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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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USA English(fus)
Driving
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Canadian customers who require roadside assistance, call
1–800–665–2006.
If you need to arrange roadside assistance for yourself, Ford Motor
Company will reimburse a reasonable amount. To obtain reimbursement
information, U.S. Ford or Mercury vehicles customers call
1-800-241-3673; Lincoln vehicle customers call 1–800–521–4140.
Canadian customers who need to obtain reimbursement information, call
1–800–665–2006.
ROADSIDE COVERAGE BEYOND BASIC WARRANTY
In the United States, you may purchase additional roadside assistance
coverage beyond this period through the Ford Auto Club by contacting
your Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealer.
Similarly in Canada, for uninterrupted Roadside Assistance coverage, you
may purchase extended coverage prior to your Basic Warranty’s Roadside
Assistance expiring. For more information and enrollment, contact
1–877–294–2582 or visit our website at www.ford.ca.
HAZARD FLASHER CONTROL
The hazard flasher is located on the
instrument panel by the radio. The
hazard flashers will operate when
the ignition is off.
Push in the flasher control and all front and rear direction signals will
flash. Press the flasher control again to turn them off. Use it when your
vehicle is disabled and is creating a safety hazard for other motorists.
Note:With extended use, the flasher may run down your battery.
FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF SWITCH
This device stops the electric fuel pump from sending fuel to the engine
when your vehicle has had a substantial jolt.
After an accident, if the engine cranks but does not start, this switch
may have been activated.
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
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The fuses are coded as follows.
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse
Panel Description
R17—Starter relay
R18–Rear intermittent relay
R19—Front wiper intermittent relay
R20—Not used
R21—Not used
R22—Decklid/Liftgate release relay
R23—Horn relay
R24—Battery saver relay
R25—Rear defrost relay
30 10A Light switch
31 15A Radio
32 15A Turn signal
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
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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
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
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T
Temperature control
(see Climate control) .................34
Tilt steering wheel ......................51
Tires ...................................194–195
changing ..........................136 –137
snow tires and chains ............206
tire grades ...............................195
treadwear ................................195
Towing .......................................122 recreational towing .................124
trailer towing ..........................122
wrecker ....................................147
Traction control ........................113
Transaxle lubricant specifications ..........212
Transmission automatic operation ...............114
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....114
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................191
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................194
fluid, refill capacities ..............208
lubricant specifications ..........210
manual operation ....................117 Trunk ...........................................62
remote release ..........................65
Turn signal ..................................41
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................212
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................216
Vehicle loading ..........................119
Ventilating your vehicle ...........111
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......10
Washer fluid ..............................169
Water, Driving through .............119
Windows power .........................................52
rear wiper/washer .....................50
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers checking and adding fluid .....169
operation ...................................50
replacing wiper blades .............51
Wrecker towing .........................147
2004 Focus (foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Index
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