2017 FIAT DUCATO BASE CAMPER Owner handbook (in English)

What it means What to do
“COMFORT-MATIC"
GEARBOXFor versions equipped with the "Comfort-matic"
gearbox, the following messages can be displayed:
REDUCE GEAR CHANGES
MANUAL MODE UNAVAILABLE
AUTOMATIC MODE NOT AVAILABLE
CLUTCH OVERHEATING
PRESS BRAKE PEDAL -DELAYED START-UP
GEAR NOT AVAILABLE
MANOEUVRE NOT PERMITTED
PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL AND REPEAT THE
OPERATION
PLACE GEAR LEVER IN N (neutral)If the message continues to be shown in the
multifunctional display, contact a Fiat Dealership.
NATURAL POWER SYSTEM FAILURE
(for Natural Power versions only)
The symbol on the display turns on together with a
dedicated message and the four methane levels turn
off.In this case, contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as
possible
WARNING
48)When the urea tank is empty and the vehicle is stopped it is no longer possible to restart it until the urea tank is topped up with at least 3
litres of Urea.
WARNING
11)The presence of water in the fuel supply circuit may cause severe damage to the injection system and irregular engine operation. If thesymbol appears (on some versions together with the dedicated message on the display), contact a Fiat Dealership as soon as possible to
have the system bled. If the warning appears immediately after refuelling, water may have entered the tank: turn the engine off immediately
and contact a Fiat Dealership.
79

SAFETY
The chapter that you are about to read
is very important: it describes the
safety systems with which the car is
equipped and provides instructions on
how to use them correctly.ABS SYSTEM ................................. 81
ESC (ELECTRONIC STABILITY
CONTROL) SYSTEM ....................... 82
TRACTION PLUS SYSTEM ............. 85
TPMS (TYRE PRESSURE
MONITORING SYSTEM) ................. 86
DRIVING ADVISOR ......................... 89
SEAT BELTS ................................... 93
SBR SYSTEM ................................. 94
PRE-TENSIONERS ......................... 94
CARRYING CHILDREN SAFELY ...... 96
SETUP FOR “UNIVERSAL ISOFIX”
CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM ..........101
SUPPLEMENTARY RESTRAINT
SYSTEM (SRS) - AIRBAG................107
80
SAFETY

ABS SYSTEM
This is an integral part of the braking
system, which prevents one or more
wheels from locking and slipping
regardless of the road surface
conditions and braking intensity,
ensuring control of the vehicle even
during emergency braking.
The system intervenes during braking
when the wheels are about to lock,
typically in emergency braking or
low-grip conditions, when locking may
be more frequent.
The ABS ensures the direction of the
vehicle while braking and optimises the
braking distances at the same time.
The system also improves control and
stability of the vehicle when braking
on a surface on which the grip of the
left and right wheels differs, or when
braking while cornering.
The system is completed by EBD
(Electronic Braking Force Distribution),
which distributes the braking action
between the front and rear wheels.
IMPORTANT For maximum efficiency of
the braking system, a bedding-in
period of about 500 km is needed:
during this period it is better to avoid
sharp, repeated and prolonged braking.
49)
SYSTEM INTERVENTION
The driver can feel that the ABS has
come into action because the brake
pedal pulsates slightly and the system
gets noisier: it means that the vehicle
speed should be altered to suit the type
of road surface.
50) 51) 52) 53) 54) 55) 56)
MSR SYSTEM
(Motor Schleppmoment Regelung)
This is an integral part of the ABS
system and prevents the drive wheels
from locking, which could happen,
for example, if the accelerator pedal is
released suddenly or in the case of
shifting down suddenly in conditions of
poor grip. In these conditions, the
engine braking effect could cause the
drive wheels to slip, resulting in a loss
of vehicle stability. In these situations,
the system intervenes, restoring torque
to the engine in order to conserve
vehicle stability and increase safety.
WARNING
49)The ABS gets the most from the
available grip, but it cannot improve it; you
should therefore take every care when
driving on slippery surfaces and not take
unnecessary risks.50)When the ABS cuts in and you feel the
brake pedal pulsating, do not remove
your foot, but keep the pedal pushed
down; in doing so you, will stop in the
shortest distance possible under the road
conditions at the time.
51)If the ABS system intervenes, this
indicates that the traction of the tyres on
the road is nearing its limit. You must slow
down to a speed compatible with the
available traction.
52)The ABS cannot overrule the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase
the grip available according to the
condition of the road.
53)The ABS system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
54)The capability of the ABS must never
be tested irresponsibly and dangerously, in
such a way as to compromise personal
safety and the safety of others.
55)For the correct operation of the ABS,
the tyres must of necessity be the same
make and type on all wheels, in perfect
condition and, above all, of the prescribed
type and dimensions.
56)If the space-saver wheel (for
versions/markets, where provided) is used,
the ABS keeps operating. Always
remember that the space-saver wheel,
being smaller than the original wheel,
provides less grip.
81

