2014 Lancia Thema Owner handbook (in English)

ELECTRONIC BRAKE
CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with an ad-
vanced electronic brake control sys-
tem that include Anti-Lock Brake
System (ABS), Traction Control Sys-
tem (TCS), Brake Assist System
(BAS), and the Electronic Stability
Control (ESC). All four of these sys-
tems work together to enhance vehicle
stability and control in various driv-
ing conditions.
Also, your vehicle may be equipped
with Hill Start Assist (HSA), Ready
Alert Braking, and Rain Brake Sup-
port.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE
SYSTEM (ABS)
This system aids the driver in main-
taining vehicle control under adverse
braking conditions by controlling hy-
draulic brake pressure. This prevents
wheel lock-up to help avoid skidding
on slippery surfaces during braking.
Refer to “Anti-Lock Brake System” in
“Starting and Operating” for further
information.
WARNING!
The ABS cannot prevent the natu-
ral laws of physics from acting on
the vehicle, nor can it increase the
traction afforded by prevailing
road conditions. The ABS cannot
prevent collisions, including those
resulting from excessive speed in
turns, driving on very slippery sur-
faces, or hydroplaning. The capa-
bilities of an ABS-equipped vehicle
must never be exploited in a reck-
less or dangerous manner that
could jeopardize the user's safety or
the safety of others.
TRACTION CONTROL
SYSTEM (TCS)
This system monitors the amount of
wheel spin of each driven wheel. If
wheel spin is detected, brake pressure
is applied to the slipping wheel(s) and
engine power is reduced to provide
enhanced acceleration and stability.
A feature of the TCS system, Brake
Lock Differential (BLD), controls the
wheel spin across a driven axle. If one
wheel on a driven axle is spinningfaster than the other, the system will
apply the brake of the spinning wheel.
This will allow more engine torque to
be applied to the wheel that is not
spinning. This feature remains active
even if TCS and ESC are in the “Par-
tial Off” mode. Refer to “Electronic
Stability Control (ESC)” in this sec-
tion for more information.
BRAKE ASSIST SYSTEM
(BAS)
This system complements the ABS by
optimizing the vehicle braking capa-
bility during emergency brake ma-
neuvers. This system detects an emer-
gency braking situation by sensing
the rate and amount of brake applica-
tion and then applies optimum pres-
sure to the brakes. This can help re-
duce braking distances.
Applying the brakes very quickly re-
sults in the best BAS assistance. To
receive the benefits of this system, you
must apply continuous brake pedal
pressure during the stopping se-
quence. Do not reduce brake pedal
pressure unless braking is no longer
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desired. Once the brake pedal is re-
leased, the BAS is deactivated.
WARNING!
The BAS cannot prevent the natu-
ral laws of physics from acting on
the vehicle, nor can it increase the
traction afforded by prevailing
road conditions. The BAS cannot
prevent collisions, including those
resulting from excessive speed in
turns, driving on very slippery sur-
faces, or hydroplaning. The capa-
bilities of a BAS-equipped vehicle
must never be exploited in a reck-
less or dangerous manner that
could jeopardize the user'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 isturning 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 all
accidents, including those resulting
from excessive speed in turns, driv-
ing on very slippery surfaces, or
hydroplaning. ESC also cannot
prevent collisions resulting from
loss of vehicle control due to inap-
propriate driver input for the con-
ditions. 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.
ESC Operating Modes
The ESC system has two or three
available operating modes:
ESC On
This is the normal operating mode for
the ESC. Whenever the vehicle is
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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 off
indicator light” will illuminate. To
turn the ESC on again, momentarily
press the “ESC Off” switch and the
“ESC off indicator light” will turn off.WARNING!
When in “Partial Off” mode, theTCS 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 illumi-
nated. When in “Partial Off”
mode, the engine power reduction
feature of TCS is disabled, and
the enhanced vehicle stability of-
fered by the ESC system is re-
duced
Trailer Sway control (TSC) is dis- abled when the ESC system is in
the “Partial Off” mode.
