2017 FIAT DUCATO BASE CAMPER towing

9)Before setting off after parking or before
moving the vehicle in any way, ensure
the footboard is fully stowed away.
Because the movement of the footboard is
controlled by that of the sliding side door,
incomplete stowing of the footboard or
non-closure of the rear doors is indicated
by the lighting of a warning light
on
the instrument panel.
10)This spring loaded system has
activation forces that were designed for
optimum comfort. Accidental knocks or a
strong gust of wind may release the
springs and let the doors close
spontaneously.
11)With the doors opened to 180 degrees,
no locking system is effective. Do not use
this opening with the vehicle parked on
a gradient or when it is windy.
12)It is forbidden to drive the vehicle with
the footboard open.
13)Do not use the retracted footboard for
getting up or down the load compartment.
14)Make sure that the footboard is suitably
locked by the provided retaining systems
before, after and during its use. An
incomplete opening or closing might cause
an improper movement of the footboard
with risks arising for the operator and
external users.
15)The footboard lightly projects from the
vehicle even if retracted; therefore, when
rear parking sensors are provided, their
operating range is lightly reduced.
WARNING
2)The footboard presence may reduce the
ramp approach angles; it is therefore
recommended, in case of a very steep
ramp, to be very careful in order not to
damage the footboard.
SEATS
16)
3)
Longitudinal adjustment
Lift lever A fig. 15 and push the seat
forwards or backwards: in the driving
position your arms should rest on
the steering wheel rim.
17)
Height adjustment
To raise the seat: while seated, move
the lever B fig. 15 (front part of the
seat) or the lever C fig. 15 (rear part of
the seat) upwards and lift your body
weight off the part of the seat that must
be raised.
15F1A0021
16
KNOWING YOUR VEHICLE

STARTING AND DRIVING
Let’s get to the "heart" of the vehicle:
seeing how you can exploit all of its
potential to the full.
We’ll look at how to drive it safely in any
situation, so that it can be a welcome
companion, with our comfort and
our wallets in mind.STARTING THE ENGINE .................115
WHEN PARKED ..............................116
MANUAL TRANSMISSION ..............117
COMFORT-MATIC GEARBOX .........117
START&STOP SYSTEM ..................119
CRUISE CONTROL (CONSTANT
SPEED REGULATOR) .....................119
SPEED BLOCK ...............................121
PARKING SENSORS.......................122
REAR CAMERA (PARKVIEW®
REAR BACK UP CAMERA) .............123
TRAFFIC SIGN RECOGNITION .......124
REFUELLING THE VEHICLE ...........125
ADDITIVE FOR DIESEL EMISSIONS
ADBLUE (UREA)..............................130
VERSION WITH METHANE
SYSTEM (NATURAL POWER) .........131
LOADING ADVICE...........................133
SAVING FUEL .................................134
TOWING TRAILERS ........................135
PROLONGED VEHICLE
INACTIVITY .....................................141
114
STARTING AND DRIVING

