Page 14 of 380
SYMBOL GLOSSARY
WARNING:You risk death or serious injury to yourself and
others if you do not follow the instruction highlighted by the
warning symbol.
These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.
Symbol Description Symbol Description Symbol Description
Safety alertSee Owner’s
ManualAnti-lock
braking
system
Avoid
smoking,
flames, or
sparksBatteryBattery acid
Brake fluid –
non
petroleum
baseBrake systemCabin air
filter
Check fuel
capChild Safety
Door Lock
and UnlockChild seat
lower anchor
Child seat
tether anchorCruise
controlDo not open
when hot
Engine air
filterEngine
coolantEngine
coolant
temperature
Engine oilExplosive gasFan warning
Fasten safety
beltFront airbagFront fog
lamps
14 Introduction
2012 Focus Electric Vehicle (fob)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA (fus)
Page 261 of 380

Switching off traction control
If the vehicle is stuck in snow, mud or sand, and seems to lose power,
switching off the traction control feature of the AdvanceTracsystem
may be beneficial because the wheels are allowed to spin. This will
restore full power and will enhance momentum through the obstacle.
The traction control system can be turned off through the message
center. See Message center in theInstrument Cluster chapter for more
information. If you switch off the traction control, the stability control off
light will illuminate steadily. Selecting traction control on will turn off the
stability control off light.
Steering
Your vehicle is equipped with an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system.
There is no fluid reservoir to check or fill.
If your vehicle loses electrical power while you are driving (or if the
ignition is turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes
more effort. Under extreme usage conditions, the steering effort may
increase. This occurs to prevent overheating and permanent damage to
your steering system. If this should occur, you will neither lose the ability
to steer the vehicle manually nor will it cause permanent damage.
Typical steering and driving maneuvers will allow the system to cool and
steering assist will return to normal.
The EPS system has diagnostic checks that continuously monitor the
EPS system to ensure proper operation. When a system error is
detected, the following message STEERING ASSIST FAULT SERVICE
REQUIRED, STEERING FAULT SERVICE NOW, STEERING LOSS STOP
SAFELY may display in the multifunction display. Refer to the Message
center in theInstrument Cluster chapter for more information.
WARNING:The EPS has diagnostics checks that continuously
monitor the EPS to ensure proper operation of the electronic
system. When an electronic error is detected, the message STEERING
ASSIST FAULT SERVICE REQUIRED will be displayed in the message
center. If this happens, stop the vehicle in a safe place and turn off the
engine. After at least 10 seconds, reset the system by restarting the engine,
and watch the message center for STEERING ASSIST FAULT SERVICE
REQUIRED. If the message returns, or returns while driving, take the
vehicle to your dealer to have it checked. With the message displayed, the
steering assist is turned off, making the vehicle harder to steer.
Driving 261
2012 Focus Electric Vehicle (fob)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA (fus)
Page 334 of 380

BRAKE FLUID CHECK
The fluid level will drop slowly as the
brakes wear, and will rise when the
brake components are replaced. Fluid
levels between the MIN and MAX
lines are within the normal operating
range; there is no need to add fluid.
If the fluid levels are outside of the
normal operating range, the
performance of the system could be
compromised; seek service from your
authorized dealer immediately.
Note:Keep brake fluid clean. Contamination with dirt, water, petroleum
products or other materials may result in brake system damage and
possible failure.
Checking single-speed transmission
The transmission does not have an underhood transmission fluid dipstick.
Your transmission does not consume fluid. It is designed to be filled for
life. However, the fluid level should be checked if the transmission is not
working properly, or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Note: Transmission fluid should be checked and, if required, fluid should
be added by an authorized dealer.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you plan on storing your vehicle for an extended period of time
(30 days or more), refer to the following maintenance recommendations
to ensure your vehicle stays in good operating condition.
All motor vehicles and their components were engineered and tested for
reliable, regular driving. Long term storage under various conditions may
lead to component degradation or failure unless specific precautions are
taken to preserve the components.
General
• Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated place.
• Protect from sunlight, if possible.
• If vehicles are stored outside, they require regular maintenance to
protect against rust and damage.
334 Maintenance and Specifications
2012 Focus Electric Vehicle (fob)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA (fus)