NOTE:
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.
Trailer Sway control (TSC) is disabled when the ESC system is
in the “Partial Off” mode.
Full Off (for versions/markets,
where provided)
This mode is intended for off-
highway or off-road use only and
should not be used on any public
roadways.
In this mode, all TCS and ESC stabil-
ity features are turned OFF. To enter
the “Full Off” mode, press and hold
the “ESC Off” switch for five seconds
while the vehicle is stopped with the
engine running. After five seconds, a
chime will sound, the “ESC Off Indi-
cator Light” will illuminate, and the
“ESC OFF” message will display in
the Electronic Vehicle Information
Center (EVIC). To turn ESC ON
again, momentarily press the “ESC
Off” switch.
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WARNING!
In the ESC “Full Off” mode, the
engine torque reduction and stabil-
ity features are disabled. In an
emergency evasive maneuver, the
ESC system will not engage to assist
in maintaining stability. “ESC Off”
mode is intended for off-highway
or off-road use only.
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.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 with a loaded vehicle, or while
pulling a trailer, when the system
will not activate and slight rolling
may occur. This could cause a col-
lision with another vehicle or ob-
ject. Always remember 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
released 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.
(Continued)
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WARNING!(Continued)
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.
Failure to follow these warnings may cause the vehicle to roll
down the incline and could col-
lide with another vehicle, object
or person, and cause serious or
fatal injury. Always remember to
use the parking brake while park-
ing on a hill and that the driver is
responsible for braking the ve-
hicle.
NOTE: The HSA system may also
be turned on and off if the vehicle
is equipped with the Electronic
Vehicle Information Center
(EVIC). Refer to “Electronic Ve-
hicle Information Center (EVIC)”
in “Understanding Your Instru-
ment Panel” for further informa-
tion. 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® System. Refer to
“Uconnect® SETTINGS” in “Under-
standing 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
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 smallamount 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
LIGHT
The “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
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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
corrected.
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
previously.
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 in Partial OFF
mode.
SYNCHRONIZING ESC
If the power supply is inter-
rupted (battery disconnected
or discharged), the “ESC
Activation/Malfunction In-
dicator Light” may illuminate with the
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:
Safety
WARNING!
Improperly inflated tires are dan-
gerous and can cause collisions.
Under-inflation increases tire flexing and can result in over-
heating and tire failure.
(Continued)
224

WARNING!(Continued)
Over-inflation reduces a tire'sability 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. Both under-inflation and over-
inflation affect the stability of the ve-
hicle and can produce a feeling of
sluggish response or over responsive-
ness in the steering.
NOTE:
Unequal tire pressures from side
to side may cause erratic and
unpredictable steering re-
sponse.
Unequal tire pressure from side to side may cause the vehicle to
drift left or right.
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. At least once a month:
Check and adjust tire pressure with
a good quality pocket-type pressure
gauge. Do not make a visual judge-
ment when determining proper in-
flation. Tires may look properly in-
flated even when they are under-
inflated.
Inspect tires for signs of tire wear or visible damage.
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.
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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 7 kPa per 7°C of air tempera-
ture 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 21 kPa,
which equals 7 kPa for every 7°C for
this outside temperature condition.
Tire pressure may increase from 13 to
40 kPa 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 and 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 your authorized tire
dealer or original equipment vehicle
dealer for recommended safe operat-
ing speeds, loading and cold tire infla-
tion pressures.
WARNING!
High speed driving with your ve-
hicle under maximum load is dan-
gerous. The added strain on your
tires could cause them to fail. You
could have a serious collision. Do
not drive a vehicle loaded to the
maximum capacity at continuous
speeds above 120 km/h.
Radial Ply Tires
WARNING!
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.
Tire Repair
If your tire becomes damaged, it may
be repaired if it meets the following
criteria:
The tire has not been driven on when flat.
The damage is only on the tread section of your tire (sidewall dam-
age is not repairable).
The puncture is no greater than 6 mm.
Consult an authorized tire dealer for
tire repairs and additional informa-
tion.
226