These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.
Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Safety Alert
See Owner’s Guide
Fasten Safety BeltAirbag - Front
Airbag - SideChild Seat Lower
Anchor
Child Seat Tether
AnchorBrake System
Anti-Lock Brake SystemParking Brake System
Brake Fluid -
Non-Petroleum BasedParking Aid System
Stability Control SystemSpeed Control
Master Lighting SwitchHazard Warning Flasher
Fog Lamps-FrontFuse Compartment
Fuel Pump ResetWindshield Wash/Wipe
Windshield
Defrost/DemistRear Window
Defrost/Demist
2008 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Introduction
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Service engine soon:TheService
engine soonindicator light
illuminates when the ignition is first
turned to the ON position to check
the bulb and to indicate whether the vehicle is ready for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing. Normally, theService engine soon
light will stay on until the engine is cranked, then turn itself off if no
malfunctions are present. However, if after 15 seconds theService
engine soonlight blinks eight times, it means that the vehicle is not
ready for I/M testing. See theReadiness for Inspection/Maintenance
(I/M) testingin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
Solid illumination after the engine is started indicates the On Board
Diagnostics System (OBD-II) has detected a malfunction. Refer toOn
board diagnostics (OBD-II)in theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter. If the light is blinking, engine misfire is occurring which could
damage your catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid
heavy acceleration and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced
immediately by your authorized dealer.
Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures
could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior
floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
Check fuel cap:Illuminates when
the fuel cap may not be properly
installed. Continued driving with
this light on may cause the Service
engine soon warning light to come
on, refer toFuel filler capin the
Maintenance and Specificationchapter.
Brake system warning light:To
confirm the brake system warning
light is functional, it will
momentarily illuminate when the
ignition is turned to the ON position
when the engine is not running, or in a position between ON and START,
or by applying the parking brake when the ignition is turned to the ON
position. If the brake system warning light does not illuminate at this
time, seek service immediately from your authorized dealer. Illumination
after releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level and the
brake system should be inspected immediately by your authorized dealer.
P!
BRAKE
2008 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
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Driving a vehicle with the brake system warning light on is
dangerous. A significant decrease in braking performance may
occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle. Have the vehicle
checked by your authorized dealer. Driving extended distances with
the parking brake engaged can cause brake failure and the risk of
personal injury.
Anti-lock brake system (if
equipped):If the ABS light stays
illuminated or continues to flash, a
malfunction has been detected, have
the system serviced immediately by
your authorized dealer. Normal braking is still functional unless the brake
warning light also is illuminated.
Airbag readiness:If this light fails
to illuminate when the ignition is
turned to ON, continues to flash or
remains on, have the system
serviced immediately by your authorized dealer. A chime will also sound
when a malfunction in the supplemental restraint system has been
detected.
Safety belt:Reminds you to fasten
your safety belt. A Belt-Minder
chime will also sound to remind you
to fasten your safety belt. Refer to
theSeating and Safety Restraints
chapter to activate/deactivate the Belt-Minderchime feature.
Charging system:Illuminates when
the battery is not charging properly.
Engine oil pressure:Illuminates
when the oil pressure falls below the
normal range, refer toEngine oilin
theMaintenance and
Specificationschapter.
ABS
2008 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
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Illuminates 4 footwells and 3
cupholders with a choice of 7 colors.
The ambient lighting control switch
is located on the instrument panel.
To activate, press and release the
control switch to cycle through the
7 color choices plus the OFF state.
The lights come on whenever the
headlamps/parklamps are turned on via the headlamp switch.Note:The
ambient lights will stay on as long as the headlamp switch is ON (same
as parklamps), even after the car is turned off/keys removed.
BULB REPLACEMENT
Headlamp Condensation
The headlamps are vented to equalize pressure. When moist air enters
the headlamp(s) through the vents, there is a possibility that
condensation can occur. This condensation is normal and will clear
within 45 minutes of headlamp operation.
