traction control FORD FIESTA 2012 Owners Manual

AdvanceTrac/Traction control
(if equipped):Displays when the
AdvanceTrac/Traction control is
active. If the light remains on, have
the system serviced immediately, refer to theDrivingchapter for more
information.
AdvanceTrac/Traction control
off light (if equipped):Illuminates
when AdvanceTrac/Traction control
has been disabled by the driver.
Refer to theDrivingchapter for
more information.
Speed control (if equipped):
Illuminates when the speed control
system is in use.
Anti-theft system:Flashes when
the SecuriLockPassive Anti-theft
System has been activated.
Turn signal:Illuminates when the
left or right turn signal or the
hazard lights are turned on. If the
indicators stay on or flash faster, check for a burned out bulb.
High beams:Illuminates when the
high beam headlamps are turned on.
Key-in-ignition warning chime:Sounds when the key is left in the
ignition in the off or accessory position and the driver’s door is opened.
Headlamps on warning chime:Sounds when the headlamps or parking
lamps are on, the ignition is off (the key is not in the ignition) and the
driver’s door is opened.
OFF
Instrument Cluster
16
2012 Fiesta(fie)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)
ProCarManuals.com

Certain settings can be changed
through the multifunction display.
Press MENU on the audio system to
access the settings screen.
Press
///to move
through the display screen. The
following settings can be changed:
Audio:SeeAudio systemsin theEntertainment Systemschapter for
more information.
Vehicle:Select Vehicle then move right to enter into the menu. Scroll up
or down to select from:
•Traction Control:Move right to enter the menu and then move up
or down to select from on or off. Press OK to confirm.
•Chimes:Move right to enter the menu, then up or down to select
from warning chimes or info chimes. Press OK to confirm.
•Lane change indicator/Turn indicator:Move right to enter the
menu and then move up or down to select from flash once or flash
three times. Press OK to confirm.
•Chimes:Move right to enter the menu, then up or down to select
from warning chimes or info chimes. Press OK to confirm.
Clock:Select Clock then move right to enter the menu. Scroll up or
down to select from to select from:
•Set time:Move right to enter the menu and adjust the time.
•Set date:Move right to enter the menu and adjust the date.
•24 hour mode:Move right to enter the menu to choose 24-hour
mode.
The clock can also be set through the audio system. SeeAudio systems
in theEntertainment Systemschapter for more information.
Display:Select Display then move right to enter the menu. Scroll up or
down to select from:
•Units of measure:Move right to enter the menu then move up or
down to select metric or standard.
•Language:Move right to enter the menu then move up or down to
select the desired language.
Messages:Select messages, then move up/down to view stored
messages.
Compass (if equipped):If your vehicle is equipped with SYNC,the
compass heading is displayed to the left of the clock in the upper portion
of the multifunction display.
Instrument Cluster
19
2012 Fiesta(fie)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)
ProCarManuals.com

INFORMATION ABOUT UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
Tire Quality Grades apply to new
pneumatic passenger car tires. The
Quality grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall
between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For
example:
•Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
These Tire Quality Grades are determined by standards that the United
States Department of Transportation has set.
Tire Quality Grades apply to new pneumatic passenger car tires. They do
not apply to deep tread, winter-type snow tires, space-saver or
temporary use spare tires, light truck or “LT” type tires, tires with
nominal rim diameters of 10 to 12 inches or limited production tires as
defined in Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 575.104(c)(2).
U.S. Department of Transportation-Tire quality grades:The U.S.
Department of Transportation requires Ford Motor Company to give you
the following information about tire grades exactly as the government
has written it.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of
the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified
government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and one-half (1
12) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices, and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction AA A B C
WARNING:The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning or peak traction characteristics.
The traction grades, from highest to lowest are AA, A, B, and C. The
grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
Tires, Wheels and Loading
205
2012 Fiesta(fie)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)
ProCarManuals.com

