Lancia THEMA. Service Manual

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, always

remove the key fob 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.

(Continued)

WARNING!

(Continued)

• Do not leave the key fob in or near

the vehicle, or in a location acces-
sible to children, and do not leave
the ignition of a vehicle equipped
with Keyless Enter-N-Go™ in the
ACC or ON/RUN mode. A child
could operate power windows,
other controls, or move the ve-
hicle.

KEYLESS ENTER-N-GO™

This feature allows
the driver to oper-
ate

the

ignition

switch

with

the

push of a button,
as long as the Re-
mote Keyless Entry

(RKE) transmitter is in the passenger
compartment.

NORMAL STARTING —
GASOLINE ENGINE

Using The ENGINE START/STOP
Button

1. The transmission must be in PARK
or NEUTRAL.

2. Press and hold the brake pedal
while pressing the ENGINE START/
STOP button once.

3. The system takes over and at-
tempts to start the vehicle. If the ve-
hicle fails to start, the starter will dis-
engage

automatically

after

10 seconds.

4. If you wish to stop the cranking of
the engine prior to the engine starting,
press the button again.

NOTE: Normal starting of either a
cold or a warm engine is obtained
without pumping or pressing the
accelerator pedal.

197

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To Turn Off The Engine Using
ENGINE START/STOP Button

1. Place the shift lever in PARK, then
press

and

release

the

ENGINE

START/STOP button.

2. The ignition switch will return to
the OFF position.

3. If the shift lever is not in PARK and
the vehicle speed is above 8 km/h, the
ENGINE START/STOP button must
be held for two seconds before the
engine shuts off. The ignition switch
position will remain in the ACC posi-
tion until the shift lever is in PARK
and the button is pressed twice to the
OFF position. If the shift lever is not
in PARK and the ENGINE START/
STOP button is pressed once, the
EVIC will display a “Vehicle Not In
Park” message and the engine will
remain running. Never leave a vehicle
out of the PARK position, or it could
roll.

NOTE: If the ignition switch is left
in the ACC or RUN (engine not run-
ning) position and the transmis-
sion is in PARK, the system will
automatically time out after 30
minutes of inactivity and the igni-
tion will switch to the OFF posi-
tion.

ENGINE START/STOP Button
Functions – With Driver’s Foot
OFF The Brake Pedal (In PARK
Or NEUTRAL Position)

The Keyless Enter-N-Go feature oper-
ates similar to an ignition switch. It
has four positions, OFF, ACC, RUN
and START. To change the ignition
switch positions without starting the
vehicle and use the accessories follow
these steps.

• Starting with the ignition switch in

the OFF position:

• Press the ENGINE START/STOP

button once to change the ignition
switch to the ACC position (ACC
will illuminate),

• Press the ENGINE START/STOP

button a second time to change the
ignition switch to the RUN position
(RUN will illuminate),

• Press the ENGINE START/STOP

button a third time to return the
ignition switch to the OFF position
(OFF will illuminate).

EXTREME COLD
WEATHER (BELOW −29°C)

To ensure reliable starting at these
temperatures, use of an externally
powered electric engine block heater
is recommended.

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.

(Continued)

198

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WARNING!

(Continued)

• Do not attempt to push or tow

your vehicle to get it started. Ve-
hicles equipped with an auto-
matic transmission cannot be
started this way. Unburned fuel
could enter the catalytic con-
verter and once the engine has
started, ignite and damage the
converter and vehicle.

• If the vehicle has a discharged

battery, booster cables may be
used to obtain a start from a
booster battery or the battery in
another vehicle. This type of start
can be dangerous if done improp-
erly. Refer to “Jump Starting” in
“What To Do In Emergencies” for
further information.

Clearing A Flooded Engine (Using
ENGINE START/STOP Button)

If the engine fails to start after you
have followed the “Normal Starting”
or “Extreme Cold Weather" proce-
dures, it may be flooded. To clear any
excess fuel:

1. Press and hold the brake pedal.

2. Press the accelerator pedal all the
way to the floor and hold it.

3. Press and release the ENGINE
START/STOP button once.

The starter motor will engage auto-
matically, run for 10 seconds, and
then disengage. Once this occurs, re-
lease the accelerator pedal and the
brake pedal, wait 10 to 15 seconds,
then repeat the “Normal Starting”
procedure.

AFTER STARTING

The idle speed is controlled automati-
cally and it will decrease as the engine
warms up.

NORMAL STARTING –
DIESEL ENGINE

Observe the following when the en-
gine is operating.

• All message center lights are off.

• Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)

is off.

• Low Oil Pressure Light is off.

Cold Weather Precautions

If the outside temperature is very low,
the diesel fuel thickens due to the
formation of parrafin clots and could
clog the diesel filter. In order to avoid
these problems, different types of die-
sel fuel are distributed according to
the season: summer type, winter type
and arctic type (cold, mountainous
areas).

If refuelling with diesel fuel whose
specifications are not suitable for the
outside temperature, it is advisable to
mix TUTELA DIESEL ART additive
in the proportions shown on the con-
tainer with the fuel. Pour the additive
into the tank before the fuel.

When using or parking the vehicle for
a long time in the mountains or cold
areas, it is advisable to refuel using
locally available diesel. In this case, it
is also advisable to keep the tank over
50% full.

199

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Battery Blanket Usage

A battery loses 60% of its cranking
power as the battery temperature de-
creases to -18°C. For the same de-
crease in temperature, the engine re-
quires twice as much power to crank
at the same RPM. The use of battery
blankets will greatly increase starting
capability at low temperatures.

Engine Starting Procedure

WARNING!

NEVER pour fuel or other flam-
mable liquid into the air inlet open-
ing in an attempt to start the ve-
hicle. This could result in a flash
fire causing serious personal injury.

1. The shift lever must be in the
NEUTRAL or PARK position before
you can start the engine.

2. With your foot on the brake pedal,
press the ENGINE START/STOP
button.

3. Watch the “Wait To Start Light” in
the instrument cluster. Refer to “In-
strument Cluster” in “Understanding
Your Instrument Panel” for further
information. It may glow for up to
three seconds, depending on engine
temperature.

4. When the “Wait To Start Light”
goes out, the engine will automati-
cally start.

5. After the engine starts, allow it to
idle for approximately 30 seconds be-
fore driving. This allows oil to circu-
late and lubricate the turbocharger.

Engine Warm Up

Avoid full throttle operation when the
engine is cold. When starting a cold
engine, bring the engine up to operat-
ing speed slowly to allow the oil pres-
sure to stabilize as the engine warms
up.

NOTE: High-speed, no-load run-
ning of a cold engine can result in
excessive white smoke and poor
engine performance. No-load en-
gine speeds should be kept under
1,200 RPM during the warm-up
period, especially in cold ambient
temperature conditions.

If temperatures are below 0°C, oper-
ate the engine at moderate speeds for
five minutes before full loads are ap-
plied.

Engine Idling – In Cold Weather

Avoid prolonged idling in ambient
temperatures below -18°C. Long pe-
riods of idling may be harmful to your
engine because combustion chamber
temperatures can drop so low that the
fuel may not burn completely. Incom-
plete combustion allows carbon and
varnish to form on piston rings and
injector nozzles. Also, the unburned
fuel can enter the crankcase, diluting
the oil and causing rapid wear to the
engine.

200

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Stopping The Engine

Before turning off your turbo diesel
engine, always allow the engine to
return to normal idle speed and run
for several seconds. This assures
proper lubrication of the turbo-
charger. This is particularly necessary
after any period of hard driving.

Idle the engine a few minutes before
routine shutdown. After full load op-
eration, idle the engine three to five
minutes before shutting it down. This
idle period will allow the lubricating
oil and coolant to carry excess heat
away from the combustion chamber,
bearings, internal components, and
turbocharger. This is especially im-
portant for turbocharged, charge air
cooled engines.

AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION

CAUTION!

Damage to the transmission may
occur if the following precautions
are not observed:
• Shift into PARK only after the

vehicle has come to a complete
stop.

• Shift into or out of REVERSE

only after the vehicle has come to
a complete stop and the engine is
at idle speed.

