2010-2017 Ford Focus 4 Door Fuel and Refueling User Manual

MY CAR USER MANUAL

Fuel and Refueling for Your Ford Focus 4 Door Third generation(2010-2017)

Fuel and Refueling  
•
Automotive fuels can be harmful or  
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS  
fatal if swallowed. Fuel such as  
gasoline is highly toxic and if  
WARNINGS  
swallowed can cause death or  
permanent injury. If fuel is swallowed,  
call a physician immediately, even if no  
symptoms are immediately apparent.  
The toxic effects of fuel may not be  
visible for hours.  
Avoid inhaling fuel vapors. Inhaling too  
much fuel vapor of any kind can lead  
to eye and respiratory tract irritation.  
In severe cases, excessive or prolonged  
breathing of fuel vapor can cause  
serious illness and permanent injury.  
Avoid getting fuel liquid in your eyes. If  
fuel is splashed in the eyes, remove  
contact lenses (if worn), flush with  
water for 15 minutes and seek medical  
attention. Failure to seek proper  
medical attention could lead to  
permanent injury.  
Fuels can also be harmful if absorbed  
through the skin. If fuel is splashed on  
the skin, clothing or both, promptly  
remove contaminated clothing and  
wash skin thoroughly with soap and  
water. Repeated or prolonged skin  
contact with fuel liquid or vapor causes  
skin irritation.  
Do not overfill the fuel tank. The  
pressure in an overfilled tank may  
cause leakage and lead to fuel spray  
and fire.  
The fuel system may be under  
pressure. If you hear a hissing sound  
near the fuel filler inlet, do not refuel  
until the sound stops. Otherwise, fuel may  
spray out, which could cause serious  
personal injury.  
•
•
Fuels can cause serious injury or  
death if misused or mishandled.  
Flow of fuel through a fuel pump  
nozzle can produce static electricity.  
This can cause a fire if you are filling  
an ungrounded fuel container.  
Fuel may contain benzene, which is  
a cancer-causing agent.  
•
•
When refueling always shut the  
engine off and never allow sparks or  
open flames near the fuel tank filler  
valve. Never smoke or use a cell phone  
while refueling. Fuel vapor is extremely  
hazardous under certain conditions. Avoid  
inhaling excess fumes.  
Be particularly careful if you are taking  
Antabuse or other forms of Disulfiram  
for the treatment of alcoholism.  
Observe the following guidelines when  
handling automotive fuel:  
Breathing gasoline vapors could cause  
an adverse reaction, serious personal  
injury or sickness. If fuel is splashed on  
the skin, wash the affected areas  
•
Extinguish all smoking materials and  
any open flames before refueling your  
vehicle.  
immediately with plenty of soap and  
water. Consult a physician immediately  
if you experience any adverse reactions.  
•
Always turn off the vehicle before  
refueling.  
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Fuel and Refueling  
Note: Use of any fuel other than those  
FUEL QUALITY - E85 (If Equipped)  
recommended can impair the emission  
control system and cause a loss of vehicle  
performance.  
ChoosingtheRightFuel-FlexFuel  
Vehicles  
Do not use:  
Flex fuel vehicles have one of the following  
identifiers:  
•
•
•
Diesel fuel.  
Fuels containing kerosene or paraffin.  
•
•
•
•
Yellow fuel filler cap.  
Yellow bezel around the fuel filler inlet.  
Yellow fuel filler housing.  
Fuels containing more than 85%  
ethanol or E100 fuel.  
•
•
Fuels containing methanol.  
Yellow E85 label on the fuel tank filler  
Fuels containing metallic-based  
additives, including manganese-based  
compounds.  
door.  
•
•
Fuels containing the octane booster  
additive, methylcyclopentadienyl  
manganese tricarbonyl (MMT).  
Leaded fuel (using leaded fuel is  
prohibited by law).  
The use of fuels with metallic compounds  
such as methylcyclopentadienyl  
manganese tricarbonyl (commonly known  
as MMT), which is a manganese-based  
fuel additive, will impair engine  
performance and affect the emission  
control system.  
Do not be concerned if the engine  
sometimes knocks lightly. However, if the  
engine knocks heavily while using fuel with  
the recommended octane rating, contact  
an authorized dealer to prevent any engine  
damage.  
E161513  
Your vehicle is designed to operate on  
regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum  
pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87 or  
regular unleaded gasoline blended with a  
maximum of 85% ethanol (E85).  
Some fuel stations, particularly those in  
high altitude areas, offer fuels posted as  
regular unleaded gasoline with an octane  
rating below 87. We do not recommend  
these fuels.  
For best overall vehicle and engine  
performance, premium fuel with an octane  
rating of 91 or higher is recommended. The  
performance gained by using premium fuel  
is most noticeable in hot weather as well  
as other conditions, for example when  
towing a trailer. See Towing (page 182).  
Do not use any fuel other than those  
recommended because they could lead to  
engine damage that will not be covered by  
the vehicle Warranty.  
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Fuel and Refueling  
Do not use any fuel other than those  
Switching Between E85 and  
Gasoline  
We do not recommend repeatedly  
recommended because they could lead to  
engine damage that will not be covered by  
the vehicle Warranty.  
alternating between E85 and gasoline. If  
you switch from using E85 to gasoline, or  
from gasoline to E85, add as much fuel as  
possible, at least half a tank. Drive your  
vehicle immediately for a minimum of 5 mi  
(8 km) to allow it to adapt to the change  
in ethanol concentration. If you use E85  
exclusively, we recommend that you fill  
the fuel tank with regular unleaded  
Note: Use of any fuel other than those  
recommended can impair the emission  
control system and cause a loss of vehicle  
performance.  
Do not use:  
•
•
•
Diesel fuel.  
Fuels containing kerosene or paraffin.  
gasoline at each scheduled oil change.  
Fuel containing more than 15% ethanol  
or E85 fuel.  
•
•
Fuels containing methanol.  
FUEL QUALITY - GASOLINE  
Choosing the Right Fuel  
Fuels containing metallic-based  
additives, including manganese-based  
compounds.  
•
•
Fuels containing the octane booster  
additive, methylcyclopentadienyl  
manganese tricarbonyl (MMT).  
Leaded fuel (using leaded fuel is  
prohibited by law).  
The use of fuels with metallic compounds  
such as methylcyclopentadienyl  
manganese tricarbonyl (commonly known  
as MMT), which is a manganese-based  
fuel additive, will impair engine  
performance and affect the emission  
control system.  
Do not be concerned if the engine  
sometimes knocks lightly. However, if the  
engine knocks heavily while using fuel with  
the recommended octane rating, contact  
an authorized dealer to prevent any engine  
damage.  
E161513  
Your vehicle is designed to operate on  
regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum  
pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.  
Some fuel stations, particularly those in  
high altitude areas, offer fuels posted as  
regular unleaded gasoline with an octane  
rating below 87. We do not recommend  
these fuels.  
For best overall vehicle and engine  
performance, premium fuel with an octane  
rating of 91 or higher is recommended. The  
performance gained by using premium fuel  
is most noticeable in hot weather as well  
as other conditions, for example when  
towing a trailer. See Towing (page 182).  
FUEL FILLER FUNNEL  
LOCATION  
The fuel filler funnel is in the glove  
compartment.  
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Fuel and Refueling  
WARNINGS  
RUNNING OUT OF FUEL  
Do not try to pry open or push open  
the capless fuel system with foreign  
objects. This could damage the fuel  
system and its seal and cause injury to you  
or others.  
Running out of fuel can cause damage not  
covered by the vehicle Warranty.  
If your vehicle runs out of fuel:  
•
Add a minimum of 1.3 gal (5 L) of fuel  
to restart the engine. If your vehicle is  
out of fuel and on a steep slope, more  
fuel may be required.  
Do not dispose of fuel in the  
household refuse or the public  
sewage system. Use an authorized  
waste disposal facility.  
•
You may need to switch the ignition  
from off to on several times after  
refueling to allow the fuel system to  
pump the fuel from the tank to the  
engine. When restarting, cranking time  
takes a few seconds longer than  
normal.  
When refueling the vehicle fuel tank from  
a fuel container, use the fuel filler funnel  
included with your vehicle. See Fuel Filler  
Funnel Location (page 130).  
Note: Do not use aftermarket funnels as  
they will not work with the capless fuel  
system and can damage it.  
Filling a Portable Fuel Container  
Use the following guidelines to avoid  
electrostatic charge build-up, which can  
produce a spark, when filling an  
ungrounded fuel container:  
When refueling the vehicle fuel tank from  
a fuel container, do the following:  
1. Fully open the fuel tank filler door until  
it engages.  
•
Only use an approved fuel container to  
transfer fuel to your vehicle. Place the  
container on the ground when filling it.  
