2014 FORD FOCUS ELECTRIC suspension

PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
WARNING:Vehicle modifications involving braking system,
aftermarket roof racks, suspension, steering system, tire
construction and wheel or tire size may change the handling
characteristics of your vehicle and may adversely affect the performance
of the AdvanceTrac® system. In addition, installing any stereo
loudspeakers may interfere with and adversely affect the AdvanceTrac®
system. Install any aftermarket stereo loudspeaker as far as possible from
the front center console, the tunnel, and the front seats in order to
minimize the risk of interfering with the AdvanceTrac® sensors. Reducing
the effectiveness of the AdvanceTrac® system could lead to an increased
risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
WARNING:Remember that even advanced technology cannot
defy the laws of physics. It is 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.
The AdvanceTrac® system helps you keep control of your vehicle when
on a slippery surface. The electronic stability control portion of the
system helps avoid skids and lateral slides and the traction control
system helps avoid drive wheel spin and loss of traction. See the
Traction Controlchapter for details on traction control system
operation.
Stability Control157
2014 Focus Electric Vehicle(fob)
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STEERING
Steering Tips
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 vehicle alignment
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander/pull.
Electric Power Steering
WARNING:The electric power steering system has diagnostic
checks that continuously monitor the system to ensure proper
operation. When a system error is detected a steering message will
appear in the information display.
WARNING:The electric power steering system has diagnostic
checks that continuously monitor the system to ensure proper
operation of the electronic system. When an electronic error is detected,
a message will be displayed in the information display. If this happens,
stop the vehicle in a safe place, and turn off the vehicle. After at least
10 seconds, reset the system by restarting the vehicle, and watch the
information display for a steering message. If a steering message returns,
or returns while driving, take the vehicle to your dealer to have it
checked.
WARNING:Obtain immediate service if a system error is
detected. You may not notice any difference in the feel of your
steering, but a serious condition may exist. Failure to do so may result
in loss of steering control.
168Driving Aids
2014 Focus Electric Vehicle(fob)
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Tire Replacement Requirements
WARNING:Only use replacement tires and wheels that are the
same size, load index, speed rating and type (such as P-metric
versus LT-metric or all-season versus all-terrain) as those originally
provided by Ford. The recommended tire and wheel size may be found
on either the Safety Compliance Certification Label (affixed to either
the door hinge pillar, door-latch post, or the door edge that meets the
door-latch post, next to the driver’s seating position), or the Tire Label
which is located on the B-Pillar or edge of the driver’s door. If this
information is not found on these labels, then you should contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible. Use of any tire or wheel not
recommended by Ford can affect the safety and performance of your
vehicle, which could result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. Additionally the use
of non-recommended tires and wheels could cause steering, suspension,
axle, transfer case or power transfer unit failure. If you have questions
regarding tire replacement, contact your authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
248Wheels and Tires
2014 Focus Electric Vehicle(fob)
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USA(fus)

Safety Practices
WARNING:If your vehicle is stuck in snow, mud, or sand, do
not rapidly spin the tires. Spinning the tires can tear the tire and
cause an explosion. A tire can explode in as little as three to five
seconds.
WARNING:Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (56 km/h).
The tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Driving habits have a great deal to do with your tire mileage and safety.
•Observe posted speed limits.
•Avoid fast starts, stops and turns.
•Avoid potholes and objects on the road.
•Do not run over curbs or hit the tire against a curb when parking.
Highway Hazards
No matter how carefully you drive, there is always the possibility that
you may eventually have a flat tire on the highway. Drive slowly to the
closest safe area out of traffic. This may further damage the flat tire, but
your safety is more important.
If you feel a sudden vibration or ride disturbance while driving, or you
suspect your tire or vehicle has been damaged, immediately reduce your
speed. Drive with caution until you can safely pull off the road. Stop and
inspect the tires for damage. If you cannot detect a cause, have the
vehicle towed to the nearest repair facility or tire dealer to have the
vehicle inspected.
Tire and Wheel Alignment
A bad jolt from hitting a curb or pothole can cause the front end of your
vehicle to become misaligned or cause damage to your tires. If your
vehicle seems to pull to one side when you are driving, the wheels may
be out of alignment. Have an authorized dealer check the wheel
alignment periodically.
Wheel misalignment in the front or the rear can cause uneven and rapid
treadwear of your tires and should be corrected by an authorized dealer.
Front-wheel drive vehicles and those with an independent rear
suspension may require alignment of all four wheels.
The tires should also be balanced periodically. An unbalanced tire and
wheel assembly may result in irregular tire wear.
250Wheels and Tires
2014 Focus Electric Vehicle(fob)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, May 2013
USA(fus)

