Page 172 of 301
WARNING:If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have
your dealer inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you
smell exhaust fumes.
Important safety precautions
When the engine starts, the idle RPM runs faster to warm the engine. If
the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, have the vehicle
checked.
Before starting the vehicle:
1. Make sure all occupants buckle their safety belts. For more
information on safety belts and their proper usage, refer to theSeating
and Safety Restraintschapter.
2. Make sure the headlamps and electrical accessories are off.
If starting a vehicle with an automatic transmission:
•Make sure the parking brake is
set.
Driving
172
2011 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 173 of 301
•Make sure the gearshift is in P
(Park).
If starting a vehicle with a manual
transmission:
•Make sure the parking brake is
set.
•Press the clutch pedal to the
floor.
3. 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.
Driving
173
2011 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 178 of 301

Parking brake
To set the parking brake (1), pull
the parking brake handle up as far
as possible.
The BRAKE warning lamp will
illuminate and will remain
illuminated until the parking brake
is released.
To release, press and hold the button (2), pull the handle up slightly,
then push the handle down.
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or in 1 (First) (manual transmission).
WARNING:If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake
warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be
working properly. See your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
ADVANCETRACSTABILITY ENHANCEMENT SYSTEM
Your vehicle may be equipped with the AdvanceTracsystem. The
AdvanceTracsystem provides the following stability enhancement
features for certain driving situations:
•Traction control system (TCS), which functions to help avoid
drive-wheel spin and loss of traction.
•Electronic Stability Control (ESC), which functions to help avoid skids
or lateral slides
P!
BRAKE
Driving
178
2011 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 184 of 301

See your authorized dealer as soon as possible if this procedure
is used.
WARNING:Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the
brake lamps are working.
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the off
position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
WARNING:If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake
warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be
working properly. See your authorized dealer.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
Understanding the gearshift positions of the 4–speed automatic
transmission
This vehicle is equipped with an adaptive transmission shift strategy.
Adaptive transmission shift strategy offers the optimal transmission
operation and shift quality. When the vehicle’s battery has been
disconnected for any type of service or repair, the transmission will need
to relearn the normal shift strategy parameters, much like having to reset
your radio stations when your vehicle battery has been disconnected.
The adaptive transmission shift strategy allows the transmission to
relearn these operating parameters. This learning process could take
several transmission upshifts and downshifts; during this learning
process, slightly firmer shifts may occur. After this learning process,
normal shift feel and shift scheduling will resume.
Driving
184
2011 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 185 of 301

P (Park)
This position locks the transmission
and prevents the front wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
1. Start the engine
2. Press the brake pedal
3. Move the gearshift lever into the
desired gear
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
1. Come to a complete stop
2. Move the gearshift lever and
securely latch it in P (Park)
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the off
position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R
(Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
D (Drive) with Overdrive
The normal driving position for the best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through four.
Driving
185
2011 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 186 of 301

D (Drive) without Overdrive
Overdrive can be deactivated by
pressing the transmission control
switch on the side of the gearshift
lever.
•This position allows for all
forward gears (1–3) except
overdrive.
•Provides engine braking.
•Use when driving conditions
cause excessive shifting from O/D
to other gears. Examples: hilly
terrain, heavy loads, trailer towing
and when engine braking is
required.
•O/D OFF lamp in the instrument
cluster is illuminated.
•To return to O/D (overdrive
mode), press the transmission
control switch. The O/D OFF lamp in the instrument cluster will not
be illuminated.
•O/D (overdrive) is automatically returned each time the key is turned
off.
L (Low)
This position:
•Provides increased engine braking during downhill/mountain driving.
•Provides extended shift scheduling, allowing both upshifts and
downshifts, at a higher overall RPM to provide optimum engine
braking.
•Is not intended for use under extended or normal driving conditions
and results in lower fuel economy.
O/D
OFF
Driving
186
2011 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 187 of 301

If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
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
Manual transmission vehicles have a starter interlock that prevents
cranking the engine unless the clutch pedal is fully pressed.
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 pressed 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 press the clutch pedal to the floor may cause
increased shift efforts, prematurely wear transmission
components or damage the transmission.
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 severely reduce the life of the clutch and
could nullify a clutch warranty claim.
Driving
187
2011 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 188 of 301

Recommended shift speeds
Do not downshift into 1 (First) when your vehicle is moving
faster than 15 mph (24 km/h). This will damage the clutch.
Upshift according to the following chart:
Recommended upshifts (for best fuel economy) when
accelerating
5-speed manual transmission
Shift from:
1 - 2 14 mph (23 km/h)
2 - 3 24 mph (39 km/h)
3 - 4 32 mph (51 km/h)
4 - 5 44 mph (71 km/h)
Reverse
Make sure that your vehicle is at a complete stop before you shift
into R (Reverse). Failure to do so may damage the transmission.
Hold the clutch pedal down and move the gearshift lever into the neutral
position. Wait at least three seconds before shifting into R (Reverse).
Note:The gearshift lever can only be moved into R (Reverse) by moving
it from left of 3 (Third) and 4 (Fourth) before shifting into R (Reverse).
This is a lockout feature that protects the transmission from accidentally
being shifted into R (Reverse) from 5 (Fifth).
If R (Reverse) is not fully engaged, press the clutch pedal down and
return the gearshift to the neutral position. Release the clutch pedal for
a moment, then press it down and shift to R (Reverse) again.
Parking your vehicle
1. Apply the brake and shift into the neutral position.
2. Fully apply the parking brake, hold the clutch pedal down, then shift
into 1 (First).
3. Turn the ignition off.
WARNING:Do not park your vehicle in Neutral, it may move
unexpectedly and injure someone. Use 1 (First) gear and set the
parking brake fully.
Removing the key
Turn the ignition to position 1 (off) and remove the key.
Driving
188
2011 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)