FIAT DUCATO: Questions and answers

Fiat Ducato 2002

I own a Fiat Ducato 1.4 td mwb motorhome. The speedometer was working fine but then it stopped working for a while. I switched off the engine, it worked fine for a while and then stopped again. Can anyone help with this problem? (1.4 td mwb motorhome)

Fiat Ducato 1992

The hot water switch keeps turning off in my Fiat Ducato. Can anyone help me please?

Fiat Ducato 1989

Hi. I have just bought an 89 2.5 Fiat Ducato camper. It does not have power steering. Is it possible for it to be fitted and what is the best way to go about getting it done? Thanks.

Fiat Ducato 2003

My Fiat Ducato will not start. It will start with easy start but there`s black smoke and it`s not pulling right. Can anyone help me?

Answers

Hi there, I have a neighbour that has exactly the same problem, have suggested a can of petrol and a match but I dont think he is up for that ; ) Neil MacDonald from Scotland

Fiat Ducato 2008

My Fiat Ducato had a side light which wasn`t working. The light came on on the right side front and I changed it with the same navar led light part number. Now it works but the dashboard says that it is still not working. How do we cancel it out? I have tried plugging in the Fiat machine but that`s been no good, the light still tells me that the side lamp is not working. Any suggestions please? (Motorhome)

Fiat Ducato 2000

How easy is it to change the ignition barrel on my T Reg Fiat Ducato without the original key?

Fiat Ducato 2009

Has anyone had a problem with the rear sway bar on their Fiat Ducato? My bar came over and was rubbing on the rear righthand side tyre. Fiat won`t cover this under warranty because they are saying that it is my fault. I am still fighting them over the warranty issue. Can anyone advise me? (Motor home)

Fiat Ducato 1999

Are the front wheel bearings on my Fiat Ducato tapered?

Answers

Whilst looking for an answer to my conundrum it’s nice to come across a question that I can answer myself: The answer is of course it has; all modern day vehicles have tapered wheel bearings to allow for wear. A tapered inner roller bearing cradle sits in a tapered outer bearing cup and by tightening the axle nut up to the correct torque the ’play’ in the bearing can be taken up. As the bearing wears the axle nut can be re-torqued during servicing to take up the wear. I come from Northampton and served my engineering apprenticship at British Timken who were the original inventors of this type of bearing back in the 1920s - Richard Wilkinson from Northamptonshire

Fiat Ducato 2005

My dashboard goes off then comes back on not all the time but mostly after starting sometimes when I switch the ignition on. How come?

Fiat Ducato 2001

I have a 2001 Fiat 1.9TD Motorhome. Can I get a new engine put in it to comply with the LEZ? (1.9TD)

Fiat Ducato 1991

This is clarification of my question asked on 15/3 2012. How are lateral lights on the body of the camper connected? These are not the side indicator lights which work in tandem with the front indicators. (Hymer campervan)

Fiat Ducato 2002

Please can anyone tell me how the spring fits on the clutch pedal of my Fiat Ducato? (10 td mwb)

Fiat Ducato 1991

The side lights on the body of my Fiat Ducato are disconnected. The wires are simply hanging loose under the dashboard- near to the fuse panel. Where are they meant to be connected? (Hymer Campervan)

Fiat Ducato 2003

Can any one tell me were the restate blower motor is located as am having the same problem on my Fiat Ducato Ace Napoli Motorhome, heater only works on full demist setting.

Fiat Ducato 1996

My Fiat Ducato has recently started to stall on me when driving. It’s only happened when in 5th gear travelling on the motorway/A road around 60mph. It’s not happened consistently either, seems to only happen if I put my foot on the gas to add power around that speed but not every time. The red engine light shows on the display. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks. (2.0 JTG)

Answers

Fuel pump mate! Tony from Essex

Fiat Ducato 1992

Is there an ASR warning light on a 1992 Hymer B564 Fiat a class motorhome and can it be switched on/off?

Fiat Ducato 2005

Fuse F11 blows. Speedometer not working / glow plug light flashes intermittently after start until warm. Temperature gauge works intermittently. speedo connector discontented, temp sender disconnected, fuse still blows. Help please!

Answers

The flashing glow plug light could be because of the cold weather recently. I have Hymer B544 with 2.5 fiat, the glow light rarely comes on unless the engine is very cold 0 degrees etc. It then flashes for a few seconds at most (if at all) the glow plug actually operates for up to 40 secs. Hope this helps - @w1ggan Morley from Lancashire

Fiat Ducato 2002

The cab heater blower on my Ducato based Hymer motorhome only works when turned to full (demist). I.e. nothing when it is set on positions 1, 2, 3 ... Is this likely to be a fuse or poor connection?? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Answers

Sounds like a faulty heater blower reastate normally found next to the blower motor - Gary from England

On ours it was a fault with the resistors, easily remedied by our local auto electic shop - Sandi from England

Fiat Ducato 1984

How many gears has a Fiat Ducato 1984 Campervan?

