ESP Lancia Thesis 2008 Owner handbook (in English)

186
MANUAL SEQUENTIAL
OPERATION
To use the manual sequential oper-
ation move the lever to the two-posi-
tion left sector (fig. 137):
(+) = higher gear
(–) = lower gear.
Shifting to the manual sequential
sector is possible only from position
D: the gear automatically selected
when the lever is moved will remain
engaged.
It is possible to pass to the gear
manual sequential control in any
driving condition.
To engage a higher gear, move the
lever to (+) and to shift a lower gear
move the lever to (–).IMPORTANTIf gear shift gener-
ates a runaway speed rate, such gear
is cancelled by the electronic control
unit and the driver is warned by a
buzzer and by the engaged gear
flashing on the instrument panel dis-
play.
When the manual
sequential operation is
set, gears shall be shifted
manually, as for versions with the
traditional manual gearbox. Only
when the car stops the gear auto-
matically engaged is the first one.If the lever is brought back to Dthe
gearbox immediately starts to work
automatically and will be engaged
according to the type of driving
selected.
IMPORTANTThe electronic con-
trol unit is programmed to shift one
gear at a time, therefore rapid and
repeated actions do not correspond
to rapid and repeated gear engaging.
A higher or lower gear is engaged by
shifting the lever to position (+) or
(–) after the previous request has
been realized.
In case of failure of the manual
sequential system, the electronic
control unit will select the automatic
operation.

189
If these rules are not
respected, the automatic
gearbox might be severely
damaged.
The car can be towed only for
short distances and at a low
speed: if it is necessary to tow it
for a longer distance, raise the
driving wheels so that the gear-
box is not dragged during towing. TOWING THE CAR
IMPORTANTTo tow the car
observe local current laws and fol-
low the instructions contained in
chapter “In an emergency”.
If the car must be towed, observe
the following precautions:
– if possible, transfer the car on a
towtruck
– otherwise, tow the car by raising
the front driving wheels
– even if the latter solution is not
possible, the car can be towed for
less than 50 Km at a speed of 50
km/h.
Towing shall be performed with
gear lever to N.Before starting towing,
disengage the parking
brake as described in the
relevant paragraph and leave the
Keyless System CID (if any) in the
passenger’s compartment to pre-
vent automatic steering lock. Do
not tow the car with the engine
running.
ESP AND ASR
SYSTEMS
ESP SYSTEM (ELECTRONIC
STABILITY PROGRAM):
GENERAL
ESP is an electronic system con-
trolling the car stability which
affects the driving torque and brakes
the wheels in a different way in case
of grip loss, thus making the car
recover the right driving direction.
During driving the car is subject to
side and longitudinal forces which
can be controlled by the driver until
tire grip is acceptable. When the lat-
ter is lower than the minimum level,
the car starts skidding.
If the road bed is uneven (bumpy
road, presence of ice, mould, etc.)
tyre grip is considerably reduced. In
these conditions, when extreme
manoeuvres are made, the car might
start skidding.

190
If the sensors detect the conditions
which might cause car skidding, the
ESP system affects the engine and
the brakes by generating a torque
which makes the car recover the
right driving direction.
The system operations,
in terms of safety, should
not make the driver run
useless risks. The driving behav-
iour must always be appropriate,
according to the conditions of the
road bed, visibility and traffic.
Anyway, the driver is held
responsible for a safe driving.
The ESP system helps the driver
control the car in case of tyre grip
loss, however the forces used by
the system to control the car sta-
bility still depend on the grip
ratio between tyres and road bed.ESP SYSTEM OPERATION
ESP is automatically started when
the car is started and it cannot be
disengaged. On the contrary, it is
possible to exclude the ASR system
by pressing the related button on the
central console.
The ESP main components are the
following:
– an electric-hydraulic control unit
processing signals coming from the
various sensors and choosing the
most appropriate strategy by operat-
ing solenoid valves and the engine
control unit;
– a sensor detecting the steering
wheel rotation angle;
– 4 sensors detecting the rotation
speed of each wheel;
– a sensor detecting the car rota-
tion around a vertical axis;
– a sensor detecting side accelera-
tion (centrifugal force).The ESP core is a sensor, of aero-
nautic origin, detecting the car rota-
tions around its vertical axis.
Centrifugal forces generated when
the car is cornering are detected by a
high-sensitive side acceleration sen-
sor.
The ESP stabilizing action is based
on the signals coming from the steer-
ing wheel rotation sensors, from the
side acceleration sensors and the
wheel speed sensors, thus recogniz-
ing the driving direction selected by
the driver when turning the steering
wheel.
The control unit processes each
information coming from the sensors
and is able to recognize every single
moment of the car position and to
compare it with the direction the
driver is willing to follow. In case of
discrepancy, the control unit
instantly selects and controls the
most appropriate actions to make
the car recover the required direc-
tion: it brakes with a different inten-
sity one or more wheels and, if nec-
essary, reduces the power supplied
by the engine. Corrections are con-

