
Safety belt warning light and indicator chime
The safety belt warning light illuminates in the instrument cluster and a
chime sounds to remind the occupants to fasten their safety belts.
Conditions of operation
If...Then...
The driver’s safety belt is not
buckled before the ignition
switch is turned to the on
position... The safety belt warning light
illuminates 1-2 minutes and the
warning chime sounds 4-8 seconds.
The driver’s safety belt is
buckled while the indicator
light is illuminated and the
warning chime is sounding... The safety belt warning light and
warning chime turn off.
The driver’s safety belt is
buckled before the ignition
switch is turned to the on
position... The safety belt warning light and
indicator chime remain off.
Belt-Minder
The Belt-Minder feature is a supplemental warning to the safety belt
warning function. This feature provides additional reminders by
intermittently sounding a chime and illuminating the safety belt warning
light in the instrument cluster when the driver’s and/or front passenger’s
seat is occupied and the safety belt is unbuckled.
The Belt-Minder feature uses information from the front passenger
sensing system to determine if a front seat passenger is present and
therefore potentially in need of a warning. To avoid activating the
Belt-Minder feature for objects placed in the front passenger seat,
warnings will only be given to large front seat occupants as determined
by the front passenger sensing system.
Both the driver’s and passenger’s safety belt usages are monitored and
either may activate the Belt-Minder feature. The warnings are the same
for the driver and the front passenger. If the Belt-Minder warnings have
expired (warnings for approximately five minutes) for one occupant
(driver or front passenger), the other occupant can still activate the
Belt-Minder feature.
190Seating and Safety Restraints
2012 Focus Electric Vehicle (fob)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA (fus)

To know if the front passenger sensing system is operating
properly, refer toCrash sensors and Airbag Indicator later in
this chapter.
If the airbag readiness lamp is lit, do the following:
The driver and/or adult passengers should check for any objects that
may be lodged underneath the front passenger seat or cargo interfering
with the seat.
If objects are lodged and/or cargo is interfering with the seat; please take
the following steps to remove the obstruction:
• Pull the vehicle over.
• Turn the vehicle off.
• Driver and/or adult passengers should check for any objects lodged
underneath the front passenger seat or cargo interfering with the seat.
• Remove the obstruction(s) (if found).
• Restart the vehicle.
• Wait at least two minutes and verify that the airbag readiness lamp is
no longer illuminated
• If the airbag readiness lamp remains illuminated, this may or may/not
be a problem due to the front passenger sensing system.
DO NOT attempt to repair or service the system; take your vehicle
immediately to an authorized dealer.
If it is necessary to modify an advanced front airbag system to
accommodate a person with disabilities, contact the Ford Customer
Relationship Center at the phone number shown in the Customer
Assistance section of this Owner’s Manual.
Determining if the system is operational
The system uses a warning indicator light in the instrument cluster or a
backup tone to indicate the condition of the system. Routine
maintenance of the airbag is not required.
A difficulty with the system is indicated by one or more of the following: •The readiness light (same light for front and side airbag
system) will either flash or stay lit.
• The readiness light will not illuminate immediately after ignition is
turned on.
• An information message will appear in the message center.
Seating and Safety Restraints 201
2012 Focus Electric Vehicle(fob)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA (fus)

Determining if the system is operational
The SRS uses a readiness light in the instrument cluster or a tone to
indicate the condition of the system. Refer toWarning lights and
indicators in theInstrument Cluster chapter. Routine maintenance of
the side airbag is not required.
A difficulty with the system is indicated by one or more of the following:
• The readiness light (same light as for front airbag system) will either
flash or stay lit.
• The readiness light will not illuminate immediately after ignition is
turned on.
• An information message will appear in the message center.
If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have the SRS serviced
at your authorized dealer immediately. Unless serviced, the system may
not function properly in the event of a collision.
SOS Post-Crash Alert System™
The system flashes the turn signal lamps and sounds the horn
(intermittently) in the event of a serious impact that deploys an airbag
(front, side, side curtain or Safety Canopy) or the safety belt
pretensioners.
The horn and lamps will turn off when:
• the hazard control button is pressed, or
• the vehicle runs out of power.
Disposal of airbags and airbag equipped vehicles (including
pretensioners)
Contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible. Airbags MUST BE
disposed of by qualified personnel.
Seating and Safety Restraints 207
2012 Focus Electric Vehicle(fob)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA (fus)

