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

Driving  
The Traction Controlswitch is  
located on the center console, by  
the gearshift lever. The Traction  
Controlsystem 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  
Controlsystem 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 Controlsystem 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  
Controlsystem, 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 Controlbutton 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  
144  
2007 Focus (foc)  
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)  
USA (fus)  
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.  
145  
2007 Focus (foc)  
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)  
USA (fus)