
Working with the engine on
•Automatic transmission:
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Block the wheels.
•Manual transmission:
1. Set the parking brake, depress the clutch and place the gearshift in N
(Neutral).
2. Block the wheels.
Note:Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do not
remove it while the engine is running.
OPENING THE HOOD
1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood
release handle located under the
instrument panel.
2. Go to the front of the vehicle and release the auxiliary latch that is
located under the front of the hood.
3. Lift the hood and support it with the strut in the yellow-colored
retainer; ensuring it is secure.
2006 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
177

Poor wiper quality can be improved by cleaning the wiper blades and the
windshield, refer toWindows and wiper bladesin theCleaning
chapter.
To prolong the life of the wiper blades, it is highly recommended to
scrape off the ice on the windshield before turning on the wipers. The
layer of ice has many sharp edges and can damage the micro edge of the
wiper rubber element.
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to thescheduled maintenance informationfor 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.
5. Locate and carefully remove the engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
6. Wipe the indicator clean. Insert the indicator fully, then remove it
again.
•If the oil level isbetween the
MIN and MAX marks, the oil
level is acceptable.DO NOT
ADD OIL.
•If the oil level is below the MIN
mark, add enough engine oil to
raise the level within the MIN and
MAX range. Refer toAdding
engine oilin this chapter.
•Oil levels above MAX mark
may cause engine damage.If
the engine is overfilled, some oil
must be removed from the engine
by an authorized dealer.
7. Put the indicator back in and ensure it is fully seated.
2006 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
180

When lifting a plastic-cased battery, excessive pressure on the
end walls could cause acid to flow through the vent caps,
resulting in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or battery.
Lift the battery with a battery carrier or with your hands on opposite
corners.
Keep batteries out of reach of children. Batteries contain sulfuric
acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Shield your eyes
when working near the battery to protect against possible splashing of
acid solution. In case of acid contact with skin or eyes, flush
immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt
medical attention. If acid is swallowed, call a physician immediately.
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds.Wash hands after handling.
Because your vehicle’s engine is electronically controlled by a computer,
some control conditions are maintained by power from the battery. When
the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the engine must
relearn its idle and fuel trim strategy for optimum driveability and
performance. To begin this process:
1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.
2. Put the gearshift in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or the neutral
position (manual transaxle), turn off all accessories and start the engine.
3. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
5. Turn the A/C on and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
6. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning process.
•The vehicle may need to be driven 10 miles (16 km) or more to
relearn the idle and fuel trim strategy.
•If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle trim, the idle
quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle
trim is eventually relearned.
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery installed, the
transmission must learn its adaptive strategy. As a result of this, the
transmission may shift firmly. This operation is considered normal and
will fully update transmission operation to its optimum shift feel.
2006 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
183

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

Load limits .................................121
Locks
autolock .....................................52
childproof ..................................54
Lubricant specifications ...207–208
Lug nuts ....................................156
M
Manual transaxle
lubricant specifications ..........208
Manual transmission .................139
fluid capacities ........................205
reverse .....................................140
Mirrors .........................................43
heated ........................................43
side view mirrors (power) .......43
Moon roof ....................................47
Motorcraft parts ........174, 190, 203
O
Octane rating ............................194
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................180
P
Parking brake ............................133
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....203
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor ...................70
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................148
Power mirrors .............................43
Power point .................................41
Power steering ..........................135
fluid, checking and adding ....200fluid, refill capacity ................205
fluid, specifications .........207–208
Power Windows ...........................42
R
Radio ......................................16, 20
Rear window defroster ...............28
Relays ........................................144
Remote audio controls ...............47
Remote entry system .................56
locking/unlocking doors ...........52
opening the trunk .....................58
Roadside assistance ..................142
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ............77
Safety belts
(see Safety restraints) ...68, 72–75
Safety defects, reporting ..........169
Safety restraints ..............68, 72–76
belt minder ...............................78
extension assembly ..................76
for adults .............................73–75
for children .........................94–95
Occupant Classification
Sensor ........................................70
safety belt maintenance ...........77
warning light and chime ....77–78
Safety seats for children ............98
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................211
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............68
Seats ............................................63
child safety seats ......................98
Servicing your vehicle ..............176
2006 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
220