2014 FORD FOCUS Owners Manual

Recommended Shift Speeds
The engine is designed to operate at a minimum of 1250 RPM for optimal
power, fuel economy, and durability. When driving a vehicle equipped with
a manual transmission, do not operate the engine below 1250 RPM while
driving with the transmission in any gear (also known aslugging).
This does not apply while starting or idling the engine while the
transmission is in neutral and/or the clutch pedal is pressed. Lugging the
engine below 1250 RPM may result in damage to the vehicle powertrain,
poor fuel economy, poor acceleration, and undesirable noise, vibration,
and harshness. Choose the next lowest gear until a proper engine RPM is
reached.
Note:Do not downshift into 1 (First) when your vehicle is moving faster
than 15 mph (24 km/h). This will damage the clutch.
Upshift according to the following chart:
Recommended upshifts (for best fuel economy)
when accelerating
5-speed manual transmission
Shift from:
1 - 2 14 mph (23 km/h)
2 - 3 24 mph (39 km/h)
3 - 4 32 mph (51 km/h)
4 - 5 44 mph (71 km/h)
Reverse
Note:Make sure that your vehicle is at a complete stop before you shift
into R (Reverse). Failure to do so may damage the transmission.
Note:The gearshift lever can only be moved into R (Reverse) by moving
it from left of 3 (Third) and 4 (Fourth) before shifting into R (Reverse).
This is a lockout feature that protects the transmission from accidentally
being shifted into R (Reverse) from 5 (Fifth).
Hold the clutch pedal down and move the gearshift lever into the neutral
position. Shift into R (Reverse).
If R (Reverse) is not fully engaged, press the clutch pedal down and
return the gearshift to the neutral position. Release the clutch pedal for
a moment, then press it down and shift to R (Reverse) again.
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Parking Your Vehicle
WARNING:Do not park your vehicle in Neutral, it may move
unexpectedly and injure someone. Use 1 (First) gear and set the
parking brake fully.
To park your vehicle:
1. Apply the brake and shift into the neutral position.
2. Fully apply the parking brake, hold the clutch pedal down, then shift
into position 1.
3. Turn the ignition off.
HILL START ASSIST (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:The hill start assist feature does not replace the
parking brake. When you leave the vehicle, always apply the
parking brake and shift the transmission into P (Park) for automatic
transmission or 1st gear for manual transmissions.
WARNING:You must remain in the vehicle once you have
activated the hill start assist feature.
WARNING:During all times, you are responsible for controlling
the vehicle, supervising the hill start assist system and
intervening, if required.
WARNING:If the engine is revved excessively, or if a
malfunction is detected when the hill start assist feature is active,
the hill start assist feature will be deactivated.
This feature makes it easier to pull away when the vehicle is on a slope
without the need to use the parking brake. When this feature is active,
the vehicle will remain stationary on the slope for two to three seconds
after you release the brake pedal. This allows you time to move your
foot from the brake to the accelerator pedal. The brakes are released
automatically once the engine has developed sufficient drive to prevent
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the vehicle from rolling down the slope. This is an advantage when
pulling away on a slope, (for example from a car park ramp, traffic lights
or when reversing uphill into a parking space).
This feature is activated automatically on any slope that can result in
significant vehicle rollback.
Using Hill Start Assist
Note:If the engine is revved excessively, hill start assist will be
deactivated.
1. Press the brake pedal to bring the vehicle to a complete standstill.
Keep the brake pedal pressed.
2. If the sensors detect that the vehicle is on a slope, the hill start assist
feature will be activated automatically.
3. When you remove your foot from the brake pedal, the vehicle will
remain on the slope without rolling away for approximately two or three
seconds. This hold time will automatically be extended if you are in the
process of driving off.
4. Drive off in the normal manner. The brakes will be released
automatically.
Note:Using the brakes and the hill start assist is the recommended
method of holding a position on a hill. It is not recommended to use the
accelerator pedal and engine torque to hold a hill position for an
extended period of time. Doing so will over heat the clutch in vehicles
equipped with a manual transmissions.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Note: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. Have them inspected by an authorized dealer. If your vehicle
has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking,
have your vehicle inspected by an authorized dealer.
