2004 FORD FOCUS brakes

10–15% (conventional trailer) or king pin weight of 15–25% (fifth wheel
trailer), and driver only (68 kg [150 lbs]).Consult your dealership (or
the RV and Trailer Towing Guide provided by your dealership) for
more detailed information.
Tongue Load or Fifth Wheel King Pin Weight–refers to the amount
of the weight that a trailer pushes down on a trailer hitch.
Examples:For a 2268 kg (5000 lbs.) conventional trailer, multiply 5000
by 0.10 and 0.15 to obtain a proper tongue load range of 227 to 340 kg
(500 to 750 lbs.). For an 5216 kg (11,500 lbs.) fifth wheel trailer,
multiply by 0.15 and 0.25 to obtain a proper king pin load range of 782
to 1304 kg (1,725 to 2,875 lbs.)
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
certification label.
Do not use replacement tires with lower load carrying capacities
than the originals because they may lower the vehicle’s GVWR
and GAWR limitations. Replacement tires with a higher limit than the
originals do not increase the GVWR and GAWR limitations.
Exceeding any vehicle weight rating limitation could result in
serious damage to the vehicle and/or personal injury.
TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle is capable of towing a trailer up to 454 kg (1,000 lbs.) gross
trailer weight with a maximum tongue load of 45 kg (100 lbs.). Do not tow
a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least 800 km (500 miles).
Towing a trailer places an additional load on your vehicle’s engine,
transaxle, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these components
carefully after towing.
Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
certification label.
Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer
weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could result in
engine damage, transaxle damage, structural damage, increased risk of
loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover and/or serious personal injury.
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Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. See your dealer or a reliable trailer
dealer if you require assistance.
Hitches
Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle bumper. Use a load
carrying hitch. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that
10–15% of the total weight of the trailer is on the tongue.
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to the frame or hook retainers
of the vehicle hitch. To connect the trailer’s safety chains, cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.
Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are safe
if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer’s specifications. The
trailer brakes must meet local and Federal regulations.
Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system directly to your
vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not have enough
braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly increase.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. See your
dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for
hooking up trailer lamps.
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
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•Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
•To eliminate excessive shifting, use a lower gear. This will also assist
in transaxle cooling.
•Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
•Do not exceed the GCWR rating or transaxle damage may occur.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for
more information.
Trailer towing tips
•Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
•If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear. Do
not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become
less effective.
•The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
•After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
•To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park).
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
RECREATIONAL TOWING
Follow these guidelines for your specific powertrain combination to tow
your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground (such as behind a
recreational vehicle).
These guidelines are designed to ensure that your transmission is not
damaged due to insufficient lubrication.
All Front Wheel Drive (FWD) vehicles:
If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic transaxle, you cannot tow
the vehicle with the front drive wheels on the ground. It is recommended
to tow your vehicle with the drive wheels on a dolly or two wheel car
hauling trailer.
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The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the“MIN”and
“MAX”lines are within the normal
operating range, there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating
range, the performance of your
brake system could be
compromised, seek service from
your dealer immediately.
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
2004 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
191

A
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ..............................89–90, 93and 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 .......................207
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................175
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................111
Anti-theft system ........................70 arming the system ....................70
disarming a triggered system ..70
Automatic transaxle fluid, adding ............................191
fluid, checking ........................191
fluid, specification ..................212
Automatic transmission ............114 driving an automatic
overdrive .................................115
fluid, refill capacities ..............208
Auxiliary power point .................52
Axle lubricant specifications ..........210
refill capacities ........................208
B
Battery .......................................173 acid, treating emergencies .....173
jumping a disabled battery ....139
maintenance-free ....................173
replacement, specifications ...207 servicing ..................................173
BeltMinder ...................................84
Brakes ........................................111 anti-lock ...................................111
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................112
fluid, checking and adding ....190
fluid, refill capacities ..............208
fluid, specifications .........210, 212
lubricant specifications ..210, 212
parking ....................................112
shift interlock ..........................114
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....208
Cargo cover .................................59
Cell phone use ............................58
Certification Label ....................215
Child safety restraints ................96 child safety belts ......................96
Child safety seats ........................99 attaching with tether straps ..103
in front seat ............................100
in rear seat ..............................100
LATCH .....................................105
Cigar lighter Power Point ..............................52
Cleaning your vehicle engine compartment ..............158
instrument panel ....................161
interior .....................................162
plastic parts ............................161
washing ....................................157
waxing .....................................157
wheels ......................................158
wiper blades ............................161
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......34–35
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Index
Index
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choosing the right fuel ...........183
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................187
detergent in fuel .....................184
filling your vehicle with fuel .180,182, 185
filter, specifications ........184, 207
fuel pump shut-off switch .....127
improving fuel economy ........185
octane rating ...................183, 212
quality ......................................184
running out of fuel .................184
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................180
Fuel pump shut-off switch .......127
Fuses ..................................128 –129
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............182
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................185
Gauges .........................................14
H
Hazard flashers .........................127
Headlamps ...................................38 aiming ........................................39
bulb specifications ....................42
daytime running lights .............38
flash to pass ..............................39
high beam .................................39
turning on and off ....................38
Heating heater only system ...................34
Hood ..........................................165
I
Ignition ...............................107, 212 Infant seats (see Safety seats) ..99
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................189
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................161
cluster ........................................10
lighting up panel and interior .39
J
Jump-starting your vehicle ......139
K
Keyless entry system autolock .....................................61
Keys positions of the ignition .........107
L
Lamps bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................42
daytime running light ...............38
fog lamps ...................................38
headlamps .................................38
headlamps, flash to pass ..........39
instrument panel, dimming .....39
interior lamps ...........................42
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................41
Lights, warning and indicator ....10 anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........112
Load limits .................................119
Locks autolock .....................................61
childproof ..................................62
Lubricant specifications ...210, 212
2004 Focus (foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Index
224