2008 Lancia Delta Owner handbook (in English)

152STARTING UP AND DRIVING
To engage reverse gear R from neutral, raise ring A un-
der the knob and at the same time move the gearshift lever
to the left and then forwards.
For the 1.6 Multijet version: To engage reverse R from neu-
tral, raise ring A under the knob and at the same time
move the gearshift lever to the right and then backwards.
IMPORTANT The clutch pedal should only be used to
change gear. Do not drive with you foot resting on the
clutch pedal, even lightly. For versions / markets where
provided, the electronic clutch control could cut in by in-
terpreting the anomalous driving style as a fault.
Press the clutch pedal fully to change gears
correctly. For this reason, there must be no
obstacles on the floor under the pedals: en-
sure that rubber mats (if any) are correctly posi-
tioned, not interfering with the pedals.
Do not drive with your hand resting on the
gear lever, because this pressure, even if light,
over time can wear out the gearbox inner
components.
REDUCING RUNNING COSTS
Here are some useful tips to save fuel and minimize pol-
luting emissions of CO
2and other pollutants (nitric oxide,
unburnt hydrocarbons, fine dusts etc…).
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Car maintenance
Have checks and adjustments carried out in accordance
with the “Scheduled Service Plan”.
Tyres
Check tyre pressure regularly, at least once every four
weeks: excessively low pressure will increase fuel con-
sumption because rolling resistance will be higher.
Unnecessary loads
Do not travel with an overloaded boot. Do not travel with
too much luggage stowed in the boot. The weight of the
car (especially when driving in town) and its trim great-
ly affect fuel consumption and stability.

STARTING UP AND DRIVING153
3
Accessories fitted on longitudinal bars
Remove any accessories such as: longitudinal bars, ski
racks, luggage rack, from the roof if they are not being
used. These accessories decrease aerodynamic penetration
and have a negative effect on fuel consumption. It is bet-
ter to use a trailer to transport particularly bulky objects.
Electrical devices
Use electrical devices only for the amount of time needed.
The heated rear windscreen, additional headlights, wind-
screen wipers and heater fan need a considerable amount
of energy; increasing the requirement of current increas-
es fuel consumption (up to +25% in the urban cycle).
Climate control
The climate control system leads to higher fuel consump-
tion (up to +20% on average): use air vents only when the
external temperature allows.
Spoilers
The use of non-certified aerodynamic items may adversely
affect air drag and fuel consumption levels.DRIVING STYLE
Starting
Do not warm the engine up with the car standing: the en-
gine warms up very slowly in these conditions, increas-
ing fuel consumption and emissions. It is advisable to start
off immediately and slowly keeping the engine speed
down: the engine will warm up much faster this way.
Unnecessary actions
Avoid revving up when starting at traffic lights or before
stopping the engine. The latter action, like doubling the
clutch, is unnecessary and causes increased fuel con-
sumption and pollution.
Gear selection
Use a higher gear as soon as traffic and road conditions
allow. Using a low gear for faster acceleration will increase
fuel consumption.
In the same way improper use of a high gear increases
fuel consumption, emissions and engine wear.
Top speed
Fuel consumption considerably increases as speed in-
creases. Keep your speed as even as possible, avoiding un-
necessary braking and acceleration, which cause excessive
fuel consumption and increased emissions.

154STARTING UP AND DRIVING
Acceleration
Sudden acceleration has a very negative effect on fuel con-
sumption and emissions: accelerate gradually.
CONDITIONS OF USE
Cold starting
Short distances and frequent cold start-ups will prevent
the engine from reaching optimal running temperature.
Consequently, both fuel consumption (from +15 to +30%
on urban cycle ) and emissions will increase.
Traffic and road conditions
Rather high fuel consumption is caused by heavy traffic,
for instance when travelling in a queue with frequent use
of low gears or in cities with many traffic lights. Moun-
tain and rough roads also have a negative effect on fuel
consumption.
Traffic hold-ups
During prolonged hold-ups (level crossings) the engine
should be switched off.TOWING TRAILERS
IMPORTANT NOTES
The car must be provided with a type-approved tow hitch
and adequate electrical system to tow caravans or trail-
ers. Installation must be performed by specialised per-
sonnel who will issue the required papers for travelling on
roads.
Install any specific and/or additional rear-view mirrors as
specified by the Highway Code.
Remember that when towing a trailer, steep hills are hard-
er to climb, braking distances increase and overtaking
takes longer depending on the overall weight of the trail-
er.
Engage a low gear when driving downhill, rather than con-
stantly using the brake.
The weight of the trailer on the car’s tow hitch will reduce
the loading capacity of the car by the same amount. Con-
sider the weight of the vehicle at full load, including ac-
cessories and luggage to make sure you do not exceed the
maximum towable weight (shown on the registration cer-
tificate).
Respect the speed limits specific for each country for ve-
hicles towing trailers. In all cases, the top speed must not
exceed 100 km/h.