2. Fully insert the fuel filler funnel into the  
fuel tank filler pipe opening.  
•
Do not fill a fuel container when it is  
inside your vehicle (including the cargo  
area).  
•
•
Keep the fuel pump nozzle in contact  
with the fuel container when filling it.  
Do not use a device that holds the fuel  
pump nozzle lever in the fill position.  
Adding Fuel From a Portable Fuel  
Container  
WARNINGS  
Do not insert the nozzle of a fuel  
container or an aftermarket funnel  
into the fuel system filler neck. This  
may damage the fuel system filler neck or  
its seal and cause fuel to run onto the  
ground.  
E157452  
3. Add fuel to your vehicle from the fuel  
container.  
4. Remove the fuel filler funnel from the  
fuel tank filler pipe opening.  
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Fuel and Refueling  
5. Fully close the fuel tank filler door.  
REFUELING  
6. Clean the fuel filler funnel and place it  
back in your vehicle or correctly dispose  
of it.  
Note: Extra funnels can be purchased from  
an authorized dealer if you choose to  
dispose of the funnel.  
WARNINGS  
When refueling always shut the  
engine off and never allow sparks or  
open flames near the fuel tank filler  
valve. Never smoke or use a cell phone  
while refueling. Fuel vapor is extremely  
hazardous under certain conditions. Avoid  
inhaling excess fumes.  
CATALYTIC CONVERTER  
The fuel system may be under  
pressure. If you hear a hissing sound  
near the fuel filler door, do not refuel  
until the sound stops. Otherwise, fuel may  
spray out, which could cause serious  
personal injury.  
WARNING  
Do not park or idle your vehicle over  
dry leaves, dry grass or other  
combustible materials. The exhaust  
will radiate a considerable amount of heat  
during use, and after you have switched  
the engine off. This is a potential fire  
hazard.  
Do not remove the fuel pump nozzle  
from its fully inserted position when  
refueling.  
Do not overfill the fuel tank. The  
pressure in an overfilled tank may  
cause leakage and lead to fuel spray  
and fire.  
Stop refueling when the fuel pump  
nozzle automatically shuts off for the  
first time. Failure to follow this will  
fill the expansion space in the fuel tank and  
could lead to fuel overflowing.  
Wait at least 10 seconds before  
removing the fuel pump nozzle to  
allow any residual fuel to drain into  
the fuel tank.  
Do not try to pry open or push open  
the capless fuel system with foreign  
objects. This could damage the fuel  
system and its seal and cause injury to you  
or others.  
Driving with a Catalytic Converter  
WARNINGS  
Avoid running out of fuel.  
Do not crank the engine for long  
periods.  
Do not run the engine when a spark  
plug lead is disconnected.  
Do not push-start or tow-start your  
vehicle. Use booster cables. See  
Jump Starting the Vehicle (page  
191).  
Do not switch the ignition off when  
driving.  
Note: Your vehicle does not have a fuel filler  
cap.  
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Fuel and Refueling  
A
C
B
A
D
E206911  
A
Left-hand side. To open the fuel  
filler door, press the center rear  
edge of the fuel filler door and  
then release.  
E139202  
Note: When you insert the correct size fuel  
pump nozzle a spring loaded inhibitor will  
open.  
2. Insert the fuel pump nozzle up to the  
first notch on the nozzle A. Keep it  
resting on the cover of the fuel tank  
filler pipe opening.  
B
Right-hand side. To open the  
fuel filler door, press the center  
rear edge of the fuel filler door  
and then release.  
Left-hand side. Pull the rear of  
the fuel tank filler door to open  
it.  
Right-hand side. Pull the rear of  
the fuel tank filler door to open  
it.  
C
D
A
1. Fully open the fuel tank filler door until  
it engages.  
B
E139203  
3. Hold the fuel pump nozzle in position  
B when refueling. Holding the fuel  
nozzle in position A can affect the flow  
of fuel and shut off the fuel nozzle  
before the fuel tank is full.  
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Fuel and Refueling  
5. Insert a fuel pump nozzle or the fuel  
A
B
filler funnel provided with your vehicle  
in to the fuel tank filler pipe opening.  
This action should dislodge any debris  
that may be preventing the fuel filler  
inlet from fully closing.  
Note: If this action corrects the problem  
the message may not reset immediately. If  
the message remains and the service engine  
soon warning lamp appears in the  
E206912  
4. Operate the fuel pump nozzle within  
the area shown.  
information display, have your vehicle  
checked as soon as possible.  
