79GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
When using the boot,
make sure the load you
are carrying does not ex-
ceed the permitted weight (see
“Technical specifications”). Also
ensure the items in the boot are
arranged properly to prevent
them being thrown forwards and
injuring passengers should you
brake sharply. Do not travel with
the tailgate open: exhaust gas
could filter into the passenger
compartment.
If you are travelling in
areas where refuelling
can be difficult and you
want to carry a can of petrol, fol-
low the law in force. Use a ho-
mologated can and secure it ad-
equately. Even given these pre-
cautions, the risk of fire in the
event of an accident is increased.
Do not use the key as a
handle to open the tail-
gate. You could damage it.
TAILGATE
Opening/closing the tailgate
To open the tailgate from the out-
side, turn the ignition key in lock
fig. 118and pull handle Ain the di-
rection of the arrow.
The opening of the boot is made eas-
ier by the gas-filed struts on each side.
IMPORTANTFit the key well into
the lock before turning it.
You will be able to open the tailgate
with the key only if you remove the
key from the lock after turning it by 45
degrees.
To close, lower the tailgate until the
lock clicks.
CENTRAL DOOR LOCKING
SYSTEM
From the outside
With the doors closed, fit and turn
the key in one of the front door locks.IMPORTANTAdjust the height of
the dipped headlight beam when trav-
elling at night with a rather heavy load
in the boot (see “Headlights” in this
chapter).
Make sure the load does not exceed
the values shown in “Weights” para-
graph, “Technical specifications” chap-
ter for correct operation of the head-
light adjustment device.
Do not knock the tailgate
into objects on the roof
rack when you open it.
fig. 118
F0A0231b
001-105 Doblo GB 16-12-2008 14:22 Pagina 79
86GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
After travelling a few
kilometres, check that
the attachment fastening
screws are tight.
Distribute the load even-
ly and when driving, bear
in mind the increased
sensitivity of the vehicle to side
wind.
Never exceed the max.
permissible loads (see
section “Technical speci-
fications”).
Strictly comply with cur-
rent law regulations con-
cerning max. overall di-
mensions.
fig. 136
F0A0185b
ROOF RACK/SKI
RACK
PRESETTING
To use the roof racks you shall re-
move the caps set in points fig. 136.
Attach the roof rack bar brackets to
the fasteners.
IMPORTANTAlways follow the
instructions provided with the kit
carefully. The bars should be fitted by
skilled personnel.
For safety reasons the
bonnet must be closed
properly to avoid its
opening while the vehicle is trav-
elling. Therefore, always check it
is properly closed and the catch
engaged. Should you notice that
the catch is not perfectly engaged
when travelling, stop the vehicle
immediately and close the bon-
net. To close the bonnet
1)Hold the bonnet up with one hand
and, with the other, remove rod A-
fig. 135from recess Band replace it
in its clip.
2)Lower the bonnet until it is about
20 cm above the engine compartment,
and then let it drop, ensuring that it
is fully closed and not just held in po-
sition by the safety catch.
If the bonnet does not close properly
do not push it down but open it again
and repeat the above procedure.
001-105 Doblo GB 16-12-2008 14:22 Pagina 86
110DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE
Some suggestions which may help
you to keep the running costs of the
vehicle down and lower the amount
of toxic emissions released into the at-
mosphere are given below.
GENERAL
CONSIDERATIONS
Vehicle maintenance
The overall state of the vehicle is an
important factor which has a marked
influence over fuel consumption and
driving comfort and on the life span of
your vehicle. For this reason care
should be taken to maintain your ve-
hicle by carrying out the necessary
checks and regulations in accordance
with the specifications given in the
SERVICE SCHEDULE (see sections:
spark plugs, idling, air cleaners, diesel
fuel filter, timing).Tyres
Tyre pressure should be checked at
least once every four weeks: if the
pressure is too low fuel consumption
increases as the resistance to the
rolling movement of the tyre is
greater. In this state, tyre wear is in-
creased and handling suffers which will
effect safety.
Unnecessary loads
Do not travel with too much load in
the boot. The weight of the vehicle
and its trim greatly effects consump-
tion and stability.
Roof rack/ski rack
Remove the roof rack or the ski rack
from the roof as soon as they are no
longer used.
These accessories reduce the aero-
dynamic penetration of the vehicle and
will increase consumption. Whentransporting particularly large objects,
use a trailer, where possible.
