Get Driving Guide for Ford Focus 4 Door Second Generation (2004-2010)

Driving

STARTING

Positions of the ignition

1. LOCK, locks the steering wheel,

automatic transaxle gearshift lever

and allows key removal.

2. OFF, shuts the engine and all

electrical accessories off without

locking the steering wheel.

3. ON, all electrical circuits

operational. Warning lights

illuminated. Key position when driving.

4. START, cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine

starts.

Preparing to start your vehicle

Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain control system. This

system meets all Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment standard

requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio

noise.

When starting a fuel-injected engine, don’t press the accelerator before

or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have difficulty

starting the engine. For more information on starting the vehicle, refer to

Starting the engine in this chapter.

Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce very high

temperatures in the engine and exhaust system, creating the risk

of fire or other damage.

Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry

ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine

compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.

Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in other enclosed

areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open the garage door

before you start the engine. See Guarding against exhaust fumes in

this chapter for more instructions.

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If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer

inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell

exhaust fumes.

Important safety precautions

When the engine starts, the idle RPM runs faster to warm the engine. If

the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, have the vehicle

checked.

Before starting the vehicle:

1. Make sure all occupants buckle their safety belts. For more

information on safety belts and their proper usage, refer to the Seating

and Safety Restraints chapter.

2. Make sure the headlamps and electrical accessories are off.

If starting a vehicle with an automatic transaxle:

• Make sure the parking brake is

set.

• Make sure the gearshift is in P

(Park).

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If starting a vehicle with a manual

transaxle:

1. Make sure the parking brake is

set.

2. Push the clutch pedal to the floor.

• Turn the key to 3 (ON) without

turning the key to 4 (START).

Some warning lights will briefly illuminate. See Warning lights and

chimes in the Instrument Cluster chapter for more information

regarding the warning lights.

Starting the engine

1. Turn the key to 3 (ON) without

turning the key to 4 (START).

2. Turn the key to 4 (START), then

release the key as soon as the

engine starts. Excessive cranking

could damage the starter.

Note: If the engine does not start within five seconds on the first try,

turn the key to OFF, wait 10 seconds and try again. If the engine still

fails to start, press the accelerator to the floor and try again; this will

allow the engine to crank with the fuel shut off in case the engine is

flooded with fuel.

Guarding against exhaust fumes

Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid

its dangerous effects.

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If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer

inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell

exhaust fumes.

Important ventilating information

If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped for a long period of

time, open the windows at least one inch (2.5 cm) or adjust the heating

or air conditioning to bring in fresh air.

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (IF EQUIPPED)

An engine block heater warms the engine coolant which aids in starting

and heater/defroster performance. Use of an engine block heater is

strongly recommended if you live in a region where temperatures reach

-10°F (-23°C) or below. For best results, plug the heater in at least three

hours before starting the vehicle. The heater can be plugged in the night

before starting the vehicle.

To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use your heater

with ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater)

adapters.

BRAKES

Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding

or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be worn-out

and should be inspected by an authorized dealer. If the vehicle has

continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the

vehicle should be inspected by an authorized dealer.

Refer to Brake system warning

!

P

light in the Instrument Cluster

chapter for information on the brake

system warning light.

BRAKE

Under normal operating conditions, brake dust may accumulate on the

wheels. Some brake dust is inevitable as brakes wear and does not

contribute to brake noise. The use of modern friction materials with

emphasis on improved performance and environmental considerations

can lead to more dust than in the past. Brake dust can be cleaned by

weekly washing with soapy water and a soft sponge. Heavier deposits can

be removed with Motorcraft Wheel and Tire Cleaner (ZC-37–A).

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Driving

Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS) (if equipped)

Your vehicle may be equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

This system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops

by keeping the brakes from locking. Noise from the ABS pump motor

and brake pedal pulsation may be observed during ABS braking; any

pulsation or mechanical noise you may feel or hear is normal.

Using ABS

When hard braking is required, apply continuous force on the brake

pedal; do not pump the brake pedal since this will reduce the

effectiveness of the ABS and will increase your vehicle’s stopping

distance. The ABS will be activated immediately, allowing you to retain

steering control during hard braking and on slippery surfaces. However,

the ABS does not decrease stopping distance.

ABS warning lamp

The ABS lamp in the instrument

cluster momentarily illuminates

ABS

when the ignition is turned on. If

the light does not illuminate during

start up, remains on or flashes, the

ABS may be disabled and may need to be serviced

Even when the ABS is disabled,

normal braking is still effective. (If

your BRAKE warning lamp

illuminates with the parking brake

released, have your brake system

serviced immediately.)

!

P

BRAKE

Parking brake

To set the parking brake (1), pull

the parking brake handle up as far

as possible.

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The BRAKE warning lamp will

illuminate and will remain

illuminated until the parking brake

is released.

!

P

BRAKE

To release, press and hold the button (2), pull the handle up slightly,

then push the handle down.

Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the

gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic

transmission) or in 1 (First) (manual transmission).

If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp

remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.

See your authorized dealer as soon as possible.

TRACTION CONTROLி (IF EQUIPPED)

Your vehicle may be equipped with a Traction Control௢ system. This

system helps you maintain the stability and steerability of your vehicle,

especially on slippery road surfaces such as snow- or ice-covered roads

and gravel roads. The system will allow your vehicle to make better use

of available traction in these conditions.

During Traction Control௢ operation,

the traction control active light will

illuminate, you may hear an electric

motor type of sound coming from

the engine compartment and the

engine will not “rev-up” when you push further on the accelerator. This

is normal system behavior and should be no reason for concern.

At speeds below 53 mph (85 km/h), both the engine and the brake

system will be used to control wheel spin; at speeds above 53 mph

(85 km/h), only engine torque reduction is used. When the Traction

Control௢ system is switched off, the braking system will still be used to

control wheel spin at speeds below 25 mph (40 km/h).

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The Traction Control௢ switch is

located on the center console, by

the gearshift lever. The Traction

Control௢ system will automatically

turn on every time the ignition is

turned off and on.

If you should become stuck in snow

or ice or on a very slippery road surface, try switching the Traction

Control௢ system off by pressing the switch. This may allow excess wheel

spin to “dig” the vehicle out and enable a successful “rocking” maneuver.

If you want to turn off the Traction Control௢ system be aware that, for

safety reasons, the switch must be pressed and held for at least one

second before the system is turned off. To re-engage the Traction

Control௢ system, the button must again be held for at least one second.

If a system fault is detected, the traction control active light will

illuminate, the Traction Control௢ button will not turn the system on or

off and your vehicle should be serviced by an authorized dealer.

STEERING

To help prevent damage to the power steering system:

• Never hold the steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it

stops) for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.

• Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering fluid level

(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).

• Some noise is normal during operation. If the noise is excessive, check

for a low power steering fluid level before seeking service by your

authorized dealer.

• Heavy or uneven steering efforts may be caused by a low power

steering fluid level. Check for a low power steering fluid level before

seeking service by your authorized dealer.

• Do not fill the power steering fluid reservoir above the MAX mark on

the reservoir, as this may result in leaks from the reservoir.

If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned

off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.

If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:

• an improperly inflated tire

• uneven tire wear

• loose or worn suspension components

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• loose or worn steering components

• improper steering alignment

A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering

seem to wander/pull.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)

Brake-shift interlock

This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents

the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is

in the ON position unless the brake pedal is depressed.

If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in

the ON position and the brake pedal depressed:

1. Apply the parking brake, turn ignition key to LOCK, then remove the

key.

When the key is in the ignition and in the OFF position, the

automatic transmission shift lever can be moved from the P

(Park) position without the brake pedal depressed. To avoid unwanted

vehicle movement, always set the parking brake.

2. Using a screwdriver (or similar

tool), remove the protective cover

to the interlock access hole on the

console. Insert the key to release

the interlock.

3. Apply the parking brake, then shift to N (Neutral).

4. Start the vehicle.

If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift lever,

it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle’s brakelamps are not

operating properly. Refer to Fuses and relays in the Roadside

Emergencies chapter.

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Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps

are working.

Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is

latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and

remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.

If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp

remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.

See your authorized dealer.

Understanding the gearshift positions of the 4–speed automatic

transaxle

This vehicle is equipped with an adaptive Transmission Shift Strategy.

Adaptive Shift Strategy offers the optimal transmission operation and

shift quality. When the vehicle’s battery has been disconnected for any

type of service or repair, the transmission will need to relearn the normal

shift strategy parameters, much like having to reset your radio stations

when your vehicle battery has been disconnected. The Adaptive

Transmission Strategy allows the transmission to relearn these operating

parameters. This learning process could take several transmission

upshifts and downshifts; during this learning process, slightly firmer

shifts may occur. After this learning process, normal shift feel and shift

scheduling will resume.

P (Park)

This position locks the transaxle and prevents the front wheels from

turning.

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Driving

To put your vehicle in gear:

• Start the engine

• Depress the brake pedal

• Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear

To put your vehicle in P (Park):

• Come to a complete stop

• Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P (Park)

Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is

latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and

remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.

R (Reverse)

With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.

Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R

(Reverse).

N (Neutral)

With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is

free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.