Answers

4 forward gears 1 reverse gear, neutral, stick out down hills to save fuel but hard to stop - Lee from Dorset

Fiat Ducato 2001

I’m having trouble finding the location of the heater blower resister on my 2001 Fiat Ducato. Any ideas please?

Fiat Ducato 2004

What part of my Fiat Ducato’s engine tells me how many litres it is and kw as I need to know for it to pass its MOT in Italy, as they cannot find the engine number.

Fiat Ducato 2008

There is an electrical connection under the seat on my Fiat Ducato which appears to be on the airbag system. Can I just disconnect it to remove the seat or is there a special way of doing this? Thanks. (Motorhome)

Answers

I think it is only a seatbelt detector - you have to have the seatbelt on when someone is sitting in the seat. I’ve removed the seat and frame in my 2008 model without any problems. But I did reinstall everything prior to starting engine - Dave from Australia

Fiat Ducato 2002

What is colour coding for the alternator warning light circuit wire from the alternator on a Fiat Ducato?

Fiat Ducato 1989

Does anybody now what original oil filter is needed for my 1989 Fiat Ducato 14 2.5td engine code 8144.21? (Hymer)

Fiat Ducato 1993

Hi, I have a Fiat Ducato Talbot Express Autosleeper. It had a leak so I got the window out and resealed it but still have a leak when it rains, between the two front seats in the middle of the cab. Can anyone help? It’s not the heater matrix as I have had it checked.

Fiat Ducato 1994

Does anybody know if a 1.9td engine from a later Ducato 95-97 will fit in the earlier model from 91 -94 and attatch to my existing gearbox? (1.9td motorhome early cab)

Fiat Ducato 2009

I am converting my Fiat Ducato to a motorhome and a conversion firm is fitting some equipment. To fit a gas/electric heater for the acommodation they want to drill a hole for the gas exhaust through the floor of the van AND through the chassis. This would be approximately 20mm diameter on right side, about 1 metre behind the driver’s seat. Is this structurally safe? (Panel van)

Fiat Ducato 2008

The engine coolant on my Fiat Ducato seems to be using water on a small scale but nonetheless it is using it. It has been to the garage twice and they say there is nothing wrong with it. Do you agree?

Fiat Ducato 1991

Can anyone tell me were to buy a drive shaft oil seal and a gearbox oil seal for a 1991 Fiat Ducato 2.5 diesel motorhome? Everyone I have tried says they are obsolete but surely that can’t be?

Answers

Drive Shaft Intermediate Bearing PRICES Posted Cash on Collection UK: £6 £5 EU: £8 n/a UK First class, EU Air Mail All MODELS WITH SPLIT RIGHT-HAND DRIVESHAFTS Driveshaft Retaining Clip All models up to 1994 Price is per unit. Each driveshaft requires ONE piece PRICES Posted Cash on Collection UK: £3 £2 EU: £4 n/a High-tensile clip used to secure the driveshaft in the differential gears. Often damaged when removing the driveshaft from the differential it is recommended to change these each time. Fitment: Simply clips over the end of the driveshaft once it has been extracted from the differential. It would no be practicable to document the entire procedure here but if you require manuals see the Factory manuals I have for sale in ebay or directly via my website. ** Postage & packing on small items can be combined, please ask for a quote - Colin James from Suffolk

Fiat Ducato 2002

Can anyone tell me how the headlamp height adjuster system works on my Swift Sundance 590 RS Motorhome? Someone has suggested that there are "Bowden" cables running from the control twist knob on the dash - 3 possible settings - to what looks like a piston on the headlamp mounting. To my mind the two plastic tubes through which the supposed cables run, are in fact filled with some sort of hydraulic fluid. Any enlightenment will be appreciated, and even better, how to repair this system if broken. Thank you.

Fiat Ducato 2002

This Swft Sundance 590 RS motorhome is on a Fiat Ducato 14mwb. The headlight height/load level adjusters only work on one side. I have tried to see how they work and have trawled the internet to get info. Some people have said that they use a Bowden cable, but as I look at the light blue coloured tubes that run from the control knob on the dashboard to the back of the headlight I’m wondering if there isn’t some sort of hydraulic fluid which may have been lost from one of the tubes, causing the malfunction. Anyone else come across this problem, and how can it be fixed. Thanks.

