
Compass zone/calibration adjustment
Perform this adjustment in an open area free from steel structures and
high voltage lines.
For optimum calibration, turn off all electrical accessories (heater/air
conditioning, wipers, etc.) and make sure all vehicle doors are shut.
1. Turn ignition to the RUN position.
2. Start the engine.
3. Press the INFO button repeatedly until the Compass and Odometer
are displayed. (Do not select Trip, DTE, or AFE. The top of the message
center must be blank).
Note:If the compass displaysCAL 000000.0 miinstead of heading
information, the compass will need to be calibrated. Slowly drive the
vehicle in a circle (less than 3 mph [5 km/h]) until theCALindicator
changes to display compass heading. This may take up to 3 circles to
complete calibration.
4. Determine your magnetic zone by
referring to the zone map.
5. Press and hold the RESET until
the message center display changes
to show the current zone setting.
6. Release the RESET control, then
slowly press RESET down again.
7. Press the SETUP control
repeatedly until the correct zone
setting for your geographic location
is displayed on the message center. To exit the zone setting mode press
and release the RESET control.
1 2 3
4
5
6 7 8 9 101112 13 14 15
2008 Fusion(fsn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
86

Move the switch in the direction of
the arrows to raise or lower the
front portion of the seat cushion.
Move the switch in the direction of
the arrows to raise or lower the rear
portion of the seat cushion.
Press the switch in the direction of
the arrows to move the seat
forward, backward, up or down.
Heated seats (if equipped)
Persons who are unable to feel pain to the skin because of
advanced age, chronic illness, diabetes, spinal cord injury,
medication, alcohol use, exhaustion, or other physical conditions, must
exercise care when using the seat heater. The seat heater may cause
burns even at low temperatures, especially if used for long periods of
time. Do not place anything on the seat that insulates against heat,
such as a blanket or cushion, because this may cause the seat heater
to overheat. Do not puncture the seat with pins, needles, or other
pointed objects because this may damage the heating element which
may cause the seat heater to overheat. An overheated seat may cause
serious personal injury.
2008 Fusion (fsn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
118

Note:Do not do the following:
•Place heavy objects on the seat
•Operate the seat heater if water or any other liquid is spilled on the
seat. Allow the seat to dry thoroughly.
The heated seats will only function when the ignition is in the RUN
position.
To operate the heated seats:
•Push the control located on the
climate control system panel once
to activate high heat.
•Push twice to activate low heat.
•Push a third time to deactivate.
The indicator light on the control will illuminate when activated. For low
heat, one light will be lit; for high heat, both lights will be lit.
REAR SEATS
Split-folding rear seatbacks
One or both rear seatbacks can be folded down to provide additional
cargo space.
To lower the seatback(s), pull the
release handle(s) located inside the
trunk.
2008 Fusion(fsn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
119

Starting the engine
1. Turn the key to 3 (RUN) 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 LOCK,
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.
If your vehicle has an automatic transmission, it will have a computer
assisted cranking system. This feature 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 Fusion(fsn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
191

Failure to follow engine block heater instructions could result in
property damage or physical injury.
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use your heater
with ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater)
adapters.
Prior to using the engine block heater, follow these recommendations for
proper and safe operation:
•For your safety, use an outdoor extension cord that is product
certified by Underwriter’s laboratory (UL ) or Canadian Standards
Association (CSA). Use only an extension cord that can be used
outdoors, in cold temperatures, and is clearly markedSuitable for Use
with Outdoor Appliances.Never use an indoor extension cord
outdoors; it could result in an electric shock or fire hazard.
•Use a 16 gauge outdoor extension cord, minimum.
•Use as short an extension cord as possible.
•Do not use multiple extension cords. Instead, use one extension cord
which is long enough to reach from the engine block heater cord to
the outlet without stretching.
•Make certain that the extension cord is in excellent condition (not
patched or spliced). Store your extension cord indoors at
temperatures above 32°F (0°C). Outdoor conditions can deteriorate
extension cords over a period of time.
•To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not use your heater with
ungrounded electrical systems or two pronged (cheater) adapters.
Also ensure that the block heater, especially the cord, is in good
condition before use.
•Make sure that when in operation, the extension cord plug /engine
block heater cord plug connection is free and clear of water in order
to prevent possible shock or fire.
•Be sure that areas where the vehicle is parked are clean and clear of
all combustibles such as petroleum products, dust, rags, paper and
similar items.
•Be sure that the engine block heater, heater cord and extension cord
are solidly connected. A poor connection can cause the cord to
become very hot and may result in an electrical shock or fire. Be sure
to check for heat anywhere in the electrical hookup once the system
has been operating for approximately a half hour.
2008 Fusion(fsn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
192

•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.
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. The ABS operates by detecting the
onset of wheel lockup during brake application and compensates for this
tendency. 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. In addition, the ABS performs a
self-check after you start the engine and begin to drive away. A brief
mechanical noise may be heard during this test. This is normal.
P!
BRAKE
2008 Fusion(fsn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
193

4. Check all battery terminals and remove any excessive corrosion before
you attach the battery cables. Ensure that vent caps are tight and level.
5. Turn the heater fan on in both vehicles to protect from any electrical
surges. Turn all other accessories off.
Connecting the jumper cables
1. Connect the positive (+) jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal of
the discharged battery.
Note:In the illustrations,lightning boltsare used to designate the
assisting (boosting) battery.
2. Connect the other end of the positive (+) cable to the positive (+)
terminal of the assisting battery.
+–+–
+–+–
2008 Fusion(fsn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
228

starting after a collision .........214
Engine block heater .................191
Engine oil ..................................254
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................254
checking and adding ..............254
dipstick ....................................254
filter, specifications ........258, 286
recommendations ...................258
refill capacities ........................288
specifications ..........................288
Event data recording ....................6
Exhaust fumes ..........................191
F
Fail safe cooling ........................266
Fluid capacities .........................288
Foglamps .....................................55
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
driving off road .......................206
Fuel ............................................267
calculating fuel
economy ............................84, 272
cap ...........................................269
capacity ...................................288
choosing the right fuel ...........270
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................275
detergent in fuel .....................272
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................267, 269, 272
filter, specifications ........267, 286
fuel pump shut-off switch .....214
improving fuel economy ........272
octane rating ...................271, 291
quality ......................................271
running out of fuel .................272
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................267Fuel pump shut-off switch .......214
Fuses ..........................................215
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............269
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................272
Gauges .........................................14
H
Hazard flashers .........................214
Head restraints .........................114
Headlamps ...................................54
aiming ........................................57
autolamp system .......................54
bulb specifications ....................59
daytime running lights .............55
flash to pass ..............................56
high beam .................................56
replacing bulbs .........................60
turning on and off ....................54
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system ...........................46, 48, 50
Hood ..........................................250
How to get going ........................17
I
Ignition ...............................188, 291
Illuminated visor mirror .............70
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................154
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................277
Instrument panel ........................72
cleaning ...................................245
cluster ........................................10
2008 Fusion(fsn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
298