2014 FIAT DUCATO BASE CAMPER maintenance

ENGINE OIL
47)
Check the oil level a few minutes (about
5) after the engine has stopped, with
the vehicle parked on level ground.
The oil level must be between the MIN
and MAX marks on the dipstick B
fig. 237 - fig. 238 - fig. 239.
The range between the MIN and MAX
marks corresponds to about 1 litre
of oil.
If the oil level is near or under the MIN
mark, add oil through the filler A fig. 237
- fig. 238 - fig. 239, until it reaches the
MAX mark.
The oil level must never exceed the
MAX mark.Engine oil consumption
The maximum engine oil consumption
is usually 400 grams every 1000 km.
When the vehicle is new, the engine
needs to be run in, therefore the engine
oil consumption can only be considered
stabilised after the first 5,000–6,000
km.
IMPORTANT The oil consumption
depends on driving style and the
conditions under which the vehicle is
used.
IMPORTANT After adding or changing
the oil, let the engine run for a few
seconds and wait a few minutes after
switching it off before checking the
level.
IMPORTANT Always top up using
engine oil of the same specifications as
that already in the engine.ENGINE COOLANT
48)
177)
The coolant level must be checked
when the engine is cold and must
range between the MIN and MAX
marks on the reservoir.
If the level is to low, operate as follows:
❒remove the plastic cover A fig. 240,
rotating the locking screws B fig.
240 counter-clockwise, to access the
filler of the reservoir;
❒slowly pour a mixture of 50%
demineralised water and 50%
PARAFLU
UP
from PETRONAS
LUBRICANTS through the reservoir
filler C fig. 237 - fig. 238 - fig. 239
until the level is close to MAX.
A 50-50 mixture of PARAFLU
UP
and
distilled water gives freeze protection
up to –35°C.
When the vehicle is used in particularly
harsh weather conditions, we
recommend using a 60-40 mixture of
PARAFLU
UP
and demineralised water.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

To close the cap, operate as follows:
❒push the funnel fully until it locks;
❒close the cap.
180)
BRAKE FLUID
181) 182)49)
Undo the cap E fig. 237 - fig. 238 - fig.
239 and check that the liquid contained
in the reservoir is at the maximum
level.
The fluid level in the reservoir must not
exceed the MAX mark.
Use the brake fluid shown in the "Fluids
and lubricants" table (see "Technical
Specifications").
NOTE Carefully clean the cap of the
reservoir and the surrounding surface.
Take great care to ensure that
impurities do not enter the reservoir
when the plug is opened.
For topping-up, always use a funnel
with integrated filter with mesh equal to
or lower than 0.12 mm.
IMPORTANT Brake fluid absorbs
moisture. For this reason, if the vehicle
is mainly used in areas with a high
degree of atmospheric humidity, the
fluid should be replaced at more
frequent intervals than specified in the
“Scheduled Servicing Plan”.
IMPORTANT
46) When topping up, take care not
to mix up the various types of
fluids: they are not compatible
with each other and could
seriously damage the car.
47) The used engine oil and the filter
that has been replaced contain
substances that are harmful to
the environment. To change the
oil and filters, we advise you to
contact a Fiat Dealership.
48) PARAFLU
UP
antifreeze is used in
the engine cooling system. Use
fluid of the same type as that
contained in the cooling system
for any top-ups. PARAFLU
UP
cannot be mixed with any other
type of fluid. If this happens, do
not start the engine and contact a
Fiat Dealership.
49) Avoid allowing brake fluid, which
is extremely corrosive, to come
into contact with painted areas.
Should it happen, wash
immediately with water.
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F1A0396
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

AIR CLEANER/
POLLEN FILTERHave the air cleaner replaced by a Fiat
Dealership.
AIR CLEANER – DUSTY
ROADS
(for versions/markets, where provided)
The air cleaner for dusty areas is
equipped with a visual filter block
indication device A fig. 242. Check the
reading of the blockage sensor at
intervals (Refer to the "Service
Schedule" in the "Maintenance and
care" section).When the setting is reached the
indicator B fig. 243 is triggered,
changing to red, even with the engine
off. To reset the indicator, clean/replace
the cartridge as on normal versions
and then reset the indicator by pressing
the button C fig. 243.
IMPORTANT To blow the filter use an
air jet, do not use water or liquid
detergents.
Since this cleaner is specific to versions
designed for dusty areas, it is
advisable to contact a Fiat Dealership
to change the cleaner.POLLEN FILTER
Pollen filter replacement must be
carried out at a Fiat Dealership.242
F1A0238
243
F1A0239
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

