2003 FORD FOCUS octane

Octane recommendations
Your vehicle is designed to use
“Regular”unleaded gasoline with
pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.
We do not recommend the use of
gasolines labeled as“Regular”that
are sold with octane ratings of 86 or lower in high altitude areas.
Do not be concerned if your engine sometimes knocks lightly. However, if
it knocks heavily under most driving conditions while you are using fuel
with the recommended octane rating, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician to prevent any engine damage.
Fuel quality
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems during a cold start, try a different brand of“Regular”unleaded
gasoline.“Premium”unleaded gasoline is not recommended (particularly
in the United States) because it may cause these problems to become
more pronounced. If the problems persist, see your dealer or a qualified
service technician.
It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel
tank if you continue to use high quality fuel of the recommended octane
rating. Aftermarket products could cause damage to the fuel system.
Repairs to correct the effects of using an aftermarket product in your
fuel may not be covered by your warranty.
Many of the world’s automakers
issued the World-wide Fuel Charter
that recommends gasoline
specifications to provide improved
performance and emission control
system protection for your vehicle.
Gasolines that meet the World-wide
Fuel Charter should be used when
available. Ask your fuel supplier
about gasolines that meet the
World-wide Fuel Charter. In Canada,
look for fuels that display theAuto
Makers’Choice
logo.
Cleaner air
Ford endorses the use of reformulated“cleaner-burning”gasolines to
improve air quality.
87(R+M)/2 METHOD
Maintenance and Specifications
181

vehicle after the fuel gauge indicates empty, you might not be
able to refuel the full amount of the advertised capacity of the
fuel tank due to the empty reserve still present in the tank.
For consistent results when filling the fuel tank:
•Turn the engine/ignition switch to the off position prior to refueling,
an error in the reading will result if the engine is left running.
•Use the same filling rate setting (low—medium—high) each time
the tank is filled.
•Allow no more than 2 automatic click-offs when filling.
•Always use fuel with the recommended octane rating.
•Use a known quality gasoline, preferably a national brand.
•Use the same side of the same pump and have the vehicle facing the
same direction each time you fill up.
•Have the vehicle loading and distribution the same every time.
Your results will be most accurate if your filling method is consistent.
Calculating fuel economy
1. Fill the fuel tank completely and record the initial odometer reading
(in kilometers or miles).
2. Each time you fill the tank, record the amount of fuel added (in liters
or gallons).
3. After at least three to five tank fill-ups, fill the fuel tank and record
the current odometer reading.
4. Subtract your initial odometer reading from the current odometer
reading.
5. Follow one of the simple calculations in order to determine fuel
economy:
Calculation 1:Multiply liters used by 100, then divide by total
kilometers traveled.
Calculation 2:Divide total miles traveled by total gallons used.
Keep a record for at least one month and record the type of driving (city
or highway). This will provide an accurate estimate of the vehicle’s fuel
economy under current driving conditions. Additionally, keeping records
during summer and winter will show how temperature impacts fuel
economy. In general, lower temperatures give lower fuel economy.
Driving style—good driving and fuel economy habits
Give consideration to the lists that follow and you may be able to change
a number of variables and improve your fuel economy.
Maintenance and Specifications
183

ENGINE DATA
Engine2.0L SPI
engine2.0L Zetec E
engine2.3L I4 engine
Cubic inches 121 121 138
Required fuel 87 octane 87 octane 87 octane
Firing order 1–3–4–21–3–4–21–3–4–2
Spark plug gap1.4 mm (0.054
inch)1.3 mm (0.051
inch)1.3 mm (0.051
inch)
Ignition systemElectronic
IgnitionElectronic
IgnitionC.O.P.
Compression
ratio9.35:1 9.6:1 9.7:1
VEHICLE DIMENSIONS
Vehicle
dimensionsSedan mm (in) Coupe mm
(in)Wagon mm
(in)
(1) Overall
length4447 (175.1 4297 (169.2) 4550 (179.1)
(2) Overall
width1998 (78.7) 1998 (78.7) 1998 (78.7)
(3) Overall
height1484 (58.4) 1484 (58.4) 1491 (58.7)
1
(4) Wheelbase 2615 (103) 2615 (103) 2615 (103)
(5) Track -
Front1502 (59.1) 1502 (59.1) 1502 (59.1)
(5) Track -
Rear1495 (58.9) 1495 (58.9) 1502 (59.1)
1Overall height with roof rack is 1532 (60.3)
Maintenance and Specifications
200

capacity ...................................196
choosing the right fuel ...........180
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................185
detergent in fuel .....................181
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................178, 180, 182
filter, specifications ........182, 196
fuel pump shut-off switch .....126
improving fuel economy ........182
octane rating ...................181, 200
quality ......................................181
running out of fuel .................182
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................178
Fuel pump shut-off switch .......126
Fuses ..................................127, 129
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............180
Gas mileage (see Fuel
economy) ...................................182
Gauges .........................................14
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating) .......................................120
definition .................................120
driving with a heavy load ......120
location ....................................120
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) .......................................120
calculating ...............................120
definition .................................120
driving with a heavy load ......120
location ....................................120
H
Hazard flashers .........................126
Headlamps ...................................38aiming ........................................39
bulb specifications ....................43
daytime running lights .............38
flash to pass ..............................39
high beam .................................39
turning on and off ....................38
Heating
heater only system ...................35
Hood ..........................................162
I
Ignition ...............................107, 200
Infant seats (see Safety seats) ..99
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................187
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................158
cluster ........................................10
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................39
J
Jump-starting your vehicle ......138
K
Keys
positions of the ignition .........107
L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ............42–43
cargo lamps ...............................39
daytime running light ...............38
fog lamps ...................................38
headlamps .................................38
headlamps, flash to pass ..........39
Index
210

instrument panel, dimming .....39
interior lamps ...........................42
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................41
Liftgate ........................................59
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........111
Load limits .................................120
GAWR ......................................120
GVWR ......................................120
trailer towing ..........................120
Locks
childproof ..................................63
Lubricant specifications ...198, 200
M
Manual transaxle
lubricant specifications ..........200
Manual transmission .................119
fluid capacities ........................196
reverse .....................................119
Mirrors .........................................53
side view mirrors (power) .......53
Moon roof ....................................56
Motorcraft parts ................182, 196
O
Octane rating ............................181
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................166
P
Parking brake ............................112
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....196
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................131Power steering ..........................115
fluid, checking and adding ....188
fluid, refill capacity ................196
fluid, specifications .........198, 200
Power Windows ...........................52
R
Rear window defroster ...............37
Relays ........................................127
Remote entry system .................65
locking/unlocking doors ...........62
opening the trunk .....................66
Roadside assistance ..................125
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ............88
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ........................76, 79–83
Safety defects, reporting ..........153
Safety restraints ..............76, 79–83
belt minder ...............................84
extension assembly ..................88
for adults .............................80–82
for children .........................95–96
safety belt maintenance ...........88
warning light and chime ..........84
Safety seats for children ............99
Seat belts (see Safety
restraints) ....................................76
Seats ............................................72
child safety seats ......................99
Servicing your vehicle ..............161
Spare tire (see Changing the
Tire) ...........................................135
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................196, 200
Index
211