Get VEHICLE MAINTENANCE Guide for Fiat Doblo Van 2000-2009

– In pile-ups on the motorway, par-

ticularly when the visibility is bad,

there is a high risk of other vehicles

running into those already stopped.

Get out of the vehicle immediately and

take refuge behind the guard rail.

IF ANYONE IS INJURED

FIRST-AID KIT

– Never leave the injured person

alone. The obligation to provide as-

sistance exists even for those not di-

rectly involved in the accident.

It is a good idea to keep a fire extin-

guisher and blanket in the vehicle in

addition to the first-aid kit.

The first aid kit can be arranged on

the shelf as shown in fig. 48.

– Do not congregate around the in-

jured person.

– If the doors are blocked, do not at-

tempt to smash the windscreen to get

out of the vehicle. It is made of layered

glass and is very hard. Side and rear

windows are much more easily bro-

ken.

– Reassure the injured person that

help is on its way and will arrive soon.

Stay close by to calm him/her down in

case of panic.

– Remove the ignition keys from the

vehicles involved.

– Unfasten or cut seat belts holding

injured parties.

– If you can smell petrol or other

chemicals, do not smoke and make

sure all cigarettes are extinguished.

– Do not give an injured person any-

thing to drink.

– Do not move an injured person un-

less the following situations arise.

– Use a fire extinguisher, blanket,

sand or earth to put out fires no mat-

ter how small they are. Never use wa-

ter.

– Pull the injured person from the ve-

hicle only if it risks catching fire, it is

sinking in water or is likely to fall over

a cliff or similar. Do not pull his/her

arms or legs, do not bend the head

and, as far as possible, keep the body

horizontal.

fig. 48

IN AN EMERGENCY

148

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE

IMPORTANT The Manufacturer

requires the Service Schedule coupon-

related checks to be carried out. Fail-

ure to do so could result in the war-

ranty being cancelled for those defects

that can be attributed to such failure.

IMPORTANT You are recom-

SCHEDULED

SERVICING

mended to get in touch with a Fiat

Dealership immediately if any minor

running problems crop up without

waiting for the next coupon.

Correct maintenance of the vehicle

is essential for ensuring it stays in tip-

top condition for a long time to come.

Scheduled Servicing is performed at

all Fiat Dealerships and there is a set

time scale for such operations.

This is why Fiat has programmed a

series of checks and maintenance op-

erations every 20,000 km.

If during each operation, in addition

to the ones programmed, the need

arises for further replacements or re-

pairs, these may be carried out only

with the explicit agreement of the

Customer.

It is however important to remem-

ber that scheduled servicing is not all

your vehicle requires. Regular checked

- also in the initial period before the

20,000 kilometre coupon and later be-

tween coupons - ordinary care is re-

quired, such as checking fluid levels

and topping up, checking tyre inflation

pressure, etc...

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE

149

SERVICE SCHEDULE

The scheduled service must be carried out every 20,000 km.

thousands of kilometres

20

40

60

80 100 120 140 160 180

Check tyre conditions / wear and adjust pressure, if required

●

Check lighting system operation (headlights, direction indicators,

hazard lights, boot light, passenger's compartment lights,

glove compartment light, instrument panel warning lights, etc.)

●

Check windscreen wiper/washer operation, adjust nozzles

Check windscreen/rear window wiper blade position/wear

Check front disk brake pad conditions and wear

Check rear drum brake lining conditions and wear

Inspect conditions of: underbody protection, piping (exhaust -

fuel feed and brakes), rubber parts (boots, sleeves, bushings, etc.),

fuel feed and braking system hosing

●

Check cleanness of locks, bonnet and boot and lever

cleanness and lubrication

●

Sight inspect accessory drive belt conditions

Replace accessory drive belts

●

Check/adjust tappet clearance (1.4 8V and 1.9 Multijet versions)

Check and adjust handbrake lever stroke

Check exhaust gas/smokiness (diesel versions)

Check anti-evaporation system

●

Replace fuel filter (Multijet versions)

●

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE

150

thousands of kilometres

Replace air cleaner cartridge (petrol versions)

20

40

60

80 100 120 140 160 180

●

Replace air cleaner cartridge (Multijet versions)

●

Top up fluids (engine coolant, brakes, windscreen washer, battery, etc.)