Answers

I have the same problem on both sides of my 2000 Suntor 520. I thought it was a vacuum system, but it may be hydrualic. I have wedged my lights into the top position, and then had them aligned in order to pass the MOT wh.curry@hotmail.co.uk - Walter Curry from County Antrim

Fiat Ducato 2006

Can anybody please tell me how to change/alter the time on the clock on my Ducato Motorhome?

Answers

I have a 2005 Ducato. If it the same as mine push the black button on left hand side by clock and hold for 8 - 10 seconds and the time will change - Alan Fillis from Devon

Fiat Ducato 1990

What does relay 236001 do and should it heat up? I’m having problems with the lighting system.

Fiat Ducato 1989

I have a Hobby 600 motorhome 2.5 but don’t have a hand book. Can anyone tell me the correct tyre pressures for this vehicle before we take it ’on tour’. Tyres are Toyo 195/75/R16C. (Motor Home)

Answers

Front 4.3 back 4.5. Greetings from Holland - Tom Bögel from Holland

Fiat Ducato 1984

I have a 1984 Ducato and the brakes have gone very hard in it. It would slow you down but not stop you. The brake pedal is very hard. Does anyone know what may be wrong? Also does anyone know where I could get a vacuum pump or diaphram for the 1984? Thanks.

Answers

Sounds like the servo is duff! - Jim Hope from England

I had this on my 2005 Ducato, one of the brake pads had seized up in the pad carrier. Cleaned all the carriers up, cannot believe the difference - Phil Cresswell from England

Fiat Ducato 1999

Hello, can anyone tell me why my Fiat Ducato 2.8L idtd motorhome won’t switch off sometimes when I turn the ignition key off? It seems to be a completely random fault. Thank you. (2.8 idtd)

Fiat Ducato 1988

Where can I get a passenger side rear light? I bought one from Panks and after getting the old one out I found the new one was slightly bigger, though in every other respect the same. Are there two types? My motorhome is a swift model. Thanks!

Fiat Ducato 1988

As this vehicle is not fitted with power steering, is it possible to fit power steering to this vehicle and any idea of approximate cost for parts please? (Motorhome)

Fiat Ducato 2010

How do I change indicator bulbs in the wing mirrors of a Fiat Ducato? The handbook does not cover this procedure.

Answers

Ducato x250 indicator bulb in wing mirror is accessed by removing the two very small Phillips screws. Push main mirror inwards on its outside edge and locate the 2 screws, undo (they are small and easily dropped and lost!!!). The indicator lens should easily come away, turn bulb holder 60 degree anticlockwise and the bulb pulls out - Nick Percival from Devon

Fiat Ducato 1993

How do you remove the long driveshaft from diff to replace oil seal? I have tried Fiat’s method with tapered chisel but it won’t release the inside circlip. Advice please. (Hymer 544)

Fiat Ducato 2005

My Ducato has black smoke with knocking and loss of power. I stop, restart, everything okay?

Fiat Ducato 2003

I have black smoke and loss of power with juddering with my Ducato. I changed the EGR valve and checked the fuel pump and injectors. The garage think it is an ECU fault. Any help? (2.0ltr jtd)

Fiat Ducato 1993

I’m looking for a Fiat Ducato 2.5 left hand inner door handle. Any idea where I can get hold of one?

Fiat Ducato 2000

What is the gearbox code on a Ducato SWB MK2 5 speed manual box w reg year 2000 1.9td?

Fiat Ducato 1991

Does anyone know the engine water coolant PSI? I need a replacement cap for the coolant reservoir and I don’t seem to be able to find anyone who knows. (Hymer b544 motorhome)

Fiat Ducato 1986

I have just taken my elderly but still functioning Glendale 1000 custom built motorhome for its MOT. The garage won’t test it as they can’t find the vehicle ID plate to confirm the weight. It is based on a Ducato 1.3t chassis. Does anyone know where I could find this plate, it’s not on the slam plate under the hood. The plate there is blank. Cheers, Simon (Motorhome)

Answers

Try looking on the cab floor next to the driver’s seat. If the cab is carpeted, it may be hidden - Frank from London

Fiat Ducato 1990

Hi, has anyone got a Fiat Ducato or Talbot Express 2.5 diesel engine for sale to fit a 1990 ducato motorhome if so can you please phone 0777 088 4068 anytime. Thanks. (Motorhome)

Fiat Ducato 1989

Does anyone know if there is another engine I can put straight in my motorhome. I have a 1989 Fiat Ducato 1.9 td. There is not enough power for hills, can anyone help? Would any Peugeot, Fiat, Talbot or any other fit? Please let me know - Noel - 0777 088 4068. Thanks.

