towing Lancia Thema 2013 Owner handbook (in English)

ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC
SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a so-
phisticated onboard diagnostic sys-
tem called OBD II. This system moni-
tors the performance of the emissions,
engine, and automatic transmission
control systems. When these systems
are operating properly, your vehicle
will provide excellent performance
and fuel economy, as well as engine
emissions well within current govern-
ment regulations.
If any of these systems require service,
the OBD II system will turn on the
“Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).”
It will also store diagnostic codes and
other information to assist your ser-
vice technician in making repairs. Al-
though your vehicle will usually be
drivable and not need towing, see
your authorized dealer for service as
soon as possible.
CAUTION!
 Prolonged driving with the MILon could cause further damage
to the emissions control system. It
could also affect fuel economy
and driveability. The vehicle
must be serviced before any emis-
sions tests can be performed.
 If the MIL is flashing while the engine is running, severe catalytic
converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate ser-
vice is required.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Use of genuine parts for normal/
scheduled maintenance and repairs is
highly recommended to ensure the
designed performance. Damage or
failures caused by the use of parts
which are not quality-equivalent to
genuine parts for maintenance and
repairs will not be covered by the
manufacturer’s warranty. MAINTENANCE
PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain the
re-
quired maintenance services deter-
mined by the engineers who designed
your vehicle.
Besides those maintenance items
specified in the fixed maintenance
schedule, there are other components
which may require servicing or re-
placement in the future.
CAUTION!
Failure to properly maintain your
vehicle or perform repairs and ser-
vice when necessary could result
in more costly repairs, damage to
other components or negatively
impact vehicle performance. Im-
mediately have potential malfunc-
tions examined by an authorized
dealership or qualified repair cen-
ter.
(Continued)
273

WARNING!
A hot exhaust system can start a fire
if you park over materials that can
burn. Such materials might be
grass or leaves coming into contact
with your exhaust system. Do not
park or operate your vehicle in ar-
eas where your exhaust system can
contact anything that can burn.
In unusual situations involving
grossly malfunctioning engine opera-
tion, a scorching odor may indicate
severe and abnormal catalyst over-
heating. If this should occur, safely
bring the vehicle to a complete stop,
shut the engine OFF, and allow the
vehicle to cool. Thereafter, obtain ser-
vice, including a tune-up to manufac-
turer's specifications immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalyst
damage:
 Do not shut off the engine or inter- rupt the ignition when the trans-
mission is in gear and the vehicle is
in motion.
 Do not try to start the engine by pushing or towing the vehicle.  Do not idle the engine with any
spark plug wires disconnected or
removed, such as when diagnostic
testing, or for prolonged periods
during very rough idling or mal-
functioning operating conditions.
COOLING SYSTEM
WARNING!
 When working near the radiator cooling fan, disconnect the fan
motor lead or turn the ignition
switch to the LOCK position. The
fan is temperature controlled and
can start at anytime the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
 You or others can be badly
burned by hot engine coolant
(antifreeze) or steam from your
radiator. If you see or hear steam
coming from under the hood, do
not open the hood until the radia-
tor has had time to cool. Never try
to open a cooling system pressure
cap when the radiator is hot.
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.
Coolant ChecksCheck engine coolant (antifreeze) pro-
tection every 12 months (before the
onset of freezing weather, where appli-
cable). If the engine coolant (anti-
freeze) is dirty or rusty in appearance,
the system should be drained, flushed,
and refilled with fresh coolant. Check
the front of the A/C condenser for any
accumulation of bugs, leaves, etc. If
dirty, clean by gently spraying water
from a garden hose vertically down the
face of the condenser.Check the coolant recovery bottle
tubing for brittle rubber, cracking,
tears, cuts, and tightness of the con-
nection at the bottle and radiator.
Inspect the entire system for leaks.
281

Thousands Of Kilometers 24 48 72 96 120 144 168 192Months 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96
Check engine management system operation
(via diagnostic socket).        
Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter (*). 
Replace spark plugs. 
Replace air filter cartridge. 
Change engine oil and replace oil filter (**).
Change brake fluid (or every 24 months). 
Replace pollen filter.        
Inspect the front axle fluid – All Wheel Drive Models Only (#).  
Inspect the transfer case fluid – All Wheel Drive Models
Only (##). 

