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.
50)
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.
51) 52) 53) 54) 55) 56) 57)
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
50)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.51)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.
52)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.
53)The ABS cannot overrule the natural
laws of physics, and cannot increase
the grip available according to the
condition of the road.
54)The ABS system cannot prevent
accidents, including those due to excessive
speed on corners, driving on low-grip
surfaces or aquaplaning.
55)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.
56)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.
57)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.
85
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
58) 59) 60)
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).
86
SAFETY
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.
WARNING
67)The Traction Plus system acts
effectively only on road surfaces that are
not homogeneous and/or differentiated
between the two drive wheels.
68)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)
69) 70) 71) 72) 73) 74) 75) 76) 77)
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.
103F1A0325
90
SAFETY
PARKING THE
VEHICLE
117)
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).VERSIONS WITH MANUAL
TRANSMISSION
Proceed as follows:
engage a gear (on a slope, engage
first gear if the car is facing uphill or
reverse if it is facing downhill) and leave
the wheels steered.
stop the engine and engage the
handbrake;
If the vehicle is parked on a steep
slope, it is advisable to block the
wheels with a wedge or stone.
Do not leave the key in the ignition as
this drains the battery. Always remove
the key when you leave the car.
VERSIONS WITH COMFORT MATIC
TRANSMISSION
To park safely, it is essential to engage
1st gear or reverse (R), with your foot
on the brake pedal and, if the road
is sloping, to operate the handbrake; it
is also essential to wait for the engaged
gear to disappear from the
reconfigurable multifunction display
before releasing the brake pedal.
IMPORTANT NEVER leave the car with
the gearbox in neutral (N).
IMPORTANT NOTES
With the vehicle stationary and a
gear engaged, always keep the brake
pedal pressed until you decide to
set off, then release the brake and
accelerate gently;
during prolonged stops with the
engine running, it is advisable to keep
the gearbox in neutral (N);
to keep the clutch in good condition,
do not use the accelerator to keep the
car stationary (e.g. when stopped
facing uphill); the clutch could be
damaged by overheating. Use the
brake pedal instead and operate the
accelerator only when you are ready to
set off;
only use second gear when you
need greater control for starting
manoeuvres on surfaces with poor grip;
if, with reverse gear (R) engaged,
you have to engage first gear or vice
versa, only do this when the vehicle is
completely stationary and with the
brake pedal pressed;
although it is strongly inadvisable, if
you are driving downhill and, for
unexpected reasons, you let the vehicle
move forward with the transmission in
neutral (N), when you engage a gear,
the system will automatically engage
the best gear to transmit the correct
drive torque to the wheels depending
on the vehicle's speed;
121
When necessary, you can engage
1st ,RorNwith the engine off, the key
in the MAR-ON position and the brake
pressed. In this case, gear shifts must
be made allowing at least 5 minutes
to elapse between one gear shift and
the next to safeguard the operation
of the hydraulic system and the pump
in particular;
for hill starts, accelerating gradually
but fully straight after having released
the handbrake or the brake pedal
allows the engine to greatly increase the
number of revs and tackle steeper
slopes with more torque at the wheels.
on gradients > 5% it is prohibited
to engage the 2ndgear with vehicle
stationary.
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.IMPORTANT Make sure that the
handbrake is engaged in such a way as
to ensure the stationing of the vehicle,
especially in the case of steep slopes
and full load.
IMPORTANT Apply the handbrake only
when the vehicle is at a standstill or
with the vehicle in motion only in the
event of a failure in the hydraulic
system. If exceptional use is made of
the handbrake with the vehicle in
motion, moderate traction is advisable
in order not to cause locking of the
rear end with consequent swerving of
the vehicle.
WARNING
117)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.
MANUAL
TRANSMISSION
To engage the gears, press the clutch
pedal fully and put the shift lever into
the required position (the diagram
is shown on the knob A fig. 126).
To engage 6th gear (where provided),
operate the lever by pressing it towards
the right in order to avoid engaging
4th gear by mistake. The action is
similar for shifting from 6th gear to 5th
gear.
IMPORTANT Reverse may only be
engaged when the vehicle is at a
standstill. With the engine running, wait
for at least 2 seconds with the clutch
pedal fully pressed before engaging
reverse to prevent damage to the gears
and grating.
126F1A0163
122
STARTING AND DRIVING
push the shift lever towards(+)(shift
up) to engage first gear (if starting
fromNorR, simply move the lever to
the middle position), orRto engage
reverse fig. 128;
release the brake pedal and press
the accelerator pedal;
when driving, push the shift lever
towards(+)to engage a higher gear or
towards(–)to engage a lower gear.
AUTOMATIC MODE
IMPORTANT To use the system
correctly, it is advisable to only use your
right foot to operate the pedals.
Press the brake pedal;
start the engine;
push the shift lever toA/Mfig. 129
to enable automatic mode; push the
shift lever towards(+)(shift up) to
engage first gear (if starting fromNor
R, simply move the lever to the middle
position), orRto engage reverse.
