soap.
Never use spirit or alcohol-based prod-
ucts.
Before using special products for clean-
ing interiors, read carefully label instruc-
tions and indications to make sure they
are free from spirit and/or alcohol-based
substances.
If when cleaning the windscreen with spe-
cial glass products, some drops fall on the
leather covering of the steering wheel/gear
lever knob remove them immediately and
then clean with water and neutral soap.
IMPORTANT Take the utmost care when
engaging the steering lock to prevent
scratching the leather covering.
For routine cleaning of interior plastic parts
use a soft cloth moistened with water and
neutral soap. Remove grease or persisting
stains using appropriate solvent-free prod-
ucts designed to preserve appearance and
colour of plastic components.
IMPORTANT Never use spirit or petro-
leum to clean the instrument panel.
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