trailer FORD FOCUS 2008 2.G User Guide

Driving style — good driving and fuel economy habits
Give consideration to the lists that follow and you may be able to change
a number of variables and improve your fuel economy.
Habits
•Smooth, moderate operation can yield up to 10% savings in fuel.
•
Steady speeds without stopping will usually give the best fuel economy.
•Idling for long periods of time (greater than one minute) may waste
fuel.
•Anticipate stopping; slowing down may eliminate the need to stop.
•Sudden or hard accelerations may reduce fuel economy.
•Slow down gradually.
•Driving at reasonable speeds (traveling at 55 mph [88 km/h] uses 15%
less fuel than traveling at 65 mph [105 km/h]).
•Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel economy.
•Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
•You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain if
unnecessary shifting between the top gears occurs. Unnecessary
shifting of this type could result in reduced fuel economy.
•Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
•Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
•Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toMaintenance product
specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found inscheduled maintenance information.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
2008 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
234

BRAKE/CLUTCH FLUID
Brake and clutch systems are supplied from the same reservoir.
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
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.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transