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Fuel quality
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems during a cold start, try a different brand of unleaded gasoline.
“Premium”unleaded gasoline is not recommended for vehicles designed
to use“Regular”unleaded gasoline 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 approved 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.
Cleaner air
Ford endorses the use of reformulated“cleaner-burning”gasolines to
improve air quality.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
affect on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
•You may need to cycle 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.
•The
indicator may come on. For more information on the“Check
Engine”indicator, refer to theInstrument Clusterchapter.
Fuel Filter
For fuel filter replacement, see your dealer or a qualified service
technician. Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate
intervals for changing the fuel filter.
Replace the fuel filter with an authorized Motorcraft part. The
customer warranty may be void for any damage to the fuel system
if an authorized Motorcraft fuel filter is not used.
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ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY
Measuring techniques
Your best source of information about actual fuel economy is you, the
driver. You must gather information as accurately and consistently as
possible. Fuel expense, frequency of fill-ups or fuel gauge readings are
NOT accurate as a measure of fuel economy. We do not recommend
taking fuel economy measurements during the first 1,600 km (1,000
miles) of driving (engine break-in period). You will get a more accurate
measurement after 3,000 km–5,000 km (2,000 miles-3,000 miles).
Filling the tank
The advertised fuel capacity of the fuel tank on your vehicle is equal to
the rated refill capacity of the fuel tank as listed in theRefill capacities
section of this chapter.
The advertised capacity is the amount of the indicated capacity and the
empty reserve combined. Indicated capacity is the difference in the
amount of fuel in a full tank and a tank when the fuel gauge indicates
empty. Empty reserve is the small amount of fuel remaining in the fuel
tank after the fuel gauge indicates empty.
The amount of usable fuel in the empty reserve varies and should
not be relied upon to increase driving range. When refueling your
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).
2004 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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Page 224 of 232
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
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