Fiat Doblo Common Problems and Solutions
Slow Starting
Problem:
The van is slow to start.
Solution:
As with any issue with starting a vehicle, always check your starter motor is not damaged or worn out first. With the Doblo, a slow start may be caused by a corroded earth wire between the engine and the chassis. It’s putting strain on your starter motor and will eventually cause it to burn out. Locate the wire, which is found close to the gearbox and runs directly from the negative terminal on the battery, and order a replacement from us if it has corroded.
Difficulty level
Loud Tapping and Dark Smoke
Problem:
You can hear a loud tapping from the engine when you accelerate, and there is a dark blue/black smoke coming from the exhaust.
Solution:
Your big end bearings have become worn or damaged and will need to be replaced. You can order bearings directly from us and have them delivered straight to you.
Difficulty level
Big End Bearings
Complete Electrical Malfunction
Problem:
Every control and switch is not working as intended, and your dashboard warning lights may be illuminated.
Solution:
Check the area around the air cleaner. It’s very likely that the earthing block has become detached, as this is quite common on the Doblo. You can order a replacement if it’s become damaged, but you will usually be able to simply reattach the separated block.
Difficulty level
Bumping Sound From Rear
Problem:
You can hear a bumping noise coming from the rear of the van and may also feel severe wandering while turning corners.
Solution:
Check the rear bump stops above the rear springs. You’ll usually find that these have worn away. Order replacements from us today, and your van will soon be back to normal.
Difficulty level
Sudden Overheating
Problem:
The engine suddenly overheats without any indication of a fault.
Solution:
Your head gasket is damaged. Find a replacement on our parts list and install it. Quite a big job, but many online guides will go through the process for you.
Difficulty level
Head Gasket Set
Knocking noise from wheels
Problem:
If you are hearing a knocking noise coming from the wheels, particularly when cornering, it will most likely be a broken wheel bearing. They are known for breaking too quickly on these vehicles.
Solution:
You will need to replace the faulty wheel bearing to fix the problem.
Difficulty level
Wheel Bearing
Central locking not unlocking rear doors
Problem:
The central locking should open the rear doors, but this can fail sometimes on the Doblo. The cause of this problem is a plastic piece on the remote locking motor getting broken. Be careful when loading heavy items as this can break the plastic piece on locking motor, rendering the central locking on this door to malfunction.
Solution:
You could get a metal piece fitted which would be stronger and longer lasting, but when you load the vehicle in future you need to make sure that there is nothing leaning against the motor. This can break the piece and stop the central locking working on these doors.
Difficulty level
Wandering or bumping noise on cornering
Problem:
It is known on these vehicles for the rear bump stops above the rear springs to fail, which in turn leads to the vehicle wandering when cornering. You may also hear a bumping noise from the back of the car.
Solution:
You will need to replace the rear bump stops to fix this problem.
Difficulty level
Starting problems
Problem:
If your vehicle is having trouble starting, then a common problem on the Fiat Doblo is for the high-pressure pump sensor to fail.
Solution:
You will need to fit a replacement high-pressure pump sensor to sort out this problem. Watch the video to see how to test this sensor:
Difficulty level
Suspension problems
Problem:
You may have noticed that the vehicle is sagging to one side, which is usually caused by broken leaf springs.
Solution:
You will need to fit new leaf springs to resolve the issue.
Difficulty level
Leaf Spring
Rear door handle failure
Problem:
If you have noticed that the handles on the rear door are not working as they should, they are known to fail on these vehicles.
Solution:
You will have to fit replacement handles to resolve the problem.
Difficulty level
Door Handle
Loss of Power on Hills
Problem:
You lose power while driving uphill, and the van is slow to warm up.
Solution:
If your engine is revving while you drive uphill, then there’s a good chance that your clutch is slipping and will need to be replaced. We always have clutch systems for the Doblo in stock, so you can find and order a replacement easily.
Difficulty level
Clutch Kit
Steering Loss
Problem:
The van no longer turns when you move the steering wheel.
Solution:
The weld on the steering shaft at the lower universal joint fitting is probably missing. This caused a recall of Doblos built between March and April 2006, and your only option now is going to be replacing the steering shaft. You can order this online from us and have the replacement delivered.
Difficulty level