STARTING UP AND DRIVING155
3
The ABS with which the car may be equipped
will not control the braking system of the
trailer. Take specific care when travelling on
slippery roads.
Never modify the braking system of the car
to control the trailer brake. The trailer brak-
ing system must be fully independent from
the hydraulic system of the car.
SNOW TYRES
Use snow tyres of the same size as the normal tyres pro-
vided with the car.
A Lancia Dealership will be happy to provide advice con-
cerning the most suitable type of tyre for your require-
ments.
For the type of tyre to be used, inflation pressures and the
specifications of snow tyres, follow the instructions given
in paragraph “Wheels” in chapter “6”.
The performance of these tyres is considerably reduced
when the tread thickness is less than 4 mm. Replace them
in this case.Due to their specific features, the performance of snow
tyres is much lower than that of standard tyres in nor-
mal conditions or long motorway stretches. Limit their use
to the use for which they were approved.
IMPORTANT When using snow tyres with a maximum
speed rating different from that of the vehicle (increased
by 5%), place a clearly visible warning sign in the pas-
senger compartment warning other drivers of the maxi-
mum speed rating of the snow tyres used (as required by
EC directive).
All four tyres should be the same (brand and track) to en-
sure greater safety when driving, during braking and bet-
ter driveability.
Remember that it is inappropriate to change the direction
of rotation of tyres.
Snow tyres marked with a “Q” must not ex-
ceed 160 km/h, respecting the applicable
rules of the Highway Code.

156STARTING UP AND DRIVING
Keep your speed down when snow chains are
fitted. Do not exceed 50 km/h. Avoid potholes,
steps and pavements and avoid also driving
for long distances on roads not covered with snow
to avoid damaging the car and the roadbed.
SNOW CHAINS
The use of snow chains should be in compliance with lo-
cal regulations.
Snow chains may be applied only to the front wheel tyres
(drive wheels).
Check the tension of the chains after the first few metres
have been driven.
IMPORTANT The spare wheel cannot be fitted with snow
chains. If the front tyre has a puncture, replace a rear wheel
with the spare wheel and move the rear wheel to the front
axle. This way, having two standard size wheels on the
front axle, is it possible to fit the chains.
EXTENDED CAR INACTIVITY
If the car is to be left inactive for longer than a month, the
following precautions should be observed:
park the car in covered, dry and if possible well-ven-
tilated place;
engage a gear;
check that the handbrake is not engaged;
disconnect battery negative terminal and check the bat-
tery charge (see paragraph “Battery - Charge and elec-
trolyte level check” in chapter “5”);
clean and protect the painted parts of the vehicle with
protective wax;
clean and protect the shiny metal parts using special
compounds readily available;
sprinkle talcum powder on the rubber windscreen and
rear window wiper blades and lift them off the glass;
slightly open the windows;
cover the car with a fabric or perforated plastic sheet.
Do not use compact plastic sheets which do not allow
humidity to evaporate from the surface of the car;
inflate the tyres to a pressure of +0.5 bar above the
normal specified pressure and check the pressure at
regular intervals;
do not drain the engine cooling system.

IN AN EMERGENCY157
4
In an emergency we recommend that you call the toll-free number found on the
Warranty Booklet. You can also connect to the site www.lancia.com
to search for the nearest Lancia Dealership point
Starting the engine .................................................................. 158
Fix&Go automatic quick tyre repair kit.................................... 159
Changing a wheel .................................................................... 167
Changing a bulb ...................................................................... 174
Changing an exterior bulb ....................................................... 178
Changing an interior bulb ....................................................... 183
Changing fuses ........................................................................ 187
Recharging the battery ............................................................ 195
Lifting the car ......................................................................... 195
Towing the car ........................................................................ 196

158IN AN EMERGENCY
STARTING THE ENGINE
Go to a Lancia Dealership immediately if instrument pan-
el warning light
Yremains on constantly.
JUMP STARTING fig. 1
If the battery is flat, the engine may be started using an
auxiliary battery with the same capacity or a little high-
er than the flat one.
Proceed as follows to start the car:
connect the positive terminals (+ sign near the termi-
nal) of the two batteries with a jump lead;
with a second lead, connect the negative terminal –
of the auxiliary battery to an earth point E
on the en-
gine or the gearbox of the car to be started;
start the engine;
when engine has started, remove the cables by revers-
ing the sequence described for connection.
fig. 1L0E0074m
Never use a quick battery charger for an
emergency start: this could damage the elec-
tronic systems and the engine fuel feed and
ignition control units.
This starting procedure must be carried out
by expert personnel as incorrect manoeuvres
can cause electrical discharges of consider-
able intensity. Furthermore, battery fluid is poiso-
nous and corrosive: avoid contact with your skin
and eyes. Keep naked flames away from the battery.
No smoking. Do not cause sparks.

IN AN EMERGENCY159
4
If after several attempts the engine will not start, do not
keep trying but contact a Lancia Dealership.
IMPORTANT Never connect the negative terminals of the
two batteries directly: sparks could ignite explosive gas re-
leased from the battery. If the auxiliary battery is installed
on another car, prevent accidental contact between metal-
lic parts of the two cars.
BUMP STARTING
Never bump start the engine by pushing, towing or dri-
ving downhill.
This could cause a flow of fuel into the catalytic convert-
er and damage it beyond repair.
IMPORTANT Remember that the brake servo and the
power steering system (if present) are not operative until
the engine is started, a greater effort will therefore be re-
quired to press the brake pedal or turn the steering wheel.QUICK TYRE REPAIR KIT -
FIX & GO AUTOMATIC
The quick tyre repair kitFix & Go automatic is placed in
the luggage compartment.
The kit fig. 2 includes:
a cylinder A containing sealing liquid and fitted with:
– a filling pipe B;
– an adhesive label C bearing the words “max. 80
km/h”, to be attached in a position easily visible to
the driver (on the dashboard) after tyre repair;
fig. 2L0E0075m