Check timing belt conditions (excluding 1.3 Multijet versions)

Replace timing belt (excluding 1.3 Multijet versions) (*)

Replace spark plugs (petrol versions)

●

Check engine control systems (via diagnostic socket)

Check mechanical transmission oil level

Change engine oil and oil filter (versions without DPF) (O)

●

Change engine oil and oil filter (Multijet versions with DPF)

(or every 2 years) (**)

(●) (●) (●) (●) (●) (●) (●) (●) (●)

Change brake fluid (or every 2 years)

Change pollen filter (or every 2 years)

●

(*) Or every 4 years for very demanding use (cold climate, idling in city traffic, dusty areas).

Or every 5 years, regardless from the distance travelled.

(O) Every 30.000 km or 2 years for Multijet versions

(**) Engine oil and oil filter shall be changed according to their actual exhaust conditions, indicated by warning light/message (where provided) on the

instrument panel (see section “Warning lights and messages”).

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE

151

– check cleanness of bonnet and

boot locks and lever cleanness and lu-

brication

ANNUAL

ADDITIONAL

CHECKS

INSPECTION

SCHEDULE

– sight inspect the conditions of: en-

gine, gearbox, transmission, pipes and

hoses (exhaust - fuel - brakes), rubber

parts (boots, sleeves, bushes, etc)

brake and fuel hoses.

Every 1,000 km or before long

trips, check and top up as necessary:

engine coolant level, brake fluid level,

windscreen washer liquid level, tyre

pressure and conditions.

For vehicles with an annual

mileage of below 20.000 km (for

example about 10.000 km) the

following yearly inspection pro-

gramme is advised:

– check battery charge.

Every 3,000 km check and top up

as necessary: engine oil level.

– visual check on various drive belt

conditions.

– check tyre conditions/wear and ad-

just pressure if required (including the

spare wheel).

You are recommended to use FL

Selenia, products designed and pro-

duced specifically for Fiat vehicles (see

“Capacities” in section “Technical

specifications”).

– check and top up, if required, fluid

levels (engine coolant, brake fluid,

windscreen washer fluid, battery fluid,

etc.).

– check light system operation (head-

lights, direction indicators, hazard

lights, boot lights, passenger compart-

ment lights, glovebox light, warning

lights, etc.).

– change engine oil.

– change engine oil filter.

– check windscreen wiper/washer

operation, adjust nozzles.

– replace pollen filter (where pro-

vided).

– check windscreen/rear window

blade position/wear

– check front disk brake pad condi-

tions and wear.

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE

152

IMPORTANT - Engine oil

IMPORTANT - Pollen filter

You should check the battery fluid

(electrolyte) level more frequently

than shown in the service schedule in

this chapter if the vehicle is used in hot

climates or particularly demanding

conditions.

Should prevailing use of the vehicle

be under one of the following special-

ly heavy conditions:

– towing a trailer

– on dirty roads

– for short, repeated trips (less than

7-8 km) with outside temperature be-

low zero

If the vehicle is used frequently in

dusty or heavily polluted environ-

ments it is advisable to replace the fil-

tering element more frequently; in

particular it should be replaced if a re-

duction of the amount of air admitted

to the passenger compartment is not-

ed.

– frequently idling engines or long

distance low speed driving (e.g. taxis

or door-to-door deliveries) or in case

of a long term inactivity; replace en-

gine oil more frequently than required

on Service schedule

IMPORTANT - Battery

Maintenance of your ve-

hicle should be entrusted

The charge in your battery should be

checked, where possible at the start

of the winter, to limit the risk of the

battery electrolyte freezing. This check

should be carried out more frequent-

ly if the vehicle is mainly used for short

trips or if it is fitted with accessories

that permanently take in electricity

even when the ignition key is re-

moved, especially in the case of after

market accessories.

to a Fiat Dealership. For

ordinary routine maintenance

operations which you are able to

carry out yourself, ensure that

you have the necessary tools and

original Fiat spare parts and flu-

ids available. Do not carry out

servicing operations if you have

no experience.