Release the brake pedal and press
the accelerator pedal.
AUTOMATIC OPERATION
(AUTO with UP function
on)
TheUPfunction can be turned on by
pressing theUPfig. 130 button located
among the dashboard controls. After
turning this function on, the warning
light
on the instrument panel turns
on, together with a confirmation
message on the reconfigurable
multifunction display.
With theUPfunction on, the system
will select the most suitable gear
depending on the vehicle speed, the
engine speed and the intensity with
which the accelerator pedal is pressed,
with the aim of tackling roads with
steep gradients in a smooth and
comfortable manner.If necessary, (for example when
overtaking), after pressing the
accelerator pedal fully, the system shifts
down one or more gears to provide
suitable torque and power for the
acceleration requested by the driver
(this all takes place automatically
whether theUPfunction is on or off).
24)
WARNING
24)Avoid keeping your hand placed on this
lever in between gear changes or
Auto/Manual mode.
129F0N0345M130F0N0348M
124
STARTING AND DRIVING
ADDITIVE FOR
DIESEL EMISSIONS
ADBLUE (UREA)
System description
The vehicle is equipped with an UREA
fuel injection system and a Selective
Catalytic Reduction catalyst to meet the
emission standards.
These two systems ensure compliance
with the diesel emissions requirements;
at the same it maintains fuel saving
levels, driveability, torque and power.
For the system messages and warnings
refer to the "Warning lights and
messages" paragraph in the "Knowing
the instrument panel" section.
Notes
When you stop the vehicle you
could hear a distinct click coming from
under the vehicle due to the UREA
injection system, this is normal.
The UREA injection system pump
continues to operate for a short period
of time after the engine is switched
off, to purge the circuit. This is normal,
and you can still hear its noise from
under the vehicle.
VERSION WITH
METHANE SYSTEM
(Natural Power)
38) 39)
INTRODUCTION
The "Natural Power" version of the Fiat
Ducato features two fuel system, one
primary natural gas (methane) system
and one emergency petrol system.
METHANE CYLINDERS
The vehicle is equipped with five
cylinders (total capacity of about 218
litres) located under the vehicle floor
and protected by two special shields.
The cylinders are the tank that contains
the methane in its compressed
gaseous state (nominal pressure of 200
bar at 15°C). The methane, stored in
the cylinders at high pressure, flows
through a dedicated pipe to reach the
pressure regulator/reduction unit which
supplies the 4 methane injectors at
low pressure (about 6 bar).
The cylinders must be inspected, in
accordance with ECE Regulation
Procedure no. 110, every 4 years
from the vehicle registration date or
in accordance with specific
regulations in individual countries.IMPORTANT If gas is smelled, switch
from methane operation to petrol
operation and immediately go to a Fiat
Dealership to have the vehicle checked
and possible system faults excluded.
FUEL SWITCHING
LOGICS
Management of switching between the
two different fuel supplies is fully
automatic, and carried out by the
engine control unit.
When the residual amount of methane
drops below 1/5 of the cylinder
capacity, the lowest level and the edges
of the other levels flash to indicate the
reserve state and that refuelling fig. 140
is required.
If the methane runs out, it is
automatically switched to petrol; on the
display, all the empty segments stop
flashing and then the
indicator near
the CNG icon fig. 141 turns on.
Having reached the reserve methane
pressure threshold, and completely
filled the methane tank, the system
forces the switch to petrol for 5
seconds, with the aim of keeping the
petrol fuel supply system fully efficient.
138
STARTING AND DRIVING
Message Signal Description
CCVSParking Brake Switch Indicates parking brake engaged
Wheel based speed Indicates vehicle speed
Clutch switch Indicates clutch pedal pressed
Brake switch Indicates brake pedal pressed
Cruise control active Indicates Cruise Control active
EEC2Accelerator pedal position 1 Indicates accelerator pedal position
Engine Percent Load At Current SpeedIndicates percentage ratio between engine torque and
maximum indicated torque at current engine speed
LFC Engine total fuel used Indicates total fuel used during vehicle operation
DD Fuel Level Indicates ratio of fuel volume to total tank volume
EEC1 Engine speed Indicates engine speed
VDHR High resolution total vehicle distance Indicates total vehicle distance travelled
ET1 Engine coolant temperature Indicates temperature of engine coolant
AMB Ambient Air Temperature Indicates temperature outside of vehicle
LFEFuel Rate Indicates quantity of fuel used by engine per time unit
Instantaneous Fuel EconomyIndicates ratio between quantity of fuel used and
current vehicle speed
SERV Service distanceIndicates distance that can be travelled by vehicle
before scheduled servicing
HOURS Total engine hours Indicates total engine operating time
DC1 Position of doors Indicates current door status
AS Alternator Status 1 Indicates current alternator status
172
IN AN EMERGENCY