2012 Lancia Thema steering

 DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES . . . . . . . . . 204 ACCELERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
 TRACTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
 DRIVING THROUGH WATER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204  FLOWING/RISING WATER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
 SHALLOW STANDING WATER . . . . . . . . . . . 205
 POWER STEERING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
 PARKING BRAKE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
 ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
 ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM . . . . 209  ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) . . . . . . . 209
 TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS) . . . . . . 209
 BRAKE ASSIST SYSTEM (BAS) . . . . . . . . . . . 209
 ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) . . 210
 HILL START ASSIST (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
 READY ALERT BRAKING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
 RAIN BRAKE SUPPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
 ESC ACTIVATION/MALFUNCTIONINDICATOR LIGHT AND ESC OFF
INDICATOR LIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
 SYNCHRONIZING ESC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
 TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . 214  TIRE PRESSURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
 TIRE INFLATION PRESSURES . . . . . . . . . . . 214
 TIRE PRESSURES FOR HIGH SPEEDOPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
188

OPERATION – 3.0L DIESEL
ENGINE
When the shift lever is in the DRIVE
position, the transmission will operate
automatically, shifting between the
five available gears. To engage
AutoStick®, simply move the shift le-
ver to the right or left (+/-) while in
the DRIVE position, or tap one of the
steering wheel-mounted shift paddles
(+/-), for versions/markets, where
provided. When AutoStick® is active,
the current transmission gear is dis-
played in the instrument cluster. In
AutoStick® mode, the transmission
will shift up or down when (+/-) is
manually selected by the driver (using
the shift lever, or the shift paddles [for
versions/markets, where provided]),
unless an engine lugging or overspeed
condition would result. It will remain
in the selected gear until another up-
shift or downshift is chosen, except as
described below.
 If AutoStick® is engaged while inDRIVE mode, the transmission will
automatically shift up when maxi-
mum engine speed is reached.  If AutoStick® is engaged while in
SPORT mode, the transmission will
remain in the selected gear even
when maximum engine speed is
reached. The transmission will up-
shift only when commanded by the
driver.
 The transmission will automati- cally downshift as the vehicle slows
down (to prevent engine lugging)
and will display the current gear.
 The transmission will automati- cally downshift to first gear when
coming to a stop. After a stop, the
driver should manually upshift (+)
the transmission as the vehicle is
accelerated.
 Heavily pressing the accelerator pedal will generate an automatic
downshift (for improved accelera-
tion) when reasonable.
 You can start out in first or second gear. Tapping (+) (at a stop) will
allow starting in second gear. Start-
ing out in second gear is helpful in
snowy or icy conditions.  The system will ignore attempts to
upshift at too low of a vehicle speed.
 Avoid using speed control when AutoStick® is engaged.
 Transmission shifting will be more crisp/abrupt when AutoStick® is
engaged.
To disengage AutoStick® mode, hold
the shift lever to the right or press and
hold the (+) shift paddle (for
versions/markets, where provided)
until “D” is once again displayed in
the instrument cluster. You can shift
in or out of the AutoStick® mode at
any time without taking your foot off
the accelerator pedal.
WARNING!
Do not downshift for additional en-
gine braking on a slippery surface.
The drive wheels could lose their
grip and the vehicle could skid,
causing a collision or personal in-
jury.
203

POWER STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with an
electro-hydraulic power steering sys-
tem that will give you good vehicle
response and increased ease of ma-
neuverability in tight spaces. The sys-
tem will vary its assist to provide light
efforts while parking and good feel
while driving. If the electro-hydraulic
power steering system experiences a
fault that prevents it from providing
power steering assist, then the system
will provide mechanical steering ca-
pability.CAUTION!
Extreme steering maneuvers may
cause the electrically driven pump to
reduce or stop power steering assis-
tance in order to prevent damage to
the system. Normal operation will
resume once the system is allowed to
cool.If the “SERVICE POWER
STEERING SYSTEM”
message and a flashing icon
are displayed on the EVIC
screen, it indicates that the vehicle
needs to be taken to the dealer for service. It is likely the vehicle has lost
power steering assistance. Refer to
“Electronic Vehicle Information Cen-
ter (EVIC)” in “Understanding Your
Instrument Panel” for further infor-
mation.
If the “POWER STEERING SYSTEM
OVER TEMP” message and an icon
are displayed on the EVIC screen, it
indicates that extreme steering ma-
neuvers may have occurred, which
caused an over temperature condition
in the power steering system. You will
lose power steering assistance mo-
mentarily until the over temperature
condition no longer exists. Once driv-
ing conditions are safe, then pull over
and let vehicle idle for a few moments
until the light turns off. Refer to
“Electronic Vehicle Information Cen-
ter (EVIC)” in “Understanding Your
Instrument Panel” for further infor-
mation.
NOTE:
 Even if power steering assis-
tance is no longer operational, it
is still possible to steer the ve-
hicle. Under these conditions
there will be a substantial in- crease in steering effort, espe-
cially at very low vehicle speeds
and during parking maneuvers.
 If the condition persists, see your authorized dealer for ser-
vice.
PARKING BRAKE
Before leaving the vehicle, make sure
that the parking brake is fully applied
and place the shift lever in the PARK
position.
The foot operated parking brake is
located below the lower left corner of
the instrument panel. To apply the
park brake, firmly push the park
brake pedal fully. To release the park-
ing brake, press the park brake pedal
a second time and let your foot up as
you feel the brake disengage.
Parking Brake
206