STARTING
Power Modes
•Accessory – Press and release the power button without applying the
brake pedal. This powers your vehicle’s electrical system and the
warning lights in the instrument cluster illuminate, but the electric
motor remains off.
• Off – Press and release the power button without applying the brake
pedal when your vehicle is in accessory mode or when the electric
motor is running and the vehicle is not in motion. This position shuts
the electric motor and all electrical accessories off.
Note: In order to switch off the electric motor while the vehicle is in
motion, press and hold the power button for at least one second or press
the power button three times within two seconds. Then, shift to neutral
and use the brakes to bring the vehicle to a safe stop. After the vehicle
has stopped, shift into park.
• Start – Press the power button (for any length of time) while applying
the brake pedal. The green Ready to Drive indicator light appears in
the instrument cluster, letting you know that the vehicle is ready for
driving.
Important Safety Precautions
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 the
Seating and Safety Restraints chapter.
2. Make sure the headlamps and electrical accessories are off.
3. Make sure the parking brake is set.
4. Make sure the gearshift is in P (Park).
Some warning lights will briefly illuminate. See Warning lamps and
indicators in theInstrument Cluster chapter for more information
regarding the warning lights.
252 Driving
2012 Focus Electric Vehicle (fob)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA (fus)

Switching the Vehicle Off When Not in P (Park)
It is recommended that you shift into the P (Park) position before
switching your vehicle off. If you switch your vehicle off with the shifter
in any position other than P (Park), the message SHIFT TO PARK is
displayed in the multifunction display. If the vehicle is left in this state,
your key in ignition chime activates when the driver door is opened, and
you may drain your vehicle’s battery. In order to avoid draining your
battery, it is recommended that you always shift to P (Park) before or
immediately after switching your vehicle off.
Absence of the Intelligent Access Key
Once the vehicle has started, the vehicle remains running until being
turned off by the power button, even if the IA key is no longer found in
the vehicle. Whenever a door is opened and then closed while the
vehicle is running, the system searches for an IA key inside the vehicle
and the multifunction display reads KEY OUTSIDE CAR if the IA key is
no longer present. This message is a reminder that someone else in the
vehicle may have taken the IA key when exiting the vehicle. If the IA key
is no longer present in the vehicle, you cannot start your vehicle outside
of the Fast Restart time (seeFast restartabove). It is important to be
aware of where your IA key is located in the vehicle, to avoid becoming
stranded without an IA key.
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 toWarning lights and indicators in 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. See the Cleaning
chapter for more information.
Driving 255
2012 Focus Electric Vehicle (fob)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA (fus)

Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Your vehicle is 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 and the
brake pedal may suddenly travel a little farther as soon as ABS braking is
done and normal brake operation resumes. These are normal
characteristics of the ABS and should be no reason for concern.
Using ABS
When hard braking is required, apply continuous force on the brake
pedal. Do not pump the brake pedal since this will reduce the
effectiveness of the ABS and will increase your vehicle’s stopping
distance. The ABS will be activated immediately, allowing you to retain
steering control during hard braking and on slippery surfaces. However,
the ABS does not decrease stopping distance.
Brake assist
The brake assist system provides full braking force during panic braking
situations. It detects a rapid application of the brake pedal and uses the
ABS system to achieve maximum braking pressure. Once a panic brake
application is detected, the system will remain activated as long as the
brake pedal is pressed or ABS is engaged. The system is deactivated by
either releasing the brake pedal or coming to a complete stop. When the
system activates, noise from the ABS pump motor and brake pedal
pulsation may be observed; this is normal.
ABS warning lampThe ABS lamp in the instrument cluster momentarily
illuminates when the ignition is turned on. If the light does not
illuminate during start up, remains on or flashes, the ABS may
be disabled and may need to be serviced.
Even when the ABS is disabled, normal braking is still effective.
(If your BRAKE warning lamp illuminates with the parking
brake released, have your brake system serviced immediately.)
Regenerative braking system
Your vehicle uses a feature known as regenerative braking. This is used
to simulate the engine braking of an internal combustion engine and
assist the standard brake system while recovering some of the energy of
motion and storing it in the battery to improve fuel economy. The
standard brake system is designed to fully stop the car if regenerative
256 Driving
2012 Focus Electric Vehicle (fob)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA (fus)

