Lancia Flavia 2012 Owner handbook (in English)

POWER STEERING
The standard power steering system
will give you good vehicle response
and increased ease of maneuverability
in tight spaces. The system will pro-
vide mechanical steering capability if
power assist is lost.
If for some reason the power assist is
interrupted, it will still be possible to
steer your vehicle. Under these condi-
tions, you will observe a substantial
increase in steering effort, especially
at very low vehicle speeds and during
parking maneuvers.
NOTE:
 Increased noise levels at the endof the steering wheel travel are
considered normal and do not
indicate that there is a problem
with the power steering system.
 Upon initial start-up in cold weather, the power steering
pump may make noise for a
short amount of time. This is due
to the cold, thick fluid in the
steering system. This noise
should be considered normal,
and it does not in any way dam-
age the steering system.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced
power steering assist could pose a
safety risk to yourself and others.
Service should be obtained as soon
as possible.CAUTION!
Prolonged operation of the steering
system at the end of the steering
wheel travel will increase the steer-
ing fluid temperature and it should
be avoided when possible. Damage
to the power steering pump may oc-
cur.
POWER STEERING FLUID
CHECK
Checking the power steering fluid
level at a defined service interval is
not required. The fluid should only be
checked if a leak is suspected, abnor-
mal noises are apparent, and/or the
system is not functioning as antici-
pated. Coordinate inspection efforts
through an authorized dealer.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your
power steering system as the chemi-
cals can damage your power steering
components. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.WARNING!
Fluid level should be checked on a
level surface and with the engine off
to prevent injury from moving parts
and to ensure accurate fluid level
reading. Do not overfill. Use only
manufactur er's recommended
power steering fluid.
If necessary, add fluid to restore to the
proper indicated level. With a clean
cloth, wipe any spilled fluid from all
surfaces. Refer to “Fluids, Lubri-
cants, and Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further in-
formation.
144

PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure
that the parking brake is fully ap-
plied. Also, be certain to leave the
transmission in PARK.
The parking brake lever is located in
the center console. To apply the park-
ing brake, pull the lever up as firmly
as possible. To release the parking
brake, pull the lever up slightly, press
the center button, then lower the lever
completely.
When the parking brake is applied
with the ignition switch ON, the
“Brake Warning Light” in the instru-
ment cluster will illuminate.NOTE:
 When the parking brake is ap-
plied and the transmission is
placed in gear, the “Brake Warn-
ing Light” will flash. If vehicle
speed is detected, a chime will
sound to alert the driver. Fully
release the parking brake before
attempting to move the vehicle.
 This light only shows that the parking brake is applied. It does
not show the degree of brake ap-
plication.
When parking on a hill, it is important
to turn the front wheels toward the
curb on a downhill grade and away
from the curb on an uphill grade.
Apply the parking brake before plac-
ing the shift lever in PARK, otherwise
the load on the transmission locking
mechanism may make it difficult to
move the shift lever out of PARK. The
parking brake should always be ap-
plied whenever the driver is not in the
vehicle.
WARNING!
 Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the parking brake.
Always apply the parking brake
fully when parked to guard
against vehicle movement and
possible injury or damage.
 When leaving the vehicle, always
remove the key fob from the igni-
tion and lock your vehicle.
 Never leave children alone in a
vehicle, or with access to an un-
locked vehicle. Allowing children
to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of rea-
sons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Chil-
dren should be warned not to
touch the parking brake, brake
pedal or the shift lever.
 Do not leave the key fob in or near
the vehicle. A child could operate
power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
 Be sure the parking brake is fully
disengaged before driving; failure
to do so can lead to brake failure
and a collision.
(Continued)
Parking Brake
145

