2008 FORD FOCUS engine cooling

How fail-safe cooling works
If the engine begins to overheat:
•The engine coolant temperature gauge will move to the red (hot)
area.
•The “Service Engine Soon” indicator light will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine
will automatically switch to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled
cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However:
•The engine power will be limited.
•The air conditioning system will be disabled.
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature:
•The engine will completely shut down.
•Steering and braking effort will increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be re-started. Take
your vehicle to an authorized dealer as soon as possible to minimize
engine damage.
When fail-safe mode is activated
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. The vehicle will not be able to maintain high speed
operation and the engine will run rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent engine
damage, therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to an authorized dealer.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot.
5. Restart the engine and take your vehicle to an authorized dealer.
Driving the vehicle without repairing the engine problem
increases the chance of engine damage. Take your vehicle to an
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
2008 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
226

Item CapacityFord Part Name or
EquivalentFord Part Number /
Ford Specification
Cooling system stop
leak pellets—Motorcraft Cooling
System Stop Leak PelletsVC-6 /
WSS-M99B37-B6
Power steering fluidFill to between
MIN and MAX
lines on reservoirMotorcraft MERCONV
AT FXT-5-QM /
MERCONV
Windshield washer fluid 2.1 quarts (2.0L)Motorcraft Premium
Windshield Washer
ConcentrateZC-32-A /
WSB-M8B16-A2
Fuel tank13.0 gallons
(49.2L)——
1Approximate dry fill capacity including transmission fluid cooling system, actual refill capacities
will vary based on vehicle application and transmission fluid cooling system (i.e. coolers size,
cooling lines, auxiliary cooler capacities). The amount of transmission fluid and fluid level should
be set by the indication on the dipstick’s normal operating range.
The manual transmission service refill capacity is determined by filling the transaxle to the bottom
of the filler hole with the vehicle on a level surface.2Automatic transmissions that require MERCONLV should only use MERCONLV fluid. Refer to
scheduled maintenanceto determine the correct service interval. Use of any fluid other than the
recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.3Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine oil need only meet the
requirements of Ford specification WSS-M2C930-A and the API Certification mark.4Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.
2008 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
245

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

Fan, Engine Cooling .........212, 215
Floor mats ...................................61
Fluid capacities .........................244
Foglamps .....................................35
Fuel ............................................227
calculating fuel
economy ............................56, 232
cap ...........................................229
capacity ...................................244
choosing the right fuel ...........230
comparisons with EPA
fuel economy estimates .........235
detergent in fuel .....................232
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................227, 229, 232
filter, specifications ........227, 243
fuel pump shut-off switch .....168
improving fuel economy ........232
octane rating ...................231, 246
quality ......................................231
running out of fuel .................232
safety information relating
to automotive fuels ................227
Fuel pump shut-off switch .......168
Fuses ..........................................169
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............229
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................232
Gauges .........................................15
H
Hazard flashers .........................168
Head restraints ...........................75
Headlamps ...................................35
aiming ........................................37bulb specifications ....................39
daytime running lights .............36
flash to pass ..............................36
high beam .................................35
replacing bulbs .........................40
turning on and off ....................35
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system .......................................32
Hood ..........................................213
I
Ignition ...............................150, 246
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................115
Inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testing ..............................237
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................209
cluster ........................................10
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................36
J
Jump-starting your vehicle ......190
K
Keyless entry system
autolock .....................................62
Keys .............................................72
positions of the ignition .........150
L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................39
2008 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
253