Lancia Thema 2012 Owner handbook (in English)

Infants And Child Restraints
Safety experts recommend that chil-
dren ride rearward-facing in the ve-
hicle until they are two years old or
until they reach either the height or
weight limit of their rear facing child
safety seat. Two types of child re-
straints can be used rearward-facing:
infant carriers and convertible child
seats.
The infant carrier is only used
rearward-facing in the vehicle. It is
recommended for children from birth
until they reach the weight or height
limit of the infant carrier. Convertible
child seats can be used either
rearward-facing or forward-facing in
the vehicle. Convertible child seats of-
ten have a higher weight limit in the
rearward-facing direction than infant
carriers do, so they can be used
rearward-facing by children who
have outgrown their infant carrier but
are still less than at least two years
old. Children should remain
rearward-facing until they reach the
highest weight or height allowed by
their convertible child seat. Both
types of child restraints are held in thevehicle by the lap/shoulder belt or the
ISOFIX child restraint anchor system.
Refer to “ISOFIX — Child Seat An-
chorage System”.
WARNING!
Rearward-facing child seats must
never be used in the front seat of a
vehicle with the front passenger air
bag. An air bag deployment could
cause severe injury or death to in-
fants in this position.
Older Children And Child
Restraints
Children who are two years old or who
have outgrown their rear-facing con-
vertible child seat can ride forward-
facing in the vehicle. Forward-facing
child seats and convertible child seats
used in the forward-facing direction
are for children who are over two
years old or who have outgrown the
rear-facing weight or height limit of
their rear-facing convertible child
seat. Children should remain in a
forward-facing child seat with a har-
ness for as long as possible, up to the
highest weight or height allowed by
the child seat. These child seats are also held in the vehicle by the lap/
shoulder belt or the ISOFIX child re-
straint anchorage system. Refer to
“ISOFIX — Child Seat Anchorage
System”.
All children whose weight or height is
above the forward-facing limit for the
child seat should use a belt-
positioning booster seat until the ve-
hicle’s seat belts fit properly. If the
child cannot sit with knees bent over
the vehicle's seat cushion while the
child's back is against the seatback,
they should use a belt-positioning
booster seat. The child and belt-
positioning booster seat are held in
the vehicle by the lap/shoulder belt.
Children Too Large For Booster
Seats
Children who are large enough to
wear the shoulder belt comfortably
and whose legs are long enough to
bend over the front of the seat when
their back is against the seatback
should use the lap/shoulder belt in a
rear seat.
 Make sure that the child is upright
in the seat.
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 The lap portion should be low onthe hips and as snug as possible.
 Check belt fit periodically. A child's squirming or slouching can move
the belt out of position.
 If the shoulder belt contacts the face or neck, move the child closer
to the center of the vehicle. Never
allow a child to put the shoulder
belt under an arm or behind their
back.WARNING!
 Improper installation can lead tofailure of an infant or child re-
straint. It could come loose in a
collision. The child could be badly
injured or killed. Follow the
manufacturer's directions exactly
when installing an infant or child
restraint.
 A rearward-facing child restraint
should only be used in a rear seat.
A rearward-facing child restraint
in the front seat may be struck by
a deploying passenger air bag,
which may cause severe or fatal
injury to the infant. Here are some tips on getting the
most out of your child restraint:
 Before buying any restraint system,
make sure that it has a label certi-
fying that it meets all applicable
Safety Standards. LANCIA also
recommends that you make sure
that you can install the child re-
straint in the vehicle where you will
use it before you buy it.
 The restraint must be appropriate for your child's weight and height.
Check the label on the restraint for
weight and height limits.
 Carefully follow the instructions that come with the restraint. If you
install the restraint improperly, it
may not work when you need it.
 Buckle the child into the seat ac- cording to the child restraint manu-
facturer's directions.
WARNING!When your child restraint is not in
use, secure it in the vehicle with the
seat belt or remove it from the vehicle.
Do not leave it loose in the vehicle. In
a sudden stop or accident, it could
strike the occupants or seatbacks and
cause serious personal injury.ISOFIX — Child Seat Anchorage
System
Your vehicle's rear seat is equipped
with the child restraint anchorage
system called ISOFIX. The ISOFIX
system provides for the installation of
the child restraint without using the
vehicle's seat belts, instead securing
the child restraint using lower anchor-
ages and upper tether straps from the
child restraint to the vehicle structure.
