2018 FIAT DUCATO BASE CAMPER Owner handbook (in English)

turn the key in the pawl starter in the
ON position (no need to start the
engine);
wait for the warning on the
instrument panel to switch off before
moving the vehicle, the warning light
may stay on for a few seconds to half a
minute. In case of motor start-up and
movement of the vehicle, the warning
light will remain on for a longer period of
time, but there are no problems on the
engine functionality;
if topping up is done with the UREA
tank empty, you have to wait two
minutes before starting the vehicle;
NOTE The driving conditions (altitude,
vehicle speed, load, etc.) determine the
quantity of UREA used by the vehicle.
In order to use the additive for Diesel
Emissions (UREA) correctly, see "Fluids
and lubricants" in the "Technical data".
132)
IMPORTANT
Exceeding the maximum filling level
of the tank UREA, it can cause damage
to the tank and spilling UREA. Please
avoid topping up after filling the tank.
DO NOT EXCEED THE MAXIMUM
LEVEL. The UREA freezes at under -11
° C. Although the system is designed
to operate below the freezing point
of the UREA, it is advisable not to fill the
tank beyond the maximum level
because if the UREA freezes the
system can be damaged.
If the UREA is spilled on painted
surfaces or aluminium, immediately
clean the area with water and use
absorbent material to collect the fluid
that has been spilled on the ground.
Do not try to start the engine if
UREA was accidentally added to the
Diesel fuel tank, this can result in
serious engine damage, contact
Dealership.
Use AdBlue only according to DIN
70 070 and ISO 22241-1. Other fluids
may cause damage to the system: also
exhaust emissions would no longer
comply with the law. The distribution
companies are responsible for the
compliance of their product. Observe
the precautions of storage and
servicing, in order to preserve the initial
qualities. The manufacturer of the
vehicle does not recognise any
guarantee in case of malfunctions and
damage caused to the vehicle due
to the use of urea (AdBlue) not in
accordance with regulations.
Any introduction of diesel fuel inside
the tank AdBlue, causes irreversible
damage to the pumping unit circuit
AdBlue.
Do not add additives to AdBlue. Do
not dilute AdBlue with tap water as
this may damage the system of
purification of exhaust gases.
In case of damage to the sewage
system of exhaust gas resulting from
the use of additives / tap water, the
introduction of diesel fuel, or at least by
not fulfilling the requirements, the
warranty expires.
AdBlue tank topping (UREA) in cold
environments
Since AdBlue (UREA) starts to freeze
around the -11 °C, the vehicle is
equipped with an automatic system of
heating UREA that allows the system to
function properly at temperatures
below -11 °C.
If the vehicle remains idle for a long
period at temperatures below the -11
°C, the UREA in the tank might freeze.
If the tank UREA was filled beyond
the maximum level and freezes, it can
be damaged; for this reason it is
advisable not to exceed the maximum
level of the tank.
Pay extra attention to avoid exceeding
the maximum level when you use
portable containers for topping up.
135