WARNING!(Continued)
 Always fully apply the parking
brake when leaving your vehicle
or it may roll and cause damage or
injury. Also, be certain to leave the
transmission in PARK. Failure to
do so may cause the vehicle to roll
and cause damage or injury.CAUTION!
If the “Brake Warning Light” re-
mains on with the parking brake
released, a brake system malfunc-
tion is indicated. Have the brake
system serviced by an authorized
dealer immediately.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE
SYSTEM (ABS)
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
provides increased vehicle stability
and brake performance under most
braking conditions. The system oper-
ates with a separate computer to
modulate the hydraulic pressure to
prevent wheel lock-up and avoid
skidding on slippery surfaces.
WARNING!
 Pumping of the anti-lock brakes will diminish their effectiveness
and may lead to a collision.
Pumping makes the stopping dis-
tance longer. Just press firmly on
your brake pedal when you need
to slow down or stop.
 The ABS cannot prevent the natu-
ral laws of physics from acting on
the vehicle, nor can it increase
braking or steering efficiency be-
yond that afforded by the condi-
tion of the vehicle brakes and tires
or the traction afforded.
 The ABS cannot prevent colli-
sions, including those resulting
from excessive speed in turns, fol-
lowing another vehicle too closely,
or hydroplaning.
 The capabilities of an ABS-
equipped vehicle must never be
exploited in a reckless or danger-
ous manner, which could jeopar-
dize the user's safety or the safety
of others. The
“Anti-Lock Brake
Warning Light” monitors
the Anti-Lock Brake Sys-
tem. The light will come on
when the ignition switch is turned to
the ON position and may stay on for
as long as four seconds.
If the “Anti-Lock Brake Warning
Light” remains on or comes on while
driving, it indicates that the anti-lock
portion of the brake system is not
functioning and that service is re-
quired. However, the conventional
brake system will continue to operate
normally if the “Brake Warning
Light” is not on.
If the “Anti-Lock Brake Warning
Light” is on, the brake system should
be serviced as soon as possible to re-
store the benefits of anti-lock brakes.
If the “Anti-Lock Brake Warning
Light” does not come on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
position, have the bulb repaired as
soon as possible.
If both the “Brake Warning Light”
and the “Anti-Lock Brake Warning
Light” remain on, the Anti-Lock
146

Brake (ABS) and Electronic Brake
Force Distribution (EBD) Systems are
not functioning. Immediate repair to
the ABS system is required. See your
authorized dealer.
When the vehicle is driven over
11 km/h, you may hear a slight click-
ing sound as well as some related mo-
tor noises. These noises are the system
performing its self-check cycle to en-
sure that the ABS system is working
properly. This self check occurs each
time the vehicle is started and accel-
erated past 11 km/h.
ABS is activated during braking un-
der certain road or stopping condi-
tions. ABS-inducing conditions can
include ice, snow, gravel, bumps, rail-
road tracks, loose debris, or panic
stops.
You also may experience the following
when the brake system goes into anti-
lock:
 The ABS motor running (it maycontinue to run for a short time
after the stop),
 the clicking sound of solenoid valves,  brake pedal pulsations,
 and a slight drop or fall away of the
brake pedal at the end of the stop.
These are all normal characteristics of
ABS.
WARNING!
The Anti-Lock Brake System con-
tains sophisticated electronic equip-
ment that may be susceptible to in-
terference caused by improperly
installed or high output radio trans-
mitting equipment. This interfer-
ence can cause possible loss of anti-
lock braking capability. Installation
of such equipment should be per-
formed by qualified professionals.
All vehicle wheels and tires must be
the same size and type, and tires must
be properly inflated to produce accu-
rate signals for the computer. ELECTRONIC BRAKE
CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle may be equipped with an
optional advanced electronic brake
control system that includes Anti-
Lock Brake System (ABS), Traction
Control System (TCS), Brake Assist
System (BAS), and Electronic Stabil-
ity Control (ESC). All systems work
together to enhance vehicle stability
and control in various driving condi-
tions and are commonly referred to as
ESC.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE
SYSTEM (ABS)
This system aids the driver in main-
taining vehicle control under adverse
braking conditions. The system con-
trols hydraulic brake pressure to pre-
vent wheel lock-up and help avoid
skidding on slippery surfaces during
braking. Refer to “Anti-Lock Brake
System” in “Starting and Operating”
for further information.
147

