Do not leave the liftgate open while driving. Doing so could cause serious
damage to the liftgate and its components as well as allowing carbon
monoxide to enter the vehicle.
Make sure that the liftgate door is closed to prevent exhaust
fumes from being drawn into the vehicle. This will also prevent
passengers and cargo from falling out. If you must drive with the
liftgate door open, keep the vents open so outside air comes into the
vehicle
LUGGAGE RACK (IF EQUIPPED)
The maximum recommended load is
100 kg (220 lbs) on the luggage
rack structure. The loadmust be
placed directly on the dealer
installed cross bars (if equipped)
and luggage rack. The vehicle’s roof
panelis notdesigned to carry a
load.
When loading the luggage rack, it is recommended to evenly distribute
the load, as well as maintain a low center of gravity. Ensure that the load
is securely fastened.
Your fuel economy will decrease when you drive with items on the
luggage rack. When the rack is loaded, check the tightness of the rear
adjusting thumbwheel before driving and at each refueling stop.
Loaded vehicles, with a higher center of gravity, may handle
differently than unloaded vehicles. Extra precautions, such as
slower speeds and increased stopping distance, should be taken when
driving a heavily loaded vehicle.
2005 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driver Controls
52
WASHING THE EXTERIOR
Wash your vehicle regularly with cool or lukewarm water and a neutral
Ph shampoo, such as Motorcraft Detail Wash (ZC-3–A), which is available
from your dealer.
•Never use strong household detergents or soap, such as dish washing
or laundry liquid. These products can discolor and spot painted
surfaces.
•Never wash a vehicle that is“hot to the touch”or during exposure to
strong, direct sunlight.
•Always use a clean sponge or car wash mitt with plenty of water for
best results.
•Dry the vehicle with a chamois or soft terry cloth towel in order to
eliminate water spotting.
•It is especially important to wash the vehicle regularly during the
winter months, as dirt and road salt are difficult to remove and cause
damage to the vehicle.
•Immediately remove items such as gasoline, diesel fuel, bird droppings
and insect deposits because they can cause damage to the vehicle’s
paintwork and trim over time.
•Remove any exterior accessories, such as antennas, before entering a
car wash.
•Suntan lotions and insect repellents can damage any painted
surface; if these substances come in contact with your vehicle,
wash off as soon as possible.
WAXING
Applying a polymer paint sealant to your vehicle every six months will
assist in reducing minor scratches and paint damage.
•Wash the vehicle first.
•Do not use waxes that contain abrasives.
•Do not allow paint sealant to come in contact with any non-body
(low-gloss black) colored trim, such as grained door handles, roof
racks, bumpers, side moldings, mirror housings or the windshield cowl
area. The paint sealant will“gray”or stain the parts over time.
PAINT CHIPS
Your dealer has touch-up paint and sprays to match your vehicle’s color.
Take your color code (printed on a sticker in the driver’s door jam) to
your dealer to ensure you get the correct color.
2005 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Cleaning
156
Vehicle
dimensionsSedan - inches
(mm)3dr/5dr -
inches (mm)Wagon -
inches (mm)
(5) Track -
Front58.9 (1496) 58.9 (1496) 58.9 (1496)
(5) Track -
Rear58.7 (1492) 58.7 (1492) 58.7 (1492)
1Overall height with roof rack is 60.4 (1533)
•Sedan
2005 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
207
