
Changing the wiper blades
1. Pull the wiper arm away from the
vehicle. Turn the blade at an angle
from the wiper arm. Push the lock
pin manually to release the blade
and pull the wiper blade down
toward the windshield to remove it
from the arm.
2. Attach the new wiper to the
wiper arm and press it into place
until a click is heard.
3. Replace wiper blades every 6
months for optimum performance.
TILT AND TELESCOPE STEERING COLUMN (IF EQUIPPED)
Pull the locking lever down to adjust
and telescope the steering column
position. Return the lever to its
original position to secure the
wheel.
The telescope function is adjusted
by moving the wheel toward the
driver to telescope out and toward
the instrument panel to telescope
in. Always place both hands
opposite each other to adjust.
Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving.
2004 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driver Controls
51

PLASTIC (NON-PAINTED) EXTERIOR PARTS
Use only approved products to clean plastic parts. These products are
available from your dealer.
•For routine cleaning, use Motorcraft Detail Wash (ZC-3–A).
•If tar or grease spots are present, use Motorcraft Bug and Tar
Remover (ZC-42).
WINDOWS AND WIPER BLADES
The windshield, rear and side windows and the wiper blades should be
cleaned regularly. If the wipers do not wipe properly, substances on the
vehicle’s glass or the wiper blades may be the cause. These may include
hot wax treatments used by commercial car washes, tree sap, or other
organic contamination. To clean these items, please follow these tips:
•The windshield, rear windows and side windows may be cleaned with
a non-abrasive cleaner such as Motorcraft Ultra Clear Spray Glass
Cleaner (ZC-23), available from your dealer.
•Do not use abrasives, as they may cause scratches.
•Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean any parts.
•Wiper blades can be cleaned with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
windshield washer solution. Be sure to replace wiper blades when they
appear worn or do not function properly.
Do not use sharp objects, such as a razor blade, to clean the
inside of the rear window or to remove decals, as it may cause
damage to the rear window defroster’s heated grid lines.
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND CLUSTER LENS
Clean the instrument panel with a damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth.
•Avoid cleaners or polish that increase the gloss of the upper portion of
the instrument panel. The dull finish in this area helps protect the
driver from undesirable windshield reflection.
Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents when cleaning
the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid contamination of
the air bag system.
•Be certain to wash or wipe your hands clean if you have been in
contact with certain products such as insect repellent and suntan
lotion in order to avoid possible damage to the interior painted
surfaces.
2004 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Cleaning
161

WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the
level is low. In very cold weather, do
not fill the reservoir completely.
Only use a washer fluid that meets
Ford specification WSB-M8B16–A2.
Refer toLubricant specifications
in this chapter.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
If you operate your vehicle in temperatures below 4.5°C (40°
F), use washer fluid with antifreeze protection. Failure to use
washer fluid with antifreeze protection in cold weather could result in
impaired windshield vision and increase the risk of injury or accident.
Note:Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant reservoir. Washer
fluid placed in the cooling system may harm engine and cooling system
components.
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate intervals
for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(automatic transaxle) or 1st (manual transaxle).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
2004 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
169

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
2004 Focus (foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English (fus)
Index
Index
222

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
226