FUEL CONSUMPTION  
The advertised capacity is the maximum  
amount of fuel that you can add to the fuel  
tank after running out of fuel. Included in  
the advertised capacity is an empty  
reserve. The empty reserve is an  
E119081  
unspecified amount of fuel that remains  
in the fuel tank when the fuel gauge  
indicates empty.  
5. Slightly raise the fuel pump nozzle and  
then slowly remove it.  
Note: The amount of fuel in the empty  
reserve varies and should not be relied upon  
to increase driving range.  
6. Fully close the fuel tank filler door.  
Note: Do not attempt to start the engine  
if you have filled the fuel tank with incorrect  
fuel. Incorrect fuel use can cause damage  
not covered by the vehicle Warranty. Have  
your vehicle checked immediately.  
Filling the Fuel Tank  
For consistent results when refueling:  
•
•
•
Turn the ignition off before fueling; an  
inaccurate reading results if the engine  
is left running.  
Use the same fill rate  
(low-medium-high) each time the tank  
is filled.  
System Warnings(If Equipped)  
If the fuel filler inlet does not fully close a  
warning message appears in the  
information display.  
1. Stop your vehicle as soon as safely  
possible and shift the transmission into  
park (P) or neutral (N).  
Allow no more than one automatic  
shut-off when refueling.  
2. Apply the parking brake and switch the  
Results are most accurate when the filling  
method is consistent.  
ignition off.  
3. Fully open the fuel tank filler door until  
it engages.  
4. Check the fuel filler inlet and the area  
around it for any items or debris that  
may be obstructing its movement.  
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Fuel and Refueling  
•
•
•
Fuel economy may decrease with lower  
Calculating Fuel Economy  
temperatures.  
Do not measure fuel economy during the  
first 1,000 mi (1,600 km) of driving (this is  
your engine’s break-in period). A more  
accurate measurement is obtained after  
2,000 mi (3,200 km) to 3,000 mi  
Fuel economy may decrease when  
driving short distances.  
You will get better fuel economy when  
driving on flat terrain than when driving  
on hilly terrain.  
(4,800 km). Also, fuel expense, frequency  
of fill ups or fuel gauge readings are not  
accurate ways to measure fuel economy.  
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM  
1. Fill the fuel tank completely and record  
the initial odometer reading.  
WARNINGS  
2. Each time you fill the fuel tank, record  
the amount of fuel added.  
3. After at least three fill ups, fill the fuel  
tank and record the current odometer  
reading.  
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.  
Exhaust leaks may result in entry of  
harmful and potentially lethal fumes  
into the passenger compartment. If  
you smell exhaust fumes inside your  
vehicle, have your dealer inspect your  
vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you  
smell exhaust fumes.  
4. Subtract your initial odometer reading  
from the current odometer reading.  
To calculate L/100 km (liters per 100  
kilometers) fuel consumption, multiply the  
liters used by 100, then divide by kilometers  
traveled. To calculate MPG (miles per  
gallon) fuel consumption, divide miles  
traveled by gallons used.  
Your vehicle is equipped with various  
emission control components and a  
catalytic converter that will enable your  
vehicle to comply with applicable exhaust  
emission standards.  
To make sure that the catalytic converter  
and other emission control components  
continue to work properly:  
Keep a record for at least one month and  
record the type of driving (city or highway).  
This provides an accurate estimate of your  
vehicle's fuel economy under current  
driving conditions. Keeping records during  
summer and winter will show how  
temperature impacts fuel economy.  
Conditions  
•
•
•
Use only the specified fuel listed.  
Avoid running out of fuel.  
Do not turn off the ignition while your  
vehicle is moving, especially at high  
speeds.  
•
•
•
Heavily loading your vehicle reduces  
fuel economy.  
Carrying unnecessary weight in your  
vehicle may reduce fuel economy.  
Adding certain accessories to your  
vehicle such as bug deflectors, rollbars  
or light bars, running boards and ski  
racks may reduce fuel economy.  
•
Have the items listed in scheduled  
maintenance information performed  
according to the specified schedule.  
•
Using fuel blended with alcohol may  
lower fuel economy.  
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Fuel and Refueling  
The scheduled maintenance items listed  
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II)  
in scheduled maintenance information are  
essential to the life and performance of  
your vehicle and to its emissions system.  