10.Tire Ply Composition and Material Used:Indicates the number of
plies or the number of layers of rubber-coated fabric in the tire tread and
sidewall. Tire manufacturers also must indicate the ply materials in the
tire and the sidewall, which include steel, nylon, polyester, and others.
11.Maximum Load:Indicates the maximum load in kilograms and
pounds that can be carried by the tire. Refer to the Safety Compliance
Certification Label, which is located on the B-Pillar or the edge of the
driver’s door, for the correct tire pressure for your vehicle.
12.Treadwear, Traction and Temperature Grades
•Treadwear:The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150
would wear one and one-half (1
12) times as well on the government
course as a tire graded 100.
•Traction:The traction grades, from highest to lowest are AA, A, B,
and C. The grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement
as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test
surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance.
•Temperature:The temperature grades are A (the highest), B and C,
representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its
ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a
specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
13.Maximum Permissible Inflation Pressure:Indicates the tire
manufacturers’ maximum permissible pressure and/or the pressure at
which the maximum load can be carried by the tire. This pressure is
normally higher than the manufacturer’s recommended cold inflation
pressure which can be found on the Safety Compliance Certification
Label or Tire Label which is located on the B-Pillar or the edge of the
driver’s door. The cold inflation pressure should never be set lower than
the recommended pressure on the vehicle label.
The tire suppliers may have additional markings, notes or warnings such
as standard load, radial tubeless, etc.
Tires, Wheels and Loading
217
2012 Fiesta(fie)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)
ProCarManuals.com

SNOW TIRES AND 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 or transfer case/power transfer unit
failure.
Note:The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when using
snow tires and chains.
The tires on your vehicle may have all-weather treads to provide traction
in rain and snow. However, in some climates, you may need to use snow
tires and chains. Use chains on the tires only in an emergency or if the
law requires them.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and chains:
•If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
•Chains may damage aluminum wheels.
•Use SAE Class S chains with 195/65R15 or 215/55R16 tires only; do
not use tire chains with any other size tires.
•Install chains securely, verifying that the chains do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
•Drive cautiously. If you hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, stop and retighten the chains. If this does not work, remove
the chains to prevent damage to your vehicle.
•Remove the tire chains when they are no longer needed. Do not use
tire chains on dry roads.
VEHICLE LOADING
This section will guide you in the proper loading of your vehicle to keep
your loaded vehicle weight within its design rating capability. Properly
loading your vehicle will provide maximum return of vehicle design
performance. Before loading your vehicle, familiarize yourself with the
following terms for determining your vehicle’s weight ratings from the
vehicle’s Tire Label or Safety Compliance Certification Label:
Base Curb Weight– is the weight of the vehicle including a full tank of
fuel and all standard equipment. It does not include passengers, cargo, or
optional equipment.
Tires, Wheels and Loading
224
2012 Fiesta(fie)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)
ProCarManuals.com

ADVANCETRACSTABILITY ENHANCEMENT SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with the AdvanceTracsystem. The
AdvanceTracsystem provides the following stability enhancement
features for certain driving situations:
•Traction control system (TCS), which functions to help avoid
drive-wheel spin and loss of traction.
•Electronic stability control (ESC), which functions to help avoid skids
or lateral slides
WARNING:Vehicle modifications involving braking system,
aftermarket roof racks, suspension, steering system, tire
construction and/or wheel/tire size may change the handling
characteristics of the vehicle and may adversely affect the performance
of the AdvanceTracsystem. 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 AdvanceTracsensors.
Reducing the effectiveness of the AdvanceTracsystem 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’s 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 AdvanceTracsystem 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 AdvanceTracsystem activates, SLOW DOWN.
WARNING:If a failure has been detected within the
AdvanceTracsystem, the stability control light will illuminate
steadily. Have the system serviced by an authorized dealer immediately.
The AdvanceTracsystem automatically enables each time the engine is
started. All features of the AdvanceTracsystem (TCS and ESC) are
active and monitor the vehicle from start-up. However, the system will
only intervene if the driving situation requires it.
Driving
243
2012 Fiesta(fie)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)
ProCarManuals.com

