2012 Lancia Thema Owner handbook (in English)

ESC Operating Modes
The ESC system has two available
operating modes:
ESC On
This is the normal operating mode for
the ESC. Whenever the vehicle is
started, the ESC system will be in this
mode. This mode should be used for
most driving conditions. The ESC
should only be turned OFF for spe-
cific reasons as noted in the following
paragraphs.
Partial Off
The “Partial Off” mode is intended
for times when a more spirited driving
experience is desired. It is also in-
tended for driving in deep snow, sand,
or gravel. This mode disables the TCS
portion of the ESC and raises the
threshold for ESC activation, which
allows for more wheel spin than what
ESC normally allows.
The “ESC Off” switch is located on
the switch bank in the center of the
instrument panel. To enter the “Par-tial Off” mode, momentarily press the
“ESC Off” switch and the “ESC
Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light” will illuminate. To turn the
ESC on again, momentarily press the
“ESC Off” switch and the “ESC
Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light” will turn off.
NOTE:
 When in “Partial Off” mode, the
TCS functionality of ESC, (ex-
cept for the limited slip feature
described in the TCS section),
has been disabled and the “ESC
Off Indicator Light” will be illu-
minated. All other stability fea-
tures of ESC function normally.
When in “Partial Off” mode, the
engine power reduction feature
of TCS is disabled, and the en-
hanced vehicle stability offered
by the ESC system is reduced.
 To improve the vehicle's traction when driving with snow chains,
or when starting off in deep
snow, sand, or gravel, it may be desirable to switch to the “Par-
tial Off” mode by momentarily
pressing the “ESC Off” switch.
Once the situation requiring
“Partial Off” mode is overcome,
turn the ESC on again by mo-
mentarily pressing the “ESC Off”
switch. This may be done while
the vehicle is in motion.
HILL START ASSIST (HSA)
The HSA system is designed to assist
the driver when starting a vehicle
from a stop on a hill. HSA will main-
tain the level of brake pressure the
driver applied for a short period of
time after the driver takes their foot
off of the brake pedal. If the driver
does not apply the throttle during this
short period of time, the system will
release brake pressure and the vehicle
will roll down the hill. The system will
release brake pressure in proportion
to the amount of throttle applied as
the vehicle starts to move in the in-
tended direction of travel.
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HSA Activation Criteria
The following criteria must be met in
order for HSA to activate:
 Vehicle must be stopped.
 Vehicle must be on a 6% (approxi-mate) grade or greater hill.
 Gear selection matches vehicle up- hill direction (i.e., vehicle facing
uphill is in forward gear; vehicle
backing uphill is in REVERSE
gear).
HSA will work in REVERSE and all
forward gears when the activation cri-
teria have been met. The system will
not activate if the vehicle is placed in
NEUTRAL or PARK.WARNING!
There may be situations on minor
hills (i.e., less than 8%), with a
loaded vehicle, or while pulling a
trailer, when the system will not ac-
tivate and slight rolling may occur.
This could cause a collision with an-
other vehicle or object. Always re-
member the driver is responsible for
braking the vehicle. Towing With HSA
HSA will provide assistance when
starting on a grade when pulling a
trailer.
WARNING!
 If you use a trailer brake control-
ler with your trailer, your trailer
brakes may be activated and de-
activated with the brake switch. If
so, when the brake pedal is re-
leased, there may not be enough
brake pressure to hold the vehicle
and trailer on a hill and this could
cause a collision with another ve-
hicle or object behind you. In or-
der to avoid rolling down the hill
while resuming acceleration,
manually activate the trailer
brake prior to releasing the brake
pedal. Always remember the
driver is responsible for braking
the vehicle.
 HSA is not a parking brake. Al-
ways apply the parking brake
fully when leaving your vehicle.
Also, be certain to leave the trans-
mission in PARK.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
 Failure to follow these warnings
may cause the vehicle to roll down
the incline and could collide with
another vehicle, object or person,
and cause serious or fatal injury.
Always remember to use the park-
ing brake while parking on a hill
and that the driver is responsible
for braking the vehicle.
HSA Off
If you wish to turn off the HSA sys-
tem, it can be done using the Cus-
tomer Programmable Features in the
Uconnect Touch™ System. Refer to
“Uconnect TOUCH™ SETTINGS” in
“Understanding Your Instrument
Panel” for further information.
READY ALERT BRAKING
Ready Alert Braking may reduce the
time required to reach full braking
during emergency braking situations.
