
from Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealership management, recognized for
their business leadership qualities.
What the Board needs
To have your case reviewed you must complete the application in the
DSB brochure and mail it to the address provided on the application
form. Some states will require you to use certified mail, with return
receipt requested.
Your application is reviewed and, if it is determined to be eligible, you
will receive an acknowledgment indicating:
•The file number assigned to your application.
•The toll-free phone number of the DSB’s independent administrator.
Your dealership and a Ford Motor Company representative will then be
asked to submit statements.
To properly review your case, the Board needs the following information:
•Legible copies of all documents and maintenance or repair orders
relevant to the case.
•The year, make, model, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) listed
on your vehicle ownership license.
•The date of repair(s) and mileage at the time of occurrence(s).
•The current mileage.
•The name of the dealer(s) who sold or serviced the vehicle.
•A brief description of your unresolved concern.
•A brief summary of the action taken by the dealer(s) and Ford Motor
Company.
•The names (if known) of all the people you contacted at the
dealership(s).
•A description of the action you expect to resolve your concern.
You will receive a letter of explanation if your application does not
qualify for Board review.
Oral presentations
If you would like to make an oral presentation, indicate YES to question
6 on the application. While it is your right to make an oral presentation
before the Board, this is not a requirement and the Board will decide the
case whether or not an oral presentation is made. An oral presentation
may be requested by the Board as well.
2004 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Customer Assistance
152

If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,
the clock and the preset radio stations must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.
•Always dispose of automotive
batteries in a responsible manner.
Follow your local authorized
standards for disposal. Call your
local authorized recycling center
to find out more about recycling
automotive batteries.
ENGINE COOLANT
Checking engine coolant
The concentration and level of engine coolant should be checked at the
mileage intervals listed in the scheduled maintenance guide. The coolant
concentration should be maintained at 50/50 coolant and distilled water,
which equates to a freeze point of -36°C (-34°F). Coolant concentration
testing is possible with a hydrometer or antifreeze tester (such as the
Rotunda Battery and Antifreeze Tester, 014–R1060). The level of coolant
should be maintained at the“cold full”of“cold fill range”level in the
coolant reservoir. If the level falls below, add coolant per the instructions
in theAdding engine coolantsection.
Your vehicle was factory-filled with a 50/50 engine coolant and water
concentration. If the concentration of coolant falls below 40% or above
60%, the engine parts could become damaged or not work properly.A
50–50 mixture of coolant and water provides the following:
•Freeze protection down to -36°C (-34°F).
•Boiling protection up to 129°C (265°F).
•Protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
•Enables calibrated gauges to work properly.
LEAD
RETURN
RECYCLE
2004 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
175

Safety practices
Driving habits have a great deal to do with your tire mileage and safety.
•Observe posted speed limits
•Avoid fast starts, stops and turns
•Avoid potholes and objects on the road
•Do not run over curbs or hit the tire against a curb when parking
If you vehicle is stuck in snow, mud, sand, etc.,do notrapidly spin the
tires; spinning the tires can tear the tire and cause an explosion. A tire
can explode in as little as three to five seconds.
Tire explosions can cause death, personal injury or property
damage. Do not allow anyone to stand near, or directly ahead or
behind the spinning tire.
Never spin the tires in excess of the 55 km/h (35 mph) point
indicated on the speedometer.
Highway hazards
No matter how carefully you drive there’s always the possibility that you
may eventually have a flat tire on the highway. Drive slowly to the
closest safe area out of traffic. This may further damage the flat tire, but
your safety is more important.
If you feel a sudden vibration or ride disturbance while driving or you
suspect your tire or vehicle has been damaged, immediately reduce your
speed. Drive with caution until you can safely pull off the road. Stop and
inspect the tire for damage. If the tire is under-inflated or damaged,
deflate it, remove wheel and replace it with your spare tire and wheel. If
you cannot detect a cause, have the vehicle towed to the nearest repair
facility or tire dealer to have the vehicle inspected.
SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currently have on your vehicle.
The tires on your vehicle have all weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, you may need to use snow
tires and chains. If you need to use chains, it is recommended that steel
wheels (of the same size and specifications) be used, as chains may chip
aluminum wheels.
2004 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
206

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