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

Driving  
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 Controlsystem. 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 Controloperation,  
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  
Controlsystem is switched off, the braking system will still be used to  
control wheel spin at speeds below 25 mph (40 km/h).  
143  
2007 Focus (foc)  
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)  
USA (fus)  
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)