2014 Lancia Thema maintenance

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,
particularly involving engine mis-
fire or other apparent loss of perfor-
mance, have your vehicle serviced
promptly. Continued operation of
your vehicle with a severe malfunc-
tion could cause the converter to
overheat, resulting in possible dam-
age to the converter and the vehicle.
NOTE: Intentional tampering
with emissions control systems can
result in civil penalties being as-
sessed 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 ar-
eas 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-
turer'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 radiatorcooling fan, disconnect the fan
motor lead or turn the ignition
switch to the LOCK position. The
fan is temperature controlled and
can start at anytime the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
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 radia-
tor has had time to cool. Never try
to open a cooling system pressure
cap when the radiator is hot.
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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,
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 considerable
amount 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 old engine coolant
(antifreeze).
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule”
for the proper maintenance intervals.Selection Of Coolant
Use only the manufacturer'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 en-
gine coolant (antifreeze), may re-
sult in engine damage and may
decrease corrosion protection. If a
non-specified engine coolant (an-
tifreeze) is introduced into the
cooling system in an emergency, it
should be replaced with the speci-
fied engine coolant (antifreeze) as
soon as possible.
(Continued)
280

CAUTION!(Continued)
Do not use plain water alone oralcohol-based engine coolant
(antifreeze) products. Do not use
additional rust inhibitors or anti-
rust products, as they may not be
compatible with the radiator en-
gine coolant (antifreeze) and may
plug the radiator.
This vehicle has not been de- signed for use with Propylene
Glycol based engine coolant (an-
tifreeze). 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 ten years or
240 000 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. When adding engine coolant (anti-
freeze):
Use only high purity water such as
distilled or deionized water when
mixing the water/engine coolant (an-
tifreeze) solution. The use of lower
quality water will reduce the amount
of corrosion protection in the engine
cooling system.
Please note that it is the owner's re-
sponsibility to maintain the proper
level of protection against freezing ac-
cording to the temperatures occurring
in the area where the vehicle is oper-
ated.
NOTE: Mixing engine coolant
(antifreeze) types will decrease the
life of the engine coolant (anti-
freeze) and will require more fre-
quent engine coolant (antifreeze)
changes.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to
prevent loss of engine coolant (anti-
freeze), and to ensure that engine
coolant (antifreeze) will return to the
radiator from the coolant recovery
bottle.
The cap should be inspected and
cleaned if there is any accumulation
of foreign material on the sealing sur-
faces.
WARNING!
The warning words “DO NOT
OPEN HOT” on the cooling sys-
tem pressure cap are a safety pre-
caution. Never add engine cool-
ant (antifreeze) when the engine
is overheated. Do not loosen or
remove the cap to cool an over-
heated engine. Heat causes pres-
sure to build up in the cooling
system. To prevent scalding or in-
jury, do not remove the pressure
cap while the system is hot or
under pressure.
Do not use a pressure cap other than the one specified for your
vehicle. Personal injury or engine
damage may result.
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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
riding on the brake pedal can result
in abnormally high brake tempera-
tures, excessive lining wear, and
possible brake damage. You would
not have your full braking capacity
in an emergency.
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 manufacturer's recom-
mended brake fluid. Refer to “Fluids,
Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
“Maintaining Your Vehicle” for fur-
ther information.
283

CAUTION!
Using a transmission fluid other
than the manufacturer’s recom-
mended fluid may cause deteriora-
tion in transmission shift quality
and/or torque converter shudder,
and will require more frequent fluid
and filter changes. Refer to “Fluids,
Lubricants, and Genuine Parts” in
this section for fluid specifications.
Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recom-
mends against using any special addi-
tives in the transmission.
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 for
diagnosing fluid leaks. Avoid using
transmission sealers as they may ad-
versely 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
The fluid level is preset at the factory
and does not require adjustment un-
der normal operating conditions.
Routine fluid level checks are not re-
quired, therefore the transmission has
no dipstick. Your authorized dealer
can check your transmission fluid
level using special service tools.
If you notice fluid leakage or trans-
mission malfunction, visit your au-
thorized dealer immediately to have
the transmission fluid level checked.
Operating the vehicle with an im-
proper fluid level can cause severe
transmission damage.
CAUTION!
If a transmission fluid leak occurs,
visit your authorized dealer imme-
diately. Severe transmission dam-
age may occur. Your authorized
dealer has the proper tools to adjust
the fluid level accurately.
Fluid And Filter Changes –
5-Speed Transmission
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule”
for the proper maintenance intervals.
In addition, change the fluid and filter
if the fluid becomes contaminated
(with water, etc.) or if the transmis-
sion is disassembled for any reason.
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.
285

