Lancia Thema 2013 Owner handbook (in English)

GEAR RANGES
DO NOT race the engine when shift-
ing from PARK or NEUTRAL into
another gear range.
NOTE: After selecting any gear
range, wait a moment to allow the
selected gear to engage before ac-
celerating. This is especially im-
portant when the engine is cold.
If there is a need to restart the engine,
be sure to cycle the ignition to the OFF
position before restarting. Transmis-
sion gear engagement may be delayed
after restarting the engine if the igni-
tion is not cycled to the OFF position
first.
PARKThis range supplements the parking
brake by locking the transmission. The
engine can be started in this range.
Never attempt to use PARK while the
vehicle is in motion. Apply the parking
brake when leaving the vehicle in this
range.When parking on a level surface, you
may place the shift lever in PARK first,
and then apply the parking brake.
When parking on a hill, apply the
parking brake before placing 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. As an added pre-
caution, turn the front wheels toward
the curb on a downhill grade and away
from the curb on an uphill grade.
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.
 Your vehicle could move and in-
jure you and others if it is not in
PARK. Check by trying to move
the shift lever out of PARK with
the brake pedal released. Make
sure the transmission is in PARK
before leaving the vehicle.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
It is dangerous to move the shift
lever out of PARK or NEUTRAL if
the engine speed is higher than idle
speed. If your foot is not firmly
pressing the brake pedal, the ve-
hicle could accelerate quickly for-
ward or in reverse. You could lose
control of the vehicle and hit some-
one or something. Only shift into
gear when the engine is idling nor-
mally and when your foot is firmly
pressing the brake pedal.Unintended movement of a vehicle
could injure those in or near the
vehicle. As with all vehicles, you
should never exit a vehicle while
the engine is running. Before exit-
ing a vehicle, always apply the
parking brake, shift the transmis-
sion into PARK, and turn the en-
gine off. When the ignition is in the
OFF position, the shift lever is
locked in PARK, securing the ve-
hicle against unwanted movement. When leaving the vehicle, always remove the key fob and lock your
vehicle.
(Continued)
205

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

To disengage AutoStick® mode, press
and hold the (+) shift paddle until
“D” or “S” is once again displayed in
the instrument cluster. You can shift
in or out of the AutoStick® mode at
any time without taking your foot off
the accelerator pedal.WARNING!Do not downshift for additional en-
gine braking on a slippery surface.
The drive wheels could lose their grip
and the vehicle could skid, causing a
collision or personal injury.OPERATION – 3.0L DIESEL
ENGINEWhen the shift lever is in the DRIVE
position, the transmission will operate
automatically, shifting between the five
available gears. To engage AutoStick®
(for versions/markets, where pro-
vided), simply tap the shift lever to the
right or left (+/-) while in the DRIVE
position, or tap one of the steering
wheel-mounted shift paddles (+/-), for
versions/markets, where provided.Tapping (-) to enter AutoStick® mode
will downshift the transmission to the
next lower gear, while using (+) to en-
ter AutoStick® mode will retain the
current gear. When AutoStick® is ac-
tive, the current transmission gear is
displayed in the instrument cluster. In
AutoStick® mode, the transmission
will shift up or down when (+/-) is
manually selected by the driver (using
the shift lever, or the shift paddles, for
versions/markets, where provided),
unless an engine lugging or overspeed
condition would result. It will remain
in the selected gear until another up-
shift or downshift is chosen, except as
described below.
 The transmission will automati-
cally upshift when necessary to pre-
vent engine over-speed.
 If the accelerator is fully pressed, the transmission will downshift
when possible (based on vehicle
speed and gear).
 The transmission will automati- cally downshift as the vehicle slows
down (to prevent engine lugging)
and will display the current gear.  The transmission will automati-
cally downshift to first gear when
coming to a stop. After a stop, the
driver should manually upshift (+)
the transmission as the vehicle is
accelerated.
 You can start out from a stop, in first or second gear. Tapping (+) (at
a stop) will allow starting in second
gear. Starting out in second gear is
helpful in snowy or icy conditions.
 The system will ignore attempts to upshift at too low of a vehicle speed.
 Avoid using speed control when AutoStick® is engaged.
 Transmission shifting will be more noticeable when AutoStick® is en-
gaged.
To disengage AutoStick® mode, hold
the shift lever to the right or press and
hold the (+) shift paddle (for versions/
markets, where provided) until “D” is
once again displayed in the instrument
cluster. You can shift in or out of the
AutoStick® mode at any time without
taking your foot off the accelerator
pedal.
209

