Page 213 of 256
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.
To reduce the risk of vehicle damage and/or personal burn
injuries, 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.
2008 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
213
Page 215 of 256
IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
2.0L I4 Engine
1. Engine oil filler cap
2. Brake/Clutch fluid reservoir
3. Power Distribution box
4. Battery
5. Air Filter
6. Automatic transaxle fluid dipstick (if equipped)
7. Engine oil dipstick
8. Power steering fluid reservoir
9. Engine coolant reservoir
10. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
2008 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
215
Page 239 of 256

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 the
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.
2008 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
239
Page 244 of 256

MAINTENANCE PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS AND CAPACITIES
Item CapacityFord Part Name or
EquivalentFord Part Number /
Ford Specification
Brake fluid and (clutch
fluid–if equipped)Between MIN and
MAX on reservoirMotorcraft High
Performance DOT 3
Motor Vehicle Brake
FluidPM-1-C /
WSS-M6C62-A
Door latch, hood latch,
auxiliary hood latch,
trunk latch, seat tracks.— Multi-Purpose GreaseXG-4 or XL-5 /
ESB-M1C93-B
Lock cylinder —Motorcraft Penetrating
and Lock LubricantXL-1 /
None
Automatic transaxle
fluid6.9 quarts (6.6L)
1
Motorcraft MERCONLV
AT F
2
XT-10-QLV /
MERCONLV
Manual transaxle fluid
(5-speed)2.0 quarts (1.9L)
1
Motorcraft Full Synthetic
Manual Transmission
FluidXT-M5-QS /
WSD-M2C200-C
E ngine oil 4.5 quarts (4.3L)Motorcraft SAE 5W-20
Premium Synthetic
Blend Motor Oil (US)
Motorcraft SAE 5W-20
Super Premium Motor
Oil (Canada)
3
XO-5W20-QSP (US)
CXO-5W20-LSP12
(Canada) /
WSS-M2C930-A and API
Certification Mark
Engine coolant 6.1 quarts (5.75L)Motorcraft Premium
Gold Engine Coolant
with bittering agent
(yellow-colored)
4
VC-7-B /
WSS-M97B51-A1
2008 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
244
Page 252 of 256

instrument panel ....................209
interior .....................................209
plastic parts ............................208
washing ....................................205
waxing .....................................206
wheels ......................................206
wiper blades ............................208
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............32
Clutch
fluid ..........................................239
operation while driving ..........163
recommended shift speeds ....164
Console ........................................45
Controls
steering column ........................52
Coolant
checking and adding ..............221
refill capacities ................224, 244
specifications ..........................244
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................49
Customer Assistance ................166
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................201
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............202
Getting roadside assistance ...166
Getting the service you
need .........................................197
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................203
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............201
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................36Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................239
engine oil .................................217
Driving under special
conditions ..................................162
through water .........................165
E
Electronic message center .........55
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................190
Emergency Flashers .................168
Emission control system ..........235
Engine ........................................246
cleaning ...................................207
coolant .....................................221
fail-safe cooling .......................225
idle speed control ...................219
lubrication specifications .......244
refill capacities ........................244
service points ..........................215
starting after a collision .........168
Engine block heater .................153
Engine fan .................................215
Engine oil ..................................217
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................217
checking and adding ..............217
dipstick ....................................217
filter, specifications ........218, 243
recommendations ...................218
refill capacities ........................244
specifications ..........................244
Event data recording ....................6
Exhaust fumes ..........................153
F
Fail safe cooling ........................225
2008 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
252