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE
SYSTEM
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
provides increased vehicle stability
and brake performance under most
braking conditions. The system auto-
matically “pumps” the brakes during
severe braking conditions to prevent
wheel lock-up.
The Electronic Brake Force Distribu-
tion (EBD) prevents the rear wheels
from over-braking and provides
greater control of available braking
forces applied to the rear axle.
When the vehicle is driven over
11 km/h, you may also hear a slight
clicking sound as well as some related
motor noises. These noises are the sys-
tem performing its self check cycle to
ensure that the ABS is working prop-
erly. This self check occurs each time
the vehicle is started and accelerated
past 11 km/h.ABS is activated during braking un-
der certain road or stopping condi-
tions. ABS-inducing conditions can
include ice, snow, gravel, bumps, rail-
road tracks, loose debris, or panic
stops.
You also may experience the following
when the brake system goes into Anti-
Lock:
 The ABS motor running (it may
continue to run for a short time
after the stop),
 The clicking sound of solenoid valves,
 Brake pedal pulsations, and
 A slight drop or fall away of the brake pedal at the end of the stop.
These are all normal characteristics of
ABS.
WARNING!
 The ABS contains sophisticated electronic equipment that may be
susceptible to interference caused
by improperly installed or high
output radio transmitting equip-
ment. This interference can cause
possible loss of anti-lock braking
capability. Installation of such
equipment should be performed
by qualified professionals.
 Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes
will diminish their effectiveness
and may lead to a collision.
Pumping makes the stopping dis-
tance longer. Just press firmly on
your brake pedal when you need
to slow down or stop.
 The ABS cannot prevent the natu-
ral laws of physics from acting on
the vehicle, nor can it increase
braking or steering efficiency be-
yond that afforded by the condi-
tion of the vehicle brakes and tires
or the traction afforded.
(Continued)
208

WARNING!
The BAS cannot prevent the natural
laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase the trac-
tion afforded by prevailing road
conditions. The BAS cannot prevent
collisions, including those resulting
from excessive speed in turns, driv-
ing on very slippery surfaces, or hy-
droplaning. The capabilities of a
BAS-equipped vehicle must never be
exploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner that could jeopardize the us-
er's safety or the safety of others.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY
CONTROL (ESC)
This system enhances directional con-
trol and stability of the vehicle under
various driving conditions. The ESC
corrects for oversteering and under- steering the vehicle by applying the
brake of the appropriate wheel. En-
gine power may also be reduced to
assist in counteracting the condition
of oversteer or understeer and help
the vehicle maintain the desired path.
The ESC uses sensors in the vehicle to
determine the path that the driver
intends to steer the vehicle and com-
pares it to the actual path of the ve-
hicle. When the actual path does not
match the intended path, the ESC
applies the brake of the appropriate
wheel to assist in counteracting the
condition of oversteer or understeer.
 Oversteer - when the vehicle is
turning more than appropriate for
the steering wheel position.
 Understeer - when the vehicle is turning less than appropriate for
the steering wheel position.
WARNING!
The Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) cannot prevent the natural
laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase the trac-
tion afforded by prevailing road
conditions. ESC cannot prevent ac-
cidents, including those resulting
from excessive speed in turns, driv-
ing on very slippery surfaces, or hy-
droplaning. Only a safe, attentive,
and skillful driver can prevent acci-
dents. The capabilities of an ESC
equipped vehicle must never be ex-
ploited in a reckless or dangerous
manner which could jeopardize the
user’s safety or the safety of others.
210

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.
214

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

CAUTION!(Continued)
 Observe the tire chain manufac-
tur er's instructions on the method
of installation, operating speed,
and conditions for use. Always use
the lower suggested operating
speed of the chain manufacturer if
different from the speed r ecom-
mended by the manufacture.
NOTE:
In order to avoid damage to tires,
chains, and your vehicle do not
drive for a prolonged period on dry
pavement. Observe the tire chain
manufacturer's instructions on
method of installation, operating
speed, and conditions for usage.
Always use the lower suggested oper-
ating speed if both the chain manu-
facturer and vehicle manufacturer
suggest a maximum speed. This no-
tice applies to all chain traction de-
vices, including link and cable (ra-
dial) chains. TIRE ROTATION
RECOMMENDATIONS
Tires on the front and rear axles of
vehicles operate at different loads and
perform different steering, driving,
and braking functions. For these rea-
sons, they wear at unequal rates.
These effects can be reduced by timely
rotation of tires. The benefits of rota-
tion are especially worthwhile with ag-
gressive tread designs such as those on
all season type tires. Rotation will in-
crease tread life, help to maintain mud,
snow and wet traction levels, and con-
tribute to a smooth, quiet ride.Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule”
for the proper maintenance intervals.
The reasons for any rapid or unusual
wear should be corrected prior to ro-
tation being performed.
TIRE PRESSURE
MONITOR SYSTEM
(TPMS)
The Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS) will warn the driver of a low
tire pressure based on the vehicle rec-
ommended cold placard pressure.The tire pressure will vary with tem-
perature by about 0.069 BAR for ev-
ery 6.5°C. This means that when the
outside temperature decreases, the
tire pressure will decrease. Tire pres-
sure should always be set based on
cold inflation tire pressure. This 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. Re-
fer to “Tires – General Information”
in “Starting and Operating” for infor-
mation on how to properly inflate the
vehicle’s tires. The tire pressure will
also increase as the vehicle is driven -
this is normal and there should be no
adjustment for this increased pres-
sure.
The TPMS will warn the driver of a
low tire pressure if the tire pressure
falls below the low-pressure warning
limit for any reason, including low
temperature effects and natural pres-
sure loss through the tire.
219