TRACTION CONTROL
SYSTEM (TCS)
This system monitors the amount of
wheel spin of each of the driven
wheels. If wheel spin is detected,
brake pressure is applied to the slip-
ping wheel(s) and engine power is
reduced to provide enhanced accel-
eration and stability. A feature of the
TCS system functions similar to a lim-
ited slip differential and controls the
wheel spin across a driven axle. If one
wheel on a driven axle is spinning
faster than the other, the system will
apply the brake of the spinning wheel.
This will allow more engine torque to
be applied to the wheel that is not
spinning. This feature remains active
even if TCS and ESC are in the “Par-
tial Off” mode. Refer to “Electronic
Stability Control (ESC)” in this sec-
tion of this manual.BRAKE ASSIST SYSTEM
(BAS)
The BAS is designed to optimize the
vehicle’s braking capability during
emergency braking maneuvers. The
system detects an emergency braking
situation by sensing the rate and
amount of brake application and then
applies optimum pressure to the
brakes. This can help reduce braking
distances. The BAS complements the
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS). Ap-
plying the brakes very quickly results
in the best BAS assistance. To receive
the benefit of the system, you must
apply continuous braking pressure
during the stopping sequence. Do not
reduce brake pedal pressure unless
braking is no longer desired. Once the
brake pedal is released, the BAS is
deactivated.
WARNING!
 The BAS cannot prevent the natu-
ral laws of physics from acting on
the vehicle, nor can it increase
braking efficiency beyond that af-
forded by the condition of the ve-
hicle brakes and tires or the trac-
tion afforded.
 The BAS cannot prevent colli-
sions, including those resulting
from excessive speed in turns, fol-
lowing another vehicle too closely,
or hydroplaning.
 The capabilities of a BAS-
equipped vehicle must never be
exploited in a reckless or danger-
ous manner, which could jeopar-
dize the user’s safety or the safety
of others.
148

ELECTRONIC STABILITY
CONTROL (ESC)
This system enhances directional con-
trol and stability of the vehicle under
various driving conditions. ESC cor-
rects for over/under steering of the
vehicle by applying the brake of the
appropriate wheel to assist in counter-
acting the over/under steer condition.
Engine power may also be reduced to
help the vehicle maintain the desired
path. ESC uses sensors in the vehicle
to determine the vehicle path in-
tended by the driver and compares it
to the actual path of the vehicle. When
the actual path does not match the
intended path, ESC applies the brake
of the appropriate wheel to assist in
counteracting the oversteer or under-
steer condition.
 Over-steer - when the vehicle isturning more than appropriate for
the steering wheel position.
 Under-steer - when the vehicle is turning less than appropriate for
the steering wheel position.
WARNING!
The Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) cannot prevent the natural
laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase the trac-
tion afforded by prevailing road
conditions. ESC cannot prevent ac-
cidents, including those resulting
from excessive speed in turns, driv-
ing on very slippery surfaces, or hy-
droplaning. ESC also cannot pre-
vent accidents resulting from loss of
vehicle control due to inappropriate
driver input for the conditions. Only
a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents. The capabili-
ties of an ESC equipped vehicle
must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner which could
jeopardize the user’s safety or the
safety of others. ESC Operating Modes
All ESC equipped vehicles can choose
the following ESC operating modes:
ESC On
This is the normal operating mode for
ESC. Whenever the vehicle is started
the ESC system will be in this mode.
This mode should be used for almost
all driving situations. ESC should
only be turned to “Partial Off” for
specific reasons as noted below.
Partial ESC Mode
This mode is entered by momentarily
pressing the “ESC Off” switch (lo-
cated in the lower switch bank below
the heater/air conditioning controls).
When in “Partial Off” mode, the TCS
portion of ESC, except for the limited
slip feature described in the TCS sec-
tion, has been disabled and the “ESC
Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light” will be illuminated. All other
stability features of ESC function nor-
mally, with the exception of engine
power reduction. This mode is in-
tended to be used if the vehicle is in
deep snow, sand, or gravel conditions
149