Tire Rotation
Note:If your tires show uneven wear ask an authorized dealer to check
for and correct any wheel misalignment, tire imbalance or mechanical
problem involved before tire rotation.
Note:Your vehicle may be equipped with a dissimilar spare tire and
wheel assembly. A dissimilar spare tire and wheel assembly is defined as
a spare tire and wheel that is different in brand, size or appearance from
the road tires and wheels. If you have a dissimilar spare tire and wheel
assembly, it is intended for temporary use only and should not be used
in a tire rotation.
Note:After having your tires rotated, inflation pressure must be checked
and adjusted to the vehicle requirements.
Rotating your tires at the recommended interval (as indicated in the
scheduled maintenance information) will help your tires wear more
evenly, providing better tire performance and longer tire life.
•Front-wheel drive vehicles (front
tires at left of diagram)
Sometimes irregular tire wear can be corrected by rotating the tires.
USING SNOW CHAINS
WARNING:Snow tires must be the same size, load index, speed
rating as those originally provided by Ford. Use of any tire or
wheel not recommended by Ford can affect the safety and performance
of your vehicle, which could result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. Additionally, the use
of non-recommended tires and wheels could cause steering, suspension,
axle, transfer case or power transfer unit failure.
The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. Snow chains have not been approved for use on your
vehicle.
Wheels and Tires251
2014 Focus Electric Vehicle(fob)
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USA(fus)

Multi-point inspection – Recommended each visit
Battery performance Radiator, cooler, heater and A/C hoses
Exterior lamps and hazard
warning system operationSuspension component for leaks or
damage
Fluid levels
*; fill if necessary Tires (including spare) for wear and
proper pressure**
For oil and fluid leaks Steering and linkage
Half-shaft dust boots
(if equipped)Windshield for cracks, chips or pits
Horn operation Washer spray and wiper operation
*Brake, coolant recovery reservoir and window washer.
**If your vehicle is equipped with a temporary mobility kit, check the tire
sealant expiration Use By date on the canister. Replace as needed.
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!
390Scheduled Maintenance
2014 Focus Electric Vehicle(fob)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, May 2013
USA(fus)

NORMAL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE AND LOG
Normal scheduled maintenance*
Every 12 months or
10000 miles
(16000 km)Rotate tires, inspect tire wear and measure tread
depth.
Perform multi-point inspection (recommended).
Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake
linings, hoses and parking brake.
Inspect cooling system level, strength and hoses.
Inspect half-shaft boots.
Inspect steering linkage, ball joints, suspension
and tie-rod ends. Lubricate if equipped with
grease fittings.
Inspect wheels and related components for
abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag.
*Do not exceed one year or 10000 miles (16000 kilometers) between
service intervals.
Other maintenance items
Every 20000 miles
(32000 km)
*Replace cabin air filter.
At 10 years or
150000 miles
(240000 km)
**
Change coolant and coolant filter.
*Cabin air filter life is dependent on exposure to dusty and dirty
conditions. Vehicles operated in these conditions require frequent
inspection and replacement of the cabin air filter.
**Initial replacement at 10 years or 150000 miles (240000 kilometers),
then every five years or 50000 miles (80000 kilometers). The coolant
must be exchanged as indicated in the Ford Motor CompanyWorkshop
Manual.If not performed properly, damage could occur to the cooling
system components. Only use pre-mixed coolant that meets Ford Motor
Company specifications found in theCapacities and Specifications
chapter.
392Scheduled Maintenance
2014 Focus Electric Vehicle(fob)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, May 2013
USA(fus)