2005 FORD FOCUS brakes

TRAILER TOWING
Refer to the following chart to determine how much weight your vehicle
can tow:
Model Passengers/Luggage
load - lbs. (kg)Maximum trailer
weight - lbs. (kg)
3–door 5/827 (375) 630 (286)
4/677 (307) 780 (354)
3/527 (239) 930 (422)
2/377 (171) 1080 (490)
1/227 (103) 1230 (558)
4–door and 5–door 5/827 (375) 585 (265)
4/677 (307) 735 (333)
3/527 (239) 885 (401)
2/377 (171) 1035 (469)
1/227 (103) 1185 (538)
Wagon 5/827 (375) 500 (227)
4/677 (307) 650 (295)
3/527 (239) 800 (363)
2/377 (171) 950 (431)
1/227 (103) 1100 (499)
This chart is based on the specified vehicle at a maximum GCW
(Vehicle Weight + Trailer Weight) equal to 4,300 lbs (1,950 kg).
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.
2005 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
121

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.
2005 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
122

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.
•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 yourScheduled 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 50 miles (80 km), 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.
2005 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
123

CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the fluid. Refer to the
Scheduled Maintenance Guidefor
service maintenance schedules.
1. Start the engine and let it run
until it reaches normal operating
schedules.
2. Turn the steering wheel left and
right several times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level.
5. If the fluid is below the MIN line,
add fluid in small amounts until it
reaches the correct level (between
the MIN and MAX lines).
Use only MERCONAT F.
BRAKE/CLUTCH FLUID RESERVOIR
Brake and clutch systems are supplied from the same reservoir.
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.
2005 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
185

A
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ..............................81–82, 89
and child safety seats ..............83
description ..........................82, 89
disposal ......................................91
driver air bag ......................84, 90
indicator light ...........................88
operation .............................84, 90
passenger air bag ...............84, 90
side air bag ................................89
Air cleaner filter .......................202
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................169
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................107
Anti-theft system ........................62
arming the system ....................62
disarming a triggered system ..62
Audio system (see Radio) ...16, 20
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ............................186
fluid, checking ........................186
fluid, specification ..................206
Automatic transmission ............110
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................111
fluid, refill capacities ..............203
Auxiliary power point .................43
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........205
refill capacities ........................203
B
Battery .......................................168
acid, treating emergencies .....168
jumping a disabled battery ....139maintenance-free ....................168
replacement, specifications ...202
servicing ..................................168
BeltMinder ...................................76
Brakes ........................................107
anti-lock ...................................107
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................107
fluid, checking and adding ....185
fluid, refill capacities ..............203
fluid, specifications .........205–206
lubricant specifications ..205–206
parking ....................................108
shift interlock ..........................110
Break-in period .............................5
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....203
Cargo cover .................................50
Cell phone use ............................49
Certification Label ....................209
Child safety restraints ................92
child safety belts ......................92
Child safety seats ........................95
attaching with tether straps ....99
in front seat ..............................96
in rear seat ................................96
LATCH .....................................101
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............157
instrument panel ....................159
interior .....................................159
plastic parts ............................158
washing ....................................156
waxing .....................................156
wheels ......................................157
wiper blades ............................158
2005 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
Index
215

Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................32
Liftgate ........................................51
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........107
Load limits .................................115
Locks
autolock .....................................53
childproof ..................................54
Lubricant specifications ...205–206
Lug nuts ....................................139
M
Manual transaxle
lubricant specifications ..........206
Manual transmission .................113
fluid capacities ........................203
reverse .....................................114
Mirrors .........................................45
side view mirrors (power) .......45
Moon roof ....................................48
Motorcraft parts ................179, 202
O
Octane rating ............................178
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................165
P
Parking brake ............................108
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....202
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor ...................69
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................131
Power point .................................43Power steering ..........................109
fluid, checking and adding ....185
fluid, refill capacity ................203
fluid, specifications .........205–206
Power Windows ...........................44
R
Radio ......................................16, 20
Rear window defroster ...............29
Relays ........................................127
Remote audio controls ...............24
Remote entry system .................55
locking/unlocking doors ...........53
opening the trunk .....................57
Roadside assistance ..................125
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ............80
Safety belts
(see Safety restraints) ...68, 71–75
Safety defects, reporting ..........155
Safety restraints ..............68, 71–75
belt minder ...............................76
extension assembly ..................80
for adults .............................72–74
for children .........................91–92
Occupant Classification
Sensor ........................................69
safety belt maintenance ...........80
warning light and chime ....75–76
Safety seats for children ............95
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............68
Seats ............................................63
child safety seats ......................95
Servicing your vehicle ..............162
2005 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
218