2012 Lancia Thema check oil

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 char-
ger to the battery. Do not use a
“fast charger” to provide starting
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 con-
ditioning 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 con-
ditioning system. Some unap-
proved refrigerants are flammable
and can explode, injuring you.
Other unapproved refrigerants or
lubricants can cause the system to
fail, requiring costly repairs.
 The air conditioning system con-
tains refrigerant under high pres-
sure. To avoid risk of personal in-
jury 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
dealers or other service facilities using
recovery and recycling equipment.
NOTE:
Use only manufacturer approved
A/C system sealers, stop leak prod-
ucts, seal conditioners, compres-
sor oil, and refrigerants.
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.
261

WINDSHIELD WIPER
BLADES
Clean the rubber edges of the wiper
blades and the windshield periodi-
cally with a sponge or soft cloth and a
mild 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 geographical
area and frequency of use. Poor
performance of blades may be
present with chattering, marks,
water lines or wet spots. If any ofthese conditions are present, clean
the wiper blades or replace as nec-
essary.
ADDING WASHER FLUID
The windshield washer and the head-
light washer (for versions/markets,
where provided) share the same fluid
reservoir. The fluid reservoir is lo-
cated in the front of the engine com-
partment. Be sure to check the fluid
level in the reservoir at regular inter-
vals. Fill the reservoir with windshield
washer solvent (not radiator anti-
freeze) and operate 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) (for versions/markets,
where provided).
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.
263

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 manufactur
er's recom-
mended brake fluid. Refer to “Fluids,
Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for fur-
ther information.
WARNING!
 Use only manufactur er's recom-
mended brake fluid. Refer to
“Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Ve-
hicle” for further information. Us-
ing the wrong type of brake fluid
can severely damage your brake
system and/or impair its perfor-
mance. The proper type of brake
fluid for your vehicle is also iden-
tified on the original factory in-
stalled hydraulic master cylinder
reservoir.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
 To avoid contamination from for-
eign matter or moisture, use only
new brake fluid or fluid that has
been in a tightly closed container.
Keep the master cylinder reservoir
cap secured at all times. Brake
fluid in a open container absorbs
moisture from the air resulting in
a lower boiling point. This may
cause it to boil unexpectedly dur-
ing hard or prolonged braking,
resulting in sudden brake failure.
This could result in a accident.
 Overfilling the brake fluid reser-
voir can result in spilling brake
fluid on hot engine parts, causing
the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake
fluid can also damage painted and
vinyl surfaces, care should be
taken to avoid its contact with
these surfaces.
 Do not allow petroleum based
fluid to contaminate the brake
fluid. Brake seal components
could be damaged, causing partial
or complete brake failure. This
could result in an accident.
269

Fluid And Filter Changes
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule”
for the proper maintenance intervals.
If the transmission is disassembled for
any reason, the fluid and filter should
be changed.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.
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
metal in your vehicle. Outside park-
ing, which exposes your vehicle to air-
borne contaminants, road surfaces on
which the vehicle is operated, extreme
hot or cold weather and other extreme
conditions will have an adverse effect
on paint, metal trim, and underbody
protection.
The following maintenance recom-
mendations will enable you to obtain
maximum benefit from the corrosion
resistance built into your vehicle.
What Causes Corrosion?
Corrosion is the result of deterioration
or removal of paint and protective
coatings from your vehicle.
The most common causes are:
 Road salt, dirt, and moisture accu-
mulation.
 Stone and gravel impact.
 Insects, tree sap, and tar.
 Salt in the air near seacoast locali- ties.
 Atmospheric fallout/industrial pol- lutants.
Washing
 Wash your vehicle regularly. Al- ways wash your vehicle in the shade
using a mild car wash soap, and
rinse the panels completely with
clear water.
271

MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULE
MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULE – GASOLINE
ENGINE
The Scheduled Maintenance services
listed in this manual must be done at
the times or mileages specified to pro-
tect your vehicle warranty and ensure
the best vehicle performance and reli-
ability. More frequent maintenance
may be needed for vehicles in severe
operating conditions, such as dusty
areas and very short trip driving. In-
spection and service should also be
done anytime a malfunction is sus-
pected.
The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your
vehicle in for scheduled maintenance.On Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC) equipped vehicles “Oil
Change Required” will be displayed
in the EVIC and a single chime will
sound, indicating that an oil change is
necessary.
The oil change indicator message will
illuminate approximately 11 200 km
after the most recent oil change was
performed. Have your vehicle ser-
viced as soon as possible, within
800 km.
NOTE:
 The oil change indicator mes-
sage will not monitor the time
since the last oil change. Change
your vehicles oil if it has been
12 months since your last oil
change even if the oil change in-
dicator message is NOT illumi-
nated.  Under no circumstances should
oil change intervals exceed
12 000 km or 12 months, which-
ever comes first.
Your authorized dealer will reset the
oil change indicator message after
completing the scheduled oil change.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required
maintenance items may result in
damage to the vehicle.
Thousands Of Kilometers 24 48 72 96 120 144 168 192
Months 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96
Flush and replace the engine coolant (or at 60 months). 
Inspect and replace PCV valve if necessary. 
Check battery charge status and possibly recharge.        
290

Thousands Of Kilometers24 48 72 96 120 144 168 192
Months 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96
Replace spark plugs. 
Replace air filter cartridge.    
Change engine oil and replace oil filter. Every 12.000 km or 12 months whichever comes first
Change brake fluid (or every 24 months). 
Replace pollen filter.        
(*) Change the automatic transmis-
sion fluid and filter(s) at 96 000 km
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.
Periodic Checks
Every 1 000 km or before long jour-
neys, check and, if necessary, restore:
 engine coolant;
 brake fluid;
 windshield washer fluid level;
 tire inflation pressure and condi- tion;
 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 tem-
peratures;
 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 ac- cessory drive belts;
 check and, if necessary, change en- gine oil and replace oil filter;
292

 check and, if necessary, replace pol-len filter;
 check and, if necessary, replace air cleaner filter.
MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULE – DIESEL
ENGINE
To help you have the best driving
experience possible, the manufacturer
has identified the specific vehicle
maintenance service intervals that are
required to keep your vehicle operat-
ing properly and safely. The manufacturer recommends that
these maintenance intervals be per-
formed at your selling dealer. The
technicians at your dealership know
your vehicle best, and have access to
factory trained information, genuine
LANCIA parts, and specially designed
electronic and mechanical tools that
can help prevent future costly repairs.
The maintenance intervals shown
should be performed as indicated in
this section.
NOTE:
Under no circumstances should oil
change intervals exceed 20 000 km
or 12 months, whichever comes
first.
CAUTION!
Failure to perform the required
maintenance items may result in
damage to the vehicle.
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following pages for the required maintenance intervals.
Thousands Of Kilometers 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160
Months 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96
Flush and replace the engine coolant (or at 60 months). 
Check battery charge status and possibly recharge.        
Check tire condition/wear and adjust pressure, if neces-
sary.        
Check operation of lighting system (headlamps, direction
indicators, hazard warning lights, luggage compartment,
passenger compartment, glove compartment, instrument
panel warning lights, etc.).        
293

Thousands Of Kilometers20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160
Months 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96
Check operation of windscreen washer system and adjust
jets if necessary.        
Check windshield/rear window wiper blade position/
wear.        
Check cleanliness of hood and tailgate locks and cleanli-
ness and lubrication of linkages.        
Visually inspect condition of: exterior bodywork, under-
body protection, pipes and hoses (exhaust - fuel system -
brakes), rubber elements (boots, sleeves, bushes, etc.).        
Check conditions and wear of front disc brake pads.        
Check conditions and wear of rear disc brake pads.        
Check and, if necessary, top up fluid levels (brakes,
windshield washer, battery, engine coolant, etc.).        
Visually inspect the condition of accessory drive belt/s. 
Adjust parking brake shoes as necessary. 
Check exhaust gas emissions.        
Check engine management system operation (via diag-
nostic socket).        
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.        
294