D (Overdrive)

The normal driving position for the best fuel economy; transaxle operates

in gears one through four. D (Overdrive) can be deactivated by pressing

the transaxle control switch on the end of the gearshift lever. This will

illuminate the O/D OFF lamp and activate Drive.

Drive (not shown)

Drive is activated when the transaxle control switch is pressed.

• This position allows for all forward gears except overdrive.

• O/D OFF lamp is illuminated.

• Provides engine braking.

• Use when driving conditions cause excessive shifting from O/D to

other gears. Examples: city traffic, hilly terrain, heavy loads, trailer

towing and when engine braking is required.

• To return to O/D (overdrive mode), press the transaxle control switch.

The O/D OFF lamp will not be illuminated.

• O/D (Overdrive) is automatically returned each time the key is turned

off.

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2 (Second)

This position allows for second gear only.

• Provides engine braking.

• Use to start-up on slippery roads.

• To return to D (Overdrive), move the gearshift lever into the D

(Overdrive) position.

• Selecting 2 (Second) at higher speeds will cause the transaxle to

downshift to second gear at the appropriate vehicle speed.

1 (First)

• Provides maximum engine braking.

• Allows upshifts by moving gearshift lever.

• Will not downshift into 1 (First) at high speeds; allows for 1 (First)

when vehicle reaches slower speeds.

If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow

If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by

shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a

steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.

If necessary, try turning the Traction Control௢ system off. This will allow

the wheels to spin, which may help to free your stuck vehicle. For more

information, refer to Traction Control௢ (if equipped) in this chapter.

Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating

temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.

Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the

transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.

MANUAL TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)

1

2

3

4

5

R

Using the clutch

The manual transaxle has a starter interlock that prevents cranking the

engine unless the clutch pedal is fully depressed.

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To start the vehicle:

1. Make sure the parking brake is fully set.

2. Press the clutch pedal to the floor, then put the gearshift lever in the

neutral position.

3. Start the engine.

4. Press the brake pedal and move the gearshift lever to the desired

gear; 1 (First) or R (Reverse).

5. Release the parking brake, then slowly release the clutch pedal while

slowly pressing on the accelerator.

During each shift, the clutch pedal must be fully depressed to the floor.

Make sure the floor mat is properly positioned so it doesn’t interfere with

the full extension of the clutch pedal.

Failure to fully depress the clutch pedal to the floor may cause

increased shift efforts, prematurely wear transaxle components

or damage the transaxle.

Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal or use the

clutch pedal to hold your vehicle at a standstill while waiting on a

hill. These actions will reduce the life of the clutch.

Recommended shift speeds

Do not downshift into 1 (First) when your vehicle is moving

faster than 15 mph (24 km/h). This will damage the clutch.

Upshift according to the following chart:

Recommended upshifts (for best fuel economy) when

accelerating

5-speed manual transaxle

Shift from:

1 - 2

2 - 3

3 - 4

4 - 5

14 mph (23 km/h)

24 mph (39 km/h)

32 mph (51 km/h)

44 mph (71 km/h)

Reverse

1. Make sure that your vehicle is at a complete stop before you shift into

R (Reverse). Failure to do so may damage the transmission.

2. Hold the clutch pedal down and move the gearshift lever into the

neutral position. Wait at least three seconds before shifting into R

(Reverse).

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• The gearshift lever can only be moved into R (Reverse) by moving it

from left of 3 (Third) and 4 (Fourth) before shifting into R (Reverse).

This is a lockout feature that protects the transmission from

accidentally being shifted into R (Reverse) from 5 (Fifth).

If R (Reverse) is not fully engaged, press the clutch pedal down and

return the gearshift to the neutral position. Release the clutch pedal for

a moment, then press it down and shift to R (Reverse) again.

Parking your vehicle

1. Apply the brake and shift into the neutral position.

2. Fully apply the parking brake, then shift into 1 (First).

3. Turn the ignition off.

Do not park your vehicle in Neutral, it may move unexpectedly

and injure someone. Use 1 (First) gear and set the parking brake

fully.

Removing the key

Turn the ignition to position 1 (LOCK) and remove the key.

DRIVING THROUGH WATER

If driving through deep or standing

water is unavoidable, proceed very

slowly especially when the depth is

not known. Never drive through

water that is higher than the bottom

of the wheel rims (for cars) or the

bottom of the hubs (for trucks).

When driving through water, traction or brake capability may be limited.

Also, water may enter your engine’s air intake and severely damage your

engine or your vehicle may stall. Driving through deep water where

the transmission vent tube is submerged may allow water into the

transmission and cause internal transmission damage.

Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your

vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.

Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.

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Driving for Your Ford Focus 4 Door Second Generation (2004-2010)

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