Electric devices
Use electric devices for the neces-
sary time only. The heated rear win-
dow, fog lights, windscreen wipers,
heater fan require large amounts of
electricity and increasing the request
for power will also increase fuel con-
sumption (up to +25% when driving in
towns).
Climate control system
The climate control system is an ad-
ditional load which greatly effects the
engine leading to higher consumption
(up to +20% in average). When the
temperature outside allows, use the
air vents where possible.
Aerodynamic accessories
The use of non-certified aerodynamic
items may adversely affect air drag and
consumption levels.
CONTAINING RUNNING COSTS AND POLLUTION
106-118 Doblo GB 9-05-2008 12:09 Pagina 110
204TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
FUEL CONSUMPTION
The fuel consumption and CO2emis-
sion values listed in the table below are
determined based on homologation
tests laid down in the European Di-
rective 2004/3/EC.
To measure fuel consumption and
emissions the procedures below are
followed:
– Urban cycle:the vehicle is start-
ed with the engine cold and driven so
as to reproduce the speed and
gearshift profile specified in the Euro-
pean Directive. The cycle includes a
series of accelerations, decelerations,
driving at constant speed and standing
with the engine in idle. The maximum
speed reached during the cycle is
50km/h and the average speed is
19km/h.– Extraurban cycle:consecutive to
the urban cycle according to the spec-
ifications laid down in the European
Directive. The maximum speed
reached during the cycle is 120km/h
and the average speed is 63km/h.
– consumption:this is determined
through a weighted average of the
consumption measured for the urban
cycle (with approx. 37% weight) and
for the extraurban cycle (with approx.
63% weight).
IMPORTANT
In practice, fuel consumption may be
higher than the values determined
through the homologation tests. Be-
low are some of the main factors that
may result in a deviation between the
consumption measured during normal
use of the vehicle and that measured
during the homologation tests.1) Vehicle conditions: inadequate
maintenance, use of roof racks, trail-
ers, heavy load conditions, intense use
of the electrical devices and the air-
conditioning.
2) Driving style: frequent cold starts
to drive short stretches, incorrect
procedure to warm up the engine,
gearshifting, continuous driving at high
speeds, sudden acceleration and brak-
ing.
3) Traffic and road conditions: driving
in traffic, uphill or twisty roads, road
surface conditions.
4) Atmospheric conditions: intem-
perate climate, wind, rain, snow, dri-
ving at high altitudes.
5) Percentage town, out-of-town and
motorway driving.
174-211 Doblo GB 16-12-2008 14:26 Pagina 204
205TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS205
PRACTICAL TIPS TO
REDUCE CONSUMPTION
AND ENVIRONMENTAL
POLLUTION
Vehicle conditions
1. Have checks and adjustments
carried out in accordance with the
“Scheduled Service Plan”.
2. Check the tyre pressure at inter-
vals of not more than 4 weeks (see
“Tyre pressure”). Too low tyre pres-
sure increases consumption as the
rolling resistance increases. In these
conditions the tyres wear faster and
performance deteriorates.
3. Use winter tyresonly in the sea-
sons where dictated by the climatic
conditions. Winter tyres not only in-
crease consumption but also tyre
noise.4. Do not travel in heavy load con-
ditions(vehicle overloaded): The
weight of the vehicle (especially when
driving in town) and its trim greatly af-
fect fuel consumption and stability.
5. Remove roof racks or ski racks
after use. These accessories reduce
the aerodynamics of the vehicle and
have a negative effect on fuel con-
sumption.
6. Ideally use a trailerto transport
particularly bulky objects.
7. It is preferable to use the air vents:
driving with the window open has a
negative effect on the aerodynamics of
the vehicle.
8. Use the electrical devices only for
the time strictly necessary. The rear
heated window, additional headlights,
windscreen wipers and heater fan
need a considerable amount of ener-
gy, consequently increasing fuel con-
sumption (up to 25% more in the ur-
ban cycle).9. Using the air-conditioning in-
creases consumption (up to 30% more
on average): use the air vents when
the outside temperature permits.
Driving style
1. After starting the engineit is
advisable to set off immediately and
slowly avoiding revving up the engine.
Do not warm up the engine with the
vehicle stationary either at idle or at
high speed: in these conditions the en-
gine in fact warms up more slowly, in-
creasing consumption, emissions and
wear of the mechanical devices.
2. Avoid revving upwhen starting
at traffic lights or before turning off the
engine. This action, like double-de-
clutching, is unnecessary and causes in-
creased fuel consumption and pollu-
tion.
174-211 Doblo GB 16-12-2008 14:26 Pagina 205