and more wheel spin than ESC would
normally allow is required to gain
traction.
To turn ESC on again, momentarily
press the “ESC Off” switch. This will
restore the normal “ESC On” mode of
operation.WARNING!
In partial ESC mode, the engine
power reduction feature of ESC is
disabled. Therefore, enhanced ve-
hicle stability offered by the ESC
system is reduced.
NOTE:
To improve the vehicle's traction
when driving with snow chains, or
starting off in deep snow, sand or
gravel, it may be desirable to switch to the “Partial Off” mode by
pressing the “ESC Off” switch.
Once the situation requiring ESC
to be switched to the “Partial Off”
mode is overcome, turn ESC on
again by momentarily pressing the
“ESC Off” switch. This may be
done while the vehicle is in mo-
tion.
ESC ACTIVATION/
MALFUNCTION
INDICATOR LIGHT AND
ESC OFF INDICATOR
LIGHT
The “ESC Activation/Mal-
function Indicator Light” in
the instrument cluster will
come on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position. It
should go out with the engine running.
If the “ESC Activation/Malfunction In-
dicator Light” comes on continuously
with the engine running, a malfunction
has been detected in the ESC system. If
this light remains on after several igni-
tion cycles, and the vehicle has been
driven several miles (kilometers) at
speeds greater than 48 km/h, see your authorized dealer as soon as possible to
have the problem diagnosed and cor-
rected.
The “ESC Activation/Malfunction In-
dicator Light” (located in the instru-
ment cluster) starts to flash as soon as
the tires lose traction and the ESC
system becomes active. The “ESC
Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light” also flashes when TCS is ac-
tive. If the “ESC Activation/
Malfunction Indicator Light” begins
to flash during acceleration, ease up
on the accelerator and apply as little
throttle as possible. Be sure to adapt
your speed and driving to the prevail-
ing road conditions.
NOTE:
The “ESC Activation/Malfunc-
tion Indicator Light” and the
“ESC OFF Indicator Light” come
on momentarily each time the ig-
nition switch is turned ON. Each time the ignition is turned
ON, the ESC system will be ON
even if it was turned off previ-
ously.
ESC Off Switch
150

 The ESC system will make buzz-ing or clicking sounds when it is
active. This is normal; the
sounds will stop when ESC be-
comes inactive following the
maneuver that caused the ESC
activation.
The “ESC OFF Indicator
Light” indicates the Elec-
tronic Stability Control
(ESC) is off.
TIRES — GENERAL
INFORMATION
TIRE PRESSURE
Proper tire inflation pressure is essen-
tial to the safe and satisfactory opera-
tion of your vehicle. Three primary
areas are affected by improper tire
pressure: Safety
WARNING!
 Improperly inflated tires are dan-
gerous and can cause collisions.
 Under-inflation increases tire
flexing and can result in over-
heating and tire failure.
 Over-inflation reduces a tir e's
ability to cushion shock. Objects
on the road and chuckholes can
cause damage that result in tire
failure.
 Over -inflated or under-inflated
tires can affect vehicle handling
and can fail suddenly, resulting in
loss of vehicle control.
 Unequal tire pressures can cause
steering problems. You could lose
control of your vehicle.
 Unequal tire pressures from one
side of the vehicle to the other can
cause the vehicle to drift to the
right or left.
 Always drive with each tire in-
flated to the recommended cold
tire inflation pressure. Economy
Improper inflation pressures can
cause uneven wear patterns to de-
velop across the tire tread. These ab-
normal wear patterns will reduce
tread life resulting in a need for earlier
tire replacement. Under-inflation,
also increases tire rolling resistance
resulting in higher fuel consumption.
Ride Comfort And Vehicle
Stability
Proper tire inflation contributes to a
comfortable ride. Over-inflation pro-
duces a jarring and uncomfortable
ride.
TIRE INFLATION
PRESSURES
The proper cold tire inflation pressure
is listed on the
driver's sideB-Pillar or
rear edge of the driver's side door.
Some vehicles may have Supplemen-
tal Tire Pressure Information for ve-
hicle loads that are less than the maxi-
mum loaded vehicle condition. These
pressure conditions will be found in
the “Supplemental Tire Pressure In-
formation” section of this manual.
151