• Do not shift between PARK, RE-

VERSE, NEUTRAL or DRIVE
when the engine is above idle
speed.

• Before shifting into any gear,

make sure your foot is firmly
pressing the brake pedal.

NOTE: You must press and hold
the brake pedal while shifting out
of PARK.

WARNING!

• It is dangerous to shift out of

PARK or NEUTRAL if the engine
speed is higher than idle speed. If
your foot is not firmly pressing on
the brake pedal, the vehicle could
accelerate quickly forward or in
reverse. You could lose control of
the vehicle and hit someone or
something. Only shift into gear
when the engine is idling nor-
mally and your foot is firmly
pressing on the brake pedal.

• Unintended movement of a ve-

hicle could injure those in or near
the vehicle. As with all vehicles,
you should never exit a vehicle
while the engine is running. Be-
fore exiting a vehicle, always ap-
ply the parking brake, shift the
transmission into PARK, turn the
engine OFF, and remove the key
fob. When the ignition is in the
OFF position, the transmission is
locked in PARK, securing the ve-
hicle against unwanted move-
ment.

(Continued)

201

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WARNING!

(Continued)

• When leaving the vehicle, always

remove the key fob and lock your
vehicle.

• Never leave children alone in a

• Do not leave the key fob in or near

the vehicle (or in a location acces-
sible to children), 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.

KEY IGNITION PARK
INTERLOCK

This vehicle is equipped with a Key
Ignition Park Interlock which re-
quires the transmission to be in PARK
before the engine can be turned off.

This helps the driver avoid inadver-
tently leaving the vehicle without
placing the transmission in PARK.

This system also locks the transmis-
sion in PARK whenever the ignition
switch is in the OFF position.

BRAKE/TRANSMISSION
SHIFT INTERLOCK
SYSTEM

This vehicle is equipped with a Brake
Transmission Shift Interlock System
(BTSI) that holds the shift lever in
PARK unless the brakes are applied.
To shift the transmission out of PARK,
the ignition switch must be turned to
the ON/RUN position (engine run-
ning, for vehicles with 8-speed trans-
mission) and the brake pedal must be
pressed.

In 8-speed vehicles, the brake pedal
must also be pressed to shift from
NEUTRAL into DRIVE or REVERSE
when the vehicle is stopped or moving
at low speeds.

EIGHT-SPEED AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION – 3.6L
ENGINE

Your vehicle is equipped with a state
of the art, fuel efficient eight-speed
transmission. The electronic shift le-
ver in this vehicle does not slide like a
conventional shifter. Instead, the shift
lever is spring loaded and moves for-
ward and rearward, always returning
to the center position after each gear is
selected. The transmission gear range
(PRND) is displayed both on the shift
lever and in the Electronic Vehicle
Information Center (EVIC). To select
a gear range, press the lock button on
the shift lever and move the lever rear-
ward or forward. You must also press
the brake pedal to shift the transmis-
sion out of PARK, or to shift from
NEUTRAL into DRIVE or REVERSE
when the vehicle is stopped or moving
at low speeds (refer to “Brake/
Transmission Shift Interlock System”
in this section). To shift past multiple
gear ranges at once (such as PARK to
DRIVE), move the lever past the first
(or second) detent. Select the DRIVE
range for normal driving.

202

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The electronically-controlled trans-
mission provides a precise shift sched-
ule. The transmission electronics are
self-calibrating; therefore, the first
few shifts on a new vehicle may be
somewhat abrupt. This is a normal
condition, and precision shifts will de-
velop within a few hundred kilome-
ters.

Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or
REVERSE when the accelerator
pedal is released and the vehicle is
stopped. Be sure to keep your foot on
the brake pedal when shifting be-
tween these gears.

Standard Shifter

The standard shift lever has PARK,
REVERSE, NEUTRAL, DRIVE, and
LOW shift positions. Using the LOW
position manually downshifts the
transmission to a lower gear based on
vehicle speed.

Optional Shifter With AutoStick®

The

optional

shift

lever

(with

AutoStick® shift paddles mounted on
the steering wheel) provides PARK,
REVERSE, NEUTRAL, DRIVE, and

SPORT shift positions. Once in the
DRIVE range, tapping the shift lever
rearward will toggle between SPORT
mode and DRIVE mode. You do not
need to press the shift lever button
when toggling between DRIVE and
SPORT modes. Manual shifts can be
made using the AutoStick® shift con-
trol (refer to "AutoStick®" in this sec-
tion). Pressing the shift paddles (-/+)
while in the DRIVE or SPORT posi-
tion will manually select the transmis-
sion gear, and will display the current
gear in the instrument cluster as 8, 7,
6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.

GEAR RANGES

DO NOT race the engine when shift-
ing from PARK or NEUTRAL into
another gear range.

NOTE: After selecting any gear
range, wait a moment to allow the
selected gear to engage before ac-
celerating. This is especially im-
portant when the engine is cold.

PARK (P)

This range supplements the parking
brake by locking the transmission.

The engine can be started in this
range. Never attempt to use PARK
while the vehicle is in motion. Apply
the parking brake when leaving the
vehicle in this range.

When parking on a level surface, you
may shift the transmission into PARK
first, and then apply the parking
brake.

When parking on a hill, apply the
parking brake before shifting the
transmission to PARK. As an added
precaution, turn the front wheels to-
ward the curb on a downhill grade
and away from the curb on an uphill
grade.

WARNING!

• Never use the PARK position as a

substitute for the parking brake.
Always apply the parking brake
fully when parked to guard
against vehicle movement and
possible injury or damage.

(Continued)

203

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WARNING!

(Continued)

• Your vehicle could move and in-

jure you and others if it is not in
PARK. Check by trying to move
the shift lever out of PARK with
the brake pedal released. Make
sure the transmission is in PARK
before leaving the vehicle.

• It is dangerous to shift out of

PARK or NEUTRAL if the engine
speed is higher than idle speed. If
your foot is not firmly pressing
the brake pedal, the vehicle could
accelerate quickly forward or in
reverse. You could lose control of
the vehicle and hit someone or
something. Only shift into gear
when the engine is idling nor-
mally and your foot is firmly
pressing the brake pedal.

(Continued)

WARNING!

(Continued)

• Unintended movement of a ve-

• When leaving the vehicle, always

remove the key fob and lock your
vehicle.

(Continued)

WARNING!

(Continued)

• Never leave children alone in a

• Do not leave the key fob in or near

the vehicle (or in a location acces-
sible to children), and do not
leave the ignition of a vehicle
equipped with Keyless Enter-N-
Go™ in the ACC or ON/RUN
mode. A child could operate
power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.

204

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CAUTION!

• Before moving the shift lever out

of PARK, you must start the en-
gine, and also press the brake
pedal. Otherwise, damage to the
shift lever could result.

• DO NOT race the engine when

shifting from PARK or NEU-
TRAL into another gear range, as
this can damage the drivetrain.

The following indicators should be
used to ensure that you have engaged
the transmission into the PARK posi-
tion:

• When shifting into PARK, press the

lock button on the shift lever and
push the lever all the way forward
until it stops. When released, the
lever will return to its home posi-
tion.

• With brake pedal released, look at

the transmission gear position dis-
play and verify that it indicates the
PARK position.

REVERSE (R)

This range is for moving the vehicle
backward. Shift into REVERSE only
after the vehicle has come to a com-
plete stop.

NEUTRAL (N)

Use this range when the vehicle is
standing for prolonged periods with
the engine running. The engine may
be started in this range. Apply the
parking brake and shift the transmis-
sion into PARK if you must leave the
vehicle.

WARNING!

Do not coast in NEUTRAL and
never turn off the ignition to coast
down a hill. These are unsafe prac-
tices that limit your response to
changing traffic or road conditions.
You might lose control of the ve-
hicle and have a collision.

CAUTION!

Towing the vehicle, coasting, or
driving for any other reason with
the transmission in NEUTRAL can
cause severe transmission damage.
Refer to “Recreational Towing” in
“Starting And Operating” and
“Towing A Disabled Vehicle” in
“What To Do In Emergencies” for
further information.

DRIVE (D)

This range should be used for most
city and highway driving. It provides
the smoothest upshifts and down-
shifts, and the best fuel economy. The
transmission automatically upshifts
through all forward gears. The
DRIVE position provides optimum
driving characteristics under all nor-
mal operating conditions.

When frequent transmission shifting
occurs (such as when operating the
vehicle under heavy loading condi-
tions, in hilly terrain, traveling into
strong head winds, or while towing
heavy trailers), use the AutoStick®
shift control (if equipped) or the LOW

205

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range (if equipped) to select a lower
gear. Under these conditions, using a
lower gear will improve performance
and extend transmission life by re-
ducing excessive shifting and heat
buildup.

During extremely cold temperatures
(-30°C or below), transmission op-
eration may be modified depending
on engine and transmission tempera-
ture as well as vehicle speed. Normal
operation will resume once the trans-
mission temperature has risen to a
suitable level.

SPORT (S) (for versions/markets,
where provided)

This mode alters the transmission's
automatic shift schedule for sportier
driving. Upshift speeds are increased
to make full use of available engine
power. To switch between DRIVE and
SPORT modes, tap the shift lever
rearward. SPORT mode is only acces-
sible from DRIVE.

LOW (L) (for versions/markets,
where provided)

Use this range for engine braking
when descending very steep grades. In
this range, the transmission will
downshift for increased engine brak-
ing. To switch between DRIVE and
LOW modes, tap the shift lever rear-
ward. LOW mode is only accessible
from DRIVE.

Transmission Limp Home Mode

Transmission function is monitored
electronically for abnormal condi-
tions. If a condition is detected that
could result in transmission damage,
Transmission Limp Home Mode is ac-
tivated. In this mode, the transmis-
sion may operate only in certain
gears, or may not shift at all. Vehicle
performance may be severely de-
graded and the engine may stall. In
some situations, the transmission may
not re-engage if the engine is turned
off and restarted. The Malfunction In-
dicator Light (MIL) may be illumi-
nated. A message in the instrument
cluster will inform the driver of the

more serious conditions, and indicate
what actions may be necessary.

In the event of a momentary problem,
the transmission can be reset to regain
all forward gears by performing the
following steps.

NOTE: In cases where the instru-
ment cluster message indicates the
transmission may not re-engage
after engine shutdown, perform
this procedure only in a desired
location (preferably, at your au-
thorized dealer).

1. Stop the vehicle.

2. Shift the transmission into PARK,
if possible. If not, shift the transmis-
sion to NEUTRAL.

3. Press and hold the ignition switch
until the engine turns OFF.

4. Wait approximately 30 seconds.

5. Restart the engine.

6. Shift into the desired gear range. If
the problem is no longer detected, the
transmission will return to normal op-
eration.

206

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NOTE: Even if the transmission
can be reset, we recommend that
you visit your authorized dealer at
your

earliest

possible

conve-

nience. Your authorized dealer has
diagnostic equipment to deter-
mine if the problem could recur.

If the transmission cannot be reset,
authorized dealer service is required.

FIVE-SPEED AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION – 3.0L
DIESEL ENGINE

The transmission gear position dis-
play (located in the instrument clus-
ter) indicates the transmission gear
range. You must press the brake pedal
to move the shift lever out of PARK
(refer to “Brake/Transmission Shift
Interlock System” in this section). To
drive, move the shift lever from PARK
or NEUTRAL to the DRIVE position.

condition, and precision shifts will de-
velop within a few hundred kilome-
ters.

Only shift from DRIVE to PARK or
REVERSE when the accelerator
pedal is released and the vehicle is
stopped. Be sure to keep your foot on
the brake pedal when shifting be-
tween these gears.

The transmission shift lever has only
PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL, and
DRIVE shift positions. Manual shifts
can be made using the AutoStick®
shift control, (refer to “AutoStick®”
in this section). Moving the shift lever
to the left or right (-/+) while in the
DRIVE position, or tapping one of the
steering wheel-mounted shift paddles
(-/+) (for versions/markets, where
provided), will manually select the
transmission gear, and will display
that gear in the instrument cluster as
5, 4, 3, 2, 1.