Using the right bulbs
Replacement bulbs are specified in the chart below. Headlamp bulbs
must be marked with an authorized “D.O.T.” for North America to ensure
lamp performance, light brightness and pattern and safe visibility. The
correct bulbs will not damage the lamp assembly or void the lamp
assembly warranty and will provide quality bulb burn time.
Function Trade number
Headlamps H13
Park and turn lamp (front) 3457 NAK
Side marker lamp (front) 168
Fog lamps (if equipped) H11 LL
Stop/turn and tail lamps 3057K
Backup lamp 921
License plate lamp C5W L
* High-mount brake lamp LED
* To replace these lamps - see your authorized dealer.
To replace all instrument panel lights - see your authorized dealer
2008 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Lights
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5. Remove the bulb socket from the
lamp assembly by turning
counterclockwise.
6. Pull the bulb straight out of the
socket.
Install the new bulb in reverse
order.
Replacing tail/brake/backup lights and turn signal bulbs
1. Make sure the headlamp control
is in the OFF position and then
open the trunk.
2. Remove two plastic screws and
cover from inside the luggage
compartment.
3. Remove two nuts from the lamp
assembly.
4. Gently pull the lamp assembly away from the vehicle.
5. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise and pull it out.
6. Pull the bulb straight out of the socket.
Install the new bulb in reverse order.
Replacing fog lamp bulbs (if equipped)
1. Make sure the headlamp switch is
in the OFF position.
2. Reach under the front fender, and
remove the harness/bulb assembly
from the fog lamp by turning
counterclockwise.
3. Disconnect the harness from the
bulb by pulling it straight off.
Install the new bulb in reverse order.
2008 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Lights
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Replacing license plate lamp bulbs
1. Make sure the headlamp switch is
in the OFF position.
2. Remove the two screws and the
lens from the license plate lamp
assembly.
3. Carefully pull the bulb straight
out from the lamp assembly.
Install new bulb(s) in reverse order.
Replacing high-mount brake lamp assembly
Your vehicle is equipped with an LED center high-mount stop lamp. It is
designed to last the life of the vehicle. If replacement is required, it is
recommended that you see your authorized dealer.
2008 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Lights
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•Make sure the gearshift is in P
(Park).
If starting a vehicle with a manual
transaxle:
1. Make sure the parking brake is
set.
2. Push the clutch pedal to the floor.
•Turn the key to 3 (ON) without
turning the key to 4 (START).
Some warning lights will briefly illuminate. SeeWarning lights and
chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter for more information
regarding the warning lights.
2008 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
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•Finally, have the engine block heater system checked during your fall
tune-up to be sure it’s in good working order.
How to use the engine block heater
Ensure the receptacle terminals are clean and dry prior to use. To clean
them, use a dry cloth.
Depending on the type of factory installed equipment, your engine block
heater system may consume anywhere between 400 watts or 1000 watts
of energy per hour. Your factory installed block heater system does not
have a thermostat; however, maximum temperature is attained after
approximately 3 hours of operation. Block heater operation longer than 3
hours will not improve system performance and will unnecessarily use
additional electricity.
Make sure system is unplugged and properly stowed before driving the
vehicle. While not in use, make sure the protective cover seals the
prongs of the engine block heater cord plug.
BRAKES
Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding
or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be worn-out
and should be inspected by an authorized dealer. If the vehicle has
continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the
vehicle should be inspected by an authorized dealer.
Refer toBrake system warning
lightin theInstrument Cluster
chapter for information on the brake
system warning light.
Under normal operating conditions, brake dust may accumulate on the
wheels. Some brake dust is inevitable as brakes wear and does not
contribute to brake noise. The use of modern friction materials with
emphasis on improved performance and environmental considerations
can lead to more dust than in the past. Brake dust can be cleaned by
weekly washing with soapy water and a soft sponge. Heavier deposits can
be removed with Motorcraft Wheel and Tire Cleaner (ZC-37–A).
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS) (if equipped)
Your vehicle may be equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
This system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops
by keeping the brakes from locking. Noise from the ABS pump motor
and brake pedal pulsation may be observed during ABS braking; any
pulsation or mechanical noise you may feel or hear is normal.
P!
BRAKE
2008 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
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