It anticipates when an emergency
braking situation may occur by moni-
toring how fast the throttle is released
by the driver. When the throttle is
released very quickly, Ready Alert
Braking applies a small amount of
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brake pressure. This brake pressure
will not be noticed by the driver. The
brake system uses this brake pressure
to allow a fast brake response if the
driver applies the brakes.
RAIN BRAKE SUPPORT
Rain Brake Support may improve
braking performance in wet condi-
tions. It will periodically apply a small
amount of brake pressure to remove
any water buildup on the front brake
rotors. It only functions when the
windshield wipers are in the LO or HI
mode, it does not function in the in-
termittent mode. When Rain Brake
Support is active, there is no notifica-
tion to the driver and no driver inter-
action is required.
ESC ACTIVATION/
MALFUNCTION
INDICATOR LIGHT AND
ESC OFF INDICATOR
LIGHTThe “ESC Activation/
Malfunction Indicator
Light” in the instrument
cluster will come on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON
position. It should go out with the
engine running. If the “ESC
Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light” comes on continuously with
the engine running, a malfunction has
been detected in the ESC system. If
this light remains on after several ig-
nition cycles, and the vehicle has been
driven several kilometers at speeds
greater than 48 km/h, see your autho-
rized dealer as soon as possible to
have the problem diagnosed and cor-
rected.
The “ESC Activation/Malfunction In-
dicator Light” (located in the instru-
ment cluster) starts to flash as soon as
the tires lose traction and the ESC
system becomes active. The “ESC
Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light” also flashes when TCS is ac-
tive. If the “ESC Activation/
Malfunction Indicator Light” begins
to flash during acceleration, ease up
on the accelerator and apply as little
throttle as possible. Be sure to adapt
your speed and driving to the prevail-
ing road conditions.
NOTE:
 The “ESC Activation/
Malfunction Indicator Light”
and the “ESC OFF Indicator
Light” come on momentarily
each time the ignition switch is
turned ON.
 Each time the ignition is turned ON, the ESC system will be ON
even if it was turned off previ-
ously.
 The ESC system will make buzz- ing or clicking sounds when it is
active. This is normal; the
sounds will stop when ESC be-
comes inactive following the
maneuver that caused the ESC
activation.
The “ESC OFF Indicator
Light” indicates the Elec-
tronic Stability Control
(ESC) is off.
SYNCHRONIZING ESC
If the power supply is inter-
rupted (battery disconnected
or discharged), the “ESC
Activation/Malfunction Indi-
cator Light” may illuminate with the
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engine running. If this should occur,
turn the steering wheel completely to
the left and then to the right. The “ESC
Activation/Malfunction Indicator
Light” should go out. However, if the
light remains on, have the ESC and BAS
checked at your authorized dealer as
soon as possible.TIRES — GENERAL
INFORMATION
TIRE PRESSURE
Proper tire inflation pressure is essen-
tial to the safe and satisfactory opera-
tion of your vehicle. Three primary
areas are affected by improper tire
pressure:
SafetyWARNING!
 Improperly inflated tires are dan-gerous and can cause collisions.
 Under-inflation increases tire
flexing and can result in tire over-
heating and failure.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
 Over-inflation reduces a tir e's
ability to cushion shock. Objects
on the road and chuckholes can
cause damage that result in tire
failure.
 Over -inflated or under-inflated
tires can affect vehicle handling
and can fail suddenly, resulting in
loss of vehicle control.
 Unequal tire pressures can cause
steering problems. You could lose
control of your vehicle.
 Unequal tire pressures from one
side of the vehicle to the other can
cause the vehicle to drift to the
right or left.
 Always drive with each tire in-
flated to the recommended cold
tire inflation pressure.
Economy
Improper inflation pressures can
cause uneven wear patterns to de-
velop across the tire tread. These ab-
normal wear patterns will reduce
tread life resulting in a need for earlier
tire replacement. Under-inflation also
increases tire rolling resistance result-
ing in higher fuel consumption. Ride Comfort And Vehicle
Stability
Proper tire inflation contributes to a
comfortable ride. Over-inflation pro-
duces a jarring and uncomfortable
ride.
TIRE INFLATION
PRESSURES
The proper cold tire inflation pressure
is listed on the
driver's side “B” Pillar
or rear edge of the driver's side door.
Some vehicles may have Supplemen-
tal Tire Pressure Information for ve-
hicle loads that are less than the maxi-
mum loaded vehicle condition. These
pressure conditions will be found in
the “Supplemental Tire Pressure In-
formation” section of this manual.
The pressure should be checked and
adjusted as well as inspecting for signs
of tire wear or visible damage at least
once a month. Use a good quality
pocket-type gauge to check tire pres-
sure. Do not make a visual judgement
when determining proper inflation.