GEAR RANGES

DO NOT race the engine when shift-
ing from PARK or NEUTRAL into
another gear range.

NOTE: After selecting any gear
range, wait a moment to allow the
selected gear to engage before ac-
celerating. This is especially im-
portant when the engine is cold.

If there is a need to restart the engine,
be sure to cycle the ignition to the OFF
position before restarting. Transmis-
sion gear engagement may be delayed
after restarting the engine if the igni-
tion is not cycled to the OFF position
first.

Transmission Shift Lever

207

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PARK (P)

This range supplements the parking
brake by locking the transmission.
The engine can be started in this
range. Never attempt to use PARK
while the vehicle is in motion. Apply
the parking brake when leaving the
vehicle in this range.

When parking on a level surface, you
may shift the transmission into PARK
first, and then apply the parking
brake.

When parking on a hill, apply the
parking brake before shifting the
transmission to PARK, otherwise the
load on the transmission locking
mechanism may make it difficult to
move the shift lever out of PARK. As
an added precaution, turn the front
wheels toward the curb on a downhill
grade and away from the curb on an
uphill grade.

WARNING!

• Never use the PARK position as a

substitute for the parking brake.
Always apply the parking brake
fully when parked to guard
against vehicle movement and
possible injury or damage.

• Your vehicle could move and in-

jure you and others if it is not
completely in PARK. Check by
trying to move the shift lever out
of PARK with the brake pedal
released. Make sure the transmis-
sion is in PARK before leaving the
vehicle.

• It is dangerous to shift out of

(Continued)

WARNING!

(Continued)

• Unintended movement of a ve-

• When leaving the vehicle, always

remove the key fob and lock your
vehicle.

(Continued)

208

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WARNING!

(Continued)

• Never leave children alone in a

• Do not leave the key fob in or near

CAUTION!

• Before moving the shift lever out

of PARK, you must place the ig-
nition from the LOCK/OFF posi-
tion to the ON/RUN position, and
also press the brake pedal. Other-
wise, damage to the shift lever
could result.

• DO NOT race the engine when

shifting from PARK or NEU-
TRAL into another gear range, as
this can damage the drivetrain.

The following indicators should be
used to ensure that you have engaged
the transmission into the PARK posi-
tion:

• When shifting into PARK, firmly

move the shift lever all the way
forward and to the left until it stops
and is fully seated.

• Look at the transmission gear posi-

tion display and verify that it indi-
cates the PARK position.

• With brake pedal released, verify

that the shift lever will not move out
of PARK.

REVERSE (R)

This range is for moving the vehicle
backward. Shift into REVERSE only
after the vehicle has come to a com-
plete stop.

NEUTRAL (N)

WARNING!

209

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CAUTION!

DRIVE (D)

This range should be used for most
city and highway driving. It provides
the smoothest upshifts and down-
shifts, and the best fuel economy. The
transmission automatically upshifts
through underdrive first, second, and
third gears, direct fourth gear and
overdrive fifth gear. The DRIVE posi-
tion provides optimum driving char-
acteristics under all normal operating
conditions.

When frequent transmission shifting
occurs (such as when operating the
vehicle under heavy loading condi-
tions, in hilly terrain, traveling into
strong head winds, or while towing

heavy trailers), use the “AutoStick®”
shift control (refer to “AutoStick®” in
this section for further information)
to select a lower gear. Under these
conditions, using a lower gear will
improve performance and extend
transmission life by reducing exces-
sive shifting and heat buildup.

Transmission Limp Home Mode

Transmission function is monitored
electronically for abnormal condi-
tions. If a condition is detected that
could result in transmission damage,
Transmission Limp Home Mode is ac-
tivated. In this mode, the transmis-
sion remains in the current gear until
the vehicle is brought to a stop. After
the vehicle has stopped, the transmis-
sion will remain in second gear re-
gardless of which forward gear is se-
lected.

PARK,

REVERSE,

and

NEUTRAL will continue to operate.
The Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL) may be illuminated. Limp
Home Mode allows the vehicle to be
driven to an authorized dealer for ser-
vice without damaging the transmis-
sion.

