2012 FIAT DUCATO tow

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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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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.

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INSTALLING THE TOW HOOK
The towing device should be fastened to the body by
specialised personnel according to any additional and/or
integrative information supplied by the Manufacturer of
the device.
The towing device must meet current regulations with
reference to Directive 94/20/EEC and subsequent
amendments.
For any version the towing device used must match the
towable weight of the vehicle on which it is to be
installed.
For the electric connection a standard connector should
be used which is generally placed on a special bracket
normally fastened to the towing device, and a special
ECU for external trailer light control must be installed
on the vehicle. For the electrical connection, 7 or 13 pin
12 V DC connections are to be used (CUNA/UNI and
ISO/DIN Standards). Follow the instructions provided by
the vehicle manufacturer and/or the tow hitch
manufacturer.
An electric brake or other device should be supplied
directly by the battery through a cable with a cross
section of no less than 2.5 mm
2.
The ABS device with which the vehicle
may be equipped will not control the
braking system of the trailer. Particular caution
is required on slippery roads.
WARNING
Never modify the braking system of the
vehicle to control the trailer brake. The
trailer braking system must be fully independent
from the hydraulic system of the vehicle.
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IMPORTANT The engine must be running to use the
electric brake or a winch.
In addition to the electrical branches, the vehicle’s
electric system can only be connected to the supply
cable for an electric brake and to the cable for an
internal light, though not above 15 W. For connections
use the preset control unit with battery cable no less
than 2.5 mm
2.
IMPORTANT The trailer tow hook contributes to the
length of the vehicle. When installing on long wheelbase
versions, it is only possible to install removable tow
hooks because the total vehicle length limit of 6 metres
is exceeded.
If no trailer is fitted, the hook must be removed from
the attachment base and it must not exceed the
vehicle’s original length.IMPORTANT If you wish to leave the tow hook fitted
without towing a trailer, it is advisable to contact a Fiat
Dealership for the relevant system update operations
because the tow hook could be detected as an obstacle
by the central sensors.

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Installation diagram for Van
versions – fig. 156
The tow hook structure must be
fastened in the points shown by the
symbol Øusing a total of 6
M10x1.25 screws and 4 M12 screws.
The internal back plates must be at
least 5 mm thick.
MAX LOAD ON BALL: 100/120 kg
according to the payload (see
“Weights” table in the “Technical
data” section).
After fitting, the screw
holes must be sealed to
prevent exhaust gas leaks.
WARNING
fig. 156F0N0189m
Existing hole
Existing nut
Existing nutExisting hole
Existing hole
laden
Standard ball M12
M12
M10 (3x)
M10 (3x)
M12
To install a tow hook, the bumpers
must be trimmed as described in the
supplier’s installation kit.

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Installation diagram for Truck
and Chassis Cab versions
– fig. 157
Another tow hook specific to Truck
and Chassis Cab versions is shown
in fig. 157.
The structure Ømust be fastened in
the points shown using a total of
6 M10x1.25 screws and 4 M12
screws.
MAX LOAD ON BALL: 100/120 kg
according to the payload (see
“Weights” table in the “Technical
data” section).
After fitting, the screw
holes must be sealed to
prevent exhaust gas from
entering.
WARNING
fig. 157F0N0250m
Existing hole
Existing hole
Existing hole
Standard ball
laden

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AIRBAG FAILURE (red)
When the key is turned to the MAR-ON
position the warning light comes on but should
go out after a few seconds.
The warning light stays on constantly if there is a failure
in the air bag system.
On some versions the display shows the dedicated
message.
The warning light ¬for airbag fault comes on if the
warning light Ffor passenger’s bag deactivation is
faulty.
¬
If when turning the key to MAR-ON
the warning light ¬does not turn on
or if it stays on when travelling, there could be
a failure in the safety systems; in this event air
bags or pretensioners may not be deployed in
the event of impact or, in a lower number of
cases, they deploy accidentally. Contact a Fiat
Dealership immediately to have the system
checked.
WARNING
HOT ENGINE COOLANT (red)
When the key is turned to the MAR-ON
position the warning light comes on but should
go out after a few seconds.
The warning light turns on when the engine is
overheated.
ç
If the warning light comes on, proceed as follows:
❒when driving normally: stop the vehicle, switch off
the engine and check that the water level in the
reservoir is not below the MIN mark. If it is not, wait
for a few minutes for the engine to cool down then
slowly and carefully open the cap, top up with
coolant and check that the level is between the MIN
and MAX marks. Also check for any fluid leaks.
If, when restarting, the warning light should come on
again, contact a Fiat Dealership.
❒heavy duty use of vehicle (e.g.: towing trailer uphill
or fully laden car): decrease speed and if the warning
light stays on, stop the vehicle. Wait for 2 or
3 minutes with the engine running and slightly
accelerated to further accelerate the coolant
circulation. Then stop the engine. Check the correct
liquid level as described above.
IMPORTANT Over demanding routes, it is advisable to
keep the engine on and slightly accelerated for a few
minutes before switching it off.
On some versions the display shows the dedicated
message.

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2. Exhausted engine oil
(only Multijet versions with DPF)
The warning light vblinks along with a message on
the display (for versions/markets, where provided)
when the system detects that engine oil pressure is low.
If the warning light flashes, this does not mean that the
vehicle is defective, but simply informs the driver that
the oil needs to be changed as a result of regular
vehicle use. If the oil is not changed, warning light will
also come on and engine operation is limited to 3000
rpm when a second threshold is reached.
If the oil is not changed, the engine is limited to 1500
rpm to prevent damage when a third threshold is
reached.
Remember that the deterioration of the engine oil is
accelerated by:
– mainly town use of the vehicle which makes the DPF
regeneration process more frequent;
– use of the vehicle for short trips, preventing the
engine from reaching operating temperature;
– repeated interruption of the regeneration process,
signalled by the DPF warning light coming on. LOW BATTERY CHARGE (red)
The warning light comes on when the ignition
key is turned to MAR-ON, but it should go
out as soon as the engine has started (with the
engine running at idle speed a brief delay before going
out is acceptable).
If the warning light stays on constantly or keeps flashing:
contact immediately Fiat Dealership.
w
LIGHT STAYS ON: LOW ENGINE OIL
PRESSURE (red)
FLASHING: EXHAUSTED ENGINE OIL
(red)
(only Multijet versions with DPF)
When the ignition key is moved to MAR-ON, the
warning light switches on, and should go out as soon as
the engine is started.
1. Low engine oil pressure
The warning light turns on and stays on constantly
along with a message on the display (for versions/
markets where provided) when the system detects that
engine oil pressure is low.
v
If the warning light vturns on when
the car is travelling (on certain versions
together with the message on the display) stop
the engine immediately and contact a Fiat
Dealership.
WARNING
Engine oil must be replaced when warning
light vstarts blinking to avoid damage
to the engine. Contact a Fiat Dealership.