BATTERYThe battery is “limited maintenance”
type: under normal conditions of use,
the electrolyte does not need topping
up with distilled water.
It does, however, need to be checked
periodically at a Fiat Dealership or
by specialist personnel to make sure it
is working correctly.
The battery is located inside the
passenger compartment, in front of the
pedals. Remove the protective cover
to gain access to it.
184) 185)
REPLACING THE
BATTERY
If required, replace the battery with an
original spare part with the same
specifications.
If a battery with different specifications
is fitted, the service intervals given in
the “Scheduled Servicing Plan” will no
longer be valid.
Follow the battery manufacturer's
instructions for maintenance.
51) 52)186) 187)4)
USEFUL ADVICE FOR
EXTENDING THE LIFE OF
YOUR BATTERY
To avoid draining your battery and
make it last longer, observe the
following instructions:
❒when you park the vehicle, ensure
that the doors, tailgate and bonnet
are closed properly, to prevent any
roof lights from remaining on inside
the passenger's compartment;
❒switch off all roof lights inside the
vehicle: the vehicle is however
equipped with a system which
switches all internal lights off
automatically;
❒do not keep accessories (e.g. sound
system, hazard lights, etc.) switched
on for a long time when the engine
is not running;
❒before carrying out any operation on
the electrical system, disconnect the
negative battery cable through the
suitable terminal;
❒Completely tighten the battery
terminals.
237

IMPORTANT After turning the ignition
key to STOP and having closed the
driver side door, wait at least one
minute before disconnecting the
electrical supply from the battery. When
reconnecting the electrical supply to
the battery, make sure that the ignition
key is in the STOP position and the
driver side door is closed.
IMPORTANT If the charge level remains
under 50% for a long time, the battery
is damaged by sulphation, reducing
its capacity and efficiency at start-up.
The battery is also more prone to the
risk of freezing (at temperatures as high
as -10°C).
Refer to the paragraph "Car inactivity"
in "Starting and driving" if the car is
left parked for a long time.If, after buying the vehicle, you want to
install electrical accessories which
require permanent electric supply
(alarm, etc.) or accessories that in any
case burden the electrical supply,
contact a Fiat Dealership, whose
qualified personnel, in addition
to suggesting the most suitable devices
from Lineaccessori Fiat, will evaluate
the overall electrical consumption,
checking whether the vehicle’s electrical
system is capable of withstanding the
load required, or whether it should
be integrated with a more powerful
battery.
Since some of these devices continue
to consume electricity even when
the engine is off, they gradually run
down the battery.
IMPORTANT If a tachograph is fitted, if
the vehicle is parked for a long period
of 5 days, it is advisable to disconnect
the negative battery terminal to
maintain its charge.
If the vehicle is equipped with a battery
disconnection function (disconnector),
see the description of the procedure
in the "Controls" paragraph in the
"Dashboard and controls" section.
WARNING
184) Battery liquid is poisonous and
corrosive. Avoid contact with skin
and eyes. Keep naked flames
and sources of sparks away from
the battery: risk of explosion and
fire.
185) Using the battery with
insufficient fluid irreparably
damages the battery and may
cause an explosion.
186) Before performing any
operation on the electrical system,
disconnect the negative battery
cable through the suitable
terminal, after having waited at
least one minute from turning the
ignition key to STOP.
187) Always wear appropriate
goggles when working on or near
the battery.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

WHEELS AND TYRESCheck the pressure of each tyre,
including the space-saver wheel,
approximately every two weeks and
before long journeys: the pressure
should be checked with the tyre rested
and cold.
It is normal for the pressure to increase
when the vehicle is used; for the correct
tyre inflation pressure, see “Wheels” in
the “Technical specifications” section.
Incorrect pressure causes abnormal
tyre wear fig. 244:Anormal pressure: tread evenly worn;Blow pressure: tread particularly worn
at the edges;Chigh pressure: tread particularly worn
in the centre.
The tyres must be replaced when the
tread is less than 1.6 mm thick. In
any case, follow the laws in force in the
country you are in.188) 189) 190) 191)
IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
❒As far as possible, avoid sharp
braking and screech starts. Be
careful not to hit the kerb, potholes or
other hard obstacles. Driving for
long stretches over uneven roads can
damage the tyres;
❒periodically check that the tyres have
no cuts in the side wall, abnormal
swelling or irregular tyre wear.
Contact a Fiat Dealership if required;
❒avoid overloading the car when
travelling: this may cause serious
damage 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 steering system;❒tyres age even if they are not used a
great deal. Cracks in the tread and
on the side walls are a sign of ageing.
In any event, have the tyres checked
by specialised personnel if they
have been fitted for longer than 6
years. Remember to check the spare
wheel very carefully;
❒in the case of replacement, always fit
new tyres, avoiding those of
unknown origin;
❒if a tyre is changed, also change the
inflation valve;
❒to allow even wear between the front
and rear tyres, it is advisable to
change them over every 10–15
thousand kilometres, keeping them
on the same side of the vehicle so as
not to reverse the direction of
rotation.
IMPORTANT Replacing a tyre, check
that the tyre pressure monitoring
(TPMS) sensor is also taken from the
previous rim, together with the valve.244
F1A0240
240
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Replacing the
windscreen wiper
blades
53)
Proceed as follows:
❒raise the wiper arm, press tab A fig.
245 of the attachment spring and
remove the blade from the arm;
❒fit the new blade, inserting the tab
into the special slot in the arm,
making sure that it is locked;
❒lower the wiper arm on the
windscreen.SPRAY NOZZLES
Windscreen (washer)
fig. 246
If the jet of fluid is inadequate, firstly
check that there is fluid in the reservoir:
(see "Checking levels" in this chapter).
Then check that the nozzle holes are
not clogged; use a needle to unblock
them if necessary.
The washer jets should be positioned
by adjusting the angle of the sprays
using a small straight-headed
screwdriver.
The jets should be directed at about a
third of the height from the top edge
of the windscreen.HEADLIGHT WASHERS
Check the correct condition and
cleanliness of nozzles at regular
intervals.
The headlight washers come on
automatically when the windscreen
washer is operated with the low beams
on.
WARNING
192) Driving with worn windscreen
wiper blades is a serious hazard,
because visibility is reduced in
bad weather conditions.
IMPORTANT
53) Do not operate the windscreen
wiper with the blades lifted from
the windscreen.
245
F1A0241
246
F1A0242
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

ADVICE FOR
PRESERVING THE
BODYWORK
Paintwork
Paintwork does not only serve an
aesthetic purpose, but also protects the
underlying sheet metal.
Touch up abrasions and scratches
immediately to prevent rust formation.
Only use genuine spare paint products
for touch-ups (see “Bodywork paint
identification plate” in the “Technical
Specifications” section).
Normal maintenance of paintwork
consists in washing the car: the
frequency depends on the conditions
and environment where the car is used.
For example, it is advisable to wash
the vehicle more often in areas with
high levels of environmental pollution or
on roads spread with salt.To correctly wash the vehicle, proceed
as follows:
❒wash the bodywork using a low
pressure jet of water;
❒wipe a sponge with a slightly soapy
solution over the bodywork,
frequently rinsing the sponge;
❒rinse well with water and dry with a
jet of air or a chamois leather.
If you put the car through a car wash,
follow these recommendations:
❒remove the aerial from the roof so it
does not get damaged;
❒the vehicle should be washed with
water added to a soapy solution;
❒rinse thoroughly to avoid soap marks
remaining on the bodywork or less
visible parts.
54)
Dry the less visible parts, such as the
door frames, bonnet and the headlight
frames with special care, as in these
areas water may stagnate more easily.
It is a good idea to leave the vehicle
outdoors for a while after washing it to
give the water time to 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 should be cleaned
in the same way as the rest of the
vehicle. Where possible, do not park
the vehicle under trees; the resinous
substances released by many species
give the paint a dull appearance and
increase the possibility of corrosion.
IMPORTANT Bird droppings must be
washed off immediately and thoroughly
as the acid they contain is particularly
aggressive.
5)
Windows
To clean glasses, use specific cleaning
products. Use clean cloths to avoid
scratching the glass or damaging the
transparency.
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