2014 FORD FOCUS maintenance

•Do not use alcohol, methanol, brine or any engine coolants mixed with
alcohol or methanol antifreeze (coolant). Alcohol and other liquids can
cause engine damage from overheating or freezing.
•
Do not add extra inhibitors or additives to the coolant. These can be
harmful and compromise the corrosion protection of the engine coolant.
Unscrew the cap slowly. Any pressure will escape as you unscrew the cap.
Add prediluted engine coolant meeting the Ford specification. See
Capacities and Specificationsfor more information.
Whenever coolant has been added, the coolant level in the coolant
reservoir should be checked the next few times you drive the vehicle.
If necessary, add enough prediluted engine coolant to bring the coolant
level to the proper level.
Recycled Engine Coolant
Ford Motor Company does not recommend the use of recycled engine
coolant since a Ford-approved recycling process is not yet available.
Used engine coolant should be disposed of in an appropriate
manner. Follow your community’s regulations and standards for recycling
and disposing of automotive fluids.
Severe Climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates:
•It may be necessary to have a Ford authorized dealer increase the
coolant concentration above 50%.
•A coolant concentration of 60% will provide improved freeze point
protection. Engine coolant concentrations above 60% will decrease the
overheat protection characteristics of the engine coolant and may
cause engine damage.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
•It may be necessary to have a Ford authorized dealer decrease the
coolant concentration to 40%.
•A coolant concentration of 40% will provide improved overheat
protection. Engine coolant concentrations below 40% will decrease the
corrosion and freeze protection characteristics of the engine coolant
and may cause engine damage.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme climates should use prediluted
engine coolant for optimum cooling system and engine protection.
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Powertrain Limiting and Protection
Note:Driving the vehicle without repairing the engine problem increases
the chance of engine damage. Take your vehicle to an authorized dealer
as soon as possible.
The engine control module (ECU) is equipped with a feature called
powertrain limiting and protection (PTLP). PTLP will help protect the
engine from damage in case the engine is overheating (coolant and/or
oil temperature too hot). PTLP will automatically intervene during
normal engine operation should it determine the engine coolant and/or
oil temperatures are too hot. It does this by gradually reducing the
maximum allowable engine rpm until the engine has cooled sufficiently.
PTLP will automatically reinstate normal engine operation if it
determines the engine temperatures have cooled sufficiently.
During an engine overheating condition, the instrument cluster will display
a message and a chime will sound. The engine may also have temporarily
reduced power and reduced rpm limit during an overheating condition.
Operating the engine with high engine coolant temperature (coolant
gauge indicator is red) may cause powertrain damage. Stop the vehicle
as soon as safely possible and let the engine cool off while idling.
TRANSMISSION FLUID CHECK
Checking Automatic Transmission Fluid
Note:Transmission fluid should be checked and, if required, added by
an authorized dealer.
The automatic transmission does not have a transmission fluid dipstick.
See yourScheduled Maintenance Informationfor scheduled intervals
for fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not consume fluid.
However, the fluid level should be checked if the transmission is not
working properly, (i.e., if the transmission slips or shifts slowly) or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
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.
Checking and Adding Manual Transmission Fluid (If Equipped)
1. Clean the filler plug.
2. Remove the filler plug and inspect the fluid level.
3. Fluid level should be at the bottom of the opening.
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4. Add enough fluid through the filler opening so that the fluid level is at
the bottom of the opening.
5. Install and tighten the fill plug securely.
Use only fluid that meets Ford specifications. Refer to theTechnical
Specificationssection in theCapacities and Specificationschapter.
BRAKE FLUID CHECK
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.
POWER STEERING FLUID CHECK
Your vehicle is equipped with an electric power steering (EPS) system.
There is no fluid reservoir to check or fill. For additional information on
the electric power steering (EPS) system, Refer toDriving Aids.
FUEL FILTER
Your vehicle is equipped with a lifetime fuel filter that is integrated with
the fuel tank. Regular maintenance or replacement is not needed.
WASHER FLUID CHECK
WARNING:If you operate your vehicle in temperatures below
40°F (5°C), use washer fluid with antifreeze protection. Failure
to use washer fluid with antifreeze protection in cold weather could
result in impaired windshield vision and increase the risk of injury or
accident.
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the level is low. Only use a washer fluid
that meets Ford specifications. See the technical specifications chart in
theCapacities and Specificationschapter.
