DIY Full Service on a Fiat Ducato 2.3 multijet and Stereo Upgrade

I'm not a great fan of garages, far too many rip you off or even lie and don't even the carry out the work they claim to have done. So with a few simple tools, and a bit of time, here's me giving our van a full service, including brakes too.
I've also added a simple amplifier to the stereo to improve the audio quality.
Here are our affiliate links to the items featured in this video.
Service kit - ebay.us/zGF0GS
Stereo Amplifier upgrade - ebay.us/w3kiy8
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[@johnmandy]

Just a polite note. Positive comments will make it, otherwise I’m removing comments having a go at me. I’m not here for some of you to get a cheap thrill by having a go, feel free to make your own videos if you don’t like mine. Generally, don’t say anything unless you’re saying something nice 👍🏻 Thanks. ❤️ Here are our affiliate links to the items featured in this video. Service kit - ebay.us/zGF0GS Stereo Amp upgrade - ebay.us/w3kiy8

[@gardnerstravels6361]

Well said John, keep up the good work & content you put out for us all to watch & ignore the jealous ones 👍🏼

[@jessestrum]

thanks john very helpfull

[@mentalneil]

I was lucky enough to learn all these skills while serving in the military as a driver, there's only a couple of tips I can think of, 1, if you can put new oil into the oil filter before replacing it do so (sadly yours looks like it's at a right angle, so this may not help), 2, get yourself a short length of scaffold pole (18 to 24 inches) this give you extra leverage when loosening and tightening wheel nuts

[@ritchycamaro]

Hi John, I do my own maintenance as well. Small tip, if you replace airfilter, there are filters with a metal screen on the outside. This prevents mice from living there and chewing on the paper. Only a few euros extra. Chiao, Rijk from Holland

[@simonmiddleton4977]

So glad you didn’t edit out the tire leaver breaking or the fact that the wheel was hard to remove due to the corrosion as this is what happens in real life and is good to see as it could happen to others and put them off from doing there own maintenance. Count yourself lucky, my Sprinter takes 12 Litres of oil!

[@johnmandy]

Oh wow 12 litres ouch 😳

[@brucefay5126]

The diesel engine in my converted bus takes 8 gallons (US) of oil. :-) (And an even larger quantity of coolant.)

[@homegrowndrone2804]

Your are right about the “Main Stealers” John. They never take the same care & attention as an owner would. From someone who used to work on that side of the fence. Top work as usual Fella! 👍

[@TravellingfromScratch]

Hi John and Mandy. Was nice to meet you both at Willow Fields today. I'm the one with the German Shepherd. Sorry I felt a bit awkward approaching you. It was lovely of you to invite me to the camp fire but didn't think I could come over with the dog as there were a lot of people there. Maybe next time. I could see you all having a good time sitting in a group but I'm too shy to say hello to you all. Did say hello to David and Greg but they were chatting and didn't want to interrupt. Hope none of you thought I was being rude. I'm just a bit shy meeting people to be honest. Nice to meet you anyway. Ian P.S. Thanks for the dog treat Mandy. You both came across as lovely down to earth people. Sorry I didn't get to meet Cooper. x

[@pauldixon7808]

Great informative video, nice and easy to follow and everything was clearly explained, the only comment that I would make is that you should never rely on jacks of this type, always lower onto an axle stand if you are undertaking work like maintaining/repairing brakes. Keep up to great work

[@jeannerowe3497]

Our van is the same as yours but 5 years older. Learnt a lot watching you do the things a garage make sound difficult. Will have a go at changing the old and air filter I think. Really appreciate your guides here.

[@NorthernersonTour]

mandy can you market gadjet john dolls as every motor home needs one 🤣🤣🤣

[@gerrylaidler1492]

top tip !!!!!! when pouring a full 5 litre container of oil (or anything) tip it in so that the spout is at the top so you dont get a spurt of liquid as air gushes in to replace the spent fluid. Of course when you've put about a third of it in you can use the handle again and have the spout back at the bottom. I know what I mean hope you can make sense of it. lol.

[@johnmandy]

Sadly the oil container didn’t have the cable pouring spout, that’s why I used a funnel 👍🏻

[@ciaranokelly3693]

One of the first things I learned as a young apprentice back in 1978

[@pfreeman2732]

Thanks for all of this. You never patronise us and you can always be guaranteed to make something as boring as hell sound interesting... and with a sense of humour!! Here's to Mandy's beloved! Take care and now go and grab something cool'ish!

[@vanscran1672]

Hi, I've been doing my own maintenance all my life virtually, the garages never do a proper job and often over tighten everything and never grease any bolts etc. where needed. My top tip is to replace bolts as you go with stainless A2 grade, not on brakes or wheels, just things like the air filter and low stress applications, hose clips too. 😀👍

[@NobbyRon]

Hi John, first things first, how is Mandy going? Great vlog again. After 10 years of caravaning, we recently purchased a great camper again. It’s a Bürstner BT6909 Ltd Edition, on Fiat Ducato 2.3, 160 hp and 9-step automatic, 23.000kilometers build in 2021, great machine. I’m planning to do the small maintenance myself so thanks for this video👍👍. I love the tires on your campervan, I would like to hear your arguments for choosing these tires besides the fact that you may travel the unbeaten paths once and again. Can you tell weather there is a big difference in comfort after mounting these great looking bad boys. The front tires of our campervan will have to be changed by the end of next summer and I might consider changing to the big bad boys like the ones under your van. Thanks again and kindest regards for you both. By the way, meanwhile I have ordered for the Netgear Nighthawk 2100 and will be able to test the results by Thursday next week. Enjoy every second, be safe and keep doing what you are doing🍀🍀👊👊👍👍.

[@timbright2426]

Another good one John. Had trouble with my old camper van getting it on car ramps. Not serviced my fiat yet and didn't realise you could do it on the ground so thanks for that.

[@theonlywoody2shoes]

If you are having difficulty removing a wheel that is stuck on the hub, if you have a spare you can use this as a hammer (swing it through your legs) against the stuck wheel - rubber to rubber - to dislodge it. Sadly trying this with an inflation kit in a modern car doesn’t work - first thing we do with all our family cars is buy a full size spare. One day you probably will need it (when you are miles from home, it’s dark, it’s a bank holiday or Covid has shut everything down, you still get home safe if you know how to swap out a flat). Great informative video as always, many thanks - and for those who will inevitably complain about you working without axle stands, you can put that spare on its side under the vehicle to stop it falling should the jack fail - unlikely I know.

[@rogerstarkey5390]

John. One thing I would do. When you have wheels and or tyres changed, always "crack you nuts" (wheel) yourself either at the garage, or shortly after. Nothing worse than trying to change a wheel in **** rain when you can't undo the nuts because the garage airgun was set too high! 3 feet of scaffold pipe can be handy as well (extra leverage)

[@ciaranokelly3693]

Hey John, the air filter housing reminds me of the one in my old Alfa Romeo. The retaining screws for the cover can be a nightmare if they get heavily rusted...and they do. A liberal dose of copper grease or ceramic grease will save them. You're doing a good job and don't mind the begrudgers 👍

[@ciaranokelly3693]

A top tip, buy yourself a good quality 2 foot 1/2" drive breaker bar. A perfect tool for dealing with intransigent wheel bolts/nuts. I still have my Snap On bar and never an issue in 40 years.

[@johnpaulwilliams6300]

I think it's great that you guys are sticking it out on these hard times.

[@landytravels9427]

Mines a 2015 as well but it has an under engine cover which has to be removed before you can get at anything, real pain to do lying on your back under the van! You’ll need a Phillips driver, no25 torx driver and a 15mm socket to get it off! After that it’s easy enough as John shows.