Fuel storage - Diesel Fuel
133)
In case of the storage of massive
amounts of fuel, good maintenance is
essential. The fuel contaminated with
water favours the proliferation of
"microbes". These microbes create a
"slime" that can clog the filter system
and fuel pipes. Remove water from the
supply tank and regularly replace the
filter pipe.
NOTE When a diesel engine runs out of
fuel, air is blown through the fuel
system.
AdBlue storage (UREA)
AdBlue (UREA) is considered a very
stable product with a long shelf life. If is
stored at temperatures between -12
°C and 32 °C, it can be stored at least
for a year.
Since UREA can freeze at temperatures
at or below -11 °C, the system was
designed to operate also in these cold
environments, thanks to an automatic
heating system which operates when
the engine is started.NOTE When you need to keep the
AdBlue (UREA), it is important to know
that:any container or part that comes in
contact with the UREA must be compatible
with it (plastic or stainless steel). Materials
such as copper, brass, aluminium, iron
or stainless steel is not as susceptible to
corrosion by UREA are to be avoided;
if UREA is spilled from a container,
completely clean the area.
METHANE ENGINES
(NATURAL POWER)
METHANE GAS FILLER
The methane filler is located near the
petrol filler.
To access the filler, unscrew the cap A
fig. 139.The profile of the filler is of the universal
type, compatible with Italian and NGV1
standards.
In some European countries adapters
are considered ILLEGAL (e.g. in
Germany).
For service stations with cubic metre
(m3) nozzles (pressure differential),
to measure the residual pressure in the
cylinder, the non-return valves must
be released by delivering a small
amount of methane.
The other plates (provided with the
vehicle documentation) contain the date
for the first inspection of the cylinders.
36) 37)
Fuel - Vehicle
compatibility
identification - Graphic
symbol for informing
consumers in
accordance with
EN16942
The symbols shown below aid
recognising the correct fuel type to be
used on your vehicle. Before
proceeding with refuelling, check the
symbols inside the fuel filler flap (where
provided) and compare them with the
symbols shown on the fuel pump
(where provided).
139F0N0436
136
STARTING AND DRIVING

Symbols for petrol/methane bi-fuel
cars
E5: Unleaded petrol containing up to
2.7% (m/m) oxygen and with maximum
5.0% (V/V) ethanol compliant with
EN228
E10: Unleaded petrol containing up to
3.7% (m/m) oxygen and with maximum
10.0% (V/V) ethanol compliant with
EN228
CNG: Automotive methane and
bio-methane compliant withEN16723
Symbols for diesel powered cars
B7: Diesel containing up to 7% (V/V) of
FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Esters)
compliant with theEN590specification
B10: Diesel containing up to 10%
(V/V) of FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Esters)
compliant with theEN16734
specification
WARNING
129)Do not approach naked flames or lit
cigarettes to the fuel tank filler: fire risk.
Keep your face away from the fuel filler to
prevent breathing in harmful vapours.
130)To avoid fuel spillage and the
exceeding of the maximum level, avoid
topping up after filling the tank.
131)Any fuel pumping in portable
containers located on a floor can cause a
fire. Danger of burns. Always put the fuel
container on the ground during filling. Avoid
using contaminated fuel: a fuel
contaminated with water or earth can
cause serious damage to the motor supply.
Proper maintenance of the fuel filter, of
the engine and the fuel tank is essential.
132)If AdBlue overheats for a prolonged
period inside the tank to over 50 ° C (for
example due to direct solar irradiation),
AdBlue can decompose ammonia vapours.
Ammonia vapours have a pungent odour
when the cap of the AdBlue tank is
unscrewed, therefore be careful not to
inhale any ammonia vapours in the tank
outlet. In this concentration, however, the
ammonia vapors are not harmful or
dangerous to health.
133)Do not open the fuel system at high
pressure with the engine running. The
operation of the engine creates a high fuel
pressure. A jet of high-pressure fuel can
cause serious injury or death.
WARNING
35)Only refuel with automotive diesel
complying with the European specification
EN 590. The use of other products or
mixtures may damage the engine beyond
repair and consequently invalidate the
warranty, due to the damage caused. If
you accidentally introduce other types of
fuel into the tank, do not start the engine.
Empty the tank. If the engine has been run
for even an extremely limited amount of
time, you must not only drain the fuel tank,
but the rest of the supply circuit as well.
36)Methane refuelling stations are not
authorised to refill the cylinders when the
inspection date has expired. The check
valve prevents the methane from flowing
back to the fuel filler.
37)If the vehicle has been registered in a
country other than Italy, the certification
data, identification and inspection
procedures for the methane cylinders
should conform to the legislation in that
country. In any case, it should be
remembered that the life of the cylinders is
20 years from the production date as set
out in ECE Regulation no. 110.
137

