towing Lancia Thema 2013 Owner handbook (in English)

 TRAILER TOWING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .242 COMMON TOWING DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . .242
 BREAKAWAY CABLE ATTACHMENT . . . . . . . .244
 TRAILER TOWING WEIGHTS(MAXIMUM TRAILER WEIGHT RATINGS) . . .245
 TRAILER AND TONGUE WEIGHT . . . . . . . . . .245
 TOWING REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .246
 TOWING TIPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .249
 TRAILER HITCH ATTACHING POINTS . . . . . .250
 RECREATIONAL TOWING (BEHIND MOTORHOME, ETC.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .251
194

CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or
driving for any other reason with
the transmission in NEUTRAL can
cause severe transmission damage.
Refer to “Recreational Towing” in
“Starting And Operating” and
“Towing A Disabled Vehicle” in
“What To Do In Emergencies” for
further information.
DRIVE
This range should be used for most
city and highway driving. It provides
the smoothest upshifts and down-
shifts, and the best fuel economy. The
transmission automatically upshifts
through all forward gears. The
DRIVE position provides optimum
driving characteristics under all nor-
mal operating conditions.
When frequent transmission shifting
occurs (such as when operating the
vehicle under heavy loading condi-
tions, in hilly terrain, traveling into
strong head winds, or while towing heavy trailers), use the AutoStick®
shift control (if equipped) to select a
lower gear. Under these conditions,
using a lower gear will improve per-
formance and extend transmission life
by reducing excessive shifting and
heat buildup.
During extremely cold temperatures
(­30°C or below), transmission op-
eration may be modified depending
on engine and transmission tempera-
ture as well as vehicle speed. Normal
operation will resume once the trans-
mission temperature has risen to a
suitable level.
SPORT (for versions/markets,
where provided)
This mode alters the transmission's
automatic shift schedule for sportier
driving. Upshift speeds are increased
to make full use of available engine
power. To switch between DRIVE and
SPORT modes, tap the shift lever
rearward. SPORT mode is only acces-
sible from DRIVE.
LOW
Use this range for engine braking
when descending very steep grades. In
this range, the transmission will
downshift for increased engine brak-
ing. To switch between DRIVE and
LOW modes, tap the shift lever rear-
ward. LOW mode is only accessible
from DRIVE.
Transmission Limp Home Mode
Transmission function is monitored
electronically for abnormal condi-
tions. If a condition is detected that
could result in transmission damage,
Transmission Limp Home Mode is ac-
tivated. In this mode, the transmis-
sion may operate only in certain
gears, or may not shift at all. Vehicle
performance may be severely de-
graded and the engine may stall. In
some situations, the transmission may
not re-engage if the engine is turned
off and restarted. The Malfunction In-
dicator Light (MIL) may be illumi-
nated. A message in the instrument
cluster will inform the driver of the
more serious conditions, and indicate
what actions may be necessary.
203

WARNING!(Continued)
 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, and do not leave Key-
less Enter-N-Go in the ACC or
ON/RUN mode. A child could
operate power windows, other
controls, or move the vehicle.CAUTION!
 Before moving the shift lever outof PARK, you must turn the igni-
tion switch from the LOCK/OFF
position to the ON/RUN position,
and also press the brake pedal.
Otherwise, damage to the shift
lever could result.
(Continued)
CAUTION!(Continued)
 DO NOT race the engine when shifting from PARK or NEU-
TRAL into another gear range, as
this can damage the drivetrain.
The following indicators should be
used to ensure that you have engaged
the shift lever into the PARK position:
 When shifting into PARK, firmly move the shift lever all the way
forward and to the left until it stops
and is fully seated.
 Look at the shift lever position dis- play and verify that it indicates the
PARK position.
 With brake pedal released, verify that the shift lever will not move out
of PARK.
REVERSE
This range is for moving the vehicle
backward. Shift into REVERSE only
after the vehicle has come to a com-
plete stop. NEUTRAL
Use this range when the vehicle is
standing for prolonged periods with
the engine running. The engine may
be started in this range. Apply the
parking brake and shift the transmis-
sion into PARK if you must leave the
vehicle.
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and
never turn off the ignition to coast
down a hill. These are unsafe prac-
tices that limit your response to
changing traffic or road conditions.
You might lose control of the ve-
hicle and have a collision.CAUTION!
Towing the vehicle, coasting, or
driving for any other reason with
the transmission in NEUTRAL can
cause severe transmission damage.
Refer to “Recreational Towing” in
“Starting And Operating” and
“Towing A Disabled Vehicle” in
“What To Do In Emergencies” for
further information.
206

