2012 Lancia Thema maintenance

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.
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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, theparts 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
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.
Access Door
Filter Access Cover
A/C Air Filter
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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

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 orrear 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 seep
into 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 poison
you. To avoid breathing CO, refer to
“Safety Tips/Exhaust Gas” in
“Things To Do Before Starting Your
Vehicle” for further information.
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 re-
duce engine performance and cause
serious damage to the engine.
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, par-
ticularly involving engine misfire or
other apparent loss of performance,
have your vehicle serviced promptly.
Continued operation of your vehicle
with a severe malfunction could
cause the converter to overheat, re-
sulting in possible damage to the
converter and the vehicle.
264

NOTE:
Intentional tampering with emis-
sions control systems can result in
civil penalties being assessed
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 areas 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-
tur er'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 radiator cooling fan, disconnect the fan
motor lead or turn the ignition
switch to the LOCK position . The
fan is temperature controlled and
can start at any time the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
 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 radiator has
had time to cool. Never try to open
a cooling system pressure cap
when the radiator is hot.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,
265

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 considerableamount 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 the old engine
coolant (antifreeze) solution.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule”
for the proper maintenance intervals.
Selection Of Coolant
Use only the manufactur
er'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 engine
coolant (antifreeze), may result in
engine damage and may decrease
corrosion protection. If a non-
specified engine coolant (anti-
freeze) is introduced into the cool-
ing system in an emergency, it
should be replaced with the speci-
fied engine coolant (antifreeze) as
soon as possible.
(Continued)
CAUTION!(Continued)
 Do not use water alone or alcohol-
based engine coolant (antifreeze)
products. Do not use additional
rust inhibitors or antirust prod-
ucts, as they may not be compat-
ible with the radiator engine cool-
ant (antifreeze) and may plug the
radiator.
 This vehicle has not been de-
signed for use with propylene
glycol-based engine coolant (anti-
freeze). 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 five years or
168 000 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.
266

When additional engine coolant (an-
tifreeze) is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the
coolant bottle. Do not overfill.
Points To Remember
NOTE:
When the vehicle is stopped after a
few kilometers of operation, you
may observe vapor coming from
the front of the engine compart-
ment. This is normally a result of
moisture from rain, or high hu-
midity accumulating on the radia-
tor and being vaporized when the
thermostat opens, allowing hot en-
gine coolant (antifreeze) to enter
the radiator.
If an examination of your engine com-
partment shows no evidence of radia-
tor or hose leaks, the vehicle may be
safely driven. The vapor will soon dis-
sipate.
 Do not overfill the coolant recoverybottle.
 Check engine coolant (antifreeze) freeze point in the radiator and in
the coolant recovery bottle. If en-
gine coolant (antifreeze) needs to be added, contents of coolant re-
covery bottle must also be pro-
tected against freezing.
 If frequent engine coolant (anti- freeze) additions are required, or if
the level in the coolant recovery
bottle does not drop when the en-
gine cools, the cooling system
should be pressure tested for leaks.
 Maintain engine coolant (anti- freeze) concentration at 50% en-
gine coolant (antifreeze) (mini-
mum) and distilled water for
proper corrosion protection of your
engine, which contains aluminum
components.
 Make sure that the radiator and coolant recovery bottle overflow
hoses are not kinked or obstructed.
 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 rid-
ing on the brake pedal can result in
abnormally high brake tempera-
tures, excessive lining wear, and pos-
sible brake damage. You would not
have your full braking capacity in an
emergency.
268

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