[@spitNsawdust]

Wait! The window washer tank neck comes up!!!! All this time I never knew! Thanks John 👍

[@RustyRoseAdventures]

I did all the same things on my van but I also did the fuel filter, and instead of the brake caliper I had to adjust the handbrake. Which trust me on those brake shoes are very annoying!😅 Nice work

[@markowens7330]

Yet another informative video just one safety point I know you not got fully equipped workshop but as soon as wheel is off store under van just incase could be a lifesaver Now a tale about my brothers car needing wheel bearings turned out nuts where that loose next time wheel had to come of it had seazed that tight it ended up cutting of with angle grinder

[@theabandonedhunter3604]

No questions John…. Just a quality informative video sir! 👌

[@charliegould5865]

That’s the sort of job that’s easily a DIY job, garages make a fortune out of basic services. A friend of mine made a good living out of it, he had a small workshop near a railway station. Customers dropped in their car in the morning and collected it later on their way home. He could do several straight services in a day and made loads of money. Good of you to explain how it’s done in simple terms. I do all my own servicing, ok not on the new MoHo yet, it’s under manufacturers warranty for another year. Ignore the knockers John, the standard supplied jack is ok to lift a vehicle so long as you’re not under it, and you weren’t. I’ve used the standard jack loads of times with no problem, I do however slide the removed wheel underneath just in case. How many of the “experts” carry a trolley jack, axle stands and torque wrench with them wherever they go?

[@davidcrewe6318]

Nice one John use what you have your not going to carry a trolley jack and axle stands with you so spot on .engine bay could do with a clean up and a nice service wash and vac jobs a good one...

[@MakeDoAndMend1]

Tip from old George. When I owned a vintage car. I would carry in my engine spares an oil filter. I could then change the oil filter mid service period to help prolong the engine. It can be done on most vehicles without draining oil. Just top up oil. Easily done the side of the road with no tools if necessary. Filters are cheap. Cheers from old George Ps it was a petrol engine.

[@gerryfitzpatrick744]

Hi John your rear pads need changed and the calliper looks like it’s seizing on that’s why your brake disc looks red not brown with rust I’m an experienced mechanic 40 years 👍

[@geoffwatson7960]

Hi John. You should copperslip the locating lugs of the pads, a squeek can come from the pads moving when braking. Good video though mate, your knowledge is tremendous.

[@peterauld-kz7er]

Very useful, clear and concise. Thanks for that.

[@TheAdenau]

The rear discs definitely been over heated, all that orange, hopefully now you sorted the seized slider be ok 👍

[@Rob.1340]

Hello there, job well done. I would recommend painting the sump pan , surprising how thin they are. All the very best to you both. 👍 cheers.

[@paulwinfield8437]

Hi John Very informative video. I have always done mine and all the families servicing and repairs. I don’t trust the main dealers or independents to do it right or use correct oil and filters. I would definitely slap some paint on that sump pan though. I had a focus pan rust through on me.

[@dorothyhart8127]

Thanks John. I’m never likely to do a service on my van myself. , but I found your video invaluable in showing me what is involved.

[@jeffshepherd5376]

To avoid dropping the new sump plug in the waste oil move the waste oil container from under the sump. It saves you from having to go fishing in the oil for it.

[@johnmandy]

Then you’d spill oil on the floor, not sure there’s a better solution than just being careful 👍🏻

[@bunion86]

Great vid, worryingly now I am wondering what I have been paying £250 a year for on my service! You made it look easy

[@edwarddoyle9231]

Hi John, nice video but what about the fuel filter change - very important - on my peugeot i changed all filters every 6 months , even with low milage its good practice - i recently had to part with that vehicle due to emission control in my area - the van is now in the sheffield area. The new mk3, peugeot boxer has a different type of fuel filter housing (Metal) to get a replacement fuel filter cartridge is almost impossible even from the main dealer - nobody knows what type of cartridge is necessary - anyway i am rambling on - take care. Ed,

[@retro423]

Tip for undoing tight wheel nuts, position the ratchet handle in a horizontal position then stand on it and bounce on it

[@webgibs]

Great blog thanks, I now plan to do mine for the first time Inc pollen filter ... Did you source the parts easily ? .....I was told oil needs to be 5w-30? ..do I need torque wrench for drain plug ? Cheers

[@radu-danielstoica1968]

thanks John, nonetheless I do have a question.... how do you reset your car computer after the oil change / service ? thank you in advance

[@northernnarrowboater8423]

Buy yourself a 1/2” Clark pro breaker bar for the wheel nuts, they come with a lifetime guarantee. I’m on my second one no issues at all replacing it at machinemart.

[@michellechapman6961]

That was a really bad ass vlog. I really enjoyed it and kinda feel I could actually go and have a go at that myself. Imagine my husbands surprise when he services our car next week, I will be right behind him saying have you done? 😂😂😂.He will probably tell me to go and cook something or iron something. Seriously that was very informative and I have learned from it. Thank you.

[@cybercazful]

Brilliant vid..learnt a lot..thank you.

[@fb1051]

Great vid to be fair, clear and informative.. but a few things I'd like to raise... first is merely an observation... the actual sump on these are know for corroding due to there being no sump guard fitted to protect it from stone chips.. and yours is in that box.. be mindful that it will eventually perforate and drop your oil... secondly.. you have a 2014 onwards from the shape of your headlights... they have two ecu resets that need to be done when serviced.. one is a general 'service' reset, the other is an oil change reset which has an impact on the effectiveness of the diesel particulate filter.... you've done the servicing.. do you also do the ecu resets? (P.S. I do my own servicing too and do the ecu resets each time)

[@johnmandy]

Not heard of the 2 step service reset, so you have any info on that you could share with us all?

[@rabfraser1234]

great vid john i done my own motorhome a few months back as it was hard to get a garage that would do it ,,,i didnt do the fuel filter ,,i was going to watch you doing it ,,but you never done it ,would be interesting to watch if you decide to do it ,,thanks again for the info ,,keep them coming,,

[@wp-my2rc]

hi guys, do you not do a fuel filter replacement on a full service on those vehicles i always replace my fuel filter on my campervan as my father was a top mechanic and explained the importance of doing so, my van always seems to run better too. great channel and lovely content,explained very good.

[@johnmandy]

Feel free to read my response to the other comments who’ve already asked this 👍🏻

[@bus_y]

Very informative John thank you. Learned about the brakes as a bonus while searching information on a filter change.

[@richiebainbridge2608]

Did my mini service yesterday and added fresh oil into the new filter, just enough to ensure not a dry start. The filter soaks up the oil too. Great video. I got a shock to how heavy the wheels are ! Or is it just my age lol. Richie.

[@noelgregdavis8235]

John the easiest way to get them wheels off when there like that is to kick the side wall of the top of the tyre then spin it and do the same on the other side that way you don't mark the wheels but if you can do the service your self you know everything is done right and a lot cheaper

[@andrewdebbiebridge7205]

Have you replaced the cabin/pollen filter?

[@ianofsjkartwork]

That was a great insight into how to service your own van........great knowledge and well explained John........stay safe.......thanks for sharing

[@hopesfreedom2322]

Well explained John, good of you to include the tough/challenging parts 👍🏼

[@GedandMichele]

Great video.Well done for taking the time.Will be doing mine next time as out of warranty and not having FSH will not impact value in a perceptible degree with all the other variables

[@tommcdonnell4327]

PS John and Mandy i was recently made redundent from Tameside Transmissions gearbox reconditioners Droysden through years of experiance motorhomes are parked up for winter and exposed to winter rain and frost most gear boxes transmissions have the gear selector shaft/linkage on the top between alloy webbing that causing ingress into gearbox. Cover top of your gearbox with with water proof sheet

[@Harbottle24]

hi john,nice to see people doing their own service rather than going to a main stealer,did you enquire how much a garage would charge rather than doing the work yourself,i bet you saved a fair bit ?

[@johnmandy]

In all, including buying an oil pan, with the service kit I spent £70 and a fiat dealer wanted £270 for this service.

[@Harbottle24]

@@johnmandy that’s a ridiculous saving and to be fair it’s a straight forward service 👍

[@jonmartin1272]

Great informative vlog. Really enjoyed it. You made it look so easy I might have a go!!! Is there a way to reset the service light on the dashboard?

