2013 Lancia Flavia catalytic converter

26. Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL)The Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) is part of an on-
board diagnostic system
called OBD that monitors emissions,
engine, and automatic transmission
control systems. The light will illumi-
nate when the key is in the ON/RUN
position before engine start. If the
bulb does not come on when turning
the key from LOCK to ON/RUN, have
the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or
missing gas cap, poor fuel quality,
etc., may illuminate the light after
engine start. The vehicle should be
serviced if the light stays on through
several of your typical driving cycles.
In most situations, the vehicle will
drive normally and will not require
towing.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the MIL on
could cause damage to the engine
control system. It also could affect
fuel economy and drivability. If the
MIL is flashing, severe catalytic
converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate service
is required.WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic con-
verter, as referenced above, can
reach higher temperatures than in
normal operating conditions. This
can cause a fire if you drive slowly
or park over flammable substances
such as dry plants, wood, card-
board, etc. This could result in
death or serious injury to the driver,
occupants or others. 27. Transmission Temperature
Warning Light
This light indicates that the
transmission fluid tempera-
ture is running hot. This
may occur with severe us-
age, such as trailer towing. If this light
turns on, safely pull over and stop the
vehicle. Then, shift the transmission
into NEUTRAL and run the engine at
idle or faster until the light turns off.
CAUTION!Continuous driving with the Trans-
mission Temperature Warning Light
illuminated will eventually cause se-
vere transmission damage or trans-
mission failure.WARNING!
If the Transmission Temperature
Warning Light is illuminated and
you continue operating the vehicle,
in some circumstances you could
cause the fluid to boil over, come in
contact with hot engine or exhaust
components and cause a fire.
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STARTING
PROCEDURES
Before starting your vehicle, adjust
your seat, adjust the inside and out-
side mirrors, fasten your seat belt, and
if present, instruct all other occupants
to buckle their seat belts.WARNING!
 When leaving the vehicle, alwaysremove the key fob from the igni-
tion and lock your vehicle.
 Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or with access to an un-
locked vehicle. Allowing children
to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of rea-
sons. A child or others could be
seriously or fatally injured. Chil-
dren should be warned not to
touch the parking brake, brake
pedal or the shift lever.
 Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle, and do not leave the
ignition in the ACC or ON/RUN
position. A child could operate
power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle. AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
The shift lever must be in the PARK or
NEUTRAL position before you can
start the engine. Apply the brakes be-
fore shifting to any driving gear.
NOTE: The ignition switch must
be in the ON position, and you
must press the brake pedal before
shifting out of PARK.
NORMAL STARTING
NOTE: Normal starting of either a
cold or a warm engine is obtained
without pumping or pressing the
accelerator pedal.
Turn the ignition switch to the START
position and release it as soon as the
starter engages. The starter motor will
continue to run, and it will disengage
automatically when the engine is run-
ning. If the engine fails to start, the
starter will disengage automatically in
10 seconds. If this occurs, turn the
ignition switch to the LOCK position,
wait 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat the
“Normal Starting” procedure.
IF ENGINE FAILS TO
START
WARNING!
 Never pour fuel or other flam-
mable liquids into the throttle
body air inlet opening in an at-
tempt to start the vehicle. This
could result in a flash fire causing
serious personal injury.
Do not attempt to push or tow your
vehicle to get it started. Unburned
fuel could enter the catalytic con-
verter and once the engine has
started, ignite and damage the
converter and vehicle. If the ve-
hicle has a discharged battery,
booster cables may be used to ob-
tain a start from a booster battery
or the battery in another vehicle.
This type of start can be dangerous
if done improperly. Refer to “Jump
Starting” in “In An Emergency”
for further information.
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ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC
SYSTEM — OBD II
Your vehicle is equipped with a so-
phisticated onboard diagnostic sys-
tem called OBD II. This system moni-
tors the performance of the emissions,
engine, and automatic transmission
control systems. When these systems
are operating properly, your vehicle
will provide excellent performance
and fuel economy, as well as engine
emissions well within current govern-
ment regulations.If any of these systems require service,
the OBD II system will turn on the “Mal-
function Indicator Light.” It will also
store diagnostic codes and other infor-
mation to assist your service technician
in making repairs. Although your ve-
hicle will usually be drivable and not
need towing, see your dealer for service
as soon as possible.
CAUTION!
 Prolonged driving with the “Mal-function Indicator Light” on
could cause further damage to the
emission control system. It could
also affect fuel economy and
driveability. The vehicle must be
serviced before any emissions
tests can be performed.
 If the “Malfunction Indicator Light” is flashing while the en-
gine is running, severe catalytic
converter damage and power loss
will soon occur. Immediate ser-
vice is required.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Use of genuine parts for normal/
scheduled maintenance and repairs is
highly recommended to ensure the de-
signed performance. Damage or fail-
ures caused by the use of parts which
are not quality-equivalent to genuine
parts for maintenance and repairs will
not be covered by the manufacturer’s
warranty. MAINTENANCE
PROCEDURES
The pages that follow contain the
re-
quired maintenance services deter-
mined by the engineers who designed
your vehicle.
Besides those maintenance items
specified in the fixed maintenance
schedule, there are other components
which may require servicing or re-
placement in the future.
CAUTION!
Failure to properly maintain your
vehicle or perform repairs and ser-
vice when necessary could result in
more costly repairs, damage to
other components or negatively im-
pact vehicle performance. Immedi-
ately have potential malfunctions
examined by an authorized dealer-
ship or qualified repair center.
(Continued)
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If you notice a change in the sound of
the exhaust system; or if the exhaust
fumes can be detected inside the ve-
hicle; or when the underside or rear of
the vehicle is damaged; have an au-
thorized technician 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 poi-
son you. To avoid breathing CO,
refer to “Safety Tips/Exhaust Gas”
in “Things To Know Before Start-
ing Your Vehicle” for further infor-
mation.
CAUTION!
 The catalytic converter requiresthe use of unleaded fuel only.
Leaded gasoline will destroy the
effectiveness of the catalyst as an
emissions control device and may
seriously reduce engine perfor-
mance and cause serious damage
to the engine.
 Damage to the catalytic converter can result if your vehicle is not
kept in proper operating condi-
tion. In the event of engine mal-
function, particularly involving
engine misfire or other apparent
loss of performance, have your
vehicle serviced promptly. Con-
tinued operation of your vehicle
with a severe malfunction could
cause the converter to overheat,
resulting in possible damage to
the converter and vehicle.
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. NOTE:
Intentional tampering with
emissions control systems can re-
sult in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
In unusual situations involving grossly
malfunctioning engine operation, a
scorching odor may suggest severe and
abnormal catalyst overheating. If this
occurs, stop the vehicle, turn off the
engine and allow it to cool. Service,
including a tune-up to manufacturer's
specifications, should be obtained im-
mediately.
To minimize the possibility of cata-
lytic converter 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 idle or malfunc-
tioning operating conditions.
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