WARNING!Do not downshift for additional en-
gine braking on a slippery surface.
The drive wheels could lose their grip
and the vehicle could skid, causing a
collision or personal injury.ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
(AWD) (for versions/
markets, where provided)
This vehicle is equipped with an
active on-demand All-Wheel Drive
(AWD) system which makes available
optimum traction for a wide variety of
road surface and driving conditions.
The system minimizes wheel slip by
automatically redirecting torque to
the front and rear wheels as necessary.To maximize fuel economy, your AWD
vehicle automatically defaults to rear-
wheel drive (RWD) when road and
environmental conditions are such
that wheel slip is unlikely to occur.
When specific road and environmental
conditions require increased levels of
road traction, the vehicle automati-
cally shifts into AWD mode. AutomaticAWD operation could be activated by
outside temperature, wheel slip, or
other predetermined conditions (there
may be a slight delay for AWD engage-
ment after a wheel slip condition
occurs). AWD can also be manually
selected by moving the shift lever into
the AutoStick® mode (+/-) (for
versions/markets, where provided) or
activating the windshield wipers for an
extended period of time. Drive mode,
RWD or AWD, is displayed momen-
tarily in the Electronic Vehicle Infor-
mation Center (EVIC) in the gage area
of the vehicle display when the trans-
mission is first shifted into gear, and if
the drive mode changes during vehicle
operation.
NOTE: If the “SERVICE AWD
SYSTEM” warning message ap-
pears after engine start up, or dur-
ing driving, it means that the AWD
system is not functioning properly
and that service is required. Refer
to “Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC)” in “Understanding
Your Instrument Panel” for further
information.
CAUTION!
All wheels must have the same size
and type tires. Unequal tire sizes
must not be used. Unequal tire size
may cause failure of the front dif-
ferential and/or the transfer case.
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY
SURFACES
ACCELERATION
Rapid acceleration on snow covered,
wet, or other slippery surfaces may
cause the driving wheels to pull errati-
cally to the right or left. This phenom-
enon occurs when there is a difference
in the surface traction under the rear
(driving) wheels.WARNING!Rapid acceleration on slippery sur-
faces is dangerous. Unequal traction
can cause sudden pulling of the rear
wheels. You could lose control of the
vehicle and possibly have a collision.
Accelerate slowly and carefully
whenever there is likely to be poor
traction (ice, snow, wet mud, loose
sand, etc.).
210

TRACTION
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
it is possible for a wedge of water to
build up between the tire and road
surface. This is known as hydroplan-
ing and may cause partial or complete
loss of vehicle control and stopping
ability. To reduce this possibility, the
following precautions should be ob-
served:
1. Slow down during rainstorms or
when the roads are slushy.
2. Slow down if the road has standing
water or puddles.
3. Replace tires when tread wear in-
dicators first become visible.
4. Keep tires properly inflated.
5. Maintain sufficient distance be-
tween your vehicle and the vehicle in
front of you to avoid a collision in a
sudden stop.DRIVING THROUGH
WATER
Driving through water more than a
centimeters deep will require extra
caution to ensure safety and prevent
damage to your vehicle.
FLOWING/RISING WATER
WARNING!
Do not drive on or across a road or
path where water is flowing and/or
rising (as in storm run-off). Flow-
ing water can wear away the road
or path's surface and cause your
vehicle to sink into deeper water.
Furthermore, flowing and/or rising
water can carry your vehicle away
swiftly. Failure to follow this warn-
ing may result in injuries that are
serious or fatal to you, your passen-
gers, and others around you.
SHALLOW STANDING
WATER
Although your vehicle is capable of
driving through shallow standing wa-
ter, consider the following Caution
and Warning before doing so.
CAUTION!
Always check the depth of the
standing water before driving
through it. Never drive through
standing water that is deeper than
the bottom of the tire rims mounted
on the vehicle.
Determine the condition of the road
or the path that is under water and
if there are any obstacles in the way
before driving through the standing
water.
Do not exceed 8 km/h when driving
through standing water. This will
minimize wave effects.
(Continued)
211