ISOFIX-compatible child restraint
systems are now available. However,
because the lower anchorages are to
be introduced over a period of years,
child restraint systems having attach-
ments for those anchorages will con-
tinue to have features for installation
using the vehicle's seat belts. Child
restraints having tether straps and
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hooks for connection to the top tether
anchorages have been available for
some time. For some older child re-
straints, many child restraint manu-
facturers offer add-on tether strap
kits or retrofit kits. You are urged to
take advantage of all the available
attachments provided with your child
restraint in any vehicle.
All three rear-seating positions have
lower anchorages that are capable of
accommodating ISOFIX-compatible
child seats. You should never install
ISOFIX-compatible child seats so that
two seats share a common lower an-
chorage. If installing child seats in
adjacent rear-seating positions, or if
your child restraints are not ISOFIX-
compatible, install the restraints us-
ing the vehicle's seat belts.Installing The ISOFIX-
Compatible Child Restraint
System
We urge you to follow the manufac-
turer's directions carefully when in-
stalling your child restraint. Not all
child restraint systems will be in-
stalled as described here. Again, care-
fully follow the installation instruc-
tions that are provided with the child
restraint system.
The rear seat lower anchor-
ages are round bars located
at the rear of the seat cush-
ion where it meets the seat-
back and are located just below the
button with the anchorage symbol on
the rear seat, but are not visible. You
will easily feel them if you run your
finger along the intersection of the
seatback and seat cushion surfaces.
In addition, there are tether
strap anchorages behind
each rear seating position
located in the panel be-
tween the rear seatback and the rear
window. These tether strap anchor-
ages are under a plastic cover with
this symbol on it. Many, but not all, restraint systems
will be equipped with separate straps
on each side, with each having a hook
or connector for attachment to the
lower anchorage and a means of ad-
justing the tension in the strap.
Forward-facing toddler restraints and
some rear-facing infant restraints will
also be equipped with a tether strap, a
hook for attachment to the tether
strap anchorage and a means of ad-
justing the tension of the strap.
You will first loosen the child seat
adjusters on the lower straps and on
the tether strap so that you can more
easily attach the hooks or connectors
to the vehicle anchorages. Next, at-
tach the lower hooks or connectors
over the top of the seat cover material.
Then, rotate the tether anchorage
cover directly behind the seat where
you are placing the child restraint and
attach the tether strap to the anchor-
age, being careful to route the tether
strap to provide the most direct path
between the anchor and the child re-
straint. Finally, tighten all three
straps as you push the child restraint
rearward and downward into the seat,
ISOFIX Anchorages
47

removing slack in the straps accord-
ing to the child restraint manufactur-
er's instructions.
For center seating position route the
tether strap over the seatback and
adjustable headrest (with the head-
rest in the full down position) then
attach the hook to the tether anchor
located in the panel between the rear
seatback and the rear window.
WARNING!
An incorrectly anchored tether strap
could lead to increased head motion
and possible injury to the child. Use
only the anchor positions directly
behind the child seat to secure a
child restraint top tether strap.
NOTE:
 Ensure that the tether strap does not slip into the opening be-
tween the seatbacks as you re-
move slack in the strap.
 When using the ISOFIX attach- ing system to install a child re-
straint, please ensure that all
seat belts not being used for oc-
cupant restraints are stowed and
out of reach of children. It is recommended that before in-
stalling the child restraint,
buckle the seat belt so the seat
belt is tucked behind the child
restraint and out of reach. If the
buckled seat belt interferes with
the child restraint installation,
instead of tucking the seat belt
behind the child restraint, route
the seat belt through the child
restraint belt path and then
buckle it. This should stow the
seat belt out of the reach of an
inquisitive child. Remind all
children in the vehicle that the
seat belts are not toys and
should not be played with, and
never leave your child unat-
tended in the vehicle.
WARNING!
Improper installation of a child re-
straint to the ISOFIX anchorages
can lead to failure of an infant or
child restraint. The child could be
badly injured or killed. Follow the
manufacturer's directions exactly
when installing an infant or child
restraint.
Adjustable Headrest Release Push
Button
Adjustable Headrest DownwardPosition
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Installing Child Restraints Using
The Vehicle Seat Belt
The seat belts in the rear passenger
seating positions are equipped with
an Automatic Locking Retractor
(ALR) to secure a Child Restraint
System (CRS). These types of seat
belts are designed to keep the lap por-
tion of the seat belt tight around the
child restraint so that it is not neces-
sary to use a locking clip. The ALR
will make a ratcheting noise if you
extract the entire belt from the retrac-
tor and then allow the belt to retract
into the retractor. For additional in-
formation on ALR, refer to “Auto-
matic Locking Mode”. The chart be-
low defines the seating positions with
an Automatic Locking Retractor
(ALR) or a cinching latch plate.
