overheating FORD FOCUS 2012 3.G Owners Manual

GAUGES
Base cluster shown in standard measure; uplevel cluster and
metric similar.
1. Tachometer:Indicates the engine speed in revolutions per minute.
Driving with your tachometer pointer continuously at the top of the scale
may damage the engine.
2. Multifunction display:This is used to configure different vehicle
personalization options and display the status of various vehicle
functions. SeeBase and Up-level message centerin this chapter for
more information.
3. Speedometer:Indicates the current vehicle speed.
4. Engine coolant temperature gauge:Indicates engine coolant
temperature. At normal operating temperature, the needle will be in the
normal range (between H and C).If it enters the red section, the
engine is overheating. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible,
switch off the engine and let the engine cool.
5. Fuel gauge:Indicates approximately how much fuel is left in the fuel
tank (when the ignition is in the on position). The fuel gauge may vary
slightly when the vehicle is in motion or on a grade. The fuel icon and
arrow indicates which side of the vehicle the fuel filler door is located.
0 20406080
10 0
12 0
14 0
110
1013 0
15 0
10 012 0
14 0
16 0
18 0
0 20 40
306080
200
220
240
5070
90
5
123
4
Instrument Cluster
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Power Steering MessageAction / Description
STEERING FAULT
SERVICE NOW
AmberThe power steering system
has detected a condition
within the power steering
system or passive
entry/passive start system that
requires service. Contact your
authorized dealer.
Transmission MessageAction / Description
TRANSMISSION TOO HOT
PRESS BRAKE
AmberDisplays when the
transmission is overheating.
Stop the vehicle in a safe spot
and allow the transmission to
cool and the message
disappears before proceeding.
If the condition persists,
contact your authorized dealer
for service.
Red Displays when the
transmission is overheating.
Stop the vehicle in a safe spot
and allow the transmission to
cool and the message
disappears before proceeding.
If the condition persists,
contact your authorized dealer
for service. If the vehicle is
driven with this message
active you may experience
vehicle shudder as a further
overheat warning.
Instrument Cluster
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Transmission MessageAction / Description
TRANSMISSION
OVERHEATING STOP
SAFELY
RedDisplays when the
transmission is overheating.
Stop the vehicle in a safe spot
and allow the transmission to
cool before proceeding. If the
condition persists, contact
your authorized dealer for
service.
TRANSMISSION NOT IN
PARK SELECT P—Displays as a reminder to shift
into park.
TRANSMISSION
MALFUNCTION SERVICE
NOWRedDisplays when the
transmission requires service
due to a malfunction. Contact
your authorized dealer.
USE BRAKE STOP SAFELY
RedDisplays when the vehicle
needs to be brought to a safe
stop to allow the transmission
to cool.
TRANSMISSION HOT
STOP OR SPEED UP
—Displays when the
transmission is overheating
when idling with the brake
applied for long periods such
as in heavy stop-and-go
traffic. Stop the vehicle in a
safe spot and allow the
transmission to cool before
proceeding or drive an
alternate route that allows less
idling/slower speeds.
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Transmission MessageAction / Description
TRANSMISSION HOT
WAIT X MINUTE
—Displays when the
transmission is overheating.
Stop the vehicle in a safe spot
and allow the transmission to
cool for the displayed time
before proceeding.
TRANSMISSION HOT
WAIT...
—Displays when the
transmission is overheating.
Stop the vehicle in a safe spot
and allow the transmission to
cool before proceeding.
TRANSMISSION READY
—Displays after an transmission
overheating event and the
transmission has cooled
enough to allow proper
transmission function.
TRANSMISSION LIMITED
FUNCTIONAmberDisplays when certain
transmission features are
disabled.
TRANSMISSION
WARMING UP PLEASE
WAIT—Displays when the
transmission needs a warming
period before it will operate
properly.
PRESS BRAKE PEDAL
—Displays to request the
operator to apply the brake as
needed by the transmission.
TO START PRESS BRAKE
—Displays when starting the
vehicle as a reminder to apply
the brake.
Instrument Cluster
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Gate Operator & Canadian Programming
During programming, your
hand-held transmitter may
automatically stop transmitting —
not allowing enough time for
HomeLinkto accept the signal
from the hand-held transmitter.
After completing Step 1 outlined in
theProgrammingsection, replace
Step 2 with the following:
Note:If programming a garage door opener or gate operator, it is
advised to unplug the device during the “cycling” process to prevent
overheating.
•Continue to press and hold the HomeLinkbutton (note Step 2 in the
Programmingsection) while you press and release —every two
seconds(“cycle”) your hand-held transmitter until the frequency
signal has been accepted by the HomeLink. The indicator light will
flash slowly and then rapidly after HomeLinkaccepts the radio
frequency signal.
•Proceed with Step 3 in theProgrammingsection.
