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

Driving

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

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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2007 Focus (foc)

Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)

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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.)

BRAKE

Parking brake

To set the parking brake (1), pull

the parking brake handle up as far

as possible.

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2007 Focus (foc)

Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)

USA (fus)

Driving

The BRAKE warning lamp will

illuminate and will remain

illuminated until the parking brake

is released.

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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2007 Focus (foc)

Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)

USA (fus)

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

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