IMPORTANT - Air cleaner

If the vehicle is used on dusty roads

change the air cleaner more frequently

than the indications in the Service

schedule. If in doubt as to how often

the engine oil and air cleaner should

be changed according to how you use

the vehicle, contact a Fiat Dealer-

ship.

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE

153

CHECKING

THE LEVELS

1. Engine oil - 2. Battery - 3. Brake

fluid - 4. Windscreen washer fluid - 5.

Engine coolant - 6. Power steering flu-

id.

fig. 1 - 1.4 8V versions

Do not smoke while

working in the engine

compartment: the pres-

ence of flammable gas and

vapour could cause a fire.

Be careful not to mix up

the various types of fluids

when you are topping up:

they are all mutually incompati-

ble and could damage the vehicle.

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE

154

1. Engine oil - 2. Battery - 3. Brake flu-

id - 4. Windscreen washer fluid - 5.

Engine coolant - 6. Power steering flu-

id.

fig. 2 - 1.9 Multijet versions

Do not smoke while

working in the engine

compartment: the pres-

ence of flammable gas and

vapour could cause a fire.

Be careful not to mix up

the various types of fluids

when you are topping up:

they are all mutually incompati-

ble and could damage the vehicle.

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE

155

1. Engine oil - 2. Battery - 3. Brake flu-

id - 4. Windscreen washer fluid - 5.

Engine coolant - 6. Power steering flu-

id.

fig. 3 - 1.3 Multijet versions

Do not smoke while

working in the engine

compartment: the pres-

ence of flammable gas and

vapour could cause a fire.

Be careful not to mix up

the various types of fluids

when you are topping up:

they are all mutually incompati-

ble and could damage the vehicle.

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE

156

ENGINE OIL fig. 6, 7, 8

Be very careful under

the bonnet: you risk burn-

ing yourself. Remember

that when the engine is hot, the

fan can start up and cause in-

juries.

If the oil level is near or actually be-

low the MIN mark, add oil through

the filler until it reaches the MAX

mark.

Check engine oil with the vehicle on

level ground and while the engine is

still warm (approximately 5 minutes

after stopping the engine.

Oil level shall never exceed the

MAX mark.

The oil level should be included be-

tween the MIN and MAX reference

marks on the dipstick.

The space between MIN and MAX

equals about 1 litre of oil.

Do not add oil with dif-

ferent specifications from

the oil already in the en-

gine.

fig. 6 - 1.4 8V versions

fig. 7 - 1.3 Multijet versions

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE

157

IMPORTANT If, following a check

the engine oil if move the MAX lev-

el, go to a Fiat Dealership to have

the correct level restored.

ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION

Used engine oil and re-

placed oil filters contain

Max engine oil consumption is usu-

ally 400 grams every 1000 km.

substances which can

harm the environment. We rec-

ommend you have the vehicle

seen to at a Fiat Dealership for

the oil and filter change. It is suit-

ably equipped for disposing of

used oil and filters in an environ-

mentally-friendly way that com-

plies with the law.

During the beginning of the vehicle’s

life the engine is be tuned in. Engine oil

consumption can only be considered

stabilised after the first 5000 ÷ 6000

km.

IMPORTANT After topping up or

changing the oil, let the engine turn for

a few seconds and wait a few minutes

after stopping it before you check the

level.

IMPORTANT Oil consumption

depends on the driving style and the

conditions of use.

fig. 8 - 1.9 Multijet versions

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE

158

ENGINE COOLANT fig. 11

The engine cooling sys-

tem uses protective an-

WINDSCREEN/REAR

WINDOW WASHER FLUID

tifreeze fluid PARAFLU

The coolant level shall be checked

with cold engine and shall be within

the MIN and MAX marks on the

tank.