Operating the HomeLinkWireless Control System
To operate, simply press and release
the appropriate HomeLinkbutton.
Activation will now occur for the
trained product (garage door, gate
operator, security system, entry
door lock, or home or office lighting
etc.). For convenience, the
hand-held transmitter of the device
may also be used at any time. In the event that there are still
programming difficulties, contact HomeLinkatwww.homelink.comor
1–800–355–3515.
Driver Controls
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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
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•DO NOT MIXdifferent colors or types of coolant in your vehicle.
Make sure the correct coolant is used.DO NOT MIXrecycled coolant
and new (unused) coolant together in the vehicle. Mixing of engine
coolants may harm your engine’s cooling system. The use of an
improper coolant may harm engine and cooling system components
and may void the warranty. Refer toMaintenance product
specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
Note:Do not use stop leak pellets or cooling system sealants/additives
as they can cause damage to the engine cooling and/or heating systems.
This damage would not be covered under your vehicle’s warranty.
•A large amount of water without engine coolant may be added, in case
of emergency, to reach a vehicle service location. In this instance, the
cooling system must be drained and refilled with a 50/50 mixture of
engine coolant and distilled water as soon as possible. Water alone
(without engine coolant) can cause engine damage from corrosion,
overheating or freezing.
•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.
For vehicles with overflow coolant systems with a non-pressurized cap
on the coolant recovery system, add coolant to the coolant recovery
reservoir when the engine is cool. Add the proper mixture of coolant and
distilled water to the FULL COLD level. For all other vehicles which have
a coolant degas system with a pressurized cap, or if it is necessary to
remove the coolant pressure relief cap on the radiator of a vehicle with
an overflow system, follow these steps to add engine coolant.
WARNING:To reduce the risk of personal injury, make sure the
engine is cool before unscrewing the coolant pressure relief cap.
The cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come
out forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly.
Add the proper mixture of coolant and water to the cooling system by
following these steps:
1. Before you begin, turn the engine off and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the coolant
pressure relief cap on the coolant reservoir (a translucent plastic bottle).
Slowly turn cap counterclockwise (left) until pressure begins to release.
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3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the
cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap.
5. Fill the coolant reservoir slowly with the proper coolant mixture, to
within the COLD FILL RANGE or the FULL COLD level on the reservoir.
If you removed the radiator cap in an overflow system, fill the radiator
until the coolant is visible and radiator is almost full.
6. Replace the cap. Turn until tightly installed. Cap must be tightly
installed to prevent coolant loss.
After any coolant has been added, check the coolant concentration (refer
toChecking engine coolant). If the concentration is not 50/50, drain
some coolant and adjust the concentration. It may take several drains
and additions to obtain a 50/50 coolant concentration.
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 50/50 concentration of engine coolant and
distilled water to bring the liquid level to the proper level.
If you have to add more than 1.0 quart (1.0 liter) of engine coolant per
month, have your authorized dealer check the engine cooling system.
Your cooling system may have a leak. Operating an engine with a low
level of coolant can result in engine overheating and possible engine
damage.
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.
Coolant refill capacity
To find out how much fluid your vehicle’s cooling system can hold, refer
toMaintenance product specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
Fill your engine coolant reservoir as outlined previously in theAdding
engine coolantsection.
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Severe climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates:
•It may be necessary to increase the coolant concentration
above 50%.
•NEVER increase the coolant concentration above 60%.
•A coolant concentration of 60% will provide improved freeze
point protection. Increased engine coolant concentrations
above 60% will decrease the overheat protection
characteristics of the engine coolant and may cause engine
damage.
•If available, refer to the chart on the coolant container to
ensure the coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide
adequate freeze protection at the temperatures in which you
drive in the winter months.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
•It is still necessary to maintain the coolant concentration
above 40%.
•NEVER decrease the coolant concentration below 40%.
•Decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will
decrease the corrosion/freeze protection characteristics of the
engine coolant and may cause engine damage.
•If available, refer to the chart on the coolant container to
ensure the coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide
adequate protection at the temperatures in which you drive.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme climates should use a 50/50
mixture of engine coolant and distilled water for optimum cooling system
and engine protection.
Powertrain limiting and protection
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.
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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.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.
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.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE FUELS
Important safety precautions
WARNING:Do not overfill the fuel tank. The pressure in an
overfilled tank may cause leakage and lead to fuel spray and fire.
WARNING:The fuel system may be under pressure. If you hear
a hissing sound near the fuel filler door (Easy Fuel“no cap”
fuel system), do not refuel until the sound stops. Otherwise, fuel may
spray out, which could cause serious personal injury.
WARNING:Automotive fuels can cause serious injury or death
if misused or mishandled.
WARNING:Fuel ethanol and gasoline may contain benzene,
which is a cancer-causing agent.
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