2012 Lancia Thema check transmission fluid

SHALLOW STANDING
WATER
Although your vehicle is capable of
driving through shallow standing wa-
ter, consider the following Caution
and Warning before doing so.CAUTION!
 Always check the depth of thestanding water before driving
through it. Never drive through
standing water that is deeper than
the bottom of the tire rims
mounted on the vehicle.
 Determine the condition of the
road or the path that is under
water and if there are any ob-
stacles in the way before driving
through the standing water.
 Do not exceed 8 km/h when driv-
ing through standing water. This
will minimize wave effects.
(Continued)
CAUTION!(Continued)
 Driving through standing water
may cause damage to your vehi-
cle’s drivetrain components. Al-
ways inspect your vehicle’s fluids
(i.e., engine oil, transmission,
axle, etc.) for signs of contamina-
tion (i.e., fluid that is milky or
foamy in appearance) after driv-
ing through standing water. Do
not continue to operate the vehicle
if any fluid appears contami-
nated, as this may result in further
damage. Such damage is not cov-
ered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
 Getting water inside your vehi-
cle’s engine can cause it to lock up
and stall out, and cause serious
internal damage to the engine.
Such damage is not covered by the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
WARNING!
 Driving through standing waterlimits your vehicle’s traction ca-
pabilities. Do not exceed 8 km/h
when driving through standing
water.
 Driving through standing water
limits your vehicle’s braking ca-
pabilities, which increases stop-
ping distances. Therefore, after
driving through standing water,
drive slowly and lightly press on
the brake pedal several times to
dry the brakes.
 Getting water inside your vehi-
cle’s engine can cause it to lock up
and stall out, and leave you
stranded.
 Failure to follow these warnings
may result in injuries that are se-
rious or fatal to you, your passen-
gers, and others around you.
205

AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
Selection Of Lubricant
It is important that the proper lubri-
cant is used in the transmission to
assure optimum transmission perfor-
mance. Use only manufacturer’s rec-
ommended transmission fluid. Refer
to “Fluids, Lubricants, and Genuine
Parts” in “Maintaining Your Vehicle”
for further information. It is impor-
tant that the transmission fluid be
maintained at the prescribed level us-
ing the recommended fluid. No
chemical flushes should be used in
any transmission; only the approved
lubricant may be used.
Special Additives
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
is an engineered product and its per-
formance may be impaired by supple-
mental additives. Therefore, do not
add any fluid additives to the trans-
mission. The only exception to this
policy is the use of special dyes to aid
in detecting fluid leaks. In addition,
avoid using transmission sealers as
they may adversely affect seals.
CAUTION!
Do not use chemical flushes in your
transmission as the chemicals can
damage your transmission compo-
nents. Such damage is not covered
by the New Vehicle Limited War-
ranty.
Fluid Level Check
Regular automatic transmission fluid
level checks are not required. For this
reason, the dipstick is omitted.
If you notice fluid loss or transmission
malfunction, have your authorized
dealer check the transmission fluid
level.
CAUTION!
 Using a transmission fluid other than the manufactur er's recom-
mended fluid may cause deterio-
ration in transmission shift qual-
ity and/or torque converter
shudder. Using a transmission
fluid other than that recom-
mended by the manufacturer will
require more frequent fluid and
filter changes. Refer to “Fluids,
Lubricants, and Genuine Parts”
in “Maintaining Your Vehicle” for
further information.
 The fluid level is preset at the
factory and it does not require
adjustment under normal operat-
ing conditions. If a transmission
fluid leak occurs, visit your autho-
rized dealer immediately. Severe
damage to the transmission may
occur. Your authorized dealer has
the proper tools to adjust the fluid
level accurately.
270

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

Thousands Of Kilometers24 48 72 96 120 144 168 192
Months 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96
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.).        
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, wind-
shield 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 (*) 
291

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

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

(*) Change the automatic transmis-
sion fluid and filter(s) at 100 000 km
or 60 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.
(**) The actual oil and oil filter re-
placement interval depends on the car
usage conditions and is indicated by a
warning light or message on the in-
strument panel, or in any case every
12 months.
Periodic Checks
Every1 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;
 check and, if necessary, replace pol- len filter;
 check and, if necessary, replace air cleaner filter.
295

About Your Brakes . . . . . . . . . 206
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake
System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
(Cruise Control) . . . . . . . . . . 117
Adding Engine Coolant
(Antifreeze) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Adding Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Adding Washer Fluid . . . . . . . 263
Additives, Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Adjustable Pedals . . . . . . . . . 114
Air Cleaner, Engine (Engine
Air Cleaner Filter) . . . . . . . . . 259Air Conditioner Maintenance
. . 261
Air Conditioning Filter . . . 185,261
Air Conditioning Refrigerant . . 261
Air Conditioning System
. . 184,261
Air Pressure, Tires . . . . . . . . . 214
Airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33,39
Airbag Deployment . . . . . . . . . 40
Airbag Light . . . . . . 38,41,52,156
Airbag Maintenance . . . . . . . . . 40
Airbag, Side . . . . . . . . . . 35,37,39
Airbag, Window
(Side Curtain) . . . . . . . . 35,37,39
Alarm Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Alarm System (Security Alarm)
. . 15
Alterations/Modifications,
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208,209
Anti-Lock Warning Light . . . . 158
Antifreeze
(Engine Coolant) . . . . . . . 266,283
Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Appearance Care . . . . . . . . . . 271
Assist, Hill Start . . . . . . . . . . 211
Auto Down Power Windows . . . 23
Auto Unlock, Doors . . . . . . . . . 19
Auto Up Power Windows . . . . . 23
Automatic Dimming Mirror . . . 63
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . 19
Automatic Headlights . . . . . . . 105
Automatic Oil Change
Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Automatic Temperature
Control (ATC) . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Automatic Transaxle
Special Additives . . . . . . . . 270
Automatic
Transmission . . . 196,199,270,271 Adding Fluid . . . . . . . . 271,285
Autostick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Fluid and Filter Changes . . . 271
Fluid Change . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Fluid Level Check . . . . . . . 270
Fluid Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Special Additives . . . . . . . . 270 Automatic Transmission Limp
Home Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Autostick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Axle Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Axle Lubrication
(Axle Fluid) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Keyless Transmitter
Replacement (RKE) . . . . . . . 17
Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Belts, Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26,51
Body Mechanism
Lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Brake Assist System . . . . . . . . 209
Brake Control System,
Electronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Brake System . . . . . . . . . . . . 268 Anti-Lock (ABS) . . . . . . . . 208
Fluid Check . . . . . . . . 269,285
Master Cylinder . . . . . . . . . 269
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . 157
Brake, Parking . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Brake/Transmission
Interlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
298