Radial tires may look properly in-
flated even when they are under-
inflated.
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CAUTION!
After inspecting or adjusting the tire
pressure, always reinstall the valve
stem cap. This will prevent moisture
and dirt from entering the valve
stem, which could damage the valve
stem.
Inflation pressures specified on the
placard are always “cold tire inflation
pressure.” Cold tire inflation pressure
is defined as the tire pressure after the
vehicle has not been driven for at least
three hours, or driven less than
1.6 km after a three hour period. The
cold tire inflation pressure must not
exceed the maximum inflation pres-
sure molded into the tire sidewall.
Check tire pressures more often if
subject to a wide range of outdoor
temperatures, as tire pressures vary
with temperature changes.
Tire pressures change by approxi-
mately 0.07 BAR per 7°C of air tem-
perature change. Keep this in mind
when checking tire pressure inside a
garage, especially in the Winter. Example: If garage temperature =
20°C and the outside temperature =
0°C then the cold tire inflation pres-
sure should be increased by 0.21
BAR, which equals 0.07 kPa for every
7°C for this outside temperature con-
dition.
Tire pressure may increase from 0.13
to 0.4 BAR during operation. DO
NOT reduce this normal pressure
build up or your tire pressure will be
too low.
TIRE PRESSURES FOR
HIGH SPEED OPERATION
The manufacturer advocates driving
at safe speeds within posted speed
limits. Where speed limits or condi-
tions are such that the vehicle can be
driven at high speeds, maintaining
correct tire inflation pressure is very
important. Increased tire pressure
and reduced vehicle loading may be
required for high-speed vehicle op-
eration. Refer to original equipment
or an authorized tire dealer for recom-
mended safe operating speeds, load-
ing and cold tire inflation pressures.
WARNING!
High speed driving with your vehicle
under maximum load is dangerous.
The added strain on your tires could
cause them to fail. You could have a
serious collision. Do not drive a ve-
hicle loaded to the maximum capac-
ity at continuous speeds above
120 km/h.
RADIAL PLY TIRESWARNING!
Combining radial ply tires with
other types of tires on your vehicle
will cause your vehicle to handle
poorly. The instability could cause a
collision. Always use radial ply tires
in sets of four. Never combine them
with other types of tires.
Cuts and punctures in radial tires are
repairable only in the tread area be-
cause of sidewall flexing. Consult
your authorized tire dealer for radial
tire repairs.
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COMPACT SPARE TIRE (for
versions/markets, where
provided)
The compact spare is for temporary
emergency use only. You can identify
if your vehicle is equipped with a
compact spare by looking at the spare
tire description on the Tire and Load-
ing Information Placard located on
the driver’s side door opening or on
the sidewall of the tire. Compact spare
tire descriptions begin with the letter
“T” or “S” preceding the size desig-
nation. Example: T145/80D18
103M.
T, S = Temporary Spare Tire
Since this tire has limited tread life the
original equipment tire should be re-
paired (or replaced) and reinstalled
on your vehicle at the first opportu-
nity.
Do not install a wheel cover or at-
tempt to mount a conventional tire on
the compact spare wheel, since the
wheel is designed specifically for the
compact spare tire. Do not install
more than one compact spare tire and
wheel on the vehicle at any given time
WARNING!
Compact spares are for temporary
emergency use only. With these
spares, do not drive more than
50 mph (80 km/h). Temporary use
spares have limited tread life. When
the tread is worn to the tread wear
indicators, the temporary use spare
tire needs to be replaced. Be sure to
follow the warnings, which apply to
your spare. Failure to do so could
result in spare tire failure and loss of
vehicle control.
LIMITED-USE SPARE (for
versions/markets, where
provided)
The limited-use spare tire is for tem-
porary emergency use only. This tire is
identified by a label located on the
limited-use spare wheel. This label
contains the driving limitations for
this spare. This tire may look like the
original equipped tire on the front or
rear axle of your vehicle, but it is not.
Installation of this limited-use spare
tire affects vehicle handling. Since it is
not the same as your original equip-
ment tire, replace (or repair) the origi- nal equipment tire and reinstall on the
vehicle at the first opportunity.
WARNING!
Limited-use spares are for emer-
gency use only. Installation of this
limited-use spare tire affects vehicle
handling. With this tire, do not drive
more than the speed listed on the
limit-use spare wheel. Keep inflated
to the cold tire inflation pressure
listed on your Tire and Loading In-
formation Placard located on the
driver’s side door opening. Replace
(or repair) the original equipment
tire at the first opportunity and rein-
stall it on your vehicle. Failure to do
so could result in loss of vehicle con-
trol.
