maintenance FIAT DOBLO 2007 1.G Owner's Manual

When working on the
battery or near it, always
wear the
USEFUL ADVICE FOR
LENGTHENING THE LIFE OF
YOUR BATTERY
To avoid draining your battery and
lengthen its life, observe the follow-
ing indications:
– when you park the vehicle, ensure
the doors, tailgate and bonnet are
closed properly;If the vehicle is left inac-
tive for long periods at
cold, remove the battery
and store it in a warm place to
prevent freezing.
165VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
IMPORTANTA battery which is
kept at a charge of less than 50% for
any length of time will be damaged by
sulphation leading to a reduction in
cranking power and a higher risk of
the battery electrolyte freezing (this
may even occur at –10°C).
If the vehicle is inactive for a long pe-
riod of time, refer to the “Vehicle
storage” paragraph in section “Driving
your vehicle”.
If you want to add accessories after
buying the vehicle (alarm system, free-
hand phone kit, etc.) visit a Fiat Deal-
ership. They can suggest the most suit-
able accessories to get and check
whether the electric system can sup-
port the required load or whether a
larger capacity battery is required.
These devices will, in fact, run off the
battery even when the key is not in-
serted (vehicle parked) and can deploy
the battery. – the ceiling lights must be off. The
vehicle is however provided with an
automatic system for switching off in-
ternal lights;
– do not keep accessories (e.g. sound
system, hazard lights, etc.) switched on
for a long time when the engine is not
running;
– before performing any operation
on the electrical system, disconnect
the battery negative cable;
– battery terminals shall always be
perfectly tightened.

166VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
ELECTRONIC
CONTROL UNITS
When the vehicle is being used nor-
mally, special measures are not neces-
sary.
The following instructions must be
followed very carefully, however, if
you work on the electrical system or
in cases where emergency starting is
necessary:
– Never disconnect the battery from
the electrical system while the engine
is running.
– Disconnect the battery from the
electrical system if you are recharg-
ing it. The modern battery chargers
can discharge voltage up to 20V.
– Never perform emergency start-
ups with a battery charger. Always use
an auxiliary battery.
– Be particularly careful when con-
necting the battery to the electrical
system. Ensure the battery posts are
connected up to the right leads (the Battery Maximum
admitted
stand-by intake
40 Ah 24 mA
50 Ah 30 mA
60 Ah 36 mApolarity is correct) and check that the
connection has been made properly.
– Do not connect or disconnect the
terminals of the electronic units while
the ignition key is at MAR.
– Do not check polarity through
sparking.
– Disconnect the electronic units if
you are electrically welding the vehi-
cle body. Remove the units if temper-
atures exceed 80°C (special opera-
tions on the bodywork, etc.).
IMPORTANTIf the sound system
or alarm systems are not installed cor-
rectly, they can interfere with the
working of the electronic control
units.
Modifications or repairs
to the electrical system
carried out incorrectly
and without bearing the features
of the system in mind can cause
malfunctions with the risk of fire.
The total intake of these systems
(factory and after-market) must be less
than 0.6 mA x Ah (of the battery) as
shown in the following table:

167VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
Tyres must be replaced when the
tread wears down to 1.6 mm. In any
case, comply with the laws in the
country where the vehicle is being dri-
ven.
IMPORTANT NOTES
As far as possible avoid sharp brak-
ing and screech starts.
Be careful not to hit the kerb, pot-
holes or other obstacles hard. Driving
for long stretches over bumpy roads
can damage the tyres.
Periodically check that the tyres have
no cuts in the sidewalls, abnormal
swelling or irregular tyre wear. If any
of these occur, have the vehicle seen
to at a Fiat Dealership. If the pressure is too low
the tyre overheats and
this can cause it serious
damage.
WHEELS
AND TYRES
TYRE PRESSURE
Check the pressure of each tyre, in-
cluding the spare, every two weeks
and before long journeys.
The pressure must be checked when
the tyre is rested and cold.
It is normal for the pressure to rise
when you are driving. If you have to
check or restore the pressure when
the tyres are warm, remember that
the pressure value must be 0.3 bar
above the specified value.
See “Wheels” in “Technical specifi-
cations” for the correct tyre inflation
pressure.Incorrect pressure causes abnormal
tyre wearfig. 22:
A- Correct pressure: tyre wears
evenly
B- Under inflated tyre: shoulder
tread wear
C- Over inflated tyre: centre tread
wear.Tyre pressure must be
correct to ensure good
road holding.
ABC
fig. 22
F0A0173b

168VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
Avoid overloading your vehicle: this
can seriously damage wheels and tyres.
If you get a flat tyre, stop immediately
and change it so as not to damage the
tyre, the wheel, the suspension and
the steering.
Tyres age even if they are not used
very much. Cracking of the tread rub-
ber and the side walls are a sign of this
ageing. In any case, if the tyres have
been fitted for more than six years
they should be examined by an expert
who can judge whether they are still
fit for use. Remember to check the
spare tyre particularly carefully too.
If a replacement is necessary, always
use new tyres and avoid using ones the
origin of which you are not certain
about.
The Fiat Doblò fits tubeless tyres.
Under no circumstances use an inner
tube with these tyres.If you replace a tyre it is a good idea
to change the inflation valve, too.
To ensure the front and rear tyres all
wear evenly, you are advised to change
the tyres over every 10-15 thousand
kilometres keeping them on the same
side of the vehicle so as not to reverse
the direction of rotation.
Do not change the tyres
over in criss-cross fashion
by moving a tyre from the
left hand side of the vehicle to the
right and vice versa.RUBBER TUBING
Follow the “Service Schedule” to the
letter as concerns braking and fuel line
rubber tubing. Ozone, high tempera-
tures and long absence of fluid in the
system can in fact cause the hardening
and cracking of the pipes with possi-
ble loss of fluid. A careful check is
therefore essential.

169VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
Changing the windscreen
wiper blade
1)Lift the windscreen wiper arm A-
fig. 23off the glass and position the
blade so as to form a right angle with
the arm.
2) Press tab B on the retainer and
remove the blade to be replaced from
arm A .
3) Fit the new blade by inserting the
tab into the special slot in the arm.
Make sure it is properly locked into
place.
B
A
fig. 23
F0A0157b
WINDSCREEN/
REAR WINDOW
WIPERS
BLADES
Periodically clean the rubber part us-
ing special products; TUTELA PRO-
FESSIONAL SC 35is recommend-
ed.
If the rubber blades are bent or worn
they should be replaced. In any case
they should be changed once a year.
A few simple notions can reduce the
possibility of damage to the blades:
– If the temperature falls to below
zero, make sure the rubber blade is
not frozen to the windscreen. If nec-
essary, free it with a de-icing com-
pound.Driving with worn wiper
blades is a serious hazard,
because visibility is re-
duced in bad weather.
– Remove any snow that has settled
on the glass: besides saving the blades
you will avoid straining the electric
windscreen wiper motor and causing
it to overheat.
– Do not operate the windscreen or
rear window wipers on dry glass.

170VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
Changing the rear window
wiper blade
1)Lift the cover A-fig. 24and fig.
25and dismantle the arm from the ve-
hicle by unscrewing the nut Bwhich
holds it onto the knuckle.
2) Position the new arm correctly
and fasten the nut.
3) Lower the cover.SPRAY NOZZLES
If there is no jet of liquid, first make
sure that there is liquid in the reser-
voir: see “Checking fluid levels” in this
section.
Then make sure that the holes in the
nozzles are not clogged up. Use a pin
for this if necessary.
The windscreen washer jets fig. 26
can be directed by adjusting the incli-
nation of the nozzles. Direct the spray
so that it reaches the highest point
reached by the blades.
A
B
fig. 24
F0A0158b
A
B
fig. 25
F0A0159b
The rear window washer jet fig. 27
can be directed by adjusting the di-
rection of the nozzles.
fig. 26
F0A0160b
fig. 27
F0A0161b

171VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
ADVICE FOR PRESERVING
THE BODYWORK
Paint
Paintwork does not only serve an
aesthetic purpose, but also protects
the underlying sheet metal.
In the case of deep scrapes or scores,
you are advised to have the necessary
touching up carried out immediately
to avoid the formation of rust.
Only use genuine products when
touching up the paintwork (see “Body-
work paint identification plate” in sec-
tion “Technical specifications”).
Ordinary maintenance of the paint-
work means washing it. The frequen-
cy you should do this depends on the
conditions and the environment the
vehicle is driven in. For example, in ar-
eas with a high level of air pollution or
on roads sprinkled with road salt,
wash the vehicle more frequently. – The spraying of the underbody, en-
gine compartment, inside the wheel-
houses and other parts with wax-
based products with a high protective
capacity.
– Spraying plastic-coating materials
to protect the most exposed points:
under the door, inside the wings, the
edges etc.
– The use of “open” box sections to
prevent condensation and water from
building up and rusting the inside of
the parts.
BODY AND UNDERBODY
WARRANTY
Your Fiat Doblò is covered by war-
ranty against any original structural or
body part being perforated by rust.
Refer to the Warranty Booklet for the
general terms.BODYWORK
PROTECTION FROM
ATMOSPHERIC AGENTS
The main causes of rust are:
– atmospheric pollution
– salt and humidity in the atmosphere
(coastal or very hot and humid areas)
– environmental conditions that are
specific to the season.
Not to be underestimated is also the
abrasive action of wind-borne atmos-
pheric dust and sand and mud and
gravel raised by other vehicles.
For your Fiat Doblò, Fiat has used
leading-edge technological solutions to
effectively protect the body from rust.
These include:
– Painting systems and products that
make the vehicle particularly resistant
to rust and scratching.
– The use of zinc-plated sheet steel
which is highly resistant to rust.

172VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
Detergents pollute wa-
ter. The vehicle must
therefore be washed in an
area equipped for the collection
and purification of the liquids
used while washing.
IMPORTANT The engine com-
partment should be washed while the
engine is cold and with the ignition key
at STOP. After washing, make sure
that the various protections (e.g. rub-
ber boots and various guards) have
not be removed or damaged. To wash the vehicle properly:
1) Remove the aerial from the roof
to prevent damaging it when washing
the vehicle in an automatic carwash.
2) Wash the body using a low pres-
sure jet of water.
3)Wipe a sponge with a slightly
soapy solution over the bodywork,
frequently rinsing the sponge.
4)Rinse well with water and dry
with a jet of air or a chamois leather.
When drying the vehicle, be careful
to get at those parts which are not so
easily seen e.g. the door frames, bon-
net and around the headlights where
water can most readily collect. You
should leave the vehicle out in the
open so that any water remaining can
evaporate more easily.Detergents pollute wa-
ter. For this reason, the
vehicle must be washed in
an area equipped for the collec-
tion and purification of the liquids
used while washing.
Engine compartment
At the end of each winter season,
carefully clean the engine compart-
ment. Be careful not to direct the jet
of water on the electronic control
units. Have this done at a garage. Do not wash the vehicle after it has
been parked in the sun or while the
bonnet is hot: it could take the shine
off the paint.
Outside plastic parts must be cleaned
following the usual vehicle washing
procedure.
Where possible avoid parking the ve-
hicle under trees; the resinous sub-
stances that certain species of tree
shed dull the paintwork and increase
the possibility of rust forming.
IMPORTANTBird droppings must
be washed off immediately and with
great care as their acid is particularly
aggressive.
Windows
Use specific window cleaner prod-
ucts to clean cloths to avoid scratch-
ing the glass or damaging the trans-
parency.
IMPORTANTTo prevent damage
to the electric heater element, wipe the
inside of the heated rear window gen-
tly in the same direction as the ele-
ments.

173VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
CLEANING SEATS
AND FABRICS
– Remove dust with a soft brush and
vacuum cleaner.
– Brush the seats with a damp
sponge with water and a neutral soap.
PLASTIC PARTS INSIDE THE
VEHICLE
Use appropriate products designed
to preserve the appearance of com-
ponents.
IMPORTANTDo not use alcohol
or petrol to clean the instrument pan-
el.
Do not keep aerosol
cans in the vehicle. There
is the risk they might ex-
plode. Aerosol cans must never
be exposed to a temperature
above 50°C; when the weather
starts to get hot the temperature
inside the vehicle might go well
beyond that figure. INTERIORS
From time to time check that water
has not collected under the mats
(from dripping shoes, umbrellas etc.)
which could cause the steel to rust.
Never use inflammable
products such as petrole-
um ether or petrol to
clean inside the vehicle. The elec-
trostatic charges that are gener-
ated while rubbing to clean could
become a fire risk.
STEERING WHEEL / GEAR
LEVER KNOB WITH
GENUINE LEATHER
COVERING
These components shall only be
cleaned with water and neutral soap.
Never use spirit or alcohol-based
products.
Before using special products for
cleaning interiors, read carefully label
instructions and indications to make
sure they are free from spirit and/or
alcohol-based substances.
If when cleaning the windscreen with
special glass products, some drops fall
on the leather covering of the steer-
ing wheel/gear lever knob remove
them immediately and then clean with
water and neutral soap.
IMPORTANTTake the utmost
care when engaging the steering lock
to prevent scratching the leather cov-
ering.

208INDEX
I I
N N
D D
E E
X X
- recharging ................................ 144
- replacing ................................... 164
Bodywork
- maintenance ............................ 171
- version codes .......................... 176
Bodywork paint plate .................. 175
Bonnet ............................................ 85
Boot
- anchoring the load .................. 84
- extending .................................. 80
- opening and closing ................ 79
Boot light........................................ 134
Brake fluid level ............................ 160
Brake lights .................................... 134
Brakes
- fluid level ................................... 160
- service and emergency .......... 181
Bulb (replacement) ...................... 130
- bulb types.................................. 131
- general instructions ................ 130
Capacities ..................................... 200Catalytic converter
(oxidising) .................................... 104
Catalytic converter
(three way) .................................. 104
Ceiling light .................................... 66
- control ....................................... 67
- replacement.............................. 137
Cellular telephone setup ............ 99
Central side windows ................. 72
Checking the levels ...................... 154
Child lock
(device)......................................... 77
Cigar lighter ................................. 70
Clutch ............................................ 182
- fluid level .................................. 160
CO
2emissions at exhaust ......... 205
Containing running costs and
pollution ....................................... 110
Control buttons ........................... 68
Dashboard................................... 21
Demisting
- electric mirrors ....................... 61
- front side windows ................. 60
ABS .............................................. 89
Accessories purchased
by the owner .............................. 100
- installation of
electric/electronic devices .... 100
- radio transmitters and
cellular telephones .................. 100
Air filter
- replacement ............................ 162
Air recirculation ........................... 61
Air vents ......................................... 58
Airbags (front and side) .............. 91
- general warnings...................... 94
- passenger airbag manual
deactivation .............................. 93
Annual inspection schedule ....... 152
Ashtray
- front ........................................... 71
At the filling station ..................... 102
Battery
- fluid level (electrolyte) .......... 163
- jump starting ............................ 144