Driver Center Passen-ger
First
Row N/A N/A N/A
Second Row ALR ALR ALR
 N/A — Not Applicable
 ALR — Automatic Locking Retrac- tor Installing a Child Restraint with an
ALR:
1. To install a child restraint with
ALR, first, pull enough of the seat belt
webbing from the retractor to route it
through the belt path of the child re-
straint. Slide the latch plate into the
buckle until you hear a “click.” Next,
extract all the seat belt webbing out of
the retractor and then allow the belt to
retract into the retractor. As the belt
retracts, you will hear a ratcheting
sound. This indicates the safety belt is
now in the Automatic Locking mode.
2.
Finally, pull on any excess webbing
to tighten the lap portion around the
child restraint. Any seat belt system will
loosen with time, so check the belt oc-
casionally, and pull it tight if necessary.
 In the rear center seat, you may have trouble tightening the lap/
shoulder belt on the child restraint
because the buckle or latch plate is
too close to the belt path opening on
the restraint. Disconnect the latch
plate from the buckle and twist the
short buckle-end belt several times
to shorten it. Insert the latch plate
into the buckle with the release but-
ton facing out.  If the belt still can’t be tightened, or
if pulling and pushing on the re-
straint loosens the belt, disconnect
the latch plate from the buckle,
turn the buckle around, and insert
the latch plate into the buckle
again. If you still can’t make the
child restraint secure, try a differ-
ent seating position.
To attach a child restraint tether
strap:
1. Rotate the cover over the anchor
directly behind the seat where you are
placing the child restraint.
Tether Strap Mounting
1 — Cover A — Tether
Strap Hook
3 — Attaching
Strap B — Tether An-
chor
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2. Route the tether strap to provide
the most direct path for the strap be-
tween the anchor and the child seat.
3. Attach the tether strap hook (A) of
the child restraint to the anchor (B)
and remove slack in the tether strap
according to the child restraint manu-
facturer's instructions.
NOTE:
Ensure that the tether strap does
not slip into the opening between
the seatbacks as you remove slack
in the strap.WARNING!
An incorrectly anchored tether strap
could lead to increased head motion
and possible injury to the child. Use
only the anchor positions directly
behind the child seat to secure a
child restraint top tether strap.
Transporting Pets
Air Bags deploying in the front seat
could harm your pet. An unrestrained
pet will be thrown about and possibly
injured, or injure a passenger during
panic braking or in a collision. Pets should be restrained in the rear
seat in pet harnesses or pet carriers
that are secured by seat belts.
ENGINE BREAK-IN
RECOMMENDATIONS
A long break-in period is not required
for the engine and drivetrain (trans-
mission and axle) in your vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first
500 km. After the initial 100 km,
speeds up to 80 or 90 km/h are desir-
able.
While cruising, brief full-throttle ac-
celeration within the limits of local
traffic laws contributes to a good
break-in. Wide-open throttle accel-
eration in low gear can be detrimental
and should be avoided.
The engine oil installed in the engine
at the factory is a high-quality energy
conserving type lubricant. Oil
changes should be consistent with an-
ticipated climate conditions under
which vehicle operations will occur.
For the recommended viscosity and
quality grades, refer to “Maintenance
Procedures” in “Maintaining Your Ve-hicle”. NON-DETERGENT OR
STRAIGHT MINERAL OILS MUST
NEVER BE USED.
A new engine may consume some oil
during its first few thousand kilome-
ters of operation. This should be con-
sidered a normal part of the break-in
and not interpreted as an indication of
difficulty.
Additional Requirements
For Diesel Engine (for
versions/markets, where
provided)
During the first 1500 km avoid heavy
loads, e.g. driving at full throttle. Do
not exceed 2/3 of the maximum per-
missible engine speed for each gear.
Change gear in good time. Do not shift
down a gear manually in order to
brake.
SAFETY TIPS
Transporting Passengers
NEVER TRANSPORT PASSEN-
GERS IN THE CARGO AREA.
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WARNING!
 Do not leave children or animalsinside parked vehicles in hot
weather. Interior heat build-up
may cause serious injury or death.