(*) Change the automatic transmis-
sion fluid and filter(s) at 96 kkm 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.
(**) The oil and oil filter replacement
must be carried out when indicated by
a warning light or message on the
instrument panel, or in any case every
12 months. (#) Change the front axle fluid at
72 kkm or 36 months and 144 kkm or
72 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.
(##) Change the transfer case fluid at
96 kkm or 48 months and 192 or
96 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.
312

Periodic Checks
Every1,000 km or before long jour-
neys, check and, if necessary, restore:
 engine coolant;
 brake fluid;
 Power Steering Fluid;
 windshield washer fluid level;
 power steering fluid;
tire inflation pressure and condition; 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
temperatures;
 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 accessory drive belts;
 check and, if necessary, change engine oil and replace oil filter;
 check and, if necessary, replace pol- len filter;
 check and, if necessary, replace air cleaner filter.
313

Thousands Of Kilometers 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160Months 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96
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.        
(*) Change the automatic transmis-
sion fluid and filter(s) at 100 kkm o
60 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
(**) The oil and oil filter replacement
must be carried out when indicated by
a warning light or message on the
instrument panel, or in any case every
12 months. Periodic Checks
Every
1,000 km or before long jour-
neys, check and, if necessary, restore:
 engine coolant;
 brake fluid;
 Power Steering Fluid;
 windshield washer fluid level;
 power steering fluid;

tire inflation pressure and condition;
 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.
316

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 than7-8 km) at sub-zero outside
temperatures;
 engine often idling or driving long distances at low speeds or long
periods 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 accessory drive belts;
 check and, if necessary, change engine oil and replace oil filter;
 check and, if necessary, replace pol- len filter;
 check and, if necessary, replace air cleaner filter.
317

Electric Remote Mirrors. . . . . . . . .68
Electronic Brake Control System . .216
Anti-Lock Brake System . . . . .216
Brake Assist System . . . . . . . .216
Traction Control System . . . . .216
Electronic Speed Control (Cruise Control) . . . . . . .120, 121
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) . . . . . . . . . . . .217
Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) . . . . . . . .138, 163
Emergency Deck Lid Release . . . . .27
Emergency, In Case of Freeing Vehicle When Stuck . .262
Hazard Warning Flasher . . . . .254
Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . .260
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . .254
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .266
Emergency Trunk Release . . . . . . .27
Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . . .275
Break-In Recommendations . . .55
Compartment . . . . . . . .271, 272
Compartment
Identification . . . . . . . .271, 272
Coolant (Antifreeze) . . . .281, 302
Cooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .281
Exhaust Gas Caution . . . . . . . .56
Fails to Start . . . . . . . . . . . .196 Flooded, Starting
. . . . . . . . .196
Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . .238
Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . .260
Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .274, 302
Oil Change Interval . . . .168, 274
Oil Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . .275
Oil Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .275
Oil Selection . . . . .274, 275, 302
Oil Synthetic . . . . . . . . . . . .275
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . .254
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .195
Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . .162
Enhanced Accident Response Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
Entry System, Illuminated . . . . . . .17
Ethanol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .239
Event Data Recorder . . . . . . . . . . .45
Exhaust Gas Caution . . . . . . . . . .56
Exhaust System . . . . . . . . . .56, 280
Exterior Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . .67
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . .109
Exterior Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
Filler Location Fuel . . . . . . . . . .160
Filters Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . . .275
Air Conditioning . . . . . .189, 277
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . .275, 302 Flashers
Hazard Warning . . . . . . . . . .254
Turn Signal . . . . . . .58, 112, 158
Flash-To-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112
Flooded Engine Starting . . . . . . .196
Floor Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . .148
Fluid, Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .304
Fluid Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . .302
Fluid Leaks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
Fluid Level Checks . . . . . . . . . . .287
Automatic Transmission . . . . .286
Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .285
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . .281
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . .274
Transfer Case . . . . . . . . . . . .287
Fluids, Lubricants and Genuine Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . .302
Fog Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .158
Fog Lights, Rear . . . . . . . . . . . .111
Folding Rear Seat . . . . . . . . . . . .105
Forward Collision Warning . .132, 166
Freeing A Stuck Vehicle . . . . . . . .262
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .238, 240
Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .239
Conserving . . . . . . . . . . . . . .169
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .240
Filler Door (Gas Cap) . . . . . .160
Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .238
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .160
322