DRIVE
This range should be used for most
city and highway driving. It provides
the smoothest upshifts and down-
shifts, and the best fuel economy. The
transmission automatically upshifts
through underdrive first, second, and
third gears, direct fourth gear and
overdrive fifth gear. The DRIVE posi-
tion provides optimum driving char-
acteristics under all normal operating
conditions.When frequent transmission shifting
occurs (such as when operating the ve-
hicle under heavy loading conditions,
in hilly terrain, traveling into strong
head winds, or while towing heavy
trailers), use the “AutoStick®” shift
control (for versions/markets, where
provided; refer to “AutoStick®” in this
section) to select a lower gear. Under
these conditions, using a lower gear
will improve performance and extend
transmission life by reducing excessive
shifting and heat buildup.
Transmission Limp Home ModeTransmission function is monitored
electronically for abnormal conditions.
If a condition is detected that could
result in transmission damage, Trans-
mission Limp Home Mode is activated.
In this mode, the transmission remains
in the current gear until the vehicle is
brought to a stop. After the vehicle has
stopped, the transmission will remain
in second gear regardless of which for-
ward gear is selected. PARK, RE-
VERSE, and NEUTRAL will continue
to operate. The Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) may be illuminated. Limp
Home Mode allows the vehicle to be
driven to an authorized dealer for
service without damaging the trans-
mission.In the event of a momentary problem,
the transmission can be reset to regain
all forward gears by performing the
following steps:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission into PARK.
3. Turn the engine OFF.
4.
Wait approximately 10 seconds.
5. Restart the engine.
6.
Shift into the desired gear range.
If the problem is no longer detected, the
transmission will return to normal op-
eration.
NOTE:
Even if the transmission
can be reset, we recommend that
you visit your authorized dealer at
your earliest possible convenience.
Your authorized dealer has diag-
nostic equipment to determine if
the problem could recur. If the
transmission cannot be reset, au-
thorized dealer service is required.
Overdrive Operation
The automatic transmission includes
an electronically controlled Overdrive
(fifth gear). The transmission will au-
tomatically shift into Overdrive if the
following conditions are present:
 the shift lever is in the DRIVE po- sition,
 vehicle speed is sufficiently high, and
 the driver is not heavily pressing the accelerator.
207

AUTOSTICK®
(for versions/markets,
where provided)AutoStick® is a driver-interactive
transmission feature providing manual
shift control, giving you more control of
the vehicle. AutoStick® allows you to
maximize engine braking, eliminate un-
desirable upshifts and downshifts, and
improve overall vehicle performance.This system can also provide you with
more control during passing, city driv-
ing, cold slippery conditions, mountain
driving, trailer towing, and many other
situations.OPERATION – 3.6L ENGINEWhen the transmission is in DRIVE or
SPORT mode, it will operate automati-
cally, shifting between the eight avail-
able gears. To engage AutoStick® (for
versions/markets, where provided),
simply tap one of the steering wheel-
mounted shift paddles (+/-) while in
DRIVE or SPORT mode (for versions/markets, where provided). Tapping (-)
to enter AutoStick® mode will down-
shift the transmission to the next lower
gear, while using (+) to enter
AutoStick® mode will retain the cur-
rent gear. When AutoStick® is active,
the current transmission gear is dis-
played in the instrument cluster. In
AutoStick® mode, the transmission
will only shift up or down when (+/-) is
manually selected by the driver, unless
an engine lugging or overspeed condi-
tion would result. It will remain in the
selected gear until another upshift or
downshift is chosen, except as de-
scribed below.
 If AutoStick® is engaged while in
DRIVE mode, the transmission will
automatically shift up when maxi-
mum engine speed is reached. If the
accelerator is fully pressed, the
transmission will downshift when
possible (based on current vehicle
speed and gear). Lack of accelera-
tor pedal activity will cause the
transmission to revert to automatic
operation.  If AutoStick® is engaged while in
SPORT mode, manual gear selec-
tion will be maintained until either
SPORT mode is exited or as de-
scribed below. The transmission
will not upshift automatically at
redline in this mode, nor will down-
shifts be obtained if the accelerator
pedal is pressed to the floor.
 In either DRIVE or SPORT mode, the transmission will automatically
downshift as the vehicle slows to a
stop (to prevent engine lugging)
and will display the current gear.
Tapping the (+) paddle (at a stop)
will allow starting in second gear.
After a stop, the driver should
manually upshift (+) the transmis-
sion as the vehicle accelerates.
 If a requested downshift would cause the engine to over-speed, that
shift will not occur.

