overheating FORD FOCUS 2014 3.G Owners Manual

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GAUGES
A. Information display. SeeInformation Displaysfor more information.
B. Speedometer
C. Engine coolant temperature gauge
D. Fuel gauge
E. Tachometer
Engine coolant temperature gauge
Shows the temperature of the engine coolant. At normal operating
temperature, the needle will remain in the center section. If the needle
enters the red section, the engine is overheating. Stop the engine, switch
the ignition off and determine the cause once the engine has cooled down.
Note:Do not restart the engine until the cause of overheating has been
resolved.
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
0 20406080
10 0
12 0
14 0
10 012 0
14 0
16 0
18 0
0 20 406080
200
220
240
Instrument Cluster103
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Starting System Message Action / Description
Press brake to start Displays when starting the vehicle
as a reminder to apply the brake.
Cranking time exceeded Displays when the vehicle fails to
start.
Transmission Message Action / Description
Transmission too hot Press brake 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.
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.
Transmission overheating Stop
safelyDisplays 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.
Information Displays11 9
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Transmission Message Action / Description
Transmission malfunction
Service nowDisplays when the transmission
requires service due to a
malfunction. Contact your
authorized dealer.
Use Brake Stop Safely Displays when the vehicle needs to
be brought to a safe stop to allow
the transmission to cool.
Transmission Hot / Stop or
Speed UpDisplays 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.
Transmission Hot Wait XX min 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 function
Check handbookDisplays when certain transmission
features are disabled.
120Information Displays
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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. Extreme continuous steering may increase the effort it
takes for you to steer. This occurs to prevent internal 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.
When a steering system error is detected, steering messages may appear
in the information display.
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.
192Driving Aids
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Adding Engine Coolant
WARNING:Do not add engine coolant when the engine is hot.
Steam and scalding liquids released from a hot cooling system
can burn you badly. Also, you can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts.
WARNING:Do not put engine coolant in the windshield washer
fluid container. If sprayed on the windshield, engine coolant
could make it difficult to see through the windshield.
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.
WARNING:Do not add coolant further than the MAX mark.
Note:Do not use stop leak pellets, cooling system sealants or 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.
Note:During normal vehicle operation, the engine coolant may change
color from orange to pink or light red. As long as the engine coolant is
clear and uncontaminated, this color change does not indicate the engine
coolant has degraded nor does it require the engine coolant to be
drained, the system to be flushed, or the engine coolant to be replaced.
•DO NOT MIX different colors or types of coolant in your vehicle.
Make sure the correct coolant is used. 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.
•In case of emergency, a large amount of water without engine coolant
may be added in order to reach a vehicle service location. In this
instance, the cooling system must be drained, chemically cleaned with
Motorcraft Premium Cooling System Flush, and refilled with engine
coolant as soon as possible. Water alone (without engine coolant) can
cause engine damage from corrosion, overheating or freezing.
236Maintenance
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•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.
Maintenance237
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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.
238Maintenance
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Ford strongly recommends using only genuine Ford, Motorcraft or
Ford-authorized remanufactured replacement parts because they are
engineered for your vehicle.
Additives and Chemicals
Ford Motor Company recommended additives and chemicals are listed in
this book and in theWorkshop Manual.Additional chemicals or
additives not approved by Ford Motor Company are not recommended as
part of normal maintenance. Please consult your warranty information.
Oils, Fluids and Flushing
In many cases, fluid discoloration is a normal operating characteristic
and, by itself, does not necessarily indicate a concern or that the fluid
needs to be changed. However, discolored fluids that also show signs of
overheating and/or foreign material contamination should be inspected
immediately by a qualified expert such as the factory-trained technicians
at your dealership. Your vehicle’s oils and fluids should be changed at the
specified intervals or in conjunction with a repair. Flushing is a viable
way to change fluid for many vehicle sub-systems during scheduled
maintenance. It is critical that systems are flushed only with new fluid
that is the same as that required to fill and operate the system, or using
a Ford-approved flushing chemical.
Owner Checks and Services
Certain basic maintenance checks and inspections should be performed
every month or at six month intervals.
Check every month
Engine oil level.
Function of all interior and exterior lights.
Tires (including spare) for wear and proper pressure.
Windshield washer fluid level.
Check every six months
Battery connections. Clean if necessary.
Body and door drain holes for obstructions. Clean if necessary.
Cooling system fluid level and coolant strength.
Door weatherstrips for wear. Lubricate if necessary.
Hinges, latches and outside locks for proper operation. Lubricate if
necessary.
Scheduled Maintenance469
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