191
To make ESP, ASR and
ABS systems work prop-
erly, the tyres must
absolutely be of the same brand
and type on all wheels, in perfect
conditions and, above all, of type,
brand and size specified. stantly changed and controlled in
the attempt to keep the driver’s
direction.
The ESP system considerably
increases the car safety in several
critical conditions and it is particu-
larly useful during overtaking, when
the grip conditions on the road bed
change.ASR FUNCTION (ANTISLIP
REGULATION)
General
The ASR function is part of the
ESP system and it checks the car
drive, taking action every time one
or both driving wheels slip, thus pre-
venting car instability and tyre wear.
On the basis of slipping conditions,
two different check systems are acti-
vated:
– if slipping affects both driving
wheels, as a result of the excessive
force transmitted, the ASR function
reduces the power supplied by the
engine;
– if slipping affects only one of the
driving wheels, the ASR function
automatically brakes the slipping
wheel, with an effect similar to the
self-locking differential.The action of the ASR function is
particularly useful in the following
conditions:
– internal wheel slipping when cor-
nering due to load dynamic varia-
tions and excessive acceleration;
– excessive power supplied to
wheels according to the road bed;
– acceleration on slippery ground,
covered with snow or ice;
– in case of grip loss on wet ground
(aquaplaning).
ASR function activation
The ASR function is activated
automatically whenever the engine
is started.
During driving it is possible to dis-
engage and engage this function by
pressing button A(fig. 142) on the
central console.
When the ASR function is on, sym-
bolVis lighted on the multifunc-
tion display together with the mes-
sage “ASR ON”.

192
When the ASR function is off, sym-
bolVis lighted on the multifunc-
tion display together with the mes-
sage “ASR OFF”.
The function deactivation is indi-
cated by switching on of the related
warning light Bon the button. If this
function is deactivated during dri-
ving, it will be reactivated automat-
ically at the following start up.
IMPORTANTDuring driving on a
snow-covered ground, with snow
chains on, it might be useful to deac-
tivate the ASR function: in these
conditions driving wheel slipping at
start up is useful to reach higher
drive.MSR SYSTEM
(ENGINE DRIVE ADJUSTMENT)
The car is fitted with a system, part
of ASR, affecting the engine torque
in case of sudden gear shift, thus
preventing excessive driving wheel
dragging which, in extremely low
grip conditions, can make the car
loose stability.
ESP SYSTEM ACTION
The ESP action is indicated by
flashing of warning light áon the
instrument panel, to inform the dri-
ver that the car is in critical stability
and grip conditions.
ESP AND ASR FAILURE
INDICATION
In case of failure, ESP and ASR
systems are automatically deactivat-
ed and symbol áand message “ESP
FAULT” will come on with fixed
light on the multifunction display
together with warning light Bon the
ASR button.
If the failure affects only the ESP
system, symbol áand message“ESP FAULT” are lighted on the
multifunction display, while the
warning light on button Bis off and
the ASR system remains operating.
If the failure affects only the ESP
system, symbol áand message
“ESP FAULT” are lighted on the
multifunction display, while the
warning light on button Bis off and
the ASR system remains operating.
In case of ESP or ASR failure, the
car behaves in the same way as a car
that is not fitted with this system: in
any case it is advisable to contact a
Lancia Dealershipas soon as pos-
sible.
fig. 142
L0A0243b

193
The following table summarizes warning light indications according to the different operating conditions.
Operating or failure conditions
Engine start up (key turned to MAR)
Driving in
normal
conditions
Driving inconditions which
might lead to
slipping
ASR fault
ESP fault
System condition
Warning light check
ASR on
ESP on
ASR off
ESP on
ASR active
ESP active
ASR off
ESP active
ASR and ESP off
ASR on
ESP off ASR on
ASR off
manually
ASR on
ASR off
manuallyASR button warning light
On for about 3 seconds
Off
On
Off
On
On
OffESP warning light on
instrument panel
On for about 4 seconds
Off
Off
Flashing
Flashing
On
On
INITIALISING THE ESP SYSTEM CONTROL UNIT
Whenever the battery is electrically connected again or it is reloaded after being completely flat or after replacing one of
the protection fuses, to restore the correct operation of the ESP system, of the door locking, and of the air conditioning, it
is necessary to perform the initialisation operations contained in the paragraph “If battery is to be disconnected” in the chap-
ter “In an emergency”.

194
CRUISE CONTROL
(CONSTANT SPEED
REGULATOR)
GENERAL
The electronic cruise control allows
to drive your car at the required
speed without pressing the accelera-
tor pedal. This reduces fatigue when
driving on motorways, especially
during long journeys, because the
set speed is automatically main-
tained.
IMPORTANTThe device can only
be set to speeds exceeding 30 km/h
(40 to 180 km/h for 2.4 JTD 20V
CAE version).The cruise control must
only be used when the
road and traffic condi-
tions allow to keep a constant
speed in total safety for an ade-
quately long time.CONTROLS (fig. 143)
The cruise control is operated by
means of switch A, ring Band but-
tonC(RCL).
SwitchAhas two positions:
–OFFin this position, the device is
off
–ONthis is the normal device
operating position. When the device
is ON, symbol Ülights up on the
multifunction display, together with
message “CRUISE CONTROL ON”.
RingBis used to set and maintain
the car speed or to increase or
decrease the set speed.
The device is automatically
switched off when:
– the brake pedal is pressed
– the clutch pedal is pressed
– the gear lever is unintentionally
shifted to N.
In versions with auto-
matic transmission, never
shift the lever to N when
the car is running.
fig. 143
L0A0208b

