The BRAKE warning lamp will
illuminate and will remain
illuminated until the parking brake
is released.
To release, press and hold the button (2), pull the handle up slightly,
then push the handle down.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or in 1 (First) (manual transmission).
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
TRACTION CONTROL(IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a Traction Controlsystem. This
system helps you maintain the stability and steerability of your vehicle,
especially on slippery road surfaces such as snow- or ice-covered roads
and gravel roads. The system will allow your vehicle to make better use
of available traction in these conditions.
During Traction Controloperation,
the traction control active light will
illuminate, you may hear an electric
motor type of sound coming from
the engine compartment and the
engine will not “rev-up” when you push further on the accelerator. This
is normal system behavior and should be no reason for concern.
At speeds below 53 mph (85 km/h), both the engine and the brake
system will be used to control wheel spin; at speeds above 53 mph (85
km/h), only engine torque reduction is used. When the Traction
Controlsystem is switched off, the braking system will still be used to
control wheel spin at speeds below 25 mph (40 km/h).
P!
BRAKE
2006 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
134
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in
the ON position and the brake pedal depressed:
1. Apply the parking brake, turn ignition key to LOCK, then remove the
key.
When the key is in the ignition and in the OFF position, the
automatic transmission shift lever can be moved from the P
(Park) position without the brake pedal depressed. To avoid unwanted
vehicle movement, always set the parking brake.
2. Using a screwdriver (or similar
tool), remove the protective cover
to the interlock access hole on the
console. Insert the key to release
the interlock.
3. Apply the parking brake, then shift to N (Neutral).
4. Start the vehicle.
If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift lever,
it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle’s brakelamps are not
operating properly. Refer toFuses and relaysin theRoadside
Emergencieschapter.
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your authorized dealer.
2006 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
136
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep or standing
water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly especially when the depth is
not known. Never drive through
water that is higher than the bottom
of the wheel rims (for cars) or the
bottom of the hubs (for trucks).
When driving through water, traction or brake capability may be limited.
Also, water may enter your engine’s air intake and severely damage your
engine or your vehicle may stall.Driving through deep water where
the transmission vent tube is submerged may allow water into the
transmission and cause internal transmission damage.
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your
vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.
2006 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
141
BRAKE/CLUTCH FLUID
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 authorized dealer immediately.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transaxle does not consume
fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the transaxle is not
working properly, i.e., if the transaxle slips or shifts slowly or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 20 miles [30 km]). If your vehicle has been operated
for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot
weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be turned off for
about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 km) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
2006 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
201
A
Air cleaner filter .......................203
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ..............................82–83, 91
and child safety seats ..............84
description ..........................83, 91
disposal ......................................93
driver airbag ........................84, 92
indicator light ...........................91
operation .............................84, 92
passenger airbag .................84, 92
side airbag .................................91
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................184
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................133
Anti-theft system ........................62
arming the system ....................62
disarming a triggered system ..62
Audio system (see Radio) ...16, 20
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ............................201
fluid, checking ........................201
fluid, specification ..................208
Automatic transmission ............135
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................137
fluid, refill capacities ..............205
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........207
refill capacities ........................205
B
Battery .......................................182
acid, treating emergencies .....182
jumping a disabled battery ....157
maintenance-free ....................182
replacement, specifications ...203servicing ..................................182
BeltMinder ...................................78
Brakes ................................132–133
anti-lock ...................................133
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................133
fluid, checking and adding ....201
fluid, refill capacities ..............205
fluid, specifications .........207–208
lubricant specifications ..207–208
parking ....................................133
shift interlock ..........................135
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................32
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....205
Cargo cover .................................49
Cell phone use ..............................7
Child safety restraints ................95
child safety belts ......................95
Child safety seats ........................98
attaching with tether straps ..102
in front seat ..............................99
in rear seat ................................99
LATCH .....................................104
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............171
instrument panel ....................173
interior .....................................173
plastic parts ............................172
washing ....................................170
waxing .....................................170
wheels ......................................171
wiper blades ............................172
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......25–26
2006 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
217
cap ...........................................192
capacity ...................................205
choosing the right fuel ...........193
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................198
detergent in fuel .....................194
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................190, 192, 195
filter, specifications ........190, 203
fuel pump shut-off switch .....143
improving fuel economy ........195
octane rating ...................194, 208
quality ......................................194
running out of fuel .................194
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................190
Fuel pump shut-off switch .......143
Fuses ..................................144–145
G
Garage door opener ....................41
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............192
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................195
Gauges .........................................14
H
Hazard flashers .........................143
Headlamps ...................................29
aiming ........................................30
bulb specifications ....................32
daytime running lights .............29
flash to pass ..............................29
high beam .................................29
turning on and off ....................29
Heating
heater only system ...................25
Hood ..........................................177I
Ignition ...............................129, 208
Infant seats (see Safety seats) ..98
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................200
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................173
cluster ........................................10
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................30
J
Jump-starting your vehicle ......157
K
Keyless entry system
autolock .....................................52
Keys
positions of the ignition .........129
L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................32
daytime running light ...............29
fog lamps ...................................30
headlamps .................................29
headlamps, flash to pass ..........29
instrument panel, dimming .....30
interior lamps ...........................31
replacing bulbs ...................32, 35
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................31
Liftgate ........................................50
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........133
2006 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
219