Note:The front and rear washer systems are supplied from the same
reservoir.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
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CHANGING THE VEHICLE BATTERY
WARNING:Batteries normally produce explosive gases which
can cause personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks
or lighted substances to come near the battery. When working near the
battery, always shield your face and protect your eyes. Always provide
proper ventilation.
WARNING:When lifting a plastic-cased battery, excessive
pressure on the end walls could cause acid to flow through the
vent caps, resulting in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or
battery. Lift the battery with a battery carrier or with your hands on
opposite corners.
WARNING:Keep batteries out of reach of children. Batteries
contain sulfuric acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing.
Shield your eyes when working near the battery to protect against
possible splashing of acid solution. In case of acid contact with skin or
eyes, flush immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes and
get prompt medical attention. If acid is swallowed, call a physician
immediately.
WARNING:Battery posts, terminals and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after handling.
Your vehicle is equipped with a Motorcraft® maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require additional water during its life of
service.
Note:If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled after
the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.
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It is recommended that the negative battery cable terminal be
disconnected from the battery if you plan to store your vehicle for an
extended period of time.
To ensure proper operation of the battery management system (BMS),
any electrical devices that are added to the vehicle should not have their
ground connection made directly at the negative battery post. A connection
at the negative battery post can cause inaccurate measurements of the
battery condition and potential incorrect system operation.
Note:Electrical or electronic accessories or components added to the
vehicle by the dealer or the owner may adversely affect battery
performance and durability and may also affect the performance of other
electrical systems in the vehicle.
When a battery replacement is required, the battery should only be
replaced with a Ford recommended replacement battery that matches
the electrical requirements of the vehicle.
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.
Note: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.
CHECKING THE WIPER BLADES
Run the tip of your fingers over the edge of the blade
to check for roughness.
Clean the wiper blades with washer fluid or water
applied with a soft sponge or cloth.
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CHANGING THE WIPER BLADES
The wiper arms can be manually moved when the ignition is off. This
allows for ease of blade replacement and cleaning under the blades.
1. Turn the ignition off before
removing the wiper blade.
2. Pull the wiper blade and arm
away from the glass.
3. Squeeze the locking tabs to
release the blade from the arm and
pull the blade away from the arm to
remove it.
4.
Attach the new blade to the arm and snap it into place. Lower the wiper
arm and blade back to the windshield. The wiper arms will automatically
return to their normal position when the ignition is turned on.
Replace wiper blades at least once per year for optimum performance.
Poor wiper quality can be improved by cleaning the wiper blades and the
windshield. Refer to theVehicle Carechapter.
To prolong the life of the wiper blades, it is highly recommended to scrape
off the ice on the windshield before turning on the wipers. The layer of ice
has many sharp edges and can damage the micro edge of the wiper rubber
element.
Changing the Rear Window Wiper Blade (If Equipped)
To replace the rear wiper blade:
1. Lift the wiper arm.
2. Pull the wiper blade away from the
wiper arm and separate.
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3. To attach the new wiper blade to
the wiper arm, align the slot and
cross pin and firmly press the wiper
arm into the wiper blade until a
click is heard.
AIR FILTER CHECK
WARNING:To reduce the risk of vehicle damage and/or personal
burn injuries, do not start your engine with the air cleaner
removed and do not remove it while the engine is running.
When changing the air filter element, use only the air filter element
listed. Refer toMotorcraft® Part Numbersin theCapacities and
Specificationschapter.
For EcoBoostequipped vehicles: When servicing the air cleaner, it is
important that no foreign material enter the air induction system. The
engine and turbocharger are susceptible to damage from even small
particles.
Refer toScheduled Maintenancefor the appropriate intervals for
changing the air filter element.
Note:Failure to use the correct air filter element may result in severe
engine damage. The customer warranty may be void for any damage to
the engine if the correct air filter element is not used.
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Changing the Air Filter Element
1. Loosen the screws that secure
the air filter housing cover (A).
2. Carefully lift the air filter housing
cover.
3. Remove the air filter element (B)
from the air filter housing (C).
4. Wipe the air filter housing and
cover clean to remove any dirt or
debris and to ensure good sealing.
5. Install a new air filter element.
Slide the open end of the air filter
element in first, below the tab.
6. Align the tab on the closed end of
the air filter element (B) with the
slot in the air filter housing.
7. Install the air filter housing
cover (A).
8. Tighten the screws that secure
the air filter housing cover to the air
filter housing.
A
B
C
A
B
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Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, October 2012
USA(fus)