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SUPPLEMENTARY HEATER
INDEPENDENT
(for markets/versions, where provided)
The vehicle is available, on request, with two different
independent heaters: one fully automatic, the other
which can be programmed.
AUTOMATIC VERSION
The additional heater is turned on in automatic mode
when the engine is started and the required outside
temperature and coolant conditions are present.
Deactivation is always automatic.
IMPORTANT During periods with low outdoor
temperatures when the device cuts in, check that the
fuel level is always higher than the reserve level.
Otherwise the device could lock and require the
assistance of a Fiat Dealership.
The heater burns fuel in the same way
as the engine, though to a lesser extent.
To prevent poisoning and asphyxiation, the
supplementary heater must never be turned on,
even for short periods, in closed environments
such as a garage or workshops without
extraction fans for the exhaust gases.
WARNING
PROGRAMMABLE VERSION
The additional heater operates completely
independently of engine operation and allows the
following:
❒heating the vehicle passenger compartment with the
engine off;
❒defrosting the windows;
❒heating the engine coolant and consequently the
engine itself prior to starting.
The system consists of:
❒a diesel burner to heat the water with an exhaust
silencer for the combustion gases;
❒a metering pump connected to the vehicle tank
pipes, to supply the burner;
❒a heat exchanger connected to the engine cooling
system pipes;
❒a control unit connected to the passenger
compartment heating/ventilation system to allow
automatic operation;
❒an electronic control unit for control and operation
of the burner in the heater;
❒a digital timer A-fig. 55 for turning the heater on
manually or programming the time it comes on.
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IMPORTANT Before switching the device on, check
that the fuel level is higher than the reserve level.
Otherwise the device could lock and require the
assistance of a Fiat Dealership.
❒Always turn off the heater when refuelling and near
service stations to avoid the risk of explosion or fire
hazards.
❒Do not park the vehicle on inflammable material
such as paper, grass or dry leaves: fire hazard!
❒The temperature near the heater should not exceed
120 °C (e.g. during stove painting in a body shop).
The electronic control unit components may be
damaged at higher temperatures.
❒Whilst the heater is operating with the engine
switched off, it absorbs energy from the battery; the
engine should therefore be left running for a while to
make sure that the battery is properly recharged.
❒To check the coolant level, follow the instructions in
the “Vehicle maintenance” chapter in the “Engine
coolant system fluid” paragraph. The water in the
heating circuit must contain a minimum percentage
of 10% antifreeze.
❒For maintenance and repairs, only contact Fiat
Dealerships and only use genuine spare parts.
F0N0233mfig. 61
MAINTENANCE
Have the additional heater checked regularly at a Fiat
Dealership (and always at the start of every winter).
This will guarantee safe and economic operation of the
heater as well as a long duration.
ADDITIONAL REAR HEATING
(Panorama and Combi)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
The Panorama and Combi versions have a main heating
system plus an additional one (on request) with the
controls in the roof lining above the second row of
seats, fig. 61.
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TRACTION PLUS SYSTEM
(for versions/markets, where provided)
Traction Plus is a help with driving and setting off in
poor grip conditions (snow, ice, mud, etc.) which allows
the drive force to be evenly distributed over the same
axle when both wheels are slipping.
In effect, Traction Plus acts by braking the wheels with
poor grip (or those slipping more than the others),
thereby transferring the drive force to those which have
more grip on the ground.
This function can be turned on manually by pressing the
T+ button fig. 130 on the dashboard and works below a
level of 30 km/h. Over this speed, it is automatically
deactivated (the LED on the button is still on) and it is
reactivated again when the speed is below 30 km/h.Traction Plus operation
The system is deactivated when starting up. To activate
the “Traction Plus” system, press the button
(T+ fig. 130): the LED on the button switches on.
The activation of the Traction Plus system involves the
following functions being switched on:
❒inhibition of the ASR function, in order to fully
exploit the engine torque;
❒the differential locking effect on the front axle,
through the braking system, to improve traction on
irregular grounds.
If the “Traction Plus” system is faulty, the “general
failure” instrument panel warning light ácomes on
steady.
F0N0509mfig. 130
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F0N0122mfig. 142
Under no circumstances should the seat
belt and pretensioner components be
removed or tampered with. Any operations
must be carried out by qualified and authorised
personnel only. Always go to a Fiat Dealership.
WARNING
If the belt has been subjected to high
levels of stress, for example after an
accident, it should be changed completely
together with the attachments, fixing screws
and the pretensioner. In fact, even if the belt
has no visible defects, it could have lost its
resilience.
WARNING
Each seat belt must be worn by one
person only; passengers should not have
babies or children on their lap and use the belts
to protect both of them fig 142. In general, do
not use the seat belts to hold any object against
the body.
WARNING
HOW TO MAINTAIN THE SEAT BELTS
IN EFFICIENT CONDITIONS
For keeping the seat belts in efficient conditions,
observe the following:
❒always use the belts with the strap well stretched
and never twisted; make sure that it is free to run
without impediments;
❒after a serious accident, replace the belt even if it
does not appear damaged. Always replace the belt if
the pretensioners were deployed;
❒to clean the belts, wash by hand with water and mild
soap, rinse and leave to dry in the shade. Never use
strong detergents, bleach, paints or any other
substance which could damage the belt fibres;
❒prevent the reels from getting wet: their correct
operation is only guaranteed if water does not get
inside;
❒replace the seat belt when they demonstrate
significant wear or cuts.
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IMPORTANT For versions with right and left side flaps,
it is advisable to reposition the release lever in the
closed position before lowering the sides.