Rear Axle (Differential). . . . . . . .287
Rear Camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138
Rear Cupholder . . . . . . . . . . . . .148
Rear Fog Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . .111
Rear Park Sense System . . . . . . .134
Rear Seat, Folding . . . . . . . . . . .105
Rear Window Defroster . . . . . . . .151
Rear Window Features . . . . . . . .151
Recorder, Event Data . . . . . . . . . .45
Recreational Towing . . . . . . . . . .251
Refrigerant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .277
Reminder, Lights On . . . . . . . . . .111
Reminder, Seat Belt . . . . . . . . . . .35
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) . . . . .18
Remote Sound System (Radio) Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .183
Remote Trunk Release . . . . . . . . . .26
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . .298
Replacement Keys . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . .273
Replacement Tires . . . . . . . . . . .231
Resetting Oil Change Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . .158, 168
Restraint, Head . . . . . . . . . . . . .104
Restraints, Child . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Restraints, Occupant . . . . . . . . . . .27
Rocking Vehicle When Stuck . . . .262
Rotation, Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . .233 Safety Checks Inside Vehicle
. . . . .57
Safety Checks Outside Vehicle . . . .58
Safety, Exhaust Gas . . . . . . . . . . .56
Safety Information, Tire . . . . . . .221
Safety Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Schedule, Maintenance . . . .310, 314
Seat Belt Maintenance . . . . . . . . .290
Seat Belt Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . .27, 29, 57
Adjustable Upper Shoulder
Anchorage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
And Pregnant Women . . . . . . .36
Child Restraint . . . .46, 49, 50, 53
Front Seat . . . . . . . . . . . .29, 30
Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Operating Instructions . . . . . . .30
Pretensioners . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Rear Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Untwisting Procedure . . . . . . .31
Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100
Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . .100
Easy Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . .104
Height Adjustment . . . . . . . .100
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100
Rear Folding . . . . . . . . . . . .105
Seatback Release . . . . . . . . . .105 Tilting
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100
Selection of Coolant (Antifreeze) . . . . . . . . . .282, 302
Selection of Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . .275
Sentry Key (Immobilizer) . . . . . . .13
Sentry Key Programming . . . . . . .14
Sentry Key Replacement . . . . . . . .14
Service Engine Soon Light (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . . .159
Setting the Clock . . . . . . . . . . . .181
Shifting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .199
Automatic Transmission . . . . .199
Shift Lever Override . . . . . . . . . .263
Shoulder Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Shoulder Belt Upper Anchorage . . .31
Side Airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Side View Mirror Adjustment . . . . .67
Signals, Turn . . . . . . . .58, 112, 158
SmartBeams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Snow Chains (Tire Chains) . . . . .232
Sound System Kicker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .182
Sound Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . .181
Sound Systems (Radio) . . . . . . . .181
Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .230
Spark Plugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .302
Specifications Fuel (Gasoline) . . . . . . .238, 302
326

