check engine Lancia Thema 2012 Owner handbook (in English)

flushed, and refilled with fresh cool-
ant. Check the front of the A/C con-
denser for any accumulation of bugs,
leaves, etc. If dirty, clean by gently
spraying water from a garden hose
vertically down the face of the con-
denser.
Check the coolant recovery bottle
tubing for brittle rubber, cracking,
tears, cuts, and tightness of the con-
nection at the bottle and radiator. In-
spect the entire system for leaks.
With the engine at normal operating
temperature (but not running), check
the cooling system pressure cap for
proper vacuum sealing by draining a
small amount of engine coolant (anti-
freeze) from the radiator drain cock.
If the cap is sealing properly, the en-
gine coolant (antifreeze) will begin to
drain from the coolant recovery
bottle. DO NOT REMOVE THE
COOLANT PRESSURE CAP WHEN
THE COOLING SYSTEM IS HOT.
Cooling System – Drain, Flush,
And Refill
If the engine coolant (antifreeze) is
dirty or contains a considerableamount of sediment, clean and flush
with a reliable cooling system cleaner.
Follow with a thorough rinsing to re-
move all deposits and chemicals.
Properly dispose of the old engine
coolant (antifreeze) solution.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule”
for the proper maintenance intervals.
Selection Of Coolant
Use only the manufactur
er's recom-
mended engine coolant (antifreeze).
Refer to “Fluids, Lubricants, and
Genuine Parts” in “Maintaining Your
Vehicle” for further information.
CAUTION!
 Mixing of engine coolant (anti- freeze) other than specified engine
coolant (antifreeze), may result in
engine damage and may decrease
corrosion protection. If a non-
specified engine coolant (anti-
freeze) is introduced into the cool-
ing system in an emergency, it
should be replaced with the speci-
fied engine coolant (antifreeze) as
soon as possible.
(Continued)
CAUTION!(Continued)
 Do not use water alone or alcohol-
based engine coolant (antifreeze)
products. Do not use additional
rust inhibitors or antirust prod-
ucts, as they may not be compat-
ible with the radiator engine cool-
ant (antifreeze) and may plug the
radiator.
 This vehicle has not been de-
signed for use with propylene
glycol-based engine coolant (anti-
freeze). Use of propylene glycol-
based engine coolant (antifreeze)
is not recommended.
Adding Coolant
Your vehicle has been built with an
improved engine coolant (antifreeze)
that allows extended maintenance in-
tervals. This engine coolant (anti-
freeze) can be used up to five years or
168 000 km before replacement. To
prevent reducing this extended main-
tenance period, it is important that
you use the same engine coolant (an-
tifreeze) throughout the life of your
vehicle.
266

When adding engine coolant (anti-
freeze):
Use only high purity water such as
distilled or deionized water when
mixing the water/engine coolant (an-
tifreeze) solution. The use of lower
quality water will reduce the amount
of corrosion protection in the engine
cooling system.
Please note that it is theowner's re-
sponsibility to maintain the proper
level of protection against freezing ac-
cording to the temperatures occurring
in the area where the vehicle is oper-
ated.
NOTE:
Mixing engine coolant (antifreeze)
types will decrease the life of the
engine coolant (antifreeze) and
will require more frequent engine
coolant (antifreeze) changes.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to
prevent loss of engine coolant (anti-
freeze), and to ensure that engine
coolant (antifreeze) will return to the
radiator from the coolant recovery
bottle. The cap should be inspected and
cleaned if there is any accumulation
of foreign material on the sealing sur-
faces.
WARNING!
 The warning words “DO NOT
OPEN HOT” on the cooling sys-
tem pressure cap are a safety pre-
caution. Never add engine coolant
(antifreeze) when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or re-
move the cap to cool an over-
heated engine. Heat causes pres-
sure to build up in the cooling
system. To prevent scalding or in-
jury, do not remove the pressure
cap while the system is hot or un-
der pressure.
 Do not use a pressure cap other
than the one specified for your
vehicle. Personal injury or engine
damage may result.
Disposal Of Used Coolant
Used ethylene glycol-based engine
coolant (antifreeze) is a regulated
substance requiring proper disposal.
Check with your local authorities to
determine the disposal rules for your community. To prevent ingestion by
animals or children, do not store eth-
ylene glycol-based engine coolant
(antifreeze) in open containers or al-
low it to remain in puddles on the
ground. If ingested by a child or pet,
seek emergency assistance immedi-
ately. Clean up any ground spills im-
mediately.
Coolant Level
The coolant bottle provides a quick
visual method for determining that
the coolant level is adequate. With the
engine OFF and cold, the level of the
coolant in the bottle should be be-
tween the ranges indicated on the
bottle.
The radiator normally remains com-
pletely full, so there is no need to
remove the radiator cap unless check-
ing for engine coolant (antifreeze)
freeze point or replacing engine cool-
ant (antifreeze). Advise your service
attendant of this. As long as the en-
gine operating temperature is satis-
factory, the coolant bottle need only
be checked once a month.
267