Fluid And Filter Changes –
8-Speed Transmission
Under normal operating conditions,
the fluid installed at the factory will
provide satisfactory lubrication for
the life of the vehicle. Routine fluid
and filter changes are not required.
However, change the fluid and filter if
the fluid becomes contaminated (with
water, etc.), or if the transmission is
disassembled for any reason.
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.
ALL WHEEL DRIVE (AWD)
(for versions/markets,
where provided)
The all wheel drive system consists of
a transfer case and front differential.The exterior surface of these compo-
nents should be inspected for evi-
dence of fluid leaks. Confirmed leaks
should be repaired as soon as possible.
The transfer case fluid fill/inspection
plug is located in the middle of the
rear housing. To inspect the transfer
case fluid level, remove the fill/
inspection plug. The fluid level should
be even with the bottom of the hole.
Use this plug to add fluid as required.
The front differential fill plug is lo-
cated on the outer cover near the half-
shaft attachment. To inspect the dif-
ferential fluid level, remove the fill
plug. The fluid level should be even
with or slightly below the bottom of
the hole.
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
286

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 localities.
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.
Use a high quality cleaner wax to protect your paint finish. Take care
never to scratch the paint.

Avoid using abrasive compounds and
power buffing that may diminish the
gloss or thin out the paint finish.
CAUTION!
Do not use abrasive or strong clean-
ing materials such as steel wool or
scouring powder that will scratch
metal and painted surfaces.
Special Care
If you drive on salted or dusty roads or if you drive near the ocean, hose
off the undercarriage at least once a
month. It is important that the drain holes
in the lower edges of the doors,
rocker panels, and cargo area be
kept clear and open.
If you detect any stone chips or scratches in the paint, touch them
up immediately. The cost of such
repairs is considered the responsi-
bility of the owner.
If your vehicle is damaged due to an accident or similar cause, which de-
stroys the paint and protective
coating, have your vehicle repaired
as soon as possible. The cost of such
repairs is considered the responsi-
bility of the owner.
If you carry special cargo such as chemicals, fertilizers, de-icer salt,
etc., be sure that such materials are
well packaged and sealed.
If a lot of driving is done on gravel roads, consider mud or stone
shields behind each wheel.
Use Touch Up Paint or equivalent on scratches as soon as possible.
287

Glass Surfaces
All glass surfaces should be cleaned
on a regular basis with any commer-
cial household-type glass cleaner.
Never use an abrasive type cleaner.
Use caution when cleaning the inside
rear window equipped with an elec-
tric defroster. Do not use scrapers or
other sharp instruments that may
scratch the elements.
When cleaning the rear view mirror,
spray cleaner on the towel or rag that
you are using. Do not spray cleaner
directly on the mirror.
Cleaning Plastic Instrument
Cluster Lenses
The lenses in front of the instruments
in this vehicle are molded in clear
plastic. When cleaning the lenses,
care must be taken to avoid scratch-
ing the plastic.
1. Clean with a wet soft rag. A mild
soap solution may be used, but do not
use high alcohol content or abrasive
cleaners. If soap is used, wipe clean
with a clean damp rag.
2. Dry with a soft cloth.Seat Belt Maintenance
Do not bleach, dye, or clean the belts
with chemical solvents or abrasive
cleaners. This will weaken the fabric.
Sun damage can also weaken the fab-
ric.
If the belts need cleaning, use a mild
soap solution, or lukewarm water. Do
not remove the belts from the vehicle
to wash them.
Replace the belts if they appear frayed
or worn or if the buckles do not work
properly.
Cleaning The Center Console
Cupholders
Clean with a damp cloth or towel us-
ing a mild detergent with the cup-
holder in the center console.
NOTE: The cupholder cannot be
removed.FUSES
WARNING!
When replacing a blown fuse, al-
ways use an appropriate replace-
ment fuse with the same amp rat-
ing as the original fuse. Never
replace a fuse with another fuse of
higher amp rating. Never replace
a blown fuse with metal wires or
any other material. Failure to use
proper fuses may result in serious
personal injury, fire and/or prop-
erty damage.
Before replacing a fuse, make sure that the ignition is off and
that all the other services are
switched off and/or disengaged.
If the replaced fuse blows again, contact an authorized dealer.
If a general protection fuse for safety systems (air bag system,
braking system), power unit sys-
tems (engine system, gearbox sys-
tem) or steering system blows,
contact an authorized dealer.
289