2008 FORD FOCUS Front

Tire change procedure
When one of the front wheels is off the ground, the transaxle
alone will not prevent the vehicle from moving or slipping off the
jack, even if the vehicle is in P (Park) (automatic transaxle) or R
(Reverse) (manual transaxle).
To help prevent the vehicle from moving when you change a tire,
be sure the parking brake is set, then block (in both directions)
the wheel that is diagonally opposite (other side and end of the
vehicle) to the tire being changed.
If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or someone else could be
seriously injured.
Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the vehicle close
to moving traffic. Pull far enough off the road to avoid the
danger of being hit when operating the jack or changing the wheel.
1. Remove the spare tire and jack by
turning their tie-down bolts
counterclockwise. The lug wrench is
located in a bag next to, or on top
of, the spare tire.
2. Block the diagonally opposite
wheel.
2008 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
178

3. If equipped with a 6-spoke wheel
cover that’s bolted on, remove the
four plastic nuts by turning
counterclockwise 1/4 turn for access
to the lug nuts.
Note:To avoid damage to the wheel
cover, the 6-spoke wheel cover
cannot be removed until the tire is
off the vehicle.
4. Loosen each wheel lug nut
one-half turn counterclockwise but
do not remove them until the wheel
is raised off the ground.
5. The vehicle jacking points are
depicted on the yellow warning label
on the jack shown here (2-door
model shown, 4-door model similar).
Depending on which tire is to be
changed, locate the jack
approximately 7 inches (18 cm)
from the front wheel opening (1) or
approximately 17 inches (43 cm)
from the rear wheel opening (2).
Jack at the specified locations
to avoid damage to the vehicle.
2008 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
179

WRECKER TOWING
If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact a professional towing
service or, if you are a member of a roadside assistance program, your
roadside assistance service provider.
It is recommended that your vehicle be towed with a wheel lift or flatbed
equipment. Do not tow with a slingbelt. Ford Motor Company has not
approved a slingbelt towing procedure.
If your vehicle is to be towed from the rear using wheel lift equipment,
the front wheels (drive wheels) must be placed on a dolly to prevent
damage to the transmission.
If the vehicle is towed by other means or incorrectly, vehicle
damage may occur.
Ford Motor Company produces a towing manual for all authorized tow
truck operators. Have your tow truck operator refer to this manual for
proper hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle.
2008 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
196

THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU (BBB) AUTO LINE PROGRAM
(U.S. ONLY)
Your satisfaction is important to Ford Motor Company and to your dealer.
Experience has shown that our customers have been very successful in
achieving satisfaction by following the three-step procedure outlined on
the front page of the Warranty Guide. However, if your warranty concern
has not been resolved using the three-step procedure, you may be
eligible to participate in the BBB AUTO LINE program.
The BBB AUTO LINE program consists of two parts – mediation and
arbitration. Initially, the BBB will try to resolve your question or concern
through mediation. Mediation is a process through which a
representative of the BBB will contact the parties and explore options
for settlement of your claim. If mediation is not successful, customers
with eligible claims may participate in the BBB AUTO LINE arbitration
process. An arbitration hearing will be scheduled so that you can present
your case in an informal setting before an impartial person. The
arbitrator will consider the testimony provided and make a decision after
the hearing. You are not bound by the decision but may choose to accept
it. If you choose to accept the BBB AUTO LINE decision then Ford must
abide by the accepted decision as well. If the arbitrator has decided in
your favor and you accept the decision, the BBB AUTO LINE program
will contact you to ensure that Ford has complied with the decision in a
timely manner. Disputes submitted to the BBB AUTO LINE program are
usually decided within forty days after you file your claim with the BBB.
To initiate a claim with the BBB AUTO LINE, you will be asked for your
name and address, general information about your new vehicle,
information about your warranty concerns and any steps you have
already taken to try to resolve them. You will then be mailed a Customer
Claim Form that you will need to complete, provide proof of vehicle
ownership, sign and return the Customer Claim Form to the BBB. Upon
receipt, the BBB will review the claim for eligibility under the Program
Summary Guidelines.
You can get more information by calling BBB AUTO LINE at
1–800–955–5100, or writing to:
BBB AUTO LINE
4200 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 800
Arlington, Virginia 22203–1833
Note:Ford Motor Company reserves the right to change eligibility
limitations, modify procedures, or to discontinue this process at any time
without notice and without obligation.
2008 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Customer Assistance
200

2. Go to the front of the vehicle and
locate the auxiliary latch centered
under the front of the hood and
then release it by pushing the
auxiliary latch to the left.
3. Lift the hood and locate the prop
rod on the passenger side of the
vehicle near the fender. Support the
hood with the prop rod.
2008 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
214

Peace of mind
Mobile-Ease™ hands free communication system
Remote start
Vehicle security systems
Wheel locks
For maximum vehicle performance, keep the following information in
mind when adding accessories or equipment to your vehicle:
•When adding accessories, equipment, passengers and luggage to your
vehicle, do not exceed the total weight capacity of the vehicle or of
the front or rear axle (GVWR or GAWR as indicated on the Safety
Compliance Certification label). Consult your authorized dealer for
specific weight information.
•The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Canadian Radio
Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) regulate the use of mobile
communications systems — such as two-way radios, telephones and
theft alarms - that are equipped with radio transmitters. Any such
equipment installed in your vehicle should comply with FCC or CRTC
regulations and should be installed only by a qualified service
technician.
•Mobile communications systems may harm the operation of your
vehicle, particularly if they are not properly designed for automotive
use.
•To avoid interference with other vehicle functions, such as anti-lock
braking systems, amateur radio users who install radios and antennas
onto their vehicle should not locate the Amateur Radio Antennas in
the area of the driver’s side hood.
•Electrical or electronic accessories or components that are added to
the vehicle by the authorized dealer or the owner may adversely affect
battery performance and durability.
2008 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Accessories
250

A
Air cleaner filter ...............241–243
Air conditioning
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................32
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ....................96–97, 105, 107
and child safety seats ..............98
description ................97, 105, 107
disposal ....................................111
driver airbag ..............99, 106, 109
indicator light .................105, 110
operation ...................99, 106, 109
passenger airbag .......99, 106, 109
side airbag ...............................105
Ambient mood/lighting ...............38
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................221
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................155–156
Anti-theft system ..................71, 73
arming the system ....................73
disarming a triggered
system .......................................74
triggering ...................................74
Audio system (see Radio) .........17
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ............................239
fluid, checking ........................239
fluid, specification ..................244
Automatic transmission ............159
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................160
fluid, refill capacities ..............244
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....25
Axle
refill capacities ........................244B
Battery .......................................219
acid, treating emergencies .....219
jumping a disabled battery ....190
maintenance-free ....................219
replacement, specifications ...243
servicing ..................................219
Belt-Minder...............................92
Booster seats .............................112
Brakes ........................................155
anti-lock ...........................155–156
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ...............156
fluid, checking and adding ....239
fluid, refill capacities ..............244
fluid, specifications .................244
lubricant specifications ..........244
parking ....................................156
shift interlock ..........................159
Break-in period .............................5
Bulbs ............................................39
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....244
Cell phone use ..............................7
Child safety restraints ..............112
child safety belts ....................112
Child safety seats ......................115
attaching with tether
straps .......................................121
in front seat ....................116, 119
in rear seat ......................116, 119
LATCH .....................................123
Child safety seats -
booster seats .............................112
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............207
2008 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
251