To top up, remove the cap A-fig. 12

and lift the telescopic filler B, until it

clicks.

UP. Use the same fluid type as

that already in the cooling system

when topping up. PARAFLU UP

fluid cannot be mixed with any

other type of fluid. Should it hap-

pen, under no circumstances

start the engine; contact a Fiat

Dealership.

Pour a mixture of water and

TUTELA PROFESSIONAL SC

35, in the following concentrations:

If the level is low, pour slowly a mix-

ture of 50% distilled water and 50%

PARAFLU UP of the FL Selenia

Group through the filler neck until the

level reaches MAX.

30% of TUTELA PROFESSION-

AL SC 35 and 70% of water in sum-

mer; 50% of TUTELA PROFES-

SIONAL SC 35 and 50 of water in

winter. If the temperature falls below

–20°C, use TUTELA PROFES-

SIONAL SC 35 undiluted.

A 50-50 mixture of PARAFLU UP

and distilled water gives freeze pro-

tection to –35°C.

For particularly hard climate condi-

tions, we recommend use of a 60%

PARAFLU UP and 40% deminer-

alized water mixture.

The cooling system is

pressurised. If necessary,

replace the cap only with

another genuine one, otherwise

system efficiency could be com-

promised. Do not remove the

reservoir cap when the engine is

hot: you risk scalding yourself.

fig. 11

fig. 12

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE

159

Do not travel with the

windscreen washer reser-

voir empty. The wind-

screen washer is fundamental for

improving visibility.

Do not let the power

steering fluid come into

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.

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.

POWER STEERING FLUID

fig. 13

For topping up, always use a funnel

with integrated filter with mesh equal

to or lower than 0.12 mm.

The oil level with the vehicle on lev-

el ground and engine cold should be

included between the references MIN

and MAX on the reservoir.

Prevent brake fluid,

which is highly corrosive,

from coming into contact

with painted parts. Should it hap-

pen, immediately wash with wa-

ter.

When the oil is hot, the level can ex-

ceed the reference line MAX.

BRAKE/HYDRAULIC

CLUTCH FLUID fig. 14-15

When topping up (where necessary)

make sure that the oil has the same

specifications as the oil in the system.

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.

fig. 13

fig. 14

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE

160

Brake fluid is poisonous

and very corrosive. In the

The symbol π on the

container indicates syn-

POLLEN FILTER

event of accidental con-

thetic brake fluid distin-

The pollen filter is located under the

dashboard near the central dashboard

unit on passenger side.

tact, wash the effected part with

water and mild soap and rinse. If

the fluid is swallowed, call a doc-

tor immediately.

guishing it from mineral fluid. Us-

ing mineral type fluid would dam-

age the special rubber braking

system gaskets beyond repair.

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.

IMPORTANT Brake 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

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE

161

REPLACING THE FILTER

fig. 16

1.9 Multijet versions

AIR CLEANER

REPLACEMENT

Petrol versions

Loosen the three screws A-fig. 18

on the air cleaner cover, remove the

cover B-fig. 19 and remove the fil-

tering element C, to be replaced.

Loosen the screws A, remove the

cover and remove the filtering ele-

ment to be replaced B.

Loosen the screws on the side and

on the air cleaner cover, remove the

cover A-fig. 17 and remove the fil-

tering element to be replaced.

A

B

A

fig. 18

A

B

C

B

fig. 16

fig. 17

fig. 19

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE

162

1.3 Multijet versions

CHECKING THE CHARGE

fig. 22

BATTERY

Loosen the screws D-fig. 21, re-

move the cover E and remove the fil-

tering element to be replaced.

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.

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.

Bright white

Top up electrolyte

Low charge level

Contact Fiat Dealership

Dark colour

Charge the battery

without green area

in the centre

(Contact Fiat Dealership)

fig. 21

Electrolyte level and charge

sufficient

Dark colour with

green area in the

centre

No action

fig. 22

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE

163

The liquid in the battery

is poisonous and corro-

CHANGING THE BATTERY

Incorrect fitting of elec-

trical and electronic ac-

cessories can seriously

If required, replace the battery with

a genuine spare part having the same

specifications.