Answers

Have the turbo boost pressure increased! Easy and cheap for this pre-ECU vehicles. Big gains, cheap cost. Next in line is having the fuel pump pressure increased. Call me for any more info - 0791 954 2390 - David Best from England

Fiat Ducato 2005

Can anyone tell me how to remove lens on high roof van marker lights please?

Fiat Ducato 2002

I’ve got a problem with the fuel gauge, It doesn’t give a true reading. I’ve tried to get this fixed many times but this problem is still there. Please, has anyone got the same problem?

Answers

We had a similar problem last year on our 1999 Ducato, the garage we took it to suggested we had an auto electrian to check it out. He found a short on one of the wires at the back of the engine, renewed a section of the wiring and the problem was sorted - Paul Jackson from England

Fiat Ducato 2006

My Fiat Ducato motorhome has just developed a fault. The battery warning light stays on. Can it be the alternator? But the battery seems to have a full charg. Any ideas?

Fiat Ducato 2001

When I turn the ignition key the dash lights dim and the glow plug relay clicks. Nothing else happens... I have renewed the relay, glow plugs and charged the battery but no change. Any suggestions would be gratefully received. (1.9TDI)

Answers

Sounds as if you have a bad earth connection. I would check the earthing straps that run to the engine, starter motor. To prove this, use a battery jump lead connected to a good point on the bodywork inside the engine bay, and the engine and get a friend to turn the engine over from the cab. If the engine fires up then you have a bad connection between the Neg Terminal of the Battery and the Engine - Rick Bennett from Devon

Fiat Ducato 2002

From time to time, for no apparent reason, when I apply the brakes, the pedal is hard for a few very frightening seconds and then resumes its normal position. This is happening more frequently as time goes on and I am concerned that sooner or later the brakes will fail. I have changed the vacuam pump but this has not solved the problem. Any suggestions? (motorhome)

Fiat Ducato 1998

What sort of mpg does a 2.5 Fiat Ducato return?

Answers

I had a Kontiki 1996. At 60mph with favourable winds 30 mpg was no problems with the tdi. Headwinds, as long as you kept to 60mph, would give 26/28 mpg. I run a 1999 625 Bessacar now, this is 3 foot shorter than the Kontiki and lighter. The 2.5 tdi shoves this camper so much easier fuel consumption is 32/34 mpg no problem. I run at 60mph but this camper will accelerate up to 80mph - no probs when overtaking. I’m an ex-diesel fitter retired now, so my van is well maintained, the 116 bhp this engine produces is fine on 20 foot m/homes but let the motor spin on drags - Tony Williams from Cheshire

Fiat Ducato 2005

Hi, I have a Fiat Ducato 2.8 motorhome which has done 13,000 miles and the alternator siezed up which meant I had to have a new one. Is this common with this engine? Thanks!

Fiat Ducato 1991

The vehicle is experiencing a vibration problem. After approximately 45 minutes from a cold start and reaching speeds of 40 - 55 miles per hour the vehicle starts to shake, best described as like a dog getting out of water and shaking itself dry. I have had all the wheels balanced, cleaned the fuel filter and checked the fuel pump delivery pressure, which appears O.K. Any one any ideas please? (2.5 Diesel Hymer b564 Motorhome)

Answers

Hi Brian, try checking your wheel bearings - Dave Partridge from Warwickshire

If it does this when under acceleration, chances are it’s a bent drive shaft. I just had the same problem on a Peugeot Boxer - Ric from England

To all who responded to original query, it turned out to be worn out constant velocity joints. I have replaced both drive shafts vehicle now, it runs smooth as silk and is a real pleasure to drive - Brian Johnson from Cheshire

Fiat Ducato 2010

We have ordered a new motohome but are undecided on the engine size. Whether to have a 130 or a 160. Could you please tell us which is the most fuel efficient? The motorhome is a autotrail apache which weighs three and a half tons and is twenty three foot six inches long. Many thanks!

Fiat Ducato 2007

We purchased a Ducatto based motorhome from new. It has now done 8,000 miles. The last 1,000 miles has seen a constantly appearing engine management light and misfiring on starting with various degrees of smoke. The dealership replaced the throttle support which cost 480 quid and the light still comes on after driving. It seems to go off if I stop some times but other times it remains on when I continue my journey. It is going in again on Monday so what should I tell them to do this time? Any ideas?