When additional engine coolant (an-
tifreeze) is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the
coolant bottle. Do not overfill.
Points To Remember
NOTE:
When the vehicle is stopped after a
few kilometers of operation, you
may observe vapor coming from
the front of the engine compart-
ment. This is normally a result of
moisture from rain, or high hu-
midity accumulating on the radia-
tor and being vaporized when the
thermostat opens, allowing hot en-
gine coolant (antifreeze) to enter
the radiator.
If an examination of your engine com-
partment shows no evidence of radia-
tor or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dis-
sipate.
 Do not overfill the coolant recoverybottle.
 Check engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point in the radiator and in
the coolant recovery bottle. If en-
gine coolant (antifreeze) needs to be added, contents of coolant re-
covery bottle must also be pro-
tected against freezing.
 If frequent engine coolant (anti- freeze) additions are required, or if
the level in the coolant recovery
bottle does not drop when the en-
gine cools, the cooling system
should be pressure tested for leaks.
 Maintain engine coolant (anti- freeze) concentration at 50% en-
gine coolant (antifreeze) (mini-
mum) and distilled water for
proper corrosion protection of your
engine, which contains aluminum
components.
 Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery bottle overflow
hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
 Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle is equipped with air
conditioning, keep the front of the
condenser clean.
 Do not change the thermostat for Summer or Winter operation. If re-
placement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat.
Other designs may result in unsat- isfactory engine coolant (anti-
freeze) performance, poor gas mile-
age, and increased emissions.
BRAKE SYSTEM
In order to assure brake system per-
formance, all brake system compo-
nents should be inspected periodi-
cally. Refer to the “Maintenance
Schedule” for the proper maintenance
intervals.
WARNING!
Riding the brakes can lead to brake
failure and possibly an accident.
Driving with your foot resting or rid-
ing on the brake pedal can result in
abnormally high brake tempera-
tures, excessive lining wear, and pos-
sible brake damage. You would not
have your full braking capacity in an
emergency.
268

CAUTION!
Car maintenance should be done at
a LANCIA Dealership. For routine
and minor maintenance operations
you wish to carry out yourself, we do
recommend you have the proper
equipment, genuine LANCIA spare
parts and the necessary fluids; do
not however carry out these opera-
tions if you have no experience.
Master Cylinder – Brake Fluid
Level Check
Check the fluid level in the master
cylinder immediately if the brake sys-
tem warning light indicates system
failure.
Check the fluid level in the master
cylinder when performing underhood
services.
Clean the top of the master cylinder
area before removing the cap. Add
fluid to bring the level up to the
“MAX” mark on the side of the master
cylinder reservoir.
Add enough fluid to bring the level up
to the requirements described on the
brake fluid reservoir. With disc brakes, fluid level can be expected to
fall as the brake pads wear. However,
low fluid level may be caused by a
leak and a checkup may be needed.
Use only manufactur
er's recom-
mended brake fluid. Refer to “Fluids,
Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for fur-
ther information.
WARNING!
 Use only manufactur er's recom-
mended brake fluid. Refer to
“Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Ve-
hicle” for further information. Us-
ing the wrong type of brake fluid
can severely damage your brake
system and/or impair its perfor-
mance. The proper type of brake
fluid for your vehicle is also iden-
tified on the original factory in-
stalled hydraulic master cylinder
reservoir.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
 To avoid contamination from for-
eign matter or moisture, use only
new brake fluid or fluid that has
been in a tightly closed container.
Keep the master cylinder reservoir
cap secured at all times. Brake
fluid in a open container absorbs
moisture from the air resulting in
a lower boiling point. This may
cause it to boil unexpectedly dur-
ing hard or prolonged braking,
resulting in sudden brake failure.
This could result in a accident.
 Overfilling the brake fluid reser-
voir can result in spilling brake
fluid on hot engine parts, causing
the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake
fluid can also damage painted and
vinyl surfaces, care should be
taken to avoid its contact with
these surfaces.
 Do not allow petroleum based
fluid to contaminate the brake
fluid. Brake seal components
could be damaged, causing partial
or complete brake failure. This
could result in an accident.
269

AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubri-
cant is used in the transmission to
assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only manufacturer’s rec-
ommended transmission fluid. Refer
to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle”
for further information. It is impor-
tant that the transmission fluid be
maintained at the prescribed level us-
ing the recommended fluid. No
chemical flushes should be used in
any transmission; only the approved
lubricant may be used.
Special Additives
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
is an engineered product and its per-
formance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not
add any fluid additives to the trans-
mission. The only exception to this
policy is the use of special dyes to aid
in detecting fluid leaks. In addition,
avoid using transmission sealers as
they may adversely affect seals.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your
transmission as the chemicals can
damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered
by the New Vehicle Limited War-
ranty.
Fluid Level Check
Regular automatic transmission fluid
level checks are not required. For this
reason, the dipstick is omitted.
If you notice fluid loss or transmission
malfunction, have your authorized
dealer check the transmission fluid
level.
CAUTION!
 Using a transmission fluid other than the manufactur er's recom-
mended fluid may cause deterio-
ration in transmission shift qual-
ity and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission
fluid other than that recom-
mended by the manufacturer will
require more frequent fluid and
filter changes. Refer to “Fluids,
Lubricants, and Genuine Parts”
in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for
further information.
 The fluid level is preset at the
factory and it does not require
adjustment under normal operat-
ing conditions. If a transmission
fluid leak occurs, visit your autho-
rized dealer immediately. Severe
damage to the transmission may
occur. Your authorized dealer has
the proper tools to adjust the fluid
level accurately.
270

MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULE
MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULE – GASOLINE
ENGINE
The Scheduled Maintenance services
listed in this manual must be done at
the times or mileages specified to pro-
tect your vehicle warranty and ensure
the best vehicle performance and reli-
ability. More frequent maintenance
may be needed for vehicles in severe
operating conditions, such as dusty
areas and very short trip driving. In-
spection and service should also be
done anytime a malfunction is sus-
pected.
The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your
vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.On Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) equipped vehicles “Oil
Change Required” will be displayed
in the EVIC and a single chime will
sound, indicating that an oil change is
necessary.
The oil change indicator message will
illuminate approximately 11 200 km
after the most recent oil change was
performed. Have your vehicle ser-
viced as soon as possible, within
800 km.
NOTE:
 The oil change indicator mes-
sage will not monitor the time
since the last oil change. Change
your vehicles oil if it has been
12 months since your last oil
change even if the oil change in-
dicator message is NOT illumi-
nated.  Under no circumstances should
oil change intervals exceed
12 000 km or 12 months, which-
ever comes first.
Your authorized dealer will reset the
oil change indicator message after
completing the scheduled oil change.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required
maintenance items may result in
damage to the vehicle.
Thousands Of Kilometers 24 48 72 96 120 144 168 192
Months 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96
Flush and replace the engine coolant (or at 60 months). 
Inspect and replace PCV valve if necessary. 
Check battery charge status and possibly recharge.        
290

Thousands Of Kilometers24 48 72 96 120 144 168 192
Months 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96
Check tire condition/wear and adjust pressure, if neces-
sary.        
Check operation of lighting system (headlamps, direction
indicators, hazard warning lights, luggage compartment,
passenger compartment, glove compartment, instrument
panel warning lights, etc.).        
Check operation of windscreen washer system and adjust
jets if necessary.        
Check windshield/rear window wiper blade position/
wear.        
Check cleanliness of hood and tailgate locks and cleanli-
ness and lubrication of linkages.        
Visually inspect condition of: exterior bodywork, under-
body protection, pipes and hoses (exhaust - fuel system -
brakes), rubber elements (boots, sleeves, bushes, etc.).        
Check conditions and wear of front disc brake pads.        
Check conditions and wear of rear disc brake pads.        
Check and, if necessary, top up fluid levels (brakes, wind-
shield washer, battery, engine coolant, etc.).        
Visually inspect the condition of accessory drive belt/s. 
Adjust parking brake shoes as necessary. 
Check exhaust gas emissions.        
Check engine management system operation (via diag-
nostic socket).        
Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter (*) 
291