[@Leonard_Smith]

Excellent input from Mandy. I look forward to your contribution to the next cooking vlog to repay the favour.

[@kenbroster8353]

Your sump pan looks as though it’s needs a coat of stone chip paint - all that off road stuff and road salt!! Love your tyres - really meaty

[@MightyQuin61]

Thks John, brilliant video.

[@tomchapman8427]

On my old Convoy i use steel wheel brace with pipe and i would have put new pads in after making sure caliper pistons move proper

[@Pandora882]

You can apply more force by pulling upward as you can pull more than your body weight.

[@craigmelvin5206]

Great video, really enjoyed that, as I do my Renault master once a year, and the parts really are not that expensive. Good stuff.

[@markwhitney8458]

Hi there what stereo are you using thanks mark

[@MrHinchliffe]

Just bought the amplifier and a subsequent T harness to attach it to the factory stereo. Unfortunately for some reason it will not work with the factory setup and requires and aftermarket unit to work! Was looking forward to it but seems like its going to be returned now.

[@johnmandy]

You don’t need a harness, that’s the beauty of the amp, it just goes between the factory iso connectors and the iso connectors on the back of the stereo. Remove the additional harness you added and it’ll work.

[@nikoloko5561]

Hi john only just subscribed on your last vid and I must say you explain things so well that it looks easy ! Only got to know about you guys from watching the chuckling daz ! Looking forward to watching many more of your videos thank you 👍👍😎

[@markwhitehead64]

Hi really enjoyed watching the van maintenance really looking forward to seeing your next video keep safe 😷👍🏻

[@bunglefarian9853]

Hi John, great informative video, I would change the gearbox oil and brake fluid and put a small magnet on the sump plug. You will be surprised of the bits of metal the magnet collects. Safe travels

[@geoffconway8077]

Great video John. Really helpful. Well done!

[@ianstratton6319]

Good video that’s hasn’t been edited have the same issue removing my wheel at the side of the road with a flat and I carry a trolley jack and a pipe. You have most gadgets Surprised you never had a cordless impact driver, have seen 12v jacks wonder how good they are. Look forward to your next Video stay safe

[@johnmandy]

I do have an impact driver, it couldn’t undo the bolts.

[@villagerjim4777]

Thank you for a wonderfully understandable video you have made me think I could do this. Superb John thank you for your time making this

[@brianmcclure8012]

Man of many talents - thanks for sharing

[@paulbenson7087]

Hi can you do a video on how to get to the screenwasher bottle on a fiat ducato boxster 600 yesr 2021 cheers.

[@johnmandy]

Please watch our recent videos as I’ve included that in a vlog.

[@markwilkinson2673]

Good informative vid , i also do my own oil and filter changes , re the copper slip , there is a more modern alternative about nowadays (non metal grease lube ) maybe a thought for the future , keep the variety of vids coming ! 😎

[@johnhbuiltnotbought4924]

Hi John say hello to Mandy. it’s John i seen you at Stratford the day you arrived with Steve and John and Tash. Does your vehicle have two sets of rear brakes. pads for footbrake and shoes for handbrake because sometimes dust in the drums can cause noises.I am fully aware of the slider being seized and it is probably the cause of your problem. just a thought but you did not have wind bank pistons or a handbrake cable going to the Caliper. Please correct me if I am wrong

[@philwood1683]

Brilliant video John. Had my van at the main dealers yesterday for its first service. £460, but needed it done to maintain the warranty. Have you got the thing to connect your van to a computer and reset your service light.

[@Charlemagne1367]

Thank you for your good info and clear way you bring it. I am on the fence to buy a secondhand van to convert. Looking online, german forums, i read a lot of bad reviews of this engine. As a non mechanic but more of a do it yourselfer it is a little bit scary buying secondhand. Don't trust professional car sellers anymore due to past experiences. Would you mind shedding your light on the matter ?

[@johnmandy]

We’ve had 3 vans / motorhomes with the fiat Ducato cab & engine and not had any problems at all.

[@mickkingston1450]

John put a drop of engine oil on your screw heads stop them rusting ! I dip screwdriver into oil and just put screw driver on screw head !