Answers

This engine had a recall on it in 2007 for replacement of faulty/blocked egr valve - work to be carried out by dealers on a voluntary corrective action. This egr report 2007 states quote: the product poses a risk of injuries because water that turns into ice at low temperatures can get into the EGR valve damaging the valve and making it leak. The valve is located on the intake manifold and plays a key role in reducing unwanted engine emissions. When the valve is flawed it can cause excessive emissions of exhaust gasses, engine choking and stalling while accelerating and finally lowering efficiency of the braking system, unquote. recall No.200355/07 - Robert Dady from England

Fiat Ducato 2005

I have 2.3 Fiat Ducato and it will not start, there is no power going to the injectors. What could it be?

Fiat Ducato

Are the new Ducato’s that Fiat are knocking out minus their previous reverse gear problems? If so, then what is the safe registration vehicles to look for? For example, brand new 2011?

Fiat Ducato 1988

What should the tyre pressures be for our 4 berth Fiat Ducato Motorhome, we do not have the handbook for this specification is 32psi front and 35psi back too low, or should we have 50psi all round, we have received conflicting advice please can you assist. (4 berth motorhome)

Answers

Hi Carol, if you go to the Kwik Fit tyre pressure search webpage - http://www.kwik-fit.com/tyre-pressure-search.asp - and enter your motorhome’s registration it will provide you with the recommended front and rear tyre pressures - RoadTestReports.co.uk

Hi Carol, first you do not say what year your Fiat Ducato based motorhome is, mine is a 1991 Hymer B564, THIS IS MY EXPERIENCE. 1) I too didn’t have a specific manaual. 2) When I checked with FIAT I received the following information - Front Tyres 6.5 bar Rear tyres 5.5 bar. PERSONAL EXPERIENCE PROVED THESE PRESSURES TO BE FAR TOO HIGH FOR MY MOTORHOME. 3) After lots of experiments and many long distance continental tours I find the following pressures give both a comfortable and fairly quiet ride and also do not appear to be detrimental to tyre wear. FRONT TYRES 55 P.S.I. REAR TYRES 50 P.S.I. Trust you find the above useful - Brian Johnson from England

The handbook for our Laika Kreos 3010, from 1991 on a Ducato 2.8 JTD (max weight 3,500 kg) states 5,5 bar (=77 psi) for all tyres. Tyre size is 215/75 x 16. In addition to max. vehicle weight, the tyres’ ply rating (6 or 8, usually - read on the sidewall) will also affect the recommended pressure. I would recommend asking in a tyre fitting workshop or at a Fiat dealership - Howard Ibbitson from Cornwall

Fiat Ducato 2005

My 2.3 Fiat Ducato will not start. It was going alright and it has only 13,000 miles on it. It turns over alright and it is geting fuel - what can it be?

Fiat Ducato 2005

Can anyone help me with an ongoing problem? Just after a Christmas trip to see family in London we developed a fault with our camper van that meant we couldn’t turn it off and very occasionally not turn it back on again. We took it to our local garage and left it with them for a fortnight and it only did it to them once so they changed the ignition barrel. I was happy with their repairs in the past so accepted their diagnosis. In May this year we drove from Cornwall to London, Sheffield and on to the Lakes completing more than 1,600 miles without a hick-up so we were well happy. Until that is a short weekend trip to Dorset when it started all over again on our return. Can anyone help? (2.8 JTD)

Fiat Ducato 2004

I am experiencing a high pitched whining noise coming from the battery charger under the seat when plugged into the mains 240 v. When I pull the plug out of the charger the noise stops. The noise gets louder the more load that is used and I cannot identify what is causing it. My dealership say they cannot find the solution and an independant engineer could not either. Can anyone help me as the noise is driving me mad! (Carioca motorhome)

Answers

I had a similar noise coming from a caravan charger. It was a faulty component inside, I think it was a condensor. It was easy to spot - it was smelling of burning and blackened. It was only a couple £ from a electrical components supply firm and needed to be soldered in place. The hardest part of the whole job was drilling the rivets that held charger unit together - Jim G from Northumberland

Fiat Ducato 2006

I have a Fiat Ducato 56 reg new face van with a Ford engine. When I start the van it stops immediately with a lot of black smoke and noise issuing from the injectors. When this happens, even if the fuel tank is full the fuel gauge indicator shows empty. Computer diagnosis shows fault with the EGR sensor and injectors. EGR sensor replaced and checked injectors but there is no fault there but the van is still in the same condition. If someone has any experience with this kind of a problem please help me to get it sorted. I have tried everything. Email : janakadgamage [at] yahoo [dot] com.

Fiat Ducato 2007

I have a problem with my motorhome - my fuel gauge fails to register at all. Can anyone give me any advice on how I can fix this problem?

Answers

Fuel sender needle on dash moves up then falls - Norman Mccl from Northern Ireland