2003 FORD FOCUS check transmission fluid

All these conditions are normal during AdvanceTrac
operation.
Do not alter or modify your vehicle’s suspension or steering; the
resulting changes to the vehicle’s handling can adversely affect
the AdvanceTrac
system. Also, do not install a stereo
loudspeaker near the front center console or under either front
seat. The speaker vibrations can adversely affect the
AdvanceTrac
sensors located in this area.
Aggressive driving in any road conditions can cause you to lose
control of your vehicle increasing the risk of severe personal
injury or property damage. The occurrence of an AdvanceTrac
event
is an indication that at least some of the tires have exceeded their
ability to grip the road; this may lead to an increased risk of loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. If you
experience a severe road event, SLOW DOWN.
STEERING
To 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 pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on 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
•loose or worn steering components
•improper steering alignment
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.
Driving
115

Maintenance and SpecificationsSERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle:
•We highlight do-it-yourself items in the engine compartment for easy
location.
•We provide a scheduled maintenance guide which makes tracking
routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your dealership can provide
the necessary parts and service. Check yourWarranty Guide/Owner
Information Guideto find out which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Motorcraft parts are designed and built to
provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
•Do not work on a hot engine.
•Make sure that nothing gets caught in moving parts.
•Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
•Keep all open flames and other burning (cigarettes) material away
from the battery and all fuel related parts.
The engine cooling fan may operate for several minutes after the
engine is turned off. Do not start maintenance work until the fan
has stopped operating.
Working with the engine off
•Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels.
•Manual transmission:
1. Set the parking brake, depress the clutch and place the gearshift in 1
(First).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels.
Maintenance and Specifications
161

CLUTCH FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)
The clutch master cylinder and
brake master cylinder are part of
the same system; both are refillable
through the brake master cylinder
with brake fluid. For more
information on brake fluid
maintenance, refer toBrake fluidin
this chapter.
Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the eyes, flush eyes
with running water for 15 minutes. Seek medical if irritation
persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting. Seek
medical attention immediately.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for scheduled intervals for
fluid checks and changes. Your transaxle does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transaxle is not working
properly, i.e., if the transaxle slips or shifts slowly or if you notice some
sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 30 km [20 miles]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic
during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before
checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 30 km (20 miles) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
Maintenance and Specifications
189

5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated areas for normal operating temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is at the bottom of the dipstick
and the outside temperatures are
above 10°C (50°F).
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperatures 66°C-77°C (150°F-170°F) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 30 km (20
miles) of driving.
The transmission fluid should be in
this range if at normal operating
temperature (66°C-77°C
[150°F-170°F]).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may result in transaxle failure. An
overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or
possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by
an overheating condition.
Maintenance and Specifications
190

Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the
Lubricant specificationssection in this chapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transaxle component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 250 mL (1/2 pint) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by a qualified
technician.
An overfill condition of
transmission fluid may cause
shift and/or engagement
concerns and/or possible
damage.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
Checking and adding manual transmission fluid (if equipped)
1. Clean the filler plug.
2. Remove the filler plug and
inspect the fluid level.
3. Fluid level should be at the
bottom of the opening.
4. Add enough fluid through the
filler opening so that the fluid level
is at the bottom of the opening.
5. Install and tighten the fill plug
securely.
Use only fluid that meets Ford specifications. Refer toLubricant
Specificationsin this chapter.
Maintenance and Specifications
191

Fluid Ford Part
NameApplication Capacity
Engine oil
(includes
filter
change)
4
Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 Premium
Synthetic Blend
Motor Oil (US)
Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 Super
Premium Motor
Oil (Canada)2.0L SPI engine 3.78L (4.0 quarts)
2.0L Zetec E
engine4.25L (4.5 quarts)
2.3L engine 4.3L (4.54 quarts)
Fuel tank N/A 2.0L SPI and 2.0L
Zetec E50L (13.2 gallons)
2.3L 53L (14.0 gallons)
Power
steering
fluidMotorcraft
MERCON
AT FAll Fill to between MIN
and MAX lines on
reservoir
Transaxle
fluid
2Motorcraft Full
Synthetic
Manual
Transmission
Fluid5-speed manual 2.0L (2.1 quarts)3
Motorcraft
MERCON
V
AT FAutomatic 6.6L (6.9 quarts)3
Windshield
washer
fluidMotorcraft
Premium
Windshield
Washer
ConcentrateSedan 2.5L (2.6 quarts)
Coupe and Wagon 4.0L (4.2 quarts)
1Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.
2Ensure the correct automatic transmission fluid is used. Transmission
fluid requirements are indicated on the dipstick or on the dipstick
handle. Check the container to verify the fluid being added is of the
correct type. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide to determine
the correct service interval.
Maintenance and Specifications
197

Index
A
AdvanceTrac ..............................113
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ..............................89–90, 93
and child safety seats ..............91
description ..........................90, 93
disposal ......................................95
driver air bag ......................91, 94
indicator light ...........................93
operation .............................91, 94
passenger air bag ...............91, 94
side air bag ................................93
Air cleaner filter .......................196
Antifreeze (see Engine
coolant) .....................................172
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................111
Anti-theft system ........................71
arming the system ....................71
disarming a triggered system ..71
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ............................189
fluid, checking ........................189
fluid, specification ..................200
Automatic transmission ............115
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................117
fluid, refill capacities ..............196
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........198
refill capacities ........................196
B
Battery .......................................170
acid, treating emergencies .....170
jumping a disabled battery ....138
maintenance-free ....................170replacement, specifications ...196
servicing ..................................170
BeltMinder ...................................84
Brakes ........................................111
anti-lock ...................................111
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................111
fluid, checking and adding ....188
fluid, refill capacities ..............196
fluid, specifications .........198, 200
lubricant specifications ..198, 200
parking ....................................112
shift interlock ..........................115
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....196
Cargo cover .................................60
Cell phone use ............................58
Certification Label ....................203
Child safety restraints ................96
child safety belts ......................96
Child safety seats ........................99
attaching with tether straps ..103
in front seat ............................101
in rear seat ..............................101
LATCH .....................................105
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............155
instrument panel ....................158
interior .....................................159
plastic parts ............................158
washing ....................................154
waxing .....................................154
wheels ......................................155
wiper blades ............................158
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......35–36
Index
208

Clutch
fluid ..................................188–189
operation while driving ..........119
Coolant
checking and adding ..............172
refill capacities ................175, 196
specifications ..................198, 200
Cruise control (see Speed
control) ........................................53
Customer Assistance ................125
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................160
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................147
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................151
Getting roadside assistance ...125
Getting the service you need 145
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................152
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................147
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................150
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................38
Defrost
rear window ..............................37
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................189
engine oil .................................166
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........198
Driving under special
conditions ..................................118through water .........................120
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................138
Emission control system ..........185
Engine ........................................200
cleaning ...................................155
coolant .....................................172
fail-safe coolant ......................176
idle speed control ...................170
lubrication specifications ......198,
200
refill capacities ........................196
service points ..................163–165
starting after a collision .........126
Engine block heater .................110
Engine fan .........................161, 163
Engine oil ..................................166
checking and adding ..............166
dipstick ....................................166
filter, specifications ........169, 196
recommendations ...................169
refill capacities ........................196
specifications ..................198, 200
Exhaust fumes ..........................110
F
Fail safe cooling ........................176
Fan, Engine Cooling .........161, 163
Floor mats ...................................59
Fluid capacities .........................196
Foglamps .....................................38
Fuel ............................................178
calculating fuel economy .......182
cap ...........................................180
Index
209