TIRE SPINNING
When stuck in mud, sand, snow, or ice
conditions, do not spin your vehicle's
wheels faster than 48 km/h or for
longer than 30 seconds continuously
without stopping when you are stuck.
216

WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be danger-
ous. Forces generated by excessive
wheel speeds may cause tire damage
or failure. A tire could explode and
injure someone. Do not spin your
vehicle's wheels faster than 48 km/h
or for more than 30 seconds con-
tinuously when you are stuck, and
do not let anyone near a spinning
wheel, no matter what the speed.
TREAD WEAR
INDICATORS
Tread wear indicators are in the origi-
nal equipment tires to help you in
determining when your tires should
be replaced. These indicators are molded into the
bottom of the tread grooves. They will
appear as bands when the tread depth
becomes 2 mm. When the tread is
worn to the tread wear indicators, the
tire should be replaced.
LIFE OF TIRE
The service life of a tire is dependent
upon varying factors including, but
not limited to:
 Driving style
 Tire pressure
 Distance driven
WARNING!
Tires and the spare tire should be
replaced after six years, regardless of
the remaining tread. Failure to fol-
low this warning can result in sud-
den tire failure. You could lose con-
trol and have a collision resulting in
serious injury or death.
Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry
place with as little exposure to light as
possible. Protect tires from contact
with oil, grease, and gasoline. REPLACEMENT TIRES
The tires on your new vehicle provide
a balance of many characteristics.
They should be inspected regularly
for wear and correct cold tire inflation
pressure. The manufacturer strongly
recommends that you use tires
equivalent to the originals in size,
quality and performance when re-
placement is needed. (Refer to the
paragraph on “Tread Wear Indica-
tors”). Refer to the “Tire and Loading
Information” placard for the size des-
ignation of your tire. The Load Index
and Speed Symbol for your tire will be
found on the original equipment tire
sidewall. See the Tire Sizing Chart
example found in the Tire Safety In-
formation section of this manual for
more information relating to the Load
Index and Speed Symbol of a tire.
It is recommended to replace the two
front tires or two rear tires as a pair.
Replacing just one tire can seriously
affect your vehicle’s handling. If you
ever replace a wheel, make sure that
the wheel’s specifications match those
of the original wheels.
1 — Worn Tire
2 — New Tire
217

It is recommended you contact your
original equipment or an authorized
tire dealer with any questions you
may have on tire specifications or ca-
pability. Failure to use equivalent re-
placement tires may adversely affect
the safety, handling, and ride of your
vehicle.WARNING!
 Do not use a tire, wheel size orrating other than that specified
for your vehicle. Some combina-
tions of unapproved tires and
wheels may change suspension di-
mensions and performance char-
acteristics, resulting in changes to
steering, handling, and braking of
your vehicle. This can cause un-
predictable handling and stress to
steering and suspension compo-
nents. You could lose control and
have a collision resulting in seri-
ous injury or death. Use only the
tire and wheel sizes with load rat-
ings approved for your vehicle.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
 Never use a tire with a smaller
load index or capacity, other than
what was originally equipped on
your vehicle. Using a tire with a
smaller load index could result in
tire overloading and failure. You
could lose control and have a col-
lision.
 Failure to equip your vehicle with
tires having adequate speed capa-
bility can result in sudden tire fail-
ure and loss of vehicle control.CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of
a different size may result in false
speedometer and odometer read-
ings.
TIRE CHAINS
Use of Security Chain Company
(SCC) Super Z6 SZ143 or Iceman Z6
IZ-643 cables or equivalent are rec-
ommended on 225/65R17 tires.
NOTE:
Do not use tire chains on a com-
pact spare tire.
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to your vehicle or
tires, observe the following precau-
tions:
 Use chains on 225/65R17 tires only.
 Because of restricted chain clear-
ance between tires and other sus-
pension components, it is impor-
tant that only chains in good
condition are used. Broken chains
can cause serious damage. Stop
the vehicle immediately if noise
occurs that could indicate chain
breakage. Remove the damaged
parts of the chain before further
use.
 Install chains on the rear wheels
as tightly as possible and then re-
tighten after driving about
0.8 km.
 Do not exceed 48 km/h.
 Drive cautiously and avoid severe
turns and large bumps, especially
with a loaded vehicle.
 Use on rear wheels only.
 Do not drive for prolonged period
on dry pavement.
(Continued)
218