The AdvanceTracsystem includes a stability control light and a stability
control off light in the instrument cluster. Both the stability control light
and the stability control off light in the instrument cluster will illuminate
temporarily during start-up as part of a system self-check. The stability
control light may illuminate during certain driving situations which may
cause the AdvanceTracsystem to operate. If the stability control light
illuminates steadily, have the system serviced by an authorized dealer
immediately.
When AdvanceTracperforms a normal system self-check, some drivers
may notice a slight movement of the brake, and/or a rumble, grunting, or
grinding noise after startup and when driving off.
When an event occurs that activates AdvanceTrac, you may experience
the following:
•A slight deceleration of the vehicle
•The stability control light will flash.
•A vibration in the pedal when your foot is on the brake pedal
•If the driving condition is severe and your foot is not on the brake, the
brake pedal may move as the systems applies higher brake forces. You
may also hear a whoosh of air from under the instrument panel during
this severe condition.
•The brake pedal may feel stiffer than usual.
Traction control system (TCS)
Traction control is a driver aid feature that helps your vehicle maintain
traction of the wheels, typically when driving on slippery and/or hilly
road surfaces, by detecting and controlling wheel spin.
Excessive wheel spin is controlled in two ways, which may work
separately or in tandem, engine traction control and brake traction
control. Engine traction control works to limit drive-wheel spin by
momentarily reducing engine power. Brake traction control works to limit
wheel spin by momentarily applying the brakes to the wheel that is
slipping. Traction control is most active at low speeds.
During TCS events, the stability control light in the instrument cluster
will flash.
If the TCS is activated excessively in a short period of time, the braking
portion of the system may become temporarily disabled to allow the
brakes to cool down. In this situation, TCS will use only engine power
reduction or transfer to help control the wheels from over-spinning.
When the brakes have cooled down, the system will regain all features.
Driving
244
2012 Fiesta(fie)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)
ProCarManuals.com

Anti-lock braking, and ESC are not affected by this condition and will
continue to function during the cool-down period.
Electronic stability control (ESC)
Electronic stability control (ESC) may enhance your vehicle’s directional
stability during adverse maneuvers, for example when cornering severely
or avoiding objects in the roadway. ESC operates by applying brakes to
one or more of the wheels individually and, if necessary, reducing engine
power if the system detects that the vehicle is about to skid or slide
laterally.
During ESC events, the stability control light in the instrument cluster
will flash.
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 AdvanceTrac/traction control
If the vehicle is stuck in snow, mud or sand, and seems to lose engine
power, switching off certain features of the AdvanceTracsystem may be
beneficial because the wheels are allowed to spin. This will restore full
engine power and will enhance momentum through the obstacle.
To disable the traction control system, do the following on the
multifunction display:
1. Select Menu
2. Select Vehicle Settings
3. Select Traction Control
4. Select TCS OFF or uncheck
5. Select OK
SeeMultifunction displayin theInstrument Clustersection for more
information.
Driving
245
2012 Fiesta(fie)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)
ProCarManuals.com

AdvanceTracFeatures
TCS switch
in
multi-function
displayStability
control
light
Stability
control off
light
ESC TCS
Default at
start-upIlluminated
during bulb
checkIlluminated
during bulb
checkEnabled Enabled
De-select TCSNot
illuminatedIlluminated
solidEnabled Disabled
Select TCS
again after
deactivationNot
illuminatedNot
illuminatedEnabled Enabled
Full features of the AdvanceTracsystem can be restored by selecting
TCS again or by turning off and restarting the engine.
If you switch off traction control, the traction control system will be
de-activated in the multi-function display and the stability control off
light will illuminate steadily. Selecting the AdvanceTracsystem again
will turn off the stability control off light.
In R (Reverse), ABS and the engine and brake traction control features
will continue to function; however, ESC is disabled.
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 MALFUNCTION SERVICE
NOW, STEERING MALFUNCTION STOP SAFELY, POWER STEERING
MALFUNCTION SERVICE NOW, POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT
Driving
246
2012 Fiesta(fie)
Owners Guide, 3rd Printing
USA(fus)
ProCarManuals.com