2018 FIAT DUCATO BASE CAMPER warning

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”.
COMFORT-MATIC
GEARBOX HYDRAULIC
SYSTEM FLUID
To check the gearbox oil level and to
change the clutch hydraulic fluid, go to
a Fiat Dealership.
194)
WARNING
185)Never smoke while working in the
engine compartment: inflammable gases
and vapours may be present, constituting
a fire risk.
186)Be very careful working in the engine
compartment when the engine is hot:
you may get burned. Remember that the
fan may start up if the engine is hot: this
could injure you. Scarves, ties and other
loose clothing might be pulled by moving
parts.
187)The cooling system is pressurised. If
necessary, only replace the plug with
another original or the operation of the
system may be adversely affected. Do not
remove the reservoir plug when the engine
is hot: you risk scalding yourself.188)Prevent power steering fluid from
coming into contact with hot engine parts:
it is flammable.
189)Do not travel with the windscreen
washer fluid reservoir empty: the
windscreen washer is essential for
improving visibility.
190)Some commercial windscreen washer
additives are flammable. The engine
compartment contains hot parts which
could start a fire if they come into contact.
191)Do not release the cap from the
extension without previously extracting the
system using the ring.
192)Brake fluid is poisonous and highly
corrosive. In the event of accidental
contact, immediately wash the affected
parts with water and mild soap. Then rinse
thoroughly. Call a doctor immediately if
swallowed.
193)The symbol
, on the brake fluid
container indicates if a brake fluid is
synthetic or mineral­based. Use of mineral
type fluids will damage the special rubber
seals of the braking system beyond repair.
194)Used transmission fluid contains
substances that are harmful to the
environment. It is advisable to have the oil
changed by a Fiat Dealership where it
will be disposed of respecting the
environment and according to legal
requirements.
WARNING
50)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 vehicle.
51)Used engine oil and replaced oil filters
contain substances which are harmful to
the environment. To change oil and filters,
we advise you to contact a Fiat Dealership.
52)PARAFLU
UPanti-freeze fluid is used
in the cooling system. Use fluid of the
same type as that contained in the cooling
system for any top-ups. PARAFLU
UP
fluid cannot be mixed with any other type
of fluid. If this occurs, do not start the
engine and contact your Fiat Dealership
immediately.
53)Do not press on the power steering
end of travel with engine on for more than
8 consecutive seconds, since noise is
produced and there is a risk of system
damages.
54)Prevent brake fluid, which is highly
corrosive, from coming into contact with
painted parts. Should it happen,
immediately wash with water.
WARNING
4)Power steering fluid consumption is
extremely low; if another top-up is required
after only a short period of time, have the
system checked for leaks at a Fiat
Dealership.
205

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. radio,
hazard warning 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.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 will also be more at risk
of freezing (this can happen already at
-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 MOPAR, will
evaluate the overall electrical
consumption, checking whether the
vehicle 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.
207

WARNING
195)Battery fluid 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.
196)Using the battery with insufficient
battery fluid may irreparably damage the
battery and may cause an explosion.
197)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.
198)When performing any operation on
the battery or near it, always protect your
eyes with special goggles.
WARNING
55)Incorrect installation of electric and
electronic devices may cause severe
damage to your vehicle. After purchasing
your vehicle, if you wish to install any
accessories (anti-theft, radio phone, etc.),
go to a Fiat Dealership, which will suggest
the most suitable devices and advise
you whether a higher capacity battery
needs to be installed.
56)If the vehicle will be unused for an
extended period of time in extremely cold
weather conditions, remove the battery
and store it in a heated area to prevent it
from freezing.
WARNING
5)Batteries contain substances which are
very harmful for the environment. You
are recommended to go to a Fiat
Dealership to have the battery replaced
where the old battery will be disposed of
respecting both the environment and
the laws in force.
WINDSCREEN
WIPER
REPLACING THE
WINDSCREEN WIPER
BLADES
199)
57)
Proceed as follows:
raise the wiper arm, press tab A fig.
215 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 onto the
windscreen.
215F1A0241
208
SERVICING AND CARE

NOZZLES
Windscreen (washer) fig. 216
If there is no jet, first check that there is
fluid in the reservoir.
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
199)Driving with worn windscreen wiper
blades is a serious risk, because visibility is
reduced in bad weather conditions.
WARNING
57)Do not operate the windscreen wiper
with the blades lifted from the windscreen.
LIFTING THE
VEHICLE
If the vehicle needs to be lifted, go to a
Fiat Dealership which is equipped
with the arm hoist or workshop lift.
The vehicle must only be lifted laterally
by placing the ends of the arms or
workshop lift in the areas shown in fig.
217.
216F1A0242
217F1A0366
209

WHEELS AND TYRES
Check 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. 218:
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.
200) 201) 202) 203)
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.
WARNING
200)Remember that the road holding
qualities of your vehicle also depend on the
correct inflation pressure of the tyres.
201)If the pressure is too low, the tyre will
overheat and could be seriously damaged.
202)Avoid switching the tyres from the
right side of the vehicle to the left side and
vice versa.
203)Never submit alloy rims to repainting
treatments requiring the use of
temperatures exceeding 150°C. The
mechanical properties of the wheels could
be impaired.
218F1A0240
210
SERVICING AND CARE

