2012 FORD FOCUS check engine

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
Switching off traction control
If the vehicle is stuck in snow, mud or sand, and seems to lose engine
power, switching off the traction control feature of the AdvanceTrac
system may be beneficial because the wheels are allowed to spin. This
will restore full engine power and will enhance momentum through the
obstacle.
The traction control system can be turned off through the message
center. SeeMessage centerin theInstrument Clusterchapter 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 theMessage
centerin theInstrument Clusterchapter for more information.
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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.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•an improperly inflated tire.
•uneven tire wear.
•loose or worn suspension components.
•loose or worn steering components.
•improper steering alignment.
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander/pull.
BRAKE-SHIFT INTERLOCK
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is
in the on position unless the brake pedal is pressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in
the on position and the brake pedal pressed, it is possible that a fuse has
blown or the vehicle’s brake lamps are not operating properly. Refer to
Fuses and relaysin theRoadside Emergencieschapter.
If the fuse is not blown and the brake lamps are working properly, the
following procedure will allow you to move the gearshift lever from P
(Park):
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Preparing your vehicle
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the
automatic transmission must relearn its shift strategy. As a result, the
transmission may have firm and/or soft shifts. This operation is
considered normal and will not affect function or durability of the
transmission. Over time, the adaptive learning process will fully update
transmission operation.
1.Use only a 12–volt supply to start your vehicle.
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle as this could
damage the vehicle’s electrical system.
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled vehicle
making sure the two vehiclesdo nottouch. Set the parking brake on
both vehicles and stay clear of the engine cooling fan and other moving
parts.
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
Note:In the illustration, the vehicle on the bottom is used to designate
the assisting (boosting) battery.
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SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle, we providescheduled maintenance
informationwhich makes tracking routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your authorized dealer can
provide the necessary parts and service. Check yourWarranty Guideto
find out which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Motorcraftparts are designed and built to
provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
Be especially careful when inspecting or servicing your vehicle.
•Do not work on a hot engine.
•When the engine is running, make sure that loose clothing, jewelry or
long hair does not get caught in moving parts.
•Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
•Keep all open flames and other burning (cigarettes) material away
from the battery and all fuel related parts.
If you disconnect the battery, the engine must “relearn” its idle condition
before your vehicle will drive properly, as explained inBatteryin this
section.
Working with the engine off
1. For vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, set the parking
brake and shift to P (Park). For vehicles equipped with a manual
transmission, set the parking brake, press and hold the clutch pedal,
place the gearshift in 1 (First), and release the clutch pedal.
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels.
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Changing the rear window wiper blade (if equipped)
To replace the rear wiper blade:
1. Press the wiper blade against the
glass with one hand and hold it.
2. Pull the wiper arm away from the
wiper blade to separate.
3. To attach the new wiper to the
wiper arm, align the slot (1) and
cross pin (2) and firmly press the
wiper arm into the wiper blade until
a click is heard.
If you find this procedure too difficult, please see your dealer.
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to thescheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate
intervals for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(automatic transmission) or 1st (manual transmission).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the engine oil level dipstick.
6. Wipe the dipstick clean. Insert the dipstick fully, then remove it again.
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7. Put the dipstick back in and ensure it is fully seated.
•If the oil level iswithin this
range,the oil level is acceptable.
DO NOT ADD OIL.
•If the oil level isbelow this
mark,engineoil must be added
to raise the level within the
normal operating range.
•If required, add engine oil to the engine. Refer toAdding engine oil
in this chapter.
•Do not overfill the engine
with oil. Oil levels above this
mark may cause engine
damage.If the engine is
overfilled, some oil must be
removed from the engine by an
authorized dealer.
7. Put the dipstick back in and ensure it is fully seated.
Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer toChecking the engine
oilin this chapter.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal range, add only certified
engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the engine oil filler cap
and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the
MAX mark on the engine oil level dipstick.
4. Install the dipstick and ensure it is fully seated.
5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap clockwise
tightly until it is snug.
To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the vehicle with the
engine oil level dipstick and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.
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When the battery is disconnected or a new battery installed, the
automatic transmission must relearn its adaptive strategy. As a result of
this, the transmission may shift firmly when first driven. This operation is
considered normal and will fully update transmission operation to its
optimum shift feel.
If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,
the clock and the preset radio stations must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.
•Always dispose of automotive
batteries in a responsible manner.
Follow your local authorized
standards for disposal. Call your
local authorized recycling center
to find out more about recycling
automotive batteries.
ENGINE COOLANT
Checking engine coolant
The concentration and level of engine coolant should be checked at the
intervals listed inscheduled maintenance information.The coolant
concentration should be maintained at 50/50 coolant and distilled water.
Coolant concentration testing is possible with a hydrometer or antifreeze
tester. The level of coolant should be maintained at the FULL COLD
level or within the COLD FILL RANGE in the coolant reservoir. If the
level falls below, add coolant per the instructions in theAdding engine
coolantsection.
Your vehicle was factory-filled with a 50/50 engine coolant and water
concentration. If the concentration of coolant falls below 40% or above
60%, the engine parts could become damaged or not work properly.A
50/50 mixture of coolant and water provides the following:
•Improved freeze protection.
•Improved boiling protection .
•Protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
•Proper function of calibrated gauges.
L
E
A
D
RETURN
RECYCLE
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When the engine is cold, check the
level of the engine coolant in the
reservoir.
•The engine coolant should be at the FULL COLD level, or within the
COLD FILL or MIN / MAX range as listed on the engine coolant
reservoir (depending upon application).
•Refer toscheduled maintenance informationfor service interval
schedules.
If the engine coolant has not been checked at the recommended interval,
the engine coolant reservoir may become low or empty. If the reservoir is
low or empty, add engine coolant to the reservoir. Refer toAdding
engine coolantin this chapter.
Note:Automotive fluids are not interchangeable; do not use engine
coolant/antifreeze or windshield washer fluid outside of its specified
function and vehicle location.
Adding engine coolant
When adding coolant, make sure it is a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant
and distilled water. Add the mixture to the coolant reservoir,when the
engine is cool,until the appropriate fill level is obtained. If coolant is
filled to the COLD FILL RANGE or FULL COLD level when the engine is
not cool, the system will remain underfilled.
WARNING:Do not add engine coolant when the engine is hot.
Steam and scalding liquids released from a hot cooling system
can burn you badly. Also, you can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts.
WARNING:Do not put engine coolant in the windshield washer
fluid container. If sprayed on the windshield, engine coolant
could make it difficult to see through the windshield.
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