Oil. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .275, 302
Speed Control (Cruise Control) . . . . . . . . . . . . .120, 121
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .160
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .195
Cold Weather . . . . . . . . . . . .196
Engine Fails to Start . . . . . . .196
Starting and Operating . . . . . . . .195
Starting Procedures . . . . . . . . . .195
Steering Column Controls . . . . . . . . . .112
Column Lock . . . . . . . . . . . .117
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .212
Tilt Column . . . . . . . . . . . . .117
Wheel, Heated . . . . . . . . . . .118
Wheel, Tilt . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117
Steering Wheel Audio Controls . . .183
Steering Wheel Mounted Sound System Controls . . . . . . . . . . .183
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .298
Storage, Vehicle . . . . . . . . .189, 298
Storing Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . .298
Stuck, Freeing . . . . . . . . . . . . . .262
Sunglasses Storage . . . . . . . . . . .140
Sun Roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140, 142
Sunroof Maintenance . . . . . . . . .142
Supplemental Restraint System - Airbag . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Synthetic Engine Oil
. . . . . . . . . .275
System, Navigation (Uconnect™ gps) . . . . . . . . . .181
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .158
Telescoping Steering Column . . . .117
Temperature Control, Automatic (ATC) . . . . . . . . . .188
Temperature Gauge, Engine Coolant . . . . . . . .162, 254
Tether Anchor, Child Restraint . . . .51
Tilt Steering Column . . . . . . . . . .117
Time Delay, Headlight . . . . . . . . .110
Tire and Loading Information Placard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .225
Tire Markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . .221
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58, 228
Aging (Life of Tires) . . . . . . .231
Air Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . .228
Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .232
Compact Spare . . . . . . . . . . .230
General Information . . . . . . .228
High Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . .229
Inflation Pressures . . . . . . . . .228
Life of Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . .231
Load Capacity . . . . . . . . . . .225
Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS) . . . . . . . . . .234
Pressure Warning Light . . . . .158Radial
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .229
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . .231
Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .233
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . .221, 228
Sizes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .222
Spinning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .230
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . .247
Tread Wear Indicators . . . . . .231
Tire Safety Information . . . . . . . .221
Tongue Weight/Trailer Weight . . .245
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .242
Behind a Motorhome . . . . . . .251
Disabled Vehicle . . . . . . . . . .266
Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .245
Recreational . . . . . . . . . . . . .251
Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .245
Towing Eyes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .263
Towing Vehicle Behind a Motorhome . . . . . . . . . . . . . .251
Traction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .210
Traction Control . . . . . . . . . . . . .216
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . .242
Cooling System Tips . . . . . . .250
Hitches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250
Minimum Requirements . . . . .246
Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .249
Trailer and Tongue Weight . . .245
Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .247
327

Trailer Towing Guide. . . . . . . . .245
Trailer Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . .245
Transfer Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . .287
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .287
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .286
Automatic . . . . . . .200, 204, 286
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . .286, 304
Shifting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .199
Transmitter Battery Service (Remote Keyless Entry) . . . . . . .19
Transmitter Programming (Remote Keyless Entry) . . . . . . .18
Transmitter, Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Transporting Pets . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
Tread Wear Indicators . . . . . . . . .231
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . .158
Trunk Lid (Deck Lid) . . . . . . .26, 27
Trunk Release, Emergency . . . . . . .27
Trunk Release Remote Control . . . .26
Turn Signals . . . . . . . . . . .112, 158 UCI Connector
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .182
Universal Child Seat Position Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
Universal Consumer Interface (UCI) Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .182
Untwisting Procedure, Seat Belt . . .31
Vanity Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Vehicle Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . .225
Vehicle Modifications/Alterations . . .7
Vehicle Storage . . . . . . . . . .189, 298
Wait to Start Light . . . . . . . . . . .166
Warning Flasher, Hazard . . . . . . .254
Warning Lights (Instrument Cluster Description) . . . . . . . .158
Warnings and Cautions . . . . . . . . . .7
Washer Adding Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . .279 Washers, Headlight
. . . . . . . . . . .116
Washers, Windshield . . . . . .115, 279
Water Driving Through . . . . . . . . . .211
Wheel and Wheel Trim . . . . . . . .289
Wheel and Wheel Trim Care . . . . .289
Wind Buffeting . . . . . . .26, 142, 144
Window Fogging . . . . . . . . . . . .189
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Windshield Defroster . . . . . . . . . .57
Windshield Washers . . . . . . .114, 115
Windshield Wiper Blades . . . . . . .279
Windshield Wipers . . . . . . . . . . .114
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . .279
Wipers, Intermittent . . . . . . . . . .115
Wipers, Rain Sensitive . . . . . . . . .115
328 Fiat Group Automobiles S.p.A. - Parts & Services - Technical Services - Service Engineering
Largo Senatore G. Agnelli, 3 - 10040 Volvera - Torino (Italia)
Print n. 530.02.233 - 08/2012 - Edition 1