The system will ignore attempts to
upshift at too low of a vehicle speed.
208

WARNING!
There may be situations on minor
hills (i.e., less than 8%), with a
loaded vehicle, or while pulling a
trailer, when the system will not
activate and slight rolling may oc-
cur. This could cause a collision
with another vehicle or object. Al-
ways remember the driver is re-
sponsible for braking the vehicle.
Towing With HSA
HSA will provide assistance when
starting on a grade when pulling a
trailer.WARNING!
 If you use a trailer brake control- ler with your trailer, your trailer
brakes may be activated and de-
activated with the brake switch.
If so, when the brake pedal is
released, there may not be enough
brake pressure to hold the vehicle
and trailer on a hill and this could
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
cause a collision with another ve-
hicle or object behind you. In or-
der to avoid rolling down the hill
while resuming acceleration,
manually activate the trailer
brake prior to releasing the brake
pedal. Always remember the
driver is responsible for braking
the vehicle.
 HSA is not a parking brake. Al- ways apply the parking brake
fully when leaving your vehicle.
Also, be certain to leave the trans-
mission in PARK. Failure to fol-
low these warnings may cause the
vehicle to roll down the incline
and could collide with another
vehicle, object or person, and
cause serious or fatal injury. Al-
ways remember to use the park-
ing brake while parking on a hill
and that the driver is responsible
for braking the vehicle. NOTE:
The HSA system may also
be turned on and off if the vehicle
is equipped with the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).
Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Infor-
mation Center (EVIC)” in “Under-
standing Your Instrument Panel”
for further information.
HSA Off
If you wish to turn off the HSA sys-
tem, it can be done using the Cus-
tomer Programmable Features in the
Uconnect Touch™ System. Refer to
“Uconnect TOUCH™ SETTINGS” in
“Understanding Your Instrument
Panel” for further information.
219

Tire Loading And Tire
Pressure
Tire And Loading Information
Placard Location
NOTE: The proper cold tire in-
flation pressure is listed on the
driver’s side B-Pillar or the rear
edge of the driver's side door.Tire And Loading Information
Placard
This placard tells you important
information about the:
1) number of people that can be
carried in the vehicle
2) total weight your vehicle can
carry
3) tire size designed for your ve-
hicle
4) cold tire inflation pressures for
the front, rear, and spare tires.
Loading
The vehicle maximum load on the tire
must not exceed the load carrying ca-
pacity of the tire on your vehicle. You
will not exceed the tire's load carrying
capacity if you adhere to the loading
conditions, tire size, and cold tire in-
flation pressures specified on the Tire
and Loading Information placard and
in the “Vehicle Loading” section of
this manual. NOTE:
Under a maximum loaded
vehicle condition, gross axle weight
ratings (GAWRs) for the front and
rear axles must not be exceeded.
For further information on GAWRs,
vehicle loading, and trailer towing,
refer to “Vehicle Loading” in this
section.
To determine the maximum loading
conditions of your vehicle, locate the
statement “The combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never ex-
ceed XXX lbs or XXX kg” on the Tire
and Loading Information placard.
The combined weight of occupants,
cargo/luggage and trailer tongue
weight (if applicable) should never
exceed the weight referenced here.
Tire Placard Location
225

Steps For Determining Correct
Load Limit
1. Locate the statement “The com-
bined weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed XXX lbs or
XXX kg” on your vehicle's placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of
the driver and passengers that will be
riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of
the driver and passengers from
XXX lbs or XXX kg.
4. The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and lug-
gage load capacity. For example, if
“XXX” amount equals 1,400 lbs
(635 kg) and there will be five 150 lb
(68 kg) passengers in your vehicle,
the amount of available cargo and
luggage load capacity is 650 lbs
(295 kg) (since 5 x 150 = 750, and
1400 – 750 = 650 lbs [295 kg]).5. Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded on the
vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and lug-
gage load capacity calculated in
Step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a
trailer, load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consult
this manual to determine how this
reduces the available cargo and lug-
gage load capacity of your vehicle.
NOTE:

The following table shows ex-
amples on how to calculate total
load, cargo/luggage, and towing
capacities of your vehicle with
varying seating configurations
and number and size of occu-
pants. This table is for illustration
purposes only and may not be ac-
curate for the seating and load
carry capacity of your vehicle. For the following example, the
combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed
865 lbs (392 kg).
226

EMERGENCY FUEL
FILLER DOOR RELEASE
If you are unable to open the fuel filler
door, use the fuel filler door emer-
gency release.
1. Open the trunk.
2. Remove the access cover (located
on the left side inner trim panel).
3. Pull the release cable.TRAILER TOWING
In this section you will find safety tips
and information on limits to the type
of towing you can reasonably do with
your vehicle. Before towing a trailer,
carefully review this information to
tow your load as efficiently and safely
as possible.
To maintain warranty coverage, fol-
low the requirements and recommen-
dations in this manual concerning
vehicles used for trailer towing.
COMMON TOWING
DEFINITIONS
The following trailer towing related
definitions will assist you in under-
standing the following information:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR)
The GVWR is the total allowable
weight of your vehicle. This includes
driver, passengers, cargo and tongue
weight. The total load must be limited
so that you do not exceed the GVWR.
Refer to “Vehicle Loading/Vehicle
Certification Label” in “Starting and
Operating” for further information.Gross Trailer Weight (GTW)
The GTW is the weight of the trailer
plus the weight of all cargo, consum-
ables and equipment (permanent or
temporary) loaded in or on the trailer
in its "loaded and ready for opera-
tion" condition. The recommended
way to measure GTW is to put your
fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale.
The entire weight of the trailer must
be supported by the scale.
Gross Combination Weight Rating
(GCWR)
The GCWR is the total permissible
weight of your vehicle and trailer
when weighed in combination.
NOTE:
The GCWR rating in-
cludes a 68 kg allowance for the
presence of a driver.
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The GAWR is the maximum capacity
of the front and rear axles. Distribute
the load over the front and rear axles
evenly. Make sure that you do not
exceed either front or rear GAWR.
Access CoverRelease Cable
242

Refer to “Vehicle Loading/Vehicle
Certification Label” in “Starting and
Operating” for further information.WARNING!
It is important that you do not ex-
ceed the maximum front or rear
GAWR. A dangerous driving condi-
tion can result if either rating is
exceeded. You could lose control of
the vehicle and have a collision.
Tongue Weight (TW)
The tongue weight is the downward
force exerted on the hitch ball by the
trailer. In most cases, it should not be
less than 7% or more than 10% of the
trailer load. Tongue weight must not
exceed the lesser of either the hitch
certification rating, or the trailer
tongue chassis rating. It should never
be less than 4% of the trailer load, and
not less than 25 kg. You must consider
tongue load as part of the load on your
vehicle and its GAWR. Frontal Area
The frontal area is the maximum
height multiplied by the maximum
width of the front of a trailer.
Trailer Sway Control
The trailer sway control can be a me-
chanical telescoping link that can be
installed between the hitch receiver
and the trailer tongue that typically
provides adjustable friction associ-
ated with the telescoping motion to
dampen any unwanted trailer sway-
ing motions while traveling.
If equipped, the electronic Trailer
Sway Control (TSC) recognizes a
swaying trailer and automatically ap-
plies individual wheel brakes and/or
reduces engine power to attempt to
eliminate the trailer sway.
Weight-Carrying Hitch
A weight-carrying hitch supports the
trailer tongue weight, just as if it were
luggage located at a hitch ball or some
other connecting point of the vehicle.
These kinds of hitches are the mostpopular on the market today and they
are commonly used to tow small- and
medium-sized trailers.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing system works
by applying leverage through spring
(load) bars. They are typically used
for heavier loads to distribute trailer
tongue weight to the tow vehicle's
front axle and the trailer axle(s).
When used in accordance with the
manufacturer's directions, it provides
for a more level ride, offering more
consistent steering and brake control
thereby enhancing towing safety. The
addition of a friction / hydraulic sway
control also dampens sway caused by
traffic and crosswinds and contrib-
utes positively to tow vehicle and
trailer stability. Trailer sway control
and a weight distributing (load equal-
izing) hitch are recommended for
heavier Tongue Weights (TW) and
may be required depending on vehicle
and trailer configuration / loading to
comply with Gross Axle Weight Rat-
ing (GAWR) requirements.
243