 It is extremely dangerous to ride in
a cargo area, inside or outside of a
vehicle. In a collision, people rid-
ing in these areas are more likely
to be seriously injured or killed.
 Do not allow people to ride in any
area of your vehicle that is not
equipped with seats and seat
belts.
 Be sure everyone in your vehicle is
in a seat and using a seat belt
properly.
Exhaust GasWARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill.
They contain carbon monoxide
(CO), which is colorless and odor-
less. Breathing it can make you un-
conscious and can eventually poison
you. To avoid breathing (CO), fol-
low these safety tips: (Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
 Do not run the engine in a closed
garage or in confined areas any
longer than needed to move your
vehicle in or out of the area.
 If you are required to drive with
the trunk/liftgate open, make sure
that all windows are closed and
the climate control BLOWER
switch is set at high speed. DO
NOT use the recirculation mode.
 If it is necessary to sit in a parked
vehicle with the engine running,
adjust your heating or cooling
controls to force outside air into
the vehicle. Set the blower at high
speed.
The best protection against carbon
monoxide entry into the vehicle body
is a properly maintained engine ex-
haust system.
Whenever a change is noticed in the
sound of the exhaust system, when
exhaust fumes can be detected inside
the vehicle, or when the underside or
rear of the vehicle is damaged, have a
competent mechanic inspect the com- plete exhaust system and adjacent
body areas for broken, damaged, de-
teriorated, or mispositioned parts.
Open seams or loose connections
could permit exhaust fumes to seep
into the passenger compartment. In
addition, inspect the exhaust system
each time the vehicle is raised for lu-
brication or oil change. Replace as
required.
Safety Checks You Should
Make Inside The Vehicle
Seat Belts
Inspect the belt system periodically,
checking for cuts, frays, and loose
parts. Damaged parts must be re-
placed immediately. Do not disas-
semble or modify the system.
Front seat belt assemblies must be
replaced after a collision. Rear seat
belt assemblies must be replaced after
a collision if they have been damaged
(i.e., bent retractor, torn webbing,
etc.). If there is any question regard-
ing belt or retractor condition, replace
the belt.
51

Air Bag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain
on for four to eight seconds as a bulb
check when the ignition switch is first
turned ON. If the light is not lit during
starting, see your authorized dealer. If
the light stays on, flickers, or comes
on while driving, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer.
Defroster
Check operation by selecting the de-
frost mode and place the blower con-
trol on high speed. You should be able
to feel the air directed against the
windshield. See your authorized
dealer for service if your defroster is
inoperable.
Floor Mat Safety Information
Always use floor mats designed to fit
the footwell of your vehicle. Use only
floor mats that leave the pedal area
unobstructed and that are firmly se-
cured so that they cannot slip out of
position and interfere with the pedalsor impair safe operation of your ve-
hicle in other ways.
WARNING!
Pedals that cannot move freely can
cause loss of vehicle control and in-
crease the risk of serious personal
injury.
 Always make sure that floor mats
are properly attached to the floor
mat fasteners.
 Never place or install floor mats or
other floor coverings in the vehicle
that cannot be properly secured to
prevent them from moving and
interfering with the pedals or the
ability to control the vehicle.
 Never put floor mats or other floor
coverings on top of already in-
stalled floor mats. Additional
floor mats and other coverings
will reduce the size of the pedal
area and interfere with the pedals.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
 Check mounting of mats on a
regular basis. Always properly re-
install and secure floor mats that
have been removed for cleaning.
 Always make sure that objects
cannot fall into the driver footwell
while the vehicle is moving. Ob-
jects can become trapped under
the brake pedal and accelerator
pedal causing a loss of vehicle
control.
 If required, mounting posts must
be properly installed, if not
equipped from the factory.
Failure to properly follow floor mat
installation or mounting can cause
interference with the brake pedal
and accelerator pedal operation
causing loss of control of the vehicle.
52

Periodic Safety Checks You
Should Make Outside The
Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear
and uneven wear patterns. Check for
stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread or sidewall. In-
spect the tread for cuts and cracks.
Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks and
bulges. Check the wheel nuts fortightness. Check the tires (including
spare) for proper cold inflation pres-
sure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation
of exterior lights while you work the
controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instru-
ment panel.
Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching,
and locking.Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after over-
night parking for fuel, engine coolant,
oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gaso-
line fumes are detected or if fuel,
power steering fluid, or brake fluid
leaks are suspected, the cause should
be located and corrected immediately.
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