In the event of a momentary problem,
the transmission can be reset to regain
all forward gears by performing the
following steps:

1. Stop the vehicle.

2. Shift the transmission into PARK.

3. Turn the ignition switch to the
OFF position.

4. Wait approximately 10 seconds.

5. Restart the engine.

6. Shift into the desired gear range. If
the problem is no longer detected, the
transmission will return to normal op-
eration.

NOTE: Even if the transmission
can be reset, we recommend that
you visit your authorized dealer at
your

earliest

possible

conve-

nience. Your authorized dealer has
diagnostic equipment to deter-
mine if the problem could recur. If
the transmission cannot be reset,
authorized dealer service is re-
quired.

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Overdrive Operation

The automatic transmission includes
an electronically controlled Overdrive
(fifth gear). The transmission will au-
tomatically shift into Overdrive if the
following conditions are present:

• The shift lever is in the DRIVE po-

sition.

• Vehicle speed is sufficiently high.

• The driver is not heavily pressing

the accelerator.

AUTOSTICK® (for
versions/markets, where
provided)

AutoStick® is a driver-interactive
transmission

feature

providing

manual shift control, giving you more
control of the vehicle. AutoStick® al-
lows you to maximize engine braking,
eliminate undesirable upshifts and
downshifts, and improve overall ve-
hicle performance.

This system can also provide you with
more control during passing, city

driving, cold slippery conditions,
mountain driving, trailer towing, and
many other situations.

OPERATION – 3.6L ENGINE

When the transmission is in DRIVE or
SPORT mode, it will operate auto-
matically, shifting between the eight
available

gears.

engage

AutoStick®, simply tap one of the
steering wheel-mounted shift paddles
(+/-) while in DRIVE or SPORT
mode.

Tapping

(-)

enter

AutoStick® mode will downshift the
transmission to the next lower gear,
while using (+) to enter AutoStick®
mode will retain the current gear.
When AutoStick® is active, the cur-
rent transmission gear is displayed in
the instrument cluster. In AutoStick®
mode, the transmission will shift up or
down when (+/-) is manually selected
by the driver, unless an engine lugging
or overspeed condition would result.
It will remain in the selected gear until
another upshift or downshift is cho-
sen, except as described below.

• If AutoStick® is engaged while in

DRIVE mode, the transmission will

automatically shift up when maxi-
mum engine speed is reached. If the
accelerator is fully depressed, the
transmission will downshift when
possible (based on current vehicle
speed and gear). Lack of accelera-
tor pedal activity will cause the
transmission to revert to automatic
operation.

• If AutoStick® is engaged while in

SPORT mode, manual gear selec-
tion will be maintained until either
SPORT mode is exited or as de-
scribed below. The transmission
will not upshift automatically at
redline in this mode, nor will down-
shifts be obtained if the accelerator
pedal is pressed to the floor.

• In either DRIVE or SPORT mode,

the transmission will automatically
downshift as the vehicle slows to a
stop (to prevent engine lugging)
and will display the current gear.
Tapping the (+) paddle (at a stop)
will allow starting in second gear.
After a stop, the driver should
manually upshift (+) the transmis-
sion as the vehicle accelerates.

211

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• If a requested downshift would

cause the engine to over-speed, that
shift will not occur.

• The system will ignore attempts to

upshift at too low of a vehicle speed.

To disengage AutoStick® mode, press
and hold the (+) shift paddle until
“D” or “S” is once again indicated 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.

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 tap the shift lever
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.

Tapping

(-)

enter

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 upshift or
downshift is chosen, except as de-
scribed below.

• The transmission will automati-

cally upshift when necessary to pre-
vent engine over-speed.

• If the accelerator is fully depressed,

the transmission will downshift
when possible (based on vehicle
speed and gear).

• The transmission will automati-

cally downshift as the vehicle slows
(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.

• You can start out, from a stop, in

first or second gear. Tapping (+) (at
a stop) will allow starting in second
gear. Starting 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

noticeable when AutoStick® is
engaged.

212

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Lancia THEMA. Service Manual - part 13