FIAT DOBLO 2008 1.G Owners Manual

160VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
Prevent brake fluid,
which is highly corrosive,
from coming into contact
with painted parts. Should it hap-
pen, immediately wash with wa-
ter.
Check that fluid contained in tank is
at maximum level. If fluid has to be
added, it is suggested to use the brake
fluid in table "Fluids and lubricants"
(see chapter "Technical characteris-
tics"). At plug opening, pay maximum
attention in order to prevent any im-
purities from entering the tank.
For topping up, always use a funnel
with integrated filter with mesh equal
to or lower than 0.12 mm.
fig. 14
F0A0126b
POWER STEERING FLUID
fig. 13
The oil level with the vehicle on lev-
el ground and engine cold should be
included between the references MIN
and MAXon the reservoir.
When the oil is hot, the level can ex-
ceed the reference line MAX.
When topping up (where necessary)
make sure that the oil has the same
specifications as the oil in the system.Do not travel with the
windscreen washer reser-
voir empty. The wind-
screen washer is fundamental for
improving visibility.
fig. 13
F0A0261b
Do not let the power
steering fluid come into
contact with hot engine
parts. It catches fire very easily.
Oil consumption is ex-
tremely low. If the oil lev-
el needs topping up again
a s short period of time, have the
system checked for leakage at a
Fiat Dealership.
BRAKE/HYDRAULIC
CLUTCH FLUID fig. 14-15
Check that the level of the fluid in the
reservoir is at the maximum.
Use DOT 4 fluid only for topping up.
We recommend TUTELA TOP 4
that the braking system was originally
filled with.
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161VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
IMPORTANTBrake fluid is hy-
groscopic (meaning it absorbs humid-
ity). This is why the fluid should be
changed more frequently than shown
in the service schedule if the vehicle is
mainly driven in areas with a high per-
centage of humidity in the air.
fig. 15
F0A0127b
Brake fluid is poisonous
and very corrosive. In the
event of accidental con-
tact, wash the effected part with
water and mild soap and rinse. If
the fluid is swallowed, call a doc-
tor immediately.The symbol πon the
container indicates syn-
thetic brake fluid distin-
guishing it from mineral fluid. Us-
ing mineral type fluid would dam-
age the special rubber braking
system gaskets beyond repair.POLLEN FILTER
The pollen filter is located under the
dashboard near the central dashboard
unit on passenger side.
If the vehicle is often used in dusty or
extremely polluted environments, you
should change the filter element more
frequently than shown in the service
schedule. It should be changed espe-
cially if the amount of air introduced
into the passenger compartment is in-
troduced.
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162VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
REPLACING THE FILTER
fig. 16
Loosen the screws A, remove the
cover and remove the filtering ele-
ment to be replaced B.1.9 Multijet versions
Loosen the three screws A-fig. 18
on the air cleaner cover, remove the
cover B-fig. 19and remove the fil-
tering element C, to be replaced.
A
A
B
A
fig. 18
F0A0155b
B
C
fig. 19
F0A0156b
AIR CLEANER
REPLACEMENT
Petrol versions
Loosen the screws on the side and
on the air cleaner cover, remove the
cover A-fig. 17and remove the fil-
tering element to be replaced.
fig. 17
F0A0720b
A
B
fig. 16
F0A0150b
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163VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
1.3 Multijet versions
Loosen the screws D-fig. 21, re-
move the cover Eand remove the fil-
tering element to be replaced.BATTERY
The battery is of the “Limited main-
tenance” type: under normal condi-
tions of use the electrolyte does not
need topping up with distilled water.CHECKING
THE CHARGE
fig. 22
The battery charge may be checked
satisfactorily through the inspection
slot using the indicator and acting ac-
cording to the colour the indicator
shows.
Refer to the table below or to the
plate (see figure) set on the battery.
fig. 21
F0A0347b
fig. 22
F0A0523b
Top up electrolyte
Low charge level
Electrolyte level and charge
sufficientContact Fiat Dealership
Charge the battery
(Contact Fiat Dealership)
No actionBright white
Dark colour
without green area
in the centre
Dark colour with
green area in the
centre
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164VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
Incorrect fitting of elec-
trical and electronic ac-
cessories can seriously
damage the vehicle.
If after buying the vehicle, you
want to install electric acces-
sories which require permanent
electric supply (alarm, free-hand
phone kit, etc.) contact Fiat Deal-
ership whose qualified personnel,
in addition to suggesting the
most suitable devices, will evalu-
ate the overall electric absorp-
tion, checking whether the vehi-
cle electric system is capable of
withstanding the load required,
or whether it should be integrat-
ed with a more powerful battery.
Batteries contain sub-
stances that are very
harmful for the environ-
ment. You are advised to have
the battery changed at a Fiat
Dealership. It is properly
equipped for disposing of used
batteries in an environmentally-
friendly way that complies with
the law.The liquid in the battery
is poisonous and corro-
sive. Avoid contact with
eyes and skin. Do not bring naked
flames or possible sources of
sparks near the battery: risk of
fire and explosion.CHANGING THE BATTERY
If required, replace the battery with
a genuine spare part having the same
specifications.
If a battery with different specifica-
tions is fitted, the service intervals giv-
en in the “Service schedule” in this
section will no longer be valid. Refer
therefore to the instructions provid-
ed by the battery manufacturer.
Running the battery
with low fluid level can
damage the battery be-
yond repair and could also cause
its explosion.
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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.
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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:
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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
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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.
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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.
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