Get Driving -> AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION Guide for Ford Focus 4 Door Second Generation (2004-2010)

Driving

• 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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Driving

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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2007 Focus (foc)

Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)

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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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2007 Focus (foc)

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USA (fus)

Driving

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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2007 Focus (foc)

Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)

USA (fus)

Driving -> AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION for Your Ford Focus 4 Door Second Generation (2004-2010)

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