maintenance Lancia Thema 2014 Owner handbook (in English)

CAUTION!
It is essential when replacing thecables on the battery that the
positive cable is attached to the
positive post and the negative
cable is attached to the negative
post. Battery posts are marked
positive (+) and negative (-) and
are identified on the battery case.
Cable clamps should be tight on
the terminal posts and free of cor-
rosion.
If a “fast charger” is used while the battery is in the vehicle, dis-
connect both vehicle battery
cables before connecting the
charger to the battery. Do not use
a “fast charger” to provide start-
ing voltage.
AIR CONDITIONER
MAINTENANCE
For best possible performance, your
air conditioner should be checked and
serviced by an authorized dealer at
the start of each warm season. This
service should include cleaning of the condenser fins and a performance
test. Drive belt tension should also be
checked at this time.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your
air conditioning system as the
chemicals can damage your air
conditioning components. Such
damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
Use only refrigerants and com-
pressor lubricants approved by
the manufacturer for your air
conditioning system. Some unap-
proved refrigerants are flam-
mable and can explode, injuring
you. Other unapproved refriger-
ants or lubricants can cause the
system to fail, requiring costly re-
pairs.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
The air conditioning system con-tains refrigerant under high pres-
sure. To avoid risk of personal
injury or damage to the system,
adding refrigerant or any repair
requiring lines to be disconnected
should be done by an experienced
technician.
Refrigerant Recovery And
Recycling
R-134a Air Conditioning Refrigerant
is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) that is
endorsed by the Environmental Pro-
tection Agency and is an ozone-saving
product. However, the manufacturer
recommends that air conditioning
service be performed by authorized
dealer or other service facilities using
recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE: Use only manufacturer
approved A/C system PAG com-
pressor oil and refrigerants.
275

A/C AIR FILTER
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.
The filter is located in the fresh air
inlet under the hood, behind a remov-
able panel in the cowl on the passen-
ger side of the vehicle, next to the
windshield wipers. When installing a
new filter, ensure its proper orienta-
tion.
1. Remove the access door in the cowl
screen by pressing the retaining clips. 2. Unsnap both ends and lift the filter
access cover.
3. Remove the used filter.
4. Install the new filter with arrows
pointing in the direction of airflow,
which is toward the rear of the vehicle
(text and arrows on the filter will in-
dicate this).5. Close the filter access cover.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule”
for the proper maintenance intervals.
BODY LUBRICATION
Locks and all body pivot points, in-
cluding such items as seat tracks, door
hinge pivot points and rollers, liftgate,
tailgate, sliding doors and hood
hinges, should be lubricated periodi-
cally with a lithium based grease to
assure quiet, easy operation and to
protect against rust and wear. Prior to
the application of any lubricant, the
parts concerned should be wiped
clean to remove dust and grit; after
lubricating excess oil and grease
should be removed. Particular atten-
tion should also be given to hood
latching components to ensure proper
Access Door
Filter Access Cover
A/C Air Filter
276

function. When performing other un-
derhood services, the hood latch, re-
lease mechanism and safety catch
should be cleaned and lubricated.
The external lock cylinders should be
lubricated twice a year, preferably in
the Fall and Spring. Apply a small
amount of a high quality lubricant
directly into the lock cylinder.
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.
WINDSHIELD WIPER
BLADES
Clean the rubber edges of the wiper
blades and the windshield periodi-
cally with a sponge or soft cloth and amild nonabrasive cleaner. This will
remove accumulations of salt or road
film.
Operation of the wipers on dry glass
for long periods may cause deteriora-
tion of the wiper blades. Always use
washer fluid when using the wipers to
remove salt or dirt from a dry wind-
shield.
Avoid using the wiper blades to re-
move frost or ice from the windshield.
Keep the blade rubber out of contact
with petroleum products such as en-
gine oil, gasoline, etc.
NOTE: Life expectancy of wiper
blades varies depending on geo-
graphical area and frequency of
use. Poor performance of blades
may be present with chattering,
marks, water lines or wet spots. If
any of these conditions are pres-
ent, clean the wiper blades or re-
place as necessary.ADDING WASHER FLUID
The windshield washer and the head-
light washer share the same fluid res-
ervoir. The fluid reservoir is located inthe front of the engine compartment.
Be sure to check the fluid level in the
reservoir at regular intervals. Fill the
reservoir with windshield washer sol-
vent (not radiator antifreeze) and op-
erate the system for a few seconds to
flush out the residual water.
When refilling the washer fluid reser-
voir, apply some washer fluid to a
cloth or towel and wipe the wiper
blades clean. This will help blade per-
formance.
To prevent freeze-up of your wind-
shield washer system in cold weather,
select a solution or mixture that meets
or exceeds the temperature range of
your climate. This rating information
can be found on most washer fluid
containers.
The fluid reservoir will hold nearly 4
Liters of washer fluid when the mes-
sage “Low Washer Fluid” appears in
the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC).
277