196
or
– by momentarily turning ring Bto
(+): each turn of the ring will corre-
spond to a small speed increase
(approximately 1 km/h), while a
continuous pressure will correspond
to a continuous speed increase.
Release ring B: the new speed will
automatically be stored.
Reducing the stored speed
The stored speed can be decreased
in two ways:
– by switching the device off (e.g.
by pressing the brake pedal) and
then storing the new speed (turning
ringBto (+) for longer than three
seconds)
or
– by turning ring Bto (–) until the
new speed is reached. The new speed
will automatically be stored.Deleting the stored speed
The stored speed is automatically
deleted when:
– the engine is stopped
or
– switch Ais turned to OFF.
When driving with the
cruise control, do not
shift the gear lever to neu-
tral. You should only switch the
cruise control on when the traffic
and road conditions allow this in
complete safety, i.e. straight and
dry roads, motorways, fast mov-
ing traffic and smooth road sur-
face. Do not use the device in
cities or in heavy traffic.The cruise control can
be switched on at speeds
higher than 30 km/h (40
to 180 km/h for 2.4 JTD 20V CAE
version). The device can only be
switched on in 4th, 5th or 6th
gear, according to car speed. In
versions with automatic trans-
mission, the device must only be
switched on with the gear lever at
D during automatic operation
without shifting the lever subse-
quently, or with the 3
rdor 4thgear
engaged during manual sequen-
tial operation.
When travelling down-hill the
speed may increase with respect
to the stored value according to
the change in engine load.

197
RADAR CRUISE
CONTROL (RCC)
(where provided)
GENERAL
The Radar Cruise Control (RCC)
assists the driver by monitoring both
the cruise speed and the distance of
the vehicle ahead along the running
path: it allows to drive your car at
the required speed, without pressing
the accelerator pedal.
The system reduces fatigue when
driving on motorways, especially
during long journeys, since the
stored speed is maintained automat-
ically; moreover, the system con-
tributes to keeping a safe distance
from the vehicle ahead. Constant
speed driving also allows to cut
down fuel consumption and makes
traffic smoother.The Radar Cruise
Control is not an “auto-
matic pilot” but a driver-
assisting device; therefore, only
the driver is responsible for
his/her driving behaviour and
must comply with the highway
code regulations in force, as well
as with any other provision con-
cerning road traffic.
This system detects just
moving vehicles and
ignores whatever immo-
bile object.The Radar Cruise
Control is not an anti-col-
lision device: it cannot
detect the presence of obstacles
on the road or stop the car in case
of danger. Any action performed
by the driver on the brake or
accelerator pedals takes priority
over the cruise control system; for
this reason, the responsibility for
road safety always rests with the
driver.
The system is electronically con-
trolled, self-contained and, there-
fore, does not require communica-
tion with other vehicles or the pres-
ence of similar systems on the other
vehicles.
The system cannot actu-
ate emergency braking:
the maximum decelera-
tion automatically performed by
the system is limited compared to
the actual braking power of the
brake system; therefore, emer-
gency braking can and must be
performed only by the driver.

200
Storing the speed
Move ring Ato any position other
thanOFFand take the car to the
required speed.
Turn ring Bto (+), then release it.
The car speed will be stored and
shown on the instrument panel dis-
play; now, the accelerator pedal can
be released.
The car will continue at the con-
stant speed until one of the following
events occur:
– the brake pedal is pressed
– presence of a vehicle running
ahead more slowly along the run-
ning path, in the same running
direction.
IMPORTANTIf required (e.g. for
overtaking) you can accelerate sim-
ply by pressing the accelerator. The
car will return to the previously set
speed when the accelerator pedal is
released. If 160 km/h speed is
exceeded, restore the stored speed by
pressingC(RCL).Resetting the stored speed
If the system has been switched off
by pressing the brake pedal, the
stored speed can be resumed by
pressing button C(RCL).
Increasing the stored speed
The stored speed can be increased
in two ways:
– by pressing the accelerator and
storing the new speed (turning ring
Bto (+)
or
– by temporarily turning ring Bto
(+): each turn of the ring will corre-
spond to a 10 km/h speed increase,
while a continuous pressure will cor-
respond to a continuous speed
increase at intervals of 10 km/h.
Release ring B: the new speed will
automatically be stored.
The new set speed will be shown on
the display in place of the previous
one.Reducing the stored speed
The stored speed can be decreased
in two ways:
– by switching the device off (e.g.
by pressing the brake pedal) and
then storing the new speed (turning
ringBto (+)
or
– by turning ring Bto (-) until the
new speed is reached. The new speed
will automatically be stored.
The new set speed will be shown on
the display in place of the previous
one.