[@johnmandy]

Good tip 👍🏻

[@clivewitney3557]

Nice clear video, I personally would also change the fuel filter when doing a service, just to be sure. Always good to do some diy👍

[@johnmandy]

I changed that last year, only 3000 miles ago. 👍🏻

[@MakeDoAndMend1]

Sorry too many comments from me. Some engines . Engine oil is also gearbox oil. As combined eng, gearbox housing. On my motorhome separate oil for Engine. Then different oil for gearbox. Gearbox has dipstick. Not sure about modern vehicles. George

[@seandarcy2018]

John really like that vid. Very interesting. Learnt a lot 🤔😉👍👍

[@mickwhelan7074]

Good man John, Another Diamond (amplifier), and of course as always great video.

[@carolineoneill5145]

Thanks John, another great vid and really informative 👍

[@hansrood9739]

hoi i follow your adventures just wondering what kind off radio u got nice big screen .Nice see handy tips thx

[@robertcadwallader6835]

No, No and hell No, You did that totally wrong ! You're supposed to get the directors chair out take a seat and instruct the missus on how to do it, Mind you might have a few spare bits left over at the end. Great vid as usual, stay safe guys.

[@brumsgrub8633]

Get some duck oil on the bottom of that van mate, really easy to do and well worth it, the use you get out of it it will make it last so much longer.

[@clusterm2]

Did you get your cambelt changed at the 5 year point? Our van is now 4 years old but due to long standing warranty repairs (and dealers utter incompetence) it's only done 8k miles but according to Fiat the cambelt change comes at 5 years or 60k ( not sure exactly) miles whichever comes first? Liking the service video :)

[@johnmandy]

Yes, it was done by the previous owner just before we bought it.

[@diandmartydownes1611]

Well done John. Getting the wheel of was a bit of a bugger. Nice one 😀👍🏻👏🏻. X.

[@b54321ish]

John..were did you get your socket wrench from?

[@The_Breeze1]

Nice one John, did mine last week. Oil filter was a b45tard though as previous owner had done it too tight 🤬 #knuckles

[@ianmargetts9163]

Great and simple clear vid, the “experts” are being “experts” though....😂

[@johnmandy]

Oh I know, it’s like bees around honey. 🤣❤️

[@stevenross4328]

Have you done the gear box oil?

[@Scud_and_thesTig]

Great video with great views of the things being done. Never easy to get that right 👍💙❤️

[@MrSleuth89]

Very well explained Those extension bars really are poor when extended.

[@peterrider3471]

Hi John I have a 2017 Peugeot boxer elddis 155 auto quest 1999cc Diesel motorhome,will all the service parts you used fit this ? Many thanks and great job

[@johnmandy]

I’ve no idea, the seller I used is linked in the description and they’ll check for you.

[@auntygreg6101]

How did you reset the service and oil degradation counter in the service menu good vid by the way

[@johnmandy]

There are loads of videos already on KZbin showing you how to do this, our van has a few hundred miles yet before we have to do this 👍🏻

[@startaylor123]

Absolutely fantastic 👏 you made it look so easy 😏 I cannot imagine how much you have saved against a main stealers cost ££££🤔👌

[@peterhadfield873]

I think you should start putting stickers on your van door, one per stereo upgrade... Use small stickers or you'll run out of door :-)

[@michealgillman7418]

Great diy info...John...rip off garages!

[@WJBaker]

Great video 👍 just a question do you know how to reset the service indicator on the dash? Instead of asking the dealer when I do mine 👍

[@johnmandy]

Yes, there are loads of videos on KZbin showing how to do that 👍🏻

[@WJBaker]

@@johnmandy 🤦🏻‍♂️ cheers I should of looked really 🤦🏻‍♂️😂

[@stevem3534]

Will do my own service next time great job John

[@alanmilchard8905]

Loved your van service vid so easy to follow better than most rest of service should be changing fuel filter would love to watch you doing that.

[@johnmandy]

The fuel filter was changed last year and was not needed to be changed this time. 👍🏻