LOAD ADVICE
The Fiat Ducato version used by you has been designed
and type approved on the basis of certain maximum
weights (see “Weights” table in the “Technical Data”
section): kerb weight, payload, total weight, maximum
weight on front axle, maximum weight on rear axle,
towable weight.
Each of these must be strictly observed
and MUST NEVER BE EXCEEDED in
any case. In particular, ensure that you never
exceed the maximum permitted weights on the
front and rear axles when arranging the load on
the vehicle (particularly if the vehicle is
equipped with a specific trim level).
WARNING
IMPORTANT The maximum permitted load on the
floor fastenings is 500 kg; the maximum permitted load
on the side panel is 150 kg.
Irregular trajectories and abrupt braking
may cause sudden movements of the
load with consequent situations of hazard for
the driver and passengers: before setting off,
secure the load tightly using the appropriate
hooks on the floor and use steel cables, ropes
or chains strong enough to hold the items to be
secured.
WARNING
If a vehicle is parked on a very steep
gradient or with a side gradient, opening
the rear door or side door could cause any
unsecured items to emerge suddenly.
WARNING
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CONTAINING RUNNING COSTS
Here are some suggestions which may help you to keep
the running costs of your vehicle down and lower the
amount of toxic emissions released into the
atmosphere.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Vehicle maintenance
Have checks and adjustments carried out in accordance
with the “Scheduled Servicing Plan”.
Tyres
Check the pressure of the tyres routinely at an interval
of no more than 4 weeks: if the pressure is too low,
consumption levels increase as resistance to rolling is
higher.
Unnecessary loads
Do not travel with an overloaded boot. The weight of
the vehicle (especially when driving in town) and its
geometry greatly affect fuel consumption and stability.
Roof rack/ski rack
Remove the roof rack or the ski rack from the roof
after use. These accessories decrease aerodynamic
penetration of the vehicle and have a negative effect on
fuel consumption. It is better to use a trailer, particularly
for transporting bulky objects. In addition to these general precautions, some simple
precautions can improve driving safety, travelling
comfort and vehicle durability:
❒distribute the load evenly over the floor: if it is
necessary to concentrate it in a single area, choose
an area mid-way between both axles;
❒remember that the lower the load, the lower the
vehicle’s centre of gravity, making for a safer drive:
therefore always position the heaviest goods lower
down;
❒lastly, remember that the vehicle’s dynamic
behaviour is affected by the weight transported:
in particular, the stopping distances are longer,
especially at high speed.
If you wish to carry petrol in a reserve
tank, observe the legal restrictions and
only use a tank that is type approved and
properly secured to the load anchorage
eyebolts. However, the risk of fire in the event
of an accident increases.
WARNING
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Unnecessary actions
Avoid accelerating when starting at traffic lights or
before switching off the engine. The latter action, like
doubling the clutch, is unnecessary and causes increase
of consumption and pollution.
Gear selection
Use a higher gear as soon as traffic and road conditions
allow. Using a low gear for faster acceleration will increase
consumption. In the same way improper use of a high gear
increases consumption, emissions an engine wear.
Max. speed
Fuel consumption considerably increases with speed.
Keep your speed as even as possible, avoiding unnecessary
braking and acceleration, which cause excessive fuel
consumption and increased emissions.
Acceleration
Accelerating violently will greatly affect consumption and
emissions: acceleration should therefore be gradual and
should not exceed the maximum torque. Electric devices
Use electric devices only for the amount of time
needed. Rear heated window, additional headlights,
windscreen wipers and heater fan need a considerable
amount of energy, therefore increasing the requirement
of current increases fuel consumption (up to +25% in
the urban cycle).
Climate control system
The climate control system is an additional load which
greatly affects the engine leading to higher consumption
(on average up to +20%). When the temperature
outside the car permits it, use the air vents where
possible.
Devices for aerodynamic control
The use of non-certified devices for aerodynamic
control may adversely affect air drag and consumption
levels.
DRIVING STYLE
Starting
Do not warm the engine with the vehicle at a standstill or
at idle or high speed: under these conditions the engine
warms up much more slowly, increasing consumption and
emissions. It is therefore advisable to move off
immediately, slowly, avoiding high speeds. This way the
engine will warm faster.
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TOWING TRAILERS
IMPORTANT NOTES
The vehicle must be provided with a type-approved tow
hook and adequate electrical system to tow caravans or
trailers. Installation should be carried out by specialised
personnel who will issue the required papers for
travelling on roads.
Install any specific and/or additional rear view mirrors as
specified by the Highway Code.
Remember that when towing a trailer, steep hills are
harder to climb, the braking spaces increase and
overtaking takes longer depending on the overall weight.
Engage a low gear when driving downhill, rather than
constantly using the brake.
The weight of the trailer on the vehicle tow hook will
reduce the loading capacity of the vehicle by the same
amount. Consider the weight of the trailer fully laden,
including accessories and luggage, to make sure you do
not exceed the maximum towable weight (shown on
the vehicle registration document).
Do not exceed the speed limits specific for each country
you are driving in, in the case of vehicles towing trailers.
In any case, the top speed must not exceed 100 km/h.
Fit a suitable towing stabiliser to the trailer to be towed. CONDITIONS OF USE
Cold starting
Short journeys and frequent cold starts will prevent the
engine from reaching optimal running temperature.
Consequently, both consumption (from +15 to +30% on
urban cycle ) and emissions will increase.
Traffic and road conditions
Rather high consumption levels are linked to situations
with heavy traffic, for instance when travelling in queues
with frequent use of the lower gears or in cities with
many traffic lights. Winding mountain roads and rough
road surfaces also adversely affect consumption.
Traffic hold-ups
During prolonged hold-ups (e.g. level crossings) the
engine should be switched off.