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.

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.

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.

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.

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE

164

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.

– the ceiling lights must be off. The

vehicle is however provided with an

automatic system for switching off in-

ternal lights;

IMPORTANT A 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).

– do not keep accessories (e.g. sound

system, hazard lights, etc.) switched on

for a long time when the engine is not

running;

If the vehicle is inactive for a long pe-

riod of time, refer to the “Vehicle

storage” paragraph in section “Driving

your vehicle”.

– before performing any operation

on the electrical system, disconnect

the battery negative cable;

When working on the

battery or near it, always

wear the

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.

– battery terminals shall always be

perfectly tightened.

USEFUL ADVICE FOR

LENGTHENING THE LIFE OF

YOUR BATTERY

To avoid draining your battery and

lengthen its life, observe the follow-

ing indications:

These devices will, in fact, run off the

battery even when the key is not in-

serted (vehicle parked) and can deploy

the battery.

– when you park the vehicle, ensure

the doors, tailgate and bonnet are

closed properly;

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE

165

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:

polarity is correct) and check that the

connection has been made properly.

ELECTRONIC

CONTROL UNITS

– Do not connect or disconnect the

terminals of the electronic units while

the ignition key is at MAR.

When the vehicle is being used nor-

mally, special measures are not neces-

sary.

– Do not check polarity through

sparking.

The following instructions must be

followed very carefully, however, if

you work on the electrical system or

in cases where emergency starting is

necessary:

– 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.).

– Never disconnect the battery from

the electrical system while the engine

is running.

IMPORTANT If the sound system

or alarm systems are not installed cor-

rectly, they can interfere with the

working of the electronic control

units.

Battery

Maximum

admitted

stand-by intake

– Disconnect the battery from the

electrical system if you are recharg-

ing it. The modern battery chargers

can discharge voltage up to 20V.

40 Ah

50 Ah

60 Ah

24 mA

30 mA

36 mA

– Never perform emergency start-

ups with a battery charger. Always use

an auxiliary battery.

Modifications or repairs

to the electrical system

carried out incorrectly

– Be particularly careful when con-

necting the battery to the electrical

system. Ensure the battery posts are

connected up to the right leads (the

and without bearing the features

of the system in mind can cause

malfunctions with the risk of fire.

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE

166

Tyre pressure must be

correct to ensure good

road holding.

If the pressure is too low

the tyre overheats and

this can cause it serious

WHEELS

AND TYRES

damage.

TYRE PRESSURE

Check the pressure of each tyre, in-

cluding the spare, every two weeks

and before long journeys.

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.

Incorrect pressure causes abnormal

The pressure must be checked when

the tyre is rested and cold.

tyre wear fig. 22:

A - Correct pressure: tyre wears

evenly

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.

IMPORTANT NOTES

B - Under inflated tyre: shoulder

tread wear

As far as possible avoid sharp brak-

ing and screech starts.

C - Over inflated tyre: centre tread

wear.

Be careful not to hit the kerb, pot-

holes or other obstacles hard. Driving

for long stretches over bumpy roads

can damage the tyres.

See “Wheels” in “Technical specifi-

cations” for the correct tyre inflation

pressure.

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.

A

B

C

fig. 22

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE

167

Avoid overloading your vehicle: this

can seriously damage wheels and tyres.

If you replace a tyre it is a good idea

to change the inflation valve, too.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Fiat Doblò fits tubeless tyres.

Under no circumstances use an inner

tube with these tyres.

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE

168

– 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.

Changing the windscreen

wiper blade

WINDSCREEN/

REAR WINDOW

WIPERS

1) Lift the windscreen wiper arm A-

fig. 23 off the glass and position the

blade so as to form a right angle with

the arm.

– Do not operate the windscreen or

rear window wipers on dry glass.