Thousands Of Kilometers24 48 72 96 120 144 168 192
Months 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96
Replace spark plugs. 
Replace air filter cartridge.    
Change engine oil and replace oil filter. Every 12.000 km or 12 months whichever comes first
Change brake fluid (or every 24 months). 
Replace pollen filter.        
(*) Change the automatic transmis-
sion fluid and filter(s) at 96 000 km
or 48 months if using your vehicle for
any of the following: city driving,
short (less than 7-8 km) and repeated
journeys, or frequent trailer or cara-
van towing.
Periodic Checks
Every 1 000 km or before long jour-
neys, check and, if necessary, restore:
 engine coolant;
 brake fluid;
 windshield washer fluid level;
 tire inflation pressure and condi- tion;
 operation of lighting system (head- lights, direction indicators, hazard
warning lights, etc.);  operation of windshield washer/
wiper system and positioning/wear
of windshield/rear window wiper
blades.
Every 3 000 km, check and top up, if
required, the engine oil level.
Heavy-Duty Use Of The Car
If the car is used mainly under one of
the following conditions:
 towing a trailer or caravan;
 dusty roads;
 short, repeated journeys (less than 7-8 km) at sub-zero outside tem-
peratures;
 engine often idling or driving long distances at low speeds or long pe-
riods of idleness. You should perform the following in-
spections more frequently than shown
on the Scheduled Servicing Plan:
 check front disc brake pad condi-
tions and wear;
 check cleanliness of hood and trunk locks, cleanliness and lubrication of
linkage;
 visually inspect conditions of: en- gine, transmission, pipes and hoses
(exhaust - fuel system - brakes) and
rubber elements (boots - sleeves -
bushes - etc.);
 check battery charge and battery fluid level (electrolyte);
 visually inspect condition of the ac- cessory drive belts;
 check and, if necessary, change en- gine oil and replace oil filter;
292

 check and, if necessary, replace pol-len filter;
 check and, if necessary, replace air cleaner filter.
MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULE – DIESEL
ENGINE
To help you have the best driving
experience possible, the manufacturer
has identified the specific vehicle
maintenance service intervals that are
required to keep your vehicle operat-
ing properly and safely. The manufacturer recommends that
these maintenance intervals be per-
formed at your selling dealer. The
technicians at your dealership know
your vehicle best, and have access to
factory trained information, genuine
LANCIA parts, and specially designed
electronic and mechanical tools that
can help prevent future costly repairs.
The maintenance intervals shown
should be performed as indicated in
this section.
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil
change intervals exceed 20 000 km
or 12 months, whichever comes
first.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required
maintenance items may result in
damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following pages for the required maintenance intervals.
Thousands Of Kilometers 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160
Months 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96
Flush and replace the engine coolant (or at 60 months). 
Check battery charge status and possibly recharge.        
Check tire condition/wear and adjust pressure, if neces-
sary.        
Check operation of lighting system (headlamps, direction
indicators, hazard warning lights, luggage compartment,
passenger compartment, glove compartment, instrument
panel warning lights, etc.).        
293

Thousands Of Kilometers20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160
Months 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96
Check operation of windscreen washer system and adjust
jets if necessary.        
Check windshield/rear window wiper blade position/
wear.        
Check cleanliness of hood and tailgate locks and cleanli-
ness and lubrication of linkages.        
Visually inspect condition of: exterior bodywork, under-
body protection, pipes and hoses (exhaust - fuel system -
brakes), rubber elements (boots, sleeves, bushes, etc.).        
Check conditions and wear of front disc brake pads.        
Check conditions and wear of rear disc brake pads.        
Check and, if necessary, top up fluid levels (brakes,
windshield washer, battery, engine coolant, etc.).        
Visually inspect the condition of accessory drive belt/s. 
Adjust parking brake shoes as necessary. 
Check exhaust gas emissions.        
Check engine management system operation (via diag-
nostic socket).        
Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter (*). 
Replace fuel filter. 
Replace accessory drive belt/s. 
Replace air filter cartridge. 
Change engine oil and replace oil filter (**).
Change brake fluid (or every 24 months). 
Replace pollen filter.        
294