16)If the engine fails to start with a gear
engaged, the potentially dangerous
situation due to the fact that the
transmission is automatically placed in
neutral will be signalled by a buzzer.
17)If the warning light
flashes for 60
seconds after starting or during an
extended towing period, this indicates a
problem in the glow plug pre­heating
system. Use the vehicle normally if the
engine starts, but contact a Fiat Dealership
as soon as possible.
18)Remember that the brake servo and
power steering are not operational until the
engine has been started, so you need to
apply much more force than usual to
the brake pedal and steering wheel.
19)Never bump start the engine by
pushing, towing or coasting downhill. This
could cause fuel to flow into the catalytic
converter and damage it beyond repair.
20)A quick burst on the accelerator before
stopping the engine serves no practical
purpose; it wastes fuel and is especially
damaging to turbocharged engines.
21)In some cases, when the engine
switches off, the fan could activate for max.
120 seconds.
WHEN PARKED
116)
22)
Proceed as follows when parking and
leaving the vehicle:
engage the gear (on a slope, engage
first gear if the vehicle is facing uphill
or reverse if it is facing downhill) and
leave the wheels steered;
stop the engine and engage the
handbrake;
always remove the ignition key.
If the vehicle is parked on a steep
slope, it is advisable to block the
wheels with a wedge or stone.
On versions equipped with automatic
transmission (Comfort matic), wait
for the letterPto appear on the display
before releasing the brake pedal.
IMPORTANTNEVERleave the vehicle
with the gearbox in neutral (or, on
versions equipped with automatic
(Comfort matic) transmission, before
putting the shift lever in thePposition).HANDBRAKE
Handbrake engagement:The
handbrake lever is located to the left of
the driver's seat. Pull the lever upwards
to engage the handbrake and ensure
that the vehicle does not move.
Handbrake disengagement:slightly
raise the lever, hold the button A
pressed and check that the
warning light switches off on the
instrument panel.
Press the brake pedal when carrying
out this operation to prevent the vehicle
from moving accidentally.
WARNING
116)Never leave children unattended in
the vehicle. Always remove the ignition key
when leaving the vehicle and take it out
with you.
WARNING
22)If the vehicle is equipped with
self-levelling air suspension, always check
that there is sufficient space above the roof
and around the vehicle when parking.
Indeed, the vehicle could raise (or lower)
automatically depending on load or
temperature changes.
116
STARTING AND DRIVING

PARKING SENSORS
The parking sensors are located in the
rear bumper fig. 113 and serve to
inform the driver, through an
intermittent acoustic signal, about the
presence of obstacles behind the
vehicle.
ACTIVATION
The sensors are automatically activated
when reverse gear is engaged.
As the obstacle behind the vehicle gets
closer to the bumper, the frequency
of the acoustic signal increases.
ACOUSTIC WARNING
When reverse gear is engaged an
intermittent acoustic signal is
automatically activated.
The acoustic warning:
increases as the distance between
the vehicle and the obstacle decreases;
becomes continuous when the
distance between the vehicle and the
obstacle is less than 30 cm and stops
immediately if the distance increases;
it remains constant if the distance
remains unchanged; if this situation
concerns the side sensors, the buzzer
will stop after about 3 seconds to
avoid, for example, warning indications
in the event of manoeuvres along
walls.
If several obstacles are detected by the
sensors, only the nearest one is
considered.
FAULT INDICATIONS
When reverse is engaged, any parking
sensor faults will be indicated by the
warning light on the instrument panel
or by the
icon on the display
and by the message in the multifunction
display (for versions/markets, where
provided)
OPERATION WITH A
TRAILER
Parking sensor operation is
automatically deactivated when the
electric cable plug of the trailer is
inserted into the vehicle tow hook
socket.The sensors are automatically
reactivated when the trailer's cable plug
is removed.
122)
25)
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.
When using special washing equipment
such as high pressure jets or steam
cleaning, clean the sensors very quickly
keeping the jet more than 10 cm away.
IMPORTANT NOTES
Do not apply stickers to the sensors.
When parking, take the utmost
care over obstacles that may be above
or under the sensor.
Objects close to the vehicle, in
certain circumstances are not detected
and could therefore cause damage to
the vehicle or be damaged.
The following conditions may influence
the performance of the parking
assistance system:
113F1A0134
122
STARTING AND DRIVING

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
door 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
to 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.
You are advised to fit a suitable
stabiliser to the trailer drawbar.
In the vehicles equipped with parking
sensors, after fitting the tow hook
malfunctioning warnings may be
displayed, as some parts (tow bar, ball
tow hook) may be within the sensor
detection range. In this case the
detection range must be adjusted or
the parking assistance function must be
deactivated.
In vehicles equipped with "Comfort-
matic" transmission, make sure that the
gearbox is in neutral (N) (checking that
the vehicle moves when pushed) and
proceed in the same way as for towing
a normal vehicle with manual
transmission. If the gearbox cannot be
put in neutral, do not tow the vehicle
and contact a Fiat Dealership.
136) 137)
INSTALLING THE TOW
HOOK
The towing device should be fastened
to the body by specialised technicians
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/EC 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.
Any electric brake (or electric winch,
etc.) should be supplied directly by the
battery through a cable with a section
of at least 2.5 mm
2.
IMPORTANT Electric brakes or other
devices must be used with engine
running.
135