BLADES

2) Press tab B on the retainer and

remove the blade to be replaced from

arm A .

Periodically clean the rubber part us-

ing special products; TUTELA PRO-

FESSIONAL SC 35 is recommend-

ed.

3) Fit the new blade by inserting the

tab into the special slot in the arm.

Make sure it is properly locked into

place.

Driving with worn wiper

blades is a serious hazard,

because visibility is re-

duced in bad weather.

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.

B

A

fig. 23

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE

169

Changing the rear window

wiper blade

SPRAY NOZZLES

The rear window washer jet fig. 27

can be directed by adjusting the di-

rection of the 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.

1) Lift the cover A-fig. 24 and fig.

25 and dismantle the arm from the ve-

hicle by unscrewing the nut B which

holds it onto the knuckle.

Then make sure that the holes in the

nozzles are not clogged up. Use a pin

for this if necessary.

2) Position the new arm correctly

and fasten the nut.

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.

3) Lower the cover.

fig. 26

A

B

fig. 24

fig. 25

fig. 27

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE

170

– The spraying of the underbody, en-

gine compartment, inside the wheel-

houses and other parts with wax-

based products with a high protective

capacity.

ADVICE FOR PRESERVING

THE BODYWORK

BODYWORK

PROTECTION FROM

ATMOSPHERIC AGENTS

Paint

Paintwork does not only serve an

aesthetic purpose, but also protects

the underlying sheet metal.

The main causes of rust are:

– atmospheric pollution

– Spraying plastic-coating materials

to protect the most exposed points:

under the door, inside the wings, the

edges etc.

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.

– salt and humidity in the atmosphere

(coastal or very hot and humid areas)

– The use of “open” box sections to

prevent condensation and water from

building up and rusting the inside of

the parts.

– environmental conditions that are

specific to the season.

Only use genuine products when

touching up the paintwork (see “Body-

work paint identification plate” in sec-

tion “Technical specifications”).

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.

BODY AND UNDERBODY

WARRANTY

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.

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.

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.

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE

171

Detergents pollute wa-

ter. For this reason, the

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.

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.

vehicle must be washed in

an area equipped for the collec-

tion and purification of the liquids

used while washing.

Outside plastic parts must be cleaned

following the usual vehicle washing

procedure.

To wash the vehicle properly:

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.

1) Remove the aerial from the roof

to prevent damaging it when washing

the vehicle in an automatic carwash.

Detergents pollute wa-

ter. The vehicle must

therefore be washed in an

2) Wash the body using a low pres-

sure jet of water.

IMPORTANT Bird droppings must

be washed off immediately and with

great care as their acid is particularly

aggressive.

area equipped for the collection

and purification of the liquids

used while washing.

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.

Windows

Use specific window cleaner prod-

ucts to clean cloths to avoid scratch-

ing the glass or damaging the trans-

parency.

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.

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.

IMPORTANT To 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.

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE

172

CLEANING SEATS

AND FABRICS

STEERING WHEEL / GEAR

LEVER KNOB WITH

GENUINE LEATHER

COVERING

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.

– Remove dust with a soft brush and

vacuum cleaner.

These components shall only be

cleaned with water and neutral soap.

Never use spirit or alcohol-based

products.

– Brush the seats with a damp

sponge with water and a neutral soap.

PLASTIC PARTS INSIDE THE

VEHICLE

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.

Use appropriate products designed

to preserve the appearance of com-

ponents.

Never use inflammable

products such as petrole-

um ether or petrol to

IMPORTANT Do not use alcohol

or petrol to clean the instrument pan-

el.

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.

clean inside the vehicle. The elec-

trostatic charges that are gener-

ated while rubbing to clean could

become a fire risk.

Do not keep aerosol

cans in the vehicle. There

IMPORTANT Take the utmost

care when engaging the steering lock

to prevent scratching the leather cov-

ering.

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.

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE

173

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VEHICLE MAINTENANCE for Your Fiat Doblo Van 2000-2009

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