SNOW TYRES
The performance of these tyres is
considerably reduced when the tread
depth is less than 4 mm. Replace them
in this case.
IMPORTANT When using snow tyres
with a maximum speed index below the
one that can be reached by the vehicle
(increased by 5%), place a notice in
the passenger compartment, plainly in
view, which states the maximum speed
allowed by the snow tyres (as per EC
Directive).
All four tyres should be the same (brand
and track) to ensure greater safety
when driving and braking as well as a
good manoeuvrability.
Remember that you should not change
the rotation direction of the tyres.
204)
WARNING
204)The maximum speed for snow tyres
marked “Q” is 160 km/h, while it is 190
km/h for “T” tyres and 210 km/h for "H"
tyres. You should, however, always stick to
the speed limits of the highway code.
SNOW CHAINS
The use of snow chains should be in
compliance with local regulations of
each country.
Snow chains can be fitted to the tyres
of the front wheels (drive wheels) only.
Use of Lineaccessori MOPAR snow
chains is recommended. Check the
tension of the snow chains after the first
few metres have been driven.
58)
IMPORTANT With snow chains, use the
accelerator with extreme care to
prevent, or to limit as much as possible,
slipping of the drive wheels that could
cause chain breakage, resulting in
damage to the car body or mechanical
components.
IMPORTANT For versions fitted with
225/75 R16 tyre, use snow chains with
max. thickness 16 mm.
When travelling on snowy roads with
snow chains, it may be helpful to turn
the ASR off: in fact, in these conditions,
the drive wheels skidding when setting
off gives you better traction.
WARNING
58)Keep the vehicle's speed down when
snow chains are fitted; never exceed 50
km/h. Avoid potholes, do not drive over
steps or pavements, and do not drive long
distances over roads without snow, to
avoid damaging both your vehicle and the
road surface.
211

BODYWORK
PROTECTION AGAINST
ATMOSPHERIC AGENTS
The main causes of corrosion are the
following:
atmospheric pollution;
salty air and humidity (coastal areas,
or hot humid climates);
seasonal environmental conditions.
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.
Use only original 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 vehicle 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.
Windows
To clean glasses, use specific cleaning
products. Use clean cloths to avoid
scratching the glass or altering the
transparency.
IMPORTANT Wipe the rear window
inside gently with a cloth following the
direction of the filaments to avoid
damaging the heating device.Front headlights
IMPORTANT Never use aromatic
substances (e.g. petrol) or ketones (e.g.
acetone) for cleaning the plastic lenses
of the headlights.
59)
6)
WARNING
59)Some automatic systems equipped
with old generation blades and/or with
a poor maintenance can damage the paint,
promoting the creation of microscoring
which give an opaque/coated appearance
to the paint, especially on dark colours.
In this case, just lightly polish with specific
products.
WARNING
6)Detergents pollute the water. The
vehicle should be washed in areas
equipped for collecting and purifying the
liquid used in the washing process.
212
SERVICING AND CARE

INTERIOR
Regularly check that water is not
trapped under the mats (due to water
dripping off shoes, umbrellas, etc.),
as this could cause oxidation of the
sheet metal.
205) 206)
SEATS AND FABRIC
PARTS
Remove dust with a soft brush or a
vacuum cleaner. It is advisable to use a
moist brush on velvet upholstery.
Rub the seats with a sponge moistened
with a solution of water and neutral
detergent.
PLASTIC PARTS
It is advisable to clean interior plastic
parts with a moist cloth and a solution
of water and non-abrasive mild soap.
Use specific products for cleaning
plastic, without solvents and specifically
designed to prevent damage to the
appearance and colour of the treated
parts, to remove grease and tough
stains.
IMPORTANT Do not use alcohol,
petrols or derivatives to clean
the instrument panel glass.LEATHER STEERING
WHEEL/GEAR LEVER
KNOB/HANDBRAKE
(for versions/markets, where provided)
These components must be cleaned
with mild soap and water only. Never
use alcohol or alcohol-based products.
WARNING
205)Never use flammable products, such
as petroleum ether or modified petrol, to
clean the inside of the car. The
electrostatic charges which are generated
by rubbing during the cleaning operation
may cause a fire.
206)Do not keep aerosol cans in the
vehicle: they might explode. Aerosol cans
must not be exposed to a temperature
exceeding 50°C. When the vehicle is
exposed to sunlight, the internal
temperature can greatly exceed this value.
RUBBER HOSES
As far as the brake system and fuel
supply system rubber hoses are
concerned, follow the "Scheduled
Servicing Plan" in this chapter carefully.
Ozone, high temperatures and
prolonged lack of fluid in the system
may cause hardening and cracking of
the hoses, with possible leaks. Careful
checking is therefore necessary.
213