WARNING!
Commercially available windshield
washer solvents are flammable.
They could ignite and burn you.
Care must be exercised when filling
or working around the washer solu-
tion.
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.
INTERVENTION
REGENERATION
STRATEGY – 3.0L DIESEL
ENGINE
This vehicle is equipped with a state-
of-the-art engine and exhaust system
containing a diesel particulate filter.The engine and exhaust after-
treatment system work together to
meet the Emission standards. The
system manages engine combustion to
allow the exhaust system’s catalyst to
trap and burn Particulate Matter
(PM) pollutants with no input or in-
teraction on your part.
Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Informa-
tion Center (EVIC)” in “Understand-
ing Your Instrument Cluster” for fur-
ther information.
EXHAUST SYSTEM
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 seepinto the passenger compartment. In
addition, have the exhaust system in-
spected each time the vehicle is raised
for lubrication or oil change. Replace
as required.
WARNING!
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 poi-
son you. To avoid breathing CO,
refer to “Safety Tips/Exhaust Gas”
in “Things To Know Before Start-
ing Your Vehicle” for further infor-
mation.
CAUTION!
The catalytic converter requires the
use of unleaded fuel only. Leaded
gasoline will destroy the effective-
ness of the catalyst as an emissions
control device and may seriously
reduce engine performance and
cause serious damage to the engine.
278

Under normal operating conditions,
the catalytic converter will not require
maintenance. However, it is impor-
tant to keep the engine properly tuned
to assure proper catalyst operation
and prevent possible catalyst damage.
CAUTION!
Damage to the catalytic converter
can result if your vehicle is not kept
in proper operating condition. In
the event of engine malfunction,
particularly involving engine mis-
fire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced
promptly. Continued operation of
your vehicle with a severe malfunc-
tion could cause the converter to
overheat, resulting in possible dam-
age to the converter and the vehicle.
NOTE: Intentional tampering
with emissions control systems can
result in civil penalties being as-
sessed against you.
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 radiatorcooling 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.
279

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 Checks
Check engine coolant (antifreeze)
protection every 12 months (before
the onset of freezing weather, where
applicable). If the engine coolant (an-
tifreeze) is dirty or rusty in appear-
ance, the system should be drained,
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 considerable
amount 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 old engine coolant
(antifreeze).
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule”
for the proper maintenance intervals.Selection Of Coolant
Use only the manufacturer'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 en-
gine coolant (antifreeze), may re-
sult in engine damage and may
decrease corrosion protection. If a
non-specified engine coolant (an-
tifreeze) is introduced into the
cooling system in an emergency, it
should be replaced with the speci-
fied engine coolant (antifreeze) as
soon as possible.
(Continued)
280