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.Installation diagram for Van
versions fig. 121
The tow hook structure must be
fastened in the points shown by the
symbol Ø using 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 depending on the
payload (see the “Weights” table in the
“Technical Data” chapter).
138)
To install a tow hook, the bumpers
must be trimmed as described in the
supplier's installation kit.
Installation diagram for Truck and
Chassis Cab versions fig. 122
Another tow hook specific to Truck and
Chassis Cab versions is shown in fig.
122.
The structure Ø must be fixed in the
points indicated using a total of 6
M10x1.25 screws and 4 M12 screws.MAX LOAD ON BALL: 100/120 kg
depending on the payload (see the
“Weights” table in the “Technical Data”
chapter).
WARNING
136)The ABS with which the vehicle may
be equipped will not control the braking
system of the trailer. Particular caution
is required on slippery roads.
137)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.
138)After fitting, screw holes must be
sealed to prevent a exhaust gas inlet.
.
136
STARTING AND DRIVING

IN AN EMERGENCY
A punctured tyre or a burnt-out bulb?
At times, a problem may interfere
with our journey.
The pages on emergencies can help
you to deal with critical situations
independently and with calm.
In an emergency we recommend that
you call the freephone number found in
the Warranty Booklet.
It is also possible to call the 00 800
3428 0000 freephone number to
search the nearest Fiat Dealership.REPLACING A BULB ......................143
REPLACING AN EXTERIOR BULB ..146
REPLACING INTERIOR BULBS ......151
REPLACING FUSES........................151
GATEWAY FMS MODULE ...............165
CHANGING A WHEEL ....................170
FIX & GO AUTOMATIC QUICK
TYRE REPAIR KIT ...........................174
JUMP STARTING ............................177
RECHARGING THE BATTERY ........178
FUEL CUT-OFF SWITCH ................179
TOWING THE VEHICLE ..................180
142
IN AN EMERGENCY

BUMP STARTING
Never bump start the engine by
pushing, towing or driving downhill.
This could cause fuel to flow into the
catalytic converter and damage it
beyond repair.
WARNING
167)This starting procedure must be
performed by expert personnel because
incorrect actions could cause electrical
discharge of considerable intensity.
Furthermore, battery fluid is poisonous and
corrosive: avoid contact with skin and
eyes. Keep naked flames and lighted
cigarettes away from the battery and do
not cause sparks.
RECHARGING THE
BATTERY
IMPORTANT The battery recharging
procedure is given as information only.
To carry out this operation contact a
Fiat Dealership.
IMPORTANT After setting the ignition
device 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
device is in the STOP position and
the driver side door is closed.
IMPORTANT Charging should be slow
at a low ampere rating for
approximately 24 hours. Charging for a
longer time may damage the battery.IMPORTANT The cables of the
electrical system must be correctly
reconnected to the battery, i.e. the
positive cable (+) to the positive
terminal and the negative cable (–) to
the negative terminal. The battery
terminals are marked with the positive
(+) and negative (–) symbols, and are
shown on the battery cover. The battery
terminals must also be corrosion-free
and firmly secured to the terminals. If a
"quick-type" battery charger is used
with the battery fitted on the car,
disconnect both battery leads before
connecting it. Do not use a "quick-type"
battery charger to provide the starting
voltage.
168) 169)
VERSIONS WITHOUT
START&STOP SYSTEM
To recharge, proceed as follows:
disconnect the terminal from the
negative battery pole;
connect the charger cables to the
battery terminals, observing the polarity;
turn on the battery charger;
when it is recharged, turn the
charger off before disconnecting it from
the battery;
reconnect the terminal to the
negative battery pole.
178
IN AN EMERGENCY