Page 11 of 222

Every rear seat (where provided) is
fitted with inertial seat belts with three
anchor points and reel.
IMPORTANTBefore fastening the
seat belts make sure the seat is prop-
erly anchored.
7-seat versions
In the 7-seat versions, every rear seat
(second and third row) is fitted with
seat belts with three anchor points
and reel fig. 7.Remember that in the
case of a violent collision,
back seat passengers not
wearing seat belts also represent
a serious danger to the passen-
gers in the front seats.
10GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
To unfasten the seat belts, press but-
ton C. Guide the seat belt with your
hand while it is rewinding, to prevent
it from twisting.
Through the reel, the belt automat-
ically adapts to the body of the pas-
senger wearing it, allowing freedom of
movement.
When the vehicle is parked on a
steep slope the reel mechanism may
block; this is normal. The reel mech-
anism prevents the webbing coming
out when it is jerked or if the vehicle
brakes sharply, as in a collision or
when cornering at high speed.
fig. 7
F0A0402b
Never press button C
when travelling.
001-105 Doblo GB 16-12-2008 14:22 Pagina 10
Page 115 of 222

114DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE
The tow hitch must comply with the
current regulation, with reference to
Directive 94/20/EC and amendments.
Install a tow hitch which is suitable
for the towing capacity of the vehicle.
Use a unified coupling for the elec-
trical connections. The coupling is gen-
erally fitted on a specific mount fas-
tened to the tow hitch.
For electrical connection, a 7 or 13
pole 12VDC coupling must be used
(CUNA/UNI and ISO/DIN standards).
Follow the instructions provided by
the manufacturer of the vehicle and/or
the tow hitch.
Use the specific trailer light fusebox
for electrical connections.
An electric brake should be supplied
directly by the battery through a cable
with a cross section of no less than 2.5
mm
2.In addition to the electrical connec-
tion, only the lead for powering an
electric brake and the lead to power
a light inside the trailer not exceed-
ing 15W may be connected to the ve-
hicle’s electrical system.
For connections use the preset con-
trol unit with battery cable no less
than 2,5 mm
2.
FITTING DIAGRAM
The trailer tow hitch is to be fixed in
the points indicated (see diagram fig.
4).
The plate 1must have a minimum
thickness of 6 mm. The fastening
points 2will be equipped with shims
’16 x 2 mm. The tow hitch structure
is fastened in the points shown with Ø
by means of six M8 screws and four
M10 screws.
Fasten the tow hitch to the body and
trim the bumper with the frame pro-
vided with the assembly kit.
After fitting the tow hitch, the emp-
ty vehicle weight will increase by ap-
proximately 15.5 kg. The ABS system will not
control the trailer braking
system. Great care
should therefore be taken when
driving on slippery road surfaces.
Under no circumstances
modify the vehicle’s brak-
ing system for trailer
braking control. The trailer’s
braking system must be com-
pletely independent of the vehi-
cle’s hydraulic system.
TOW HITCH INSTALLATION
The towing device should be fas-
tened to the body by specialised per-
sonnel according to any additional
and/or integrative information supplied
by the Manufacturer of the device.
106-118 Doblo GB 9-05-2008 12:09 Pagina 114
Page 172 of 222

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.
149-173 Doblo GB 9-05-2008 12:10 Pagina 171