WARNING:Remember that even advanced technology cannot
defy the laws of physics. It’s always possible to lose control of a
vehicle due to inappropriate driver input for the conditions. Aggressive
driving on any road condition can cause you to lose control of your
vehicle increasing the risk of personal injury or property damage.
Activation of the AdvanceTrac system is an indication that at least
some of the tires have exceeded their ability to grip the road; this could
reduce the operator’s ability to control the vehicle potentially resulting
in a loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. If
your AdvanceTrac system activates, SLOW DOWN.
WARNING:If a failure has been detected within the
AdvanceTrac system, the stability control light will illuminate
steadily. Have the system serviced by an authorized dealer immediately.
The AdvanceTrac system automatically enables each time the motor is
started. All features of the AdvanceTrac system (TCS and ESC) are
active and monitor the vehicle from start-up. However, the system will
only intervene if the driving situation requires it.
The AdvanceTrac system includes a stability control light in the
instrument cluster. The stability control light in the instrument cluster
will illuminate temporarily during start-up as part of a normal system
self-check, or during driving if a driving situation causes the
AdvanceTrac system to operate. If the stability control light illuminates
steadily, have the system serviced by an authorized dealer immediately.
When AdvanceTrac performs a normal system self-check, some drivers
may notice a slight movement of the brake, and/or a rumble, grunting, or
grinding noise after startup and when driving off.
When an event occurs that activates AdvanceTrac, you may experience
the following:
• A slight deceleration of the vehicle
• The stability control light will flash.
• A vibration in the pedal when your foot is on the brake pedal
• If the driving condition is severe and your foot is not on the brake, the
brake pedal may move as the systems applies higher brake forces. You
may also hear a whoosh of air from under the instrument panel during
this severe condition.
• The brake pedal may feel stiffer than usual.
Driving 259
2012 Focus Electric Vehicle (fob)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA (fus)

Traction control system (TCS)
Traction control is a driver aid feature that helps your vehicle maintain
traction of the wheels, typically when driving on slippery and/or hilly
road surfaces, by detecting and controlling wheel spin.
Excessive wheel spin is controlled in two ways, which may work
separately or in tandem, motor traction control and brake traction
control. Motor traction control works to limit drive-wheel spin by
momentarily reducing motor power. Brake traction control works to limit
wheel spin by momentarily applying the brakes to the wheel that is
slipping. Traction control is most active at low speeds.
During TCS events, the stability control light in the instrument cluster
will flash.
If the TCS is activated excessively in a short period of time, the braking
portion of the system may become temporarily disabled to allow the
brakes to cool down. In this situation, TCS will use only motor power
reduction or transfer to help control the wheels from over-spinning.
When the brakes have cooled down, the system will regain all features.
Anti-lock braking, and ESC are not affected by this condition and will
continue to function during the cool-down period.
Electronic stability control (ESC)
Electronic stability control (ESC) may enhance your vehicle’s directional
stability during adverse maneuvers, for example when cornering severely
or avoiding objects in the roadway. ESC operates by applying brakes to
one or more of the wheels individually and, if necessary, reducing power
if the system detects that the vehicle is about to skid or slide laterally.
During ESC events, the stability control light in the instrument cluster
will flash.
Certain adverse driving maneuvers may activate the ESC system, which
include but are not limited to:
•Taking a turn too fast
• Maneuvering quickly to avoid an accident, pedestrian or obstacle
• Driving over a patch of ice or other slippery surfaces
• Changing lanes on a snow-rutted road
• Entering a snow-free road from a snow-covered side street, or vice
versa
• Entering a paved road from a gravel road, or vice versa
260 Driving
2012 Focus Electric Vehicle (fob)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA (fus)