2008 FORD FOCUS Starter

Starting the engine
1. Turn the key to 3 (ON) without
turning the key to 4 (START).
2. Turn the key to 4 (START), then
release the key as soon as the
engine starts. Excessive cranking
could damage the starter.
Note:If the engine does not start on the first try, turn the key to OFF,
wait 10 seconds and try again. If the engine still fails to start, press the
accelerator to the floor and try again; this will allow the engine to crank
with the fuel shut off in case the engine is flooded with fuel.
This vehicle has a computer assisted cranking system which assists in
starting the engine. If the ignition key is turned to 4 (START) and then
released when the engine begins cranking, the engine may continue
cranking for up to 10 seconds or until the vehicle starts.
Guarding against exhaust fumes
Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid
its dangerous effects.
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer
inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell
exhaust fumes.
Important ventilating information
If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped for a long period of
time, open the windows at least one inch (2.5 cm) or adjust the heating
or air conditioning to bring in fresh air.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (IF EQUIPPED)
An engine block heater warms the engine coolant which aids in starting
and allows the heater/defroster system to respond quickly. If your vehicle
is equipped with this system, your equipment includes a heater element
which is installed in your engine block and a wire harness which allows
the user to connect the system to a grounded 120 volt a/c electrical
source. The block heater system is most effective when outdoor
temperatures reach below 0°F (-17°C).
2008 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
153

If necessary, try turning the Traction Control™ system off. This will
allow the wheels to spin, which may help to free your stuck vehicle. For
more information, refer toTraction Control™in this chapter.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
Using the clutch
The manual transaxle has a starter interlock that prevents cranking the
engine unless the clutch pedal is fully depressed.
To start the vehicle:
1. Make sure the parking brake is fully set.
2. Press the clutch pedal to the floor, then put the gearshift lever in the
neutral position.
3. Start the engine.
4. Press the brake pedal and move the gearshift lever to the desired
gear; 1 (First) or R (Reverse).
5. Release the parking brake, then slowly release the clutch pedal while
slowly pressing on the accelerator.
During each shift, the clutch pedal must be fully depressed to the floor.
Make sure the floor mat is properly positioned so it doesn’t interfere with
the full extension of the clutch pedal.
Failure to fully depress the clutch pedal to the floor may cause
increased shift efforts, prematurely wear transaxle components
or damage the transaxle.
Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal or use the
clutch pedal to hold your vehicle at a standstill while waiting on a
hill. These actions will reduce the life of the clutch.
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2008 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
163

To remove a fuse, use the fuse puller tool provided on the power
distribution box cover.
The high-current fuses are coded as follows:
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Distribution Box
Description
1 15A Heated mirror
2 30A Rear defrost
3 20A Power point
4 20A Fuel pump
5 10A Powertrain control module (PCM)
KAPWR / Canister Vent
6 15A Alt sense
7 10A Reverse lamps
8 — Not used
9 40A ABS motor
10 30A Wipers
11 30A Starter
12 40A Blower
13 10A A/C clutch
14 10A PCM relay coil
15 20A Front power point
16 20A Cooling fan—low
17 30A Cooling fan—high
18 20A ABS solenoid
2008 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
173

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPower Distribution Box
Description
19 — Spare
20 — A/C clutch relay
21A Rear defrost relay
21B — Not used
21C — Blower relay
21D — PCM relay
22 10A Fuel injector
23 3A Ambient lighting
24 — Not used
25 — Not used
26 15A PCM MIL
27 — Spare
28 15A PCM
29 15A Ignition
30A — Cooling fan low speed relay
30B — Starter relay
30C — Spare
30D — Cooling fan high speed relay
31A — Reverse lamp relay
31B — Fuel pump relay
31C — Spare
31D — Spare
31E — Spare
31F — Spare
32 — A/C clutch diode
33 — EEC diode
34 — One Touch Integrated Start
(OTIS) diode
35 10A Run/Start
2008 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
174