CAUTION!(Continued)
Do not use plain water alone oralcohol-based engine coolant
(antifreeze) products. Do not use
additional rust inhibitors or anti-
rust products, as they may not be
compatible with the radiator en-
gine coolant (antifreeze) and may
plug the radiator.
This vehicle has not been de- signed for use with Propylene
Glycol based engine coolant (an-
tifreeze). 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 ten years or
240 000 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. 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 the owner'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 (anti-
freeze) and will require more fre-
quent 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 cool-
ant (antifreeze) when the engine
is overheated. Do not loosen or
remove 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
under pressure.
Do not use a pressure cap other than the one specified for your
vehicle. Personal injury or engine
damage may result.
281

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
riding on the brake pedal can result
in abnormally high brake tempera-
tures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You would
not have your full braking capacity
in an emergency.
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 manufacturer's recom-
mended brake fluid. Refer to “Fluids,
Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for fur-
ther information.
283

CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other
than the manufacturer’s recom-
mended fluid may cause deteriora-
tion in transmission shift quality
and/or torque converter shudder,
and will require more frequent fluid
and filter changes. Refer to “Fluids,
Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
this section for fluid specifications.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recom-
mends against using any special addi-
tives in the transmission.
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 for
diagnosing fluid leaks. Avoid using
transmission sealers as they may ad-
versely 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
The fluid level is preset at the factory
and does not require adjustment un-
der normal operating conditions.
Routine fluid level checks are not re-
quired, therefore the transmission has
no dipstick. Your authorized dealer
can check your transmission fluid
level using special service tools.
If you notice fluid leakage or trans-
mission malfunction, visit your au-
thorized dealer immediately to have
the transmission fluid level checked.
Operating the vehicle with an im-
proper fluid level can cause severe
transmission damage.
CAUTION!
If a transmission fluid leak occurs,
visit your authorized dealer imme-
diately. Severe transmission dam-
age may occur. Your authorized
dealer has the proper tools to adjust
the fluid level accurately.
Fluid And Filter Changes –
5-Speed Transmission
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule”
for the proper maintenance intervals.
In addition, change the fluid and filter
if the fluid becomes contaminated
(with water, etc.) or if the transmis-
sion is disassembled for any reason.
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.
285

Fluid And Filter Changes –
8-Speed Transmission
Under normal operating conditions,
the fluid installed at the factory will
provide satisfactory lubrication for
the life of the vehicle. Routine fluid
and filter changes are not required.
However, change the fluid and filter if
the fluid becomes contaminated (with
water, etc.), or if the transmission is
disassembled for any reason.
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.
ALL WHEEL DRIVE (AWD)
(for versions/markets,
where provided)
The all wheel drive system consists of
a transfer case and front differential.The exterior surface of these compo-
nents should be inspected for evi-
dence of fluid leaks. Confirmed leaks
should be repaired as soon as possible.
The transfer case fluid fill/inspection
plug is located in the middle of the
rear housing. To inspect the transfer
case fluid level, remove the fill/
inspection plug. The fluid level should
be even with the bottom of the hole.
Use this plug to add fluid as required.
The front differential fill plug is lo-
cated on the outer cover near the half-
shaft attachment. To inspect the dif-
ferential fluid level, remove the fill
plug. The fluid level should be even
with or slightly below the bottom of
the hole.
REAR AXLE
For normal service, periodic fluid
level checks are not required. When
the vehicle is serviced for other rea-
sons the exterior surfaces of the axle
assembly should be inspected. If gear
oil leakage is suspected inspect the
fluid level. Refer to “Fluids, Lubri-
cants, and Genuine Parts” in “Main-
taining Your Vehicle” for further in-
formation.
Fluid Level Check
Check the fluid level by removing the
fill plug on the axle. The fluid level
should be at the bottom of the fill
hole. Add fluid, if necessary, to main-
tain the proper level. Refer to “Fluids,
Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for fur-
ther information.
Change Axle Fluid
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule”
for the proper maintenance intervals.
APPEARANCE CARE AND
PROTECTION FROM
CORROSION
Protection Of Body And Paint
From Corrosion
Vehicle body care requirements vary
according to geographic locations and
usage. Chemicals that are sprayed on
trees and road surfaces during other
seasons, are highly corrosive to the
286