Get Driving -> STARTING 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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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 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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Driving

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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2007 Focus (foc)

Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)

USA (fus)

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

!

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

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