CAUTION!(Continued)
Driving through standing water
may cause damage to your vehicle’s
drivetrain components. Always in-
spect your vehicle’s fluids (i.e., en-
gine oil, transmission, axle, etc.) for
signs of contamination (i.e., fluid
that is milky or foamy in appear-
ance) after driving through stand-
ing water. Do not continue to oper-
ate the vehicle if any fluid appears
contaminated, as this may result in
further damage. Such damage is
not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
Getting water inside your vehicle’s
engine can cause it to lock up and
stall out, and cause serious internal
damage to the engine. Such dam-
age is not covered by the New Ve-
hicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
 Driving through standing water limits your vehicle’s traction ca-
pabilities. Do not exceed 8 km/h
when driving through standing
water.
 Driving through standing water
limits your vehicle’s braking ca-
pabilities, which increases stop-
ping distances. Therefore, after
driving through standing water,
drive slowly and lightly press on
the brake pedal several times to
dry the brakes.
 Getting water inside your vehi-
cle’s engine can cause it to lock up
and stall out, and leave you
stranded.
 Failure to follow these warnings may result in injuries that are se-
rious or fatal to you, your passen-
gers, and others around you. POWER STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with an
electro-hydraulic power steering sys-
tem that will give you good vehicle
response and increased ease of ma-
neuverability in tight spaces. The sys-
tem will vary its assist to provide light
efforts while parking and good feel
while driving. If the electro-hydraulic
power steering system experiences a
fault that prevents it from providing
power steering assist, then the system
will provide mechanical steering ca-
pability.
CAUTION!
Extreme steering maneuvers may
cause the electrically driven pump
to reduce or stop power steering
assistance in order to prevent dam-
age to the system. Normal opera-
tion will resume once the system is
allowed to cool.
212

If the “SERVICE POWER
STEERING SYSTEM”
message and a flashing icon
are displayed on the EVIC
screen, it indicates that the vehicle
needs to be taken to the dealer for
service. It is likely the vehicle has lost
power steering assistance. Refer to
“Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC)” in “Understanding
Your Instrument Panel” for further
information.
If the “POWER STEERING SYSTEM
OVER TEMP” message and an icon
are displayed on the EVIC screen, it
indicates that extreme steering ma-
neuvers may have occurred, which
caused an over temperature condition
in the power steering system. You will
lose power steering assistance mo-
mentarily until the over temperature
condition no longer exists. Once driv-
ing conditions are safe, then pull over
and let vehicle idle for a few moments
until the light turns off. Refer to
“Electronic Vehicle Information Cen-
ter (EVIC)” in “Understanding Your
Instrument Panel” for further infor-
mation. NOTE:

Even if power steering assistance
is no longer operational, it is still
possible to steer the vehicle. Un-
der these conditions there will be
a substantial increase in steering
effort, especially at very low ve-
hicle speeds and during parking
maneuvers.If the condition persists, see your
authorized dealer for service.PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure
that the parking brake is fully applied
and place the shift lever in the PARK
position.
The foot operated parking brake is
located below the lower left corner of
the instrument panel. To apply the
park brake, firmly push the park
brake pedal fully. To release the park-
ing brake, press the park brake pedal
a second time and let your foot up as
you feel the brake disengage.
When the parking brake is applied
with the ignition switch in the ON po-
sition, the “Brake Warning Light” in
the instrument 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
application.
Parking Brake
213

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 asubstitute 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.
(Continued)
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 a
vehicle equipped with Keyless
Enter­N­Go™ in the ACC or ON/
RUN mode. 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.
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 allow 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
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
provides increased vehicle stability
and brake performance under most
braking conditions. The system auto-
matically “pumps” the brakes during
severe braking conditions to prevent
wheel lock-up.
214