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 6–speed automatic
transmission (if equipped)
P (Park)
This position locks the transmission
and prevents the front wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
•Press the brake pedal.
•Move the gearshift lever into the
desired gear.
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
•Come to a complete stop.
•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.
Note:The automatic transmission performs a series of automated checks
when the ignition is turned to the off position. A slight clicking sound
may be heard and is considered a normal part of operation.
WARNING:Do not apply the brake pedal and accelerator pedal
simultaneously. Applying both pedals simultaneously for more
than three seconds will limit engine rpm, which may result in difficulty
maintaining speed in traffic and could lead to serious injury.
Driving
246
2012 Fiesta(fie)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
•Provides additional engine braking through the automatic transmission
shift strategy which reacts to vehicle inputs (vehicle acceleration,
accelerator pedal, brake pedal and vehicle speed).
•Allows the transmission to select gears that will provide the desired
engine braking based on the vehicle inputs mentioned above. This will
increase engine RPM during engine braking.
Overdrive cancel with grade assist is designed to provide optimal gear
selection in hilly terrain or mountainous areas. It is recommended that
you return to D (Drive) on flat terrain to provide the best fuel economy
and transmission function.
To return to D (Drive), press the transmission control switch again.
•The grade assist lamp in the instrument cluster will not be illuminated.
•The transmission will operate in gears one through five.
L (Low)
This position:
•Provides maximum engine braking.
•Will downshift to the lowest available gear for the current vehicle
speed; allows for first gear when vehicle reaches slower speeds.
•Is not intended for use under extended or normal driving conditions
and results in lower fuel economy.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow
Note:Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Note:Do not rock the vehicle for more than a minute or damage to the
transmission and tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.
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.
Driving
248
2012 Fiesta(fie)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
HILL START ASSIST (HSA) SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
The hill start assist (HSA) system makes it easier to pull away when the
vehicle is on a slope without the need to use the parking brake. When
HSA is active, the vehicle will remain stationary on the slope for two to
three seconds after you release the brake pedal. During this time, you
have time to move your foot from the brake to the accelerator pedal and
pull away. The brakes are released automatically once the engine has
developed sufficient drive to prevent the vehicle from rolling down the
slope. This is an advantage when pulling away on a slope, (for example,
from a car park ramp, traffic lights or while in reverse traveling uphill
into a parking space).
WARNING:HSA does not replace the parking brake. When you
leave the vehicle, always apply the parking brake and select P
(Park) (automatic transmission) or neutral (manual transmission).
Using HSA
The HSA system is activated automatically when the vehicle is stopped
on a slope greater than four degrees. HSA operates with the vehicle
facing downhill if reverse gear is selected.
WARNING:You must remain in the vehicle once you have
activated HSA.
WARNING:During all times you are responsible for controlling
the vehicle, supervising the HSA system and intervening, if
required.
Activating HSA
1. Press the brake pedal to bring the vehicle to a complete standstill.
Keep the brake pedal pressed.
2. If the sensors detect that the vehicle is on a slope, the HSA system
will be activated automatically.
3. When you remove your foot from the brake pedal, the vehicle will
remain on the slope without rolling away for approximately two to three
seconds. This hold time will automatically be extended if you are in the
process of driving off.
Driving
251
2012 Fiesta(fie)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep or standing
water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly. Never drive through water
that is higher than the bottom of
the wheel rims (for cars) or the
bottom of the hubs (for trucks).
When driving through water, traction or brake capability may be limited.
Also, water may enter your engine’s air intake and severely damage your
engine or your vehicle may stall.Driving through deep water where
the transmission vent tube is submerged may allow water into the
transmission and cause internal transmission damage.
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your
vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.
Driving
254
2012 Fiesta(fie)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingProtected circuits
F10 30A* Starter inhibit relay, Starter motor
F11 30A* Electroinc fuel pump relay, Fuel
tank, Ignition coil
F12 — Not used
F13 — Not used
F14 — Not used
F15 — Not used
F16 — Not used
F17 20A** High beam relay
F18 — Not used
F19 20A** Low beam relay
F20 15A** Heated exhaust gas oxygen sensor,
Catalyst module sensor
F21 7.5A** Low and High beams coil relay
control
F22 15A** Mass air flow (MAF) sensor,
Powertrain control module (PCM),
Fuel injectors, Vehicle speed sensor
(VSS), Variable camshaft timing,
Canister purge
F23 15A** Daytime running lights
F24 — Not used
F25 15A** BCM – exterior lighting
F26 20A** BCM – battery saver, horn
F27 — Not used
F28 15A** BCM – turn signals
F29 — Not used
F30 10A** A/C clutch solenoid and relay
F31 — Not used
F32 7.5A** TCM, PCM
F33 15A** Ignition coil
F34 30A** BCM – rear window defroster
Roadside Emergencies
263
2012 Fiesta(fie)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
CHANGING THE TIRES
If you get a flat tire while driving, do not apply the brake heavily.
Instead, gradually decrease your speed. Hold the steering wheel firmly
and slowly move to a safe place on the side of the road.
Note:The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) indicator light will
illuminate when the spare tire is in use. To restore the full functionality
of the monitoring system, all road wheels equipped with tire pressure
monitoring sensors must be mounted on the vehicle.
Have a flat serviced by an authorized dealer in order to prevent damage to
the TPMS sensors, refer toTire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)in
theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter. Replace the spare tire with a road
tire as soon as possible. During repairing or replacing of the flat tire, have
the authorized dealer inspect the TPMS sensor for damage.
WARNING:The use of tire sealants may damage your tire
pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and should not be used.
However, if you must use a sealant, the TPMS sensor and valve stem
on the wheel must be replaced by an authorized Ford dealer.
WARNING:Refer toTire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
in theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter for important
information. If the tire pressure monitor sensor becomes damaged, it
will no longer function.
Dissimilar spare tire/wheel information
WARNING:Failure to follow these guidelines could result in an
increased risk of loss of vehicle control, injury or death.
If you have a dissimilar spare tire/wheel, then it is intended for
temporary use only. This means that if you need to use it, you should
replace it as soon as possible with a road tire/wheel that is the same size
and type as the road tires and wheels that were originally provided by
Ford. If the dissimilar spare tire or wheel is damaged, it should be
replaced rather than repaired.
A dissimilar spare tire/wheel is defined as a spare tire and/or wheel that
is different in brand, size or appearance from the road tires and wheels
and can be one of three types:
1.T-type mini-spare:This spare tire begins with the letter “T” for tire
size and may have “Temporary Use Only” molded in the sidewall
Roadside Emergencies
265
2012 Fiesta(fie)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
WASHING THE EXTERIOR
Wash your vehicle regularly with cool or lukewarm water and a neutral
pH shampoo, such as MotorcraftDetail Wash (ZC-3-A), which is
available from your authorized dealer.
•Never use strong household detergents or soap, such as dish washing
or laundry liquid. These products can discolor and spot painted
surfaces.
•Never wash a vehicle that is “hot to the touch” or during exposure to
strong, direct sunlight.
•Always use a clean sponge or car wash mitt with plenty of water for
best results.
•Dry the vehicle with a chamois or soft terry cloth towel in order to
eliminate water spotting.
•It is especially important to wash the vehicle regularly during the
winter months, as dirt and road salt are difficult to remove and cause
damage to the vehicle.
•Immediately remove items such as gasoline, diesel fuel, bird droppings
and insect deposits because they can cause damage to the vehicle’s
paintwork and trim over time. Use MotorcraftBug and Tar Remover
(ZC-42) which is available from your authorized dealer.
•Remove any exterior accessories, such as antennas, before entering a
car wash.
•Suntan lotions and insect repellents can damage any painted
surface; if these substances come in contact with your vehicle,
wash off as soon as possible.
Exterior chrome
•Wash the vehicle first, using cool or lukewarm water and a neutral pH
shampoo, such as MotorcraftDetail Wash (ZC-3-A).
•Use MotorcraftCustom Bright Metal Cleaner (ZC-15), available from
your authorized dealer. Apply the product as you would a wax to
clean bumpers and other chrome parts; allow the cleaner to dry for a
few minutes, then wipe off the haze with a clean, dry rag.
•Never use abrasive materials such as steel wool or plastic pads
as they can scratch the chrome surface.
WAXING
•Wash the vehicle first.
•Use a quality wax that does not contain abrasives.
Cleaning
284
2012 Fiesta(fie)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
INTERIOR
For fabric, carpets, cloth seats, safety belts and seats equipped with side
airbags:
•Remove dust and loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner.
•Remove light stains and soil with MotorcraftProfessional Strength
Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner (ZC-54).
•If grease or tar is present on the material, spot-clean the area first
with MotorcraftSpot and Stain Remover (ZC-14). In Canada, use
MotorcraftMulti-Purpose Cleaner (CXC-101).
•If a ring forms on the fabric after spot cleaning, clean the entire area
immediately (but do not oversaturate) or the ring will set.
•Do not use household cleaning products or glass cleaners, which can
stain and discolor the fabric and affect the flame retardant abilities of
the seat materials.
WARNING:Do not use cleaning solvents, bleach or dye on the
vehicle’s safety belts, as these actions may weaken the belt
webbing.
WARNING:On vehicles equipped with seat-mounted airbags, do
not use chemical solvents or strong detergents. Such products
could contaminate the side-airbag system and affect performance of
the side airbag in a collision.
LEATHER SEATS (IF EQUIPPED)
•Remove dust and loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner.
•Clean spills and stains as quickly as possible.
•For routine cleaning, wipe the surface with a soft, damp cloth. For
more thorough cleaning, wipe the surface with a mild soap and water
solution. In Canada, use MotorcraftVinyl Cleaner (CXC-93). Dry the
area with a soft cloth.
•If the leather cannot be completely cleaned using a mild soap and
water solution, the leather may be cleaned using a commercially
available leather cleaning product designed for automotive interiors.
•To check for compatibility, first test any cleaner or stain remover on
an inconspicuous part of the leather.
•Do not use household cleaning products, alcohol solutions, solvents or
cleaners intended for rubber, vinyl and plastics, or oil/petroleum-based
leather conditioners. These products may cause premature wearing or
damage to the leather.
Cleaning
289
2012 Fiesta(fie)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)