Note:Brake dust may accumulate on the wheels, even under normal
driving conditions. Some dust is inevitable as the brakes wear and does
not contribute to brake noise. See theVehicle Carechapter for wheel
cleaning instructions.
See theInstrument Clusterchapter for information on the
brake system warning light.
Wet brakes result in reduced braking efficiency. Gently press the brake
pedal a few times when driving from a car wash or standing water to dry
the brakes.
Brake Over Accelerator
In the event the accelerator pedal becomes stuck or entrapped, apply
steady and firm pressure to the brake pedal to slow your vehicle and
reduce engine power. If you experience this condition, apply the brakes
and bring your vehicle to a safe stop. Turn the engine off, shift to
positionPand apply the parking brake, then inspect the accelerator
pedal for any interferences. If none are found and the condition persists,
have your vehicle towed to the nearest authorized dealer.
Brake Assist
Brake assist detects when you brake heavily by measuring the rate at
which you press the brake pedal. It provides maximum braking efficiency
as long as you press the pedal. Brake assist can reduce stopping
distances in critical situations.
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Anti-Lock Brake System
This system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops
by keeping the brakes from locking.
This lamp momentarily illuminates when you turn the ignition
on. If the light does not illuminate during start-up, remains on
or flashes, the anti-lock brake system may be disabled and may
need to be serviced.
If the anti-lock brake system is disabled, normal braking is still
effective. If the brake warning lamp illuminates with the parking
brake released, have your brake system serviced immediately.
HINTS ON DRIVING WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKES
When the system is operating, the brake pedal will pulse and may travel
further. Maintain pressure on the brake pedal. You may also hear a noise
from the system. This is normal.
The anti-lock braking system will not eliminate the dangers inherent when:
•you drive too closely to the vehicle in front of you.
•your vehicle is hydroplaning.
•you take corners too fast.
•the road surface is poor.
PARKING BRAKE
WARNING:If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake
warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be
working properly. See your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the transmission selector lever is securely latched in position
P(automatic transmission) or position1(manual transmission).
To set the parking brake, pull the parking brake handle up as far as possible.
To release the parking brake:
1.
Press and hold the button located at the end of the parking brake handle.
2. Pull the handle up slightly, then push the handle down.
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PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
The traction control system helps avoid drive wheel spin and loss of
traction.
If your vehicle begins to slide, the system applies the brakes to individual
wheels and, when needed, reduces engine power at the same time. If the
wheels spin when accelerating on slippery or loose surfaces, the system
reduces engine power in order to increase traction.
USING TRACTION CONTROL
In certain situations (for example, stuck in snow or mud), turning the
traction control off may be beneficial as this allows the wheels to spin
with full engine power. Turn the traction control system off through the
information display. This option may not be available for all models. See
theInformation Displayschapter.
System Indicator Lights and Messages
WARNING:If a failure has been detected within the Traction
Control System, the stability control light will illuminate steadily.
Verify that the Traction Control System was not manually disabled
through the information display. If the stability control light still
illuminates steadily, have the system serviced by an authorized dealer
immediately. Operating your vehicle with Traction Control disabled
could lead to an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle
rollover, personal injury and death.
The stability control light temporarily illuminates on engine
start-up and flashes when a driving condition activates the
stability system.
The stability control off light temporarily illuminates on engine
start-up and stays on when the traction control system is
turned off.
When the traction control system is turned off or on, a message appears
in the information display showing system status.
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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.
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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 theTraction Control
chapter for details on traction control system operation.
AVehicle without AdvanceTrac®
skidding off its intended route.
BVehicle with AdvanceTrac®
maintaining control on a slippery
surface.
USING ADVANCETRAC®
The system automatically activates when you start your engine.
The AdvanceTrac® system cannot be completely turned off, but the
electronic stability control portion of the system is disabled when the
transmission is in positionR.You can turn off the traction control
portion of the system independently. See theTraction Controlchapter.
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