Your vehicle has a computer known as the  
on-board diagnostics system (OBD-II) that  
monitors the engine’s emission control  
system. The system protects the  
If you use anything other than Ford,  
Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts for  
maintenance replacements or for service  
of components affecting emission control,  
such non-Ford parts should be equivalent  
to genuine Ford Motor Company parts in  
performance and durability.  
Illumination of the service engine soon  
indicator, charging system warning light or  
the temperature warning light, fluid leaks,  
strange odors, smoke or loss of engine  
power could indicate that the emission  
control system is not working properly.  
environment by making sure that your  
vehicle continues to meet government  
emission standards. The OBD-II system  
also assists a service technician in properly  
servicing your vehicle.  
When the service engine soon  
indicator illuminates, the OBD-II  
system has detected a  
malfunction. Temporary malfunctions may  
cause the service engine soon indicator to  
illuminate. Examples are:  
1. Your vehicle has run out of fuel—the  
An improperly operating or damaged  
exhaust system may allow exhaust to  
enter the vehicle. Have a damaged or  
improperly operating exhaust system  
inspected and repaired immediately.  
engine may misfire or run poorly.  
2. Poor fuel quality or water in the  
fuel—the engine may misfire or run  
poorly.  
3. The fuel fill inlet may not have closed  
Do not make any unauthorized changes to  
your vehicle or engine. By law, vehicle  
owners and anyone who manufactures,  
repairs, services, sells, leases, trades  
vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles  
are not permitted to intentionally remove  
an emission control device or prevent it  
from working. Information about your  
vehicle’s emission system is on the Vehicle  
Emission Control Information Decal  
located on or near the engine. This decal  
also lists engine displacement.  
properly. See Refueling (page 132).  
4. Driving through deep water—the  
electrical system may be wet.  
You can correct these temporary  
malfunctions by filling the fuel tank with  
good quality fuel, properly closing the fuel  
fill inlet or letting the electrical system dry  
out. After three driving cycles without these  
or any other temporary malfunctions  
present, the service engine soon indicator  
should stay off the next time you start the  
engine. A driving cycle consists of a cold  
engine startup followed by mixed city and  
highway driving. No additional vehicle  
service is required.  
Please consult your warranty information  
for complete details.  
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If the service engine soon indicator remains  
The OBD-II system checks the emission  
control system during normal driving. A  
complete check may take several days.  
If the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing,  
you can perform the following driving cycle  
consisting of mixed city and highway  
driving:  
1. 15 minutes of steady driving on an  
expressway or highway followed by 20  
minutes of stop-and-go driving with at  
least four 30-second idle periods.  
2. Allow your vehicle to sit for at least  
eight hours with the ignition off. Then,  
start the vehicle and complete the  
above driving cycle. The vehicle must  
warm up to its normal operating  
temperature. Once started, do not turn  
off the vehicle until the above driving  
cycle is complete.  
on, have your vehicle serviced at the first  
available opportunity. Although some  
malfunctions detected by the OBD-II may  
not have symptoms that are apparent,  
continued driving with the service engine  
soon indicator on can result in increased  
emissions, lower fuel economy, reduced  
engine and transmission smoothness and  
lead to more costly repairs.  
Readiness for Inspection and  
Maintenance (I/M) Testing  
Some state and provincial and local  
governments may have  
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) programs  
to inspect the emission control equipment  
on your vehicle. Failure to pass this  
inspection could prevent you from getting  
a vehicle registration.  
If the vehicle is still not ready for I/M  
testing, you need to repeat the above  
driving cycle.  
If the service engine soon  
indicator is on or the bulb does  
not work, your vehicle may need  
service. See On-Board Diagnostics.  
Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test if  
the service engine soon indicator is on or  
not working properly (bulb is burned out),  
or if the OBD-II system has determined  
that some of the emission control systems  
have not been properly checked. In this  
case, the vehicle is not ready for I/M  
testing.  
If the vehicle’s engine or transmission has  
just been serviced, or the battery has  
recently run down or been replaced, the  
OBD-II system may indicate that the  
vehicle is not ready for I/M testing. To  
determine if the vehicle is ready for I/M  
testing, turn the ignition key to the on  
position for 15 seconds without cranking  
the engine. If the service engine soon  
indicator blinks eight times, it means that  
the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing; if  
the service engine soon indicator stays on  
solid, it means that your vehicle is ready  
for I/M testing.  
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Related Topics

Safety Precautions
Fuel Quality
Fuel Filler Funnel Location
Running Out of Fuel
Catalytic Converter
Refueling
Emission Control System