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.
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The general recommendation is to
avoid emptying the petrol tank
completely, as this may lead to a
risk for the driver:
After the METHANE level has
dropped below the reserve threshold,
the vehicle will continue to run on petrol
until it runs out;
the vehicle has run out of petrol
during a previous mission and while
running on METHANE it has reached
the METHANE reserve pressure
threshold: in this case, the system
forces switching to petrol and the
vehicle turns off while it is in motion.NOTE Make sure that the key is in the
OFF position when refuelling with
methane. If, in fact, the system has
already forced running on petrol and
you refuel with methane with the key in
the ON position, the engine will
continue running on petrol until the next
time it is started.
RESTRICTIONS ON USE
Passing from running on methane to
running on petrol causes the maximum
speed to be limited to 90 km/h;
therefore, after the first methane reserve
indication, it is advisable to refuel and
after the second indication of gaseous
fuel running out (double beep), avoid
"risky" conditions such as overtaking at
high speed on the motorway.
Petrol operation is for emergency only.
In order to guarantee good
independence, even where there is
limited tank capacity, performance is
limited such as speed or, as for
take-off, acceleration (particularly uphill).
As such, before embarking on
demanding journeys and/or routes, in
terms of load or road conditions, it
is advisable to ensure that the gaseous
fuel canister is full.
WARNING
38)Fiat Ducato Natural Power is equipped
with a high pressure methane system
designed to run at 200 bar. It is dangerous
to stretch the system with higher
pressures. If there is a problem with the
methane system, only contact a Fiat
Dealership. Do not alter the methane
system configuration or components; they
are designed exclusively for the Fiat
Ducato Natural Power. The use of other
components or materials could cause
malfunctions and prejudice safety.
39)When oven painting, the cylinders must
be removed from the vehicle and refitted
by a Fiat Dealership. Although the methane
system has numerous safety features, it is
advisable to close the manual tap on the
cylinders every time the vehicle is not
in use for a long period, transported on
other vehicles or moved in an emergency
as a result of a breakdown or accident.
140F1A0436
141F0N0403I
139

LOADING ADVICE
The Fiat Ducato version used by you
has been designed and type approved
on the basis of certain maximum
weights (see "Weights" table in the
"Technical Data" chapter): kerb weight,
payload, total weight, maximum weight
on front axle, maximum weight on
rear axle, towable weight.
IMPORTANT The maximum permitted
load on the floor fastenings is 500
kg; the maximum permitted load on the
side panel is 150 kg.
IMPORTANT For versions with right and
left side flaps, it is advisable to
reposition the release lever in the closed
position before lowering the sides.
134) 135) 136)
40)
In addition to these general
precautions, some simple precautions
can improve driving safety, travelling
comfort and vehicle durability:
distribute the load evenly over the
platform: if it is necessary to
concentrate it in a single area, choose
an area mid-way between both axles;
lastly, remember that the vehicle’s
dynamic behaviour is affected by the
weight transported: in particular, the
stopping distances are longer,
especially at high speed.
WARNING
134)Bumpy roads and abrupt braking may
cause unexpected load shifting with
consequently hazardous situations for the
driver and passengers: before setting
off, secure the load tightly using the
partition and appropriate hooks, steel
cables, ropes or chains strong enough to
hold the items to be secured.
135)Even when the car is stopped on a
steep hill or side slope, opening the rear or
side doors could cause unsecured goods
to fall out.
136)If you wish to carry a reserve of petrol
in a can, observe the legal restrictions
and only use a can that is type-approved
and properly secured to the load
anchorage eyebolts. In the event of a
collision the fire risk is increased all the
same.
WARNING
40)Each of these must be strictly
observed and MUST NEVER BE
EXCEEDED in any case. In particular,
ensure that you never exceed the
maximum permitted weights on the front
and rear axles when arranging the load on
the vehicle (particularly if the vehicle is
equipped with a specific trim level).
140
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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.
137) 138)
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.
141

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. 142
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).
139)
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. 143
Another tow hook specific to Truck and
Chassis Cab versions is shown in fig.
143.
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
137)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.
138)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.
139)After fitting, screw holes must be
sealed to prevent a exhaust gas inlet.
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