The pressure should be checked and
adjusted as well as inspecting for signs
of tire wear or visible damage at least
once a month. Use a good quality
pocket-type gauge to check tire pres-
sure. Do not make a visual judgement
when determining proper inflation.
Radial tires may look properly in-
flated even when they are under-
inflated.CAUTION!
After inspecting or adjusting the tire
pressure, always reinstall the valve
stem cap. This will prevent moisture
and dirt from entering the valve
stem, which could damage the valve
stem.
Inflation pressures specified on the
placard are always “cold tire inflation
pressure.” Cold tire inflation pressure
is defined as the tire pressure after the
vehicle has not been driven for at least
three hours, or driven less than
1.6 km after a three hour period. The
cold tire inflation pressure must not
exceed the maximum inflation pres-
sure molded into the tire sidewall. Check tire pressures more often if
subject to a wide range of outdoor
temperatures, as tire pressures vary
with temperature changes.
Tire pressures change by approxi-
mately 7 kPa per 7°C of air tempera-
ture change. Keep this in mind when
checking tire pressure inside a garage,
especially in the winter.
Example: If garage temperature =
20°C and the outside temperature =
0°C then the cold tire inflation pres-
sure should be increased by 21 kPa,
which equals 7 kPa for every 7°C for
this outside temperature condition.
Tire pressure may increase from 13 to
40 kPa during operation. DO NOT
reduce this normal pressure build up
or your tire pressure will be too low.
Tire Pressures For High Speed
Operation
The manufacturer advocates driving
at safe speeds within posted speed
limits. Where speed limits or condi-
tions are such that the vehicle can be
driven at high speeds, maintaining
correct tire inflation pressure is very
important. Increased tire pressureand reduced vehicle loading may be
required for high-speed vehicle op-
eration. Refer to original equipment
or an authorized tire dealer for recom-
mended safe operating speeds, load-
ing and cold tire inflation pressures.
WARNING!
High speed driving with your vehicle
under maximum load is dangerous.
The added strain on your tires could
cause them to fail. You could have a
serious collision. Do not drive a ve-
hicle loaded to the maximum capac-
ity at continuous speeds above
120 km/h.
RADIAL-PLY TIRESWARNING!
Combining radial ply tires with
other types of tires on your vehicle
will cause your vehicle to handle
poorly. The instability could cause a
collision. Always use radial ply tires
in sets of four. Never combine them
with other types of tires.
152

Cuts and punctures in radial tires are
repairable only in the tread area be-
cause of sidewall flexing. Consult
your authorized tire dealer for radial
tire repairs.
TIRE SPINNING
When stuck in mud, sand, snow, or icy
conditions, do not spin yourvehicle's
wheels faster than 48 km/h or for
longer than 30 seconds continuously
without stopping.
Refer to “Freeing A Stuck Vehicle” in
“What To Do In Emergencies” for fur -
ther information.WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be danger-
ous. Forces generated by excessive
wheel speeds may cause tire damage
or failure. A tire could explode and
injure someone. Do not spin your
vehicle's wheels faster than 48 km/h
or for more than 30 seconds con-
tinuously when you are stuck, and
do not let anyone near a spinning
wheel, no matter what the speed. TREAD WEAR
INDICATORS
Tread wear indicators are in the origi-
nal equipment tires to help you in
determining when your tires should
be replaced.
These indicators are molded into the
bottom of the tread grooves. They will
appear as bands when the tread depth
becomes 2 mm. When the tread is
worn to the tread wear indicators, the
tire should be replaced.
LIFE OF TIRE
The service life of a tire is dependent
upon varying factors including but
not limited to:
 Driving style
 Tire pressure
 Distance driven
WARNING!
Tires and spare tire should be re-
placed after six years, regardless of
the remaining tread. Failure to fol-
low this warning can result in sud-
den tire failure. You could lose con-
trol and have a collision resulting in
serious injury or death.
Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry
place with as little exposure to light as
possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease, and gasoline.
1 — Worn Tire
2 — New Tire
153