ESC (Electronic
Stability Control)
SYSTEM
(for versions/markets, where provided)
The ESC system improves the
directional control and stability of the
vehicle in various driving conditions.
The ESC system corrects the vehicle’s
understeer and oversteer, distributing
the brake force on the appropriate
wheels. The torque supplied by the
engine can also be reduced in order to
maintain control of the vehicle.
The ESC system uses the sensors in
the vehicle to determine the trajectory
required by the driver through steering
and compares it with the real trajectory
of the vehicle. When the real trajectory
deviates from the desired trajectory, the
ESC system intervenes to counter the
car’s understeer or oversteer.
Oversteer: occurs when the vehicle
is turning more than it should according
to the angle of the steering wheel.
Understeer: occurs when the vehicle
is turning less than it should according
to the angle of the steering wheel.The ESC system also includes the
following subsystems:
Hill Holder
ASR
HBA
ERM
HDC
57) 58) 59)
SYSTEM INTERVENTION
This is signalled by the flashing of the
warning light in the instrument panel,
to inform the driver that the vehicle is
in critical stability and grip conditions.
SYSTEM ACTIVATION
The ESC system switches on
automatically when the engine is
started and cannot be switched off.
HILL HOLDER SYSTEM
This system is an integral part of the
ESC system and facilitates starting on
slopes.
It is automatically activated in the
following conditions:
uphill: vehicle stationary on a road
with a gradient higher than 5%, engine
running, brake pressed and gearbox
in neutral or gear (other than reverse)
engaged;
downhill: vehicle stationary on a road
with a gradient higher than 5%, engine
running, brake pressed and reverse
gear engaged.
When setting off, the ESC system
control unit maintains the braking
pressure on the wheels until the torque
necessary for starting is reached, or
in any case for a maximum of 2
seconds, allowing your right foot to be
moved easily from the brake pedal to
the accelerator.
When two seconds have elapsed,
without starting, the system is
automatically deactivated, gradually
releasing the braking pressure. During
this release stage, the typical brake
disengagement noise indicating that the
vehicle is going to move imminently
will be heard.
IMPORTANT The Hill Holder system is
not a parking brake; therefore, never
leave the vehicle without having
engaged the handbrake, turned the
engine off and engaged first gear,
so that it is parked in safe conditions
(for further information read the
"Parking" paragraph in the "Starting
and driving" chapter).
82
SAFETY

ASR (AntiSlip
Regulation) SYSTEM
It is an integral part of the ESC system.
It automatically operates in the event
of one or both drive wheels slipping,
loss of grip on wet roads (aquaplaning)
and acceleration on slippery, snowy
or icy roads, etc.
Depending on the slipping conditions,
two different control systems are
activated:
if the slipping involves both drive
wheels, the ASR intervenes reducing
the power transmitted by the engine;
if the slipping only involves one
of the drive wheels, it intervenes
automatically braking the wheel that is
slipping.
60)
Engagement/ disengagement of the
ASR system
The ASR is switched on automatically
each time the engine is started.
While driving, the ASR can be switched
off and subsequently switched on
again by pressing the ASR OFF button
(A fig. 82).
61)
On some versions, the intervention of
the system is indicated by a message
shown on the display.When the system is not active, the LED
on the button ASR OFF turns on and,
on some versions, a message appears
on the display.
If the ASR is disengaged during driving,
it is automatically reactivated when
the vehicle is next started.
When travelling on snowy roads with
snow chains, it may be helpful to turn
the ASR off: in fact, in these conditions,
the driving wheels skidding when
moving off gives you better traction.
HBA SYSTEM
(Hydraulic Brake Assist)
The HBA system is designed to
improve the vehicle’s braking capacity
during emergency braking. The system
detects an emergency braking by
monitoring the speed and strength with
which the brake pedal is pressed,
thereby applying the optimal brake
pressure.This can reduce the braking distance:
the HBA system therefore completes
the ABS.
Maximum assistance from the HBA
system is obtained pressing the brake
pedal very quickly. In addition, the
brake pedal must be pressed
continuously during braking, avoiding
intermittent presses, to benefit from the
system.
Do not reduce pressure on the brake
pedal until braking is no longer
necessary.
The HBA system is deactivated when
the brake pedal is released.
62) 63) 64)
ERM ELECTRONIC ROLLOVER
MITIGATION SYSTEM
(Electronic Rollover Mitigation)
The system monitors the tendency of
the wheels to rise from the ground if the
driver performs extreme manoeuvres
like quick steering to avoid an obstacle,
especially in poor road conditions.
If these conditions occur, the system
intervenes on the brakes and engine
power to reduce the possibility that the
wheels are raised from the ground.
It is not possible to avoid the tendency
to roll over if this is due to reasons
such as driving on high side gradients,
collision with objects or other vehicles.
65)
82F1A0324
83

HILL DESCENT CONTROL
(HDC) SYSTEM
It is an integral part of the ESC and is
aimed at keeping the vehicle at a
constant speed during a descent,
operating autonomously on the brakes
in various ways at the same time. In this
way the vehicle stability and completely
safe driving are guaranteed, above all
in poor grip conditions and/or steep
descents.
To activate the system, reach a speed
slower than 25 km/h and press the
corresponding button A fig. 83; the LED
on the button turns on and the display
shows a dedicated message.
After reaching the desired speed,
release the accelerator and brake
pedals completely (the LED on the
button flashes). If you want to
increase/decrease the speed, press the
accelerator/brake pedals again.IMPORTANT Do not use the device
with the gearbox in neutral position.
IMPORTANT It is important to engage a
gear suitable for the set speed, to
prevent the engine from stalling.
When this function is active the brake
lights turn on automatically.
While the HDC system is operating it is
also possible to take control of the
vehicle again by pressing the brake and
accelerator pedals.
If the function is not made available
when the button is pressed, this could
be due to brake overheating. In this
case, wait a few minutes before using
the function again.
IMPORTANT The system is available for
speeds below 25 km/h.
IMPORTANT On exceeding 25 km/h,
the HDC system is disabled and
remains ready to operate again (the
LED on the button remains on) when
the vehicle returns below 25 km/h.
If the vehicle speed exceeds 50 km/h,
the HDC system turns off completely
(the LED on the button turns off) and
any autonomous action on the brakes
is disabled. To reactivate it, press the
dedicated button again when the speed
is again below 25 km/h.
12)
WARNING
57)The ESC system can’t overrule the
natural laws of physics, and can’t increase
the grip available according to the
condition of the road.
58)The ESC system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
59)The capability of the ESC system must
never be tested irresponsibly and
dangerously, in such a way as to
compromise personal safety and the safety
of others.
60)For the correct operation of the ESC
and ASR system it is vital that the tyres are
the same make and the same type on all
the wheels, in perfect condition and, above
all, the recommended type and size.
61)The performance of the ESC and ASR
systems must not encourage the driver
to take unnecessary risks. Driving style
must always be suitable for road
conditions, visibility and traffic. The driver
is, in any case, responsible for safe driving.
62)The HBA system cannot increase
tyre grip on the road over the limits
imposed by laws of physics: always drive
carefully according to the conditions of the
road surface.
63)The HBA system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on bends, travelling on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
83F1A0300
84
SAFETY

64)The HBA system is an aid for the driver,
who must always pay full attention while
driving. The responsibility always rests with
the driver. The features of the HBA system
must never be tested in imprudent or
dangerous ways, with the possibility of
putting the safety of the driver, occupants
or other road users at risk.
65)The performance of a vehicle with
ERM must never be tested in imprudent or
dangerous ways, with the possibility of
putting the safety of the driver or other
people at risk.
WARNING
12)Prolonged use of the system may
overheat the braking system. If the brakes
overheat, the HDC system, when active,
will be gradually deactivated after suitably
informing the driver (the LED on the button
turns off): it can be reactivated only when
the brakes have cooled sufficiently. The
distance you can travel depends on the
brake temperature and thus on the slope,
the load and the vehicle speed.
TRACTION PLUS
SYSTEM
(for versions/markets, where provided)
Traction Plus is a driving aid, useful
for setting off in poor grip conditions on
non-homogeneous road surfaces
(snow/asphalt, ice/asphalt, mud/
asphalt, etc.), which allows the drive
force to be distributed adequately
on the engine axle when one of the two
drive wheels slips.
Traction Plus acts by braking the wheel
with poor grip (or slipping more than
the others), thereby transferring the
drive force to that which has greater
grip on the ground.
This function can be activated manually
by pressing button A on the dashboard
fig. 84 and operates under 50 km/h.
When this speed is exceeded, it is
automatically deactivated (the LED on
the button is still on) and it is
reactivated again when the speed falls
below 30 km/h.
66) 67)
Traction Plus operation
The system is deactivated when
starting. To activate the Traction Plus
system, press button A fig. 84: 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
warning light on the instrument
panel switches on constantly.
When travelling on snowy roads with
snow chains, it may be helpful to turn
the Traction Plus on and thus inhibiting
the ASR function: in fact, in these
conditions, slipping of the drive wheels
when moving off makes it possible to
obtain better traction.
84F1A0325
85

WARNING
66)The Traction Plus system acts
effectively only on road surfaces that are
not homogeneous and/or differentiated
between the two drive wheels.
67)Until the setting off manoeuvre is
terminated, fully depress the accelerator
pedal in order to transfer all the drive
torque to the wheel with the best grip.
TPMS (Tyre
Pressure
Monitoring System)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
68) 69) 70) 71) 72) 73) 74) 75) 76)
DESCRIPTION
The tyre pressure monitoring system
(TPMS) warns the driver of low tyre
pressure on the basis of the cold
inflation pressure prescribed for the
vehicle.
Changes in outside temperature may
cause tyre pressure to vary. This means
that a decrease in the outside
temperature corresponds to a decrease
in the tyre pressure.
Tyre pressure must always be adjusted
according to the cold inflation pressure.
Cold tyre inflation pressure is the tyre
pressure after letting the vehicle stand
for at least three hours or a travel
shorter than 1.6 km after an interval of
three hours.
The cold tyre inflation pressure must
not exceed the maximum inflation
pressure value printed on the side of
the tyre.
The tyre pressure also increases while
driving the vehicle: this is a normal
condition and does not require any
adjustment of the pressure.The TPMS continues to advise the
driver of the low tyre pressure condition
until this is corrected; the warning
continues until the pressure
corresponds or exceeds the pressure
prescribed for the cold tyres. When the
low tyre pressure check warning light
turns on continuously, the inflation
pressure must be adjusted until it
reaches the pressure prescribed for
cold tyres. After the automatic update
of the system, the tyre pressure control
warning light switches off. You may
need to drive the vehicle for about 20
minutes at a speed higher than 20
km/h to allow the TPMS to receive this
information.
NOTE
The TPMS does not replace the
normal tyre maintenance service and
does not indicate any fault in a tyre.
Therefore, the TPMS should not be
used as pressure switch while adjusting
the tyre inflation pressure.
Driving with insufficient tyre pressure
causes their overheating and can
result in tyre failure. The low inflation
pressure reduces fuel efficiency and
tyre tread life and may also affect
handling and braking performance of
the vehicle.
86
SAFETY