Page 262 of 406

Ignition modes
1. Off — press and release the START/STOP button without applying the
brake pedal (automatic transmission) or clutch pedal (manual
transmission) when your vehicle is in on mode or when the engine is
running.Note:In order to switch off the engine while the vehicle is in
motion, press and hold the START/STOP button for at least one second,
or press the START/STOP 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, turn the engine off and shift into park.
WARNING:Switching off the engine when the vehicle is still
moving will result in a loss of brake and steering assistance. The
steering will not be locked, but higher effort will be required. When the
ignition is switched off some electrical circuits, warning lights and
indicators may also be off.
2. On — press the START/STOP button without applying the brake pedal
(automatic transmission) or clutch pedal (manual transmission). This will
power your vehicle’s electrical system and the warning lights in the
instrument cluster will illuminate, but the engine will remain off.
3. Start — press the START/STOP button (for any length of time) while
applying the brake pedal (automatic transmission) or clutch pedal
(manual transmission).
There may be areas inside your vehicle where the IA key is not detected.
If the message KEY NOT DETECTED appears on your multifunction
display when you press the START/STOP button, it may be necessary to
move your IA key to another area within the vehicle. The IA key may not
be detected near the roof (between the driver or passenger sunvisor and
the roof, or in the overhead console area) or in the extreme corners of
the rear package tray, near your audio speakers. It is not recommended
that you stow the IA key in these locations. If you move the IA key to a
location where it has been detected before and you still see the KEY
NOT DETECTED message, your IA key’s battery may be low or you may
be in an area with excessive radio frequency interference. If this occurs,
you can use the backup method to start your vehicle (see below).
Driving
262
2012 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 271 of 406

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.
Driving
271
2012 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 385 of 406

Check every six months
Parking brake for proper operation
Safety belts and seat latches for wear and function
Safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, airbag, safety belt) for operation
Washer spray/wiper operation; clean or replace blades as necessary
Multi-point inspection
In order to keep your vehicle running right, it is important to have the
systems on your vehicle checked regularly. This can help identify
potential issues and prevent major problems. Ford Motor Company
recommends the following multi-point inspection be performed at every
scheduled maintenance interval to help ensure your vehicle keeps
running great.
Multi-point inspection – Recommended each visit
Accessory drive belt(s) Half-shaft dust boots (if equipped)
Battery performance Horn operation
Clutch operation (if equipped) Radiator, cooler, heater and A/C hoses
Engine air filter Suspension components for leaks and
damage
Exhaust system Steering and linkage
Exterior lamps and hazard
warning system operationTires for wear and proper pressure,
including spare
Fluid levels*; fill if necessary Windshield for cracks, chips or pits
For oil and fluid leaks Washer spray and wiper operation
*Brake, coolant recovery reservoir, manual and automatic transmission
(with an underhood dipstick), power steering (if equipped) and
window washer
Be sure to ask your dealership service advisor or technician about the
multi-point vehicle inspection. It’s a comprehensive way to perform a
thorough inspection of your vehicle. It’s your checklist that gives you
immediate feedback on the overall condition of your vehicle. You’ll know
what’s been checked, what’s okay, as well as those things that may
require future or immediate attention. The multi-point vehicle inspection
is one more way to keep your vehicle running great!
Scheduled Maintenance
385
2012 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 404 of 406

fold away .................................141
heated ......................................140
side view mirrors (power) .....140
signal .......................................140
Moon roof ..................................144
Motorcraftparts ..............334, 368
MyFord™ system ........................49
MyKey ........................................152
O
Octane rating ............................355
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................340
P
Pairing other phones ..................65
Pairing your phone for the first
time ..............................................64
Parental MyKey
programming .............................152
Park Assist ................................289
Parking brake ............................268
Parts
(see Motorcraftparts) ...........368
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor .................183
Phone Bluetooth menu options
(adding, connecting, deleting,
turning on/off) ............................78
Phone dependent features .........63
Phone menu layout ....................69
Phone redial ................................71
Playing music (by artist,
album, genre, playlist, tracks,
similar) ........................................94Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................304
Power door locks ......................158
Power mirrors ...........................140
Power point ...............................136
Power steering ..........................271
fluid, refill capacity ................369
fluid, specifications
.................369
Power Windows
.........................137
Privacy information
....................60
Push button start system
.........261
Putting a call on/off hold
...........68
R
Radio
................................37, 40, 45
Rear-view camera system
.........284
Receiving a text message
...........73
Recommendations for
attaching safety restraints for
children
......................................212
Relays
........................................298
Remote entry system
.......162–163
illuminated entry
....................167
locking/unlocking
doors
................................163–164
opening the trunk
...................165
panic alarm
.............................164
replacement/additional
transmitters
.............................167
replacing the batteries
...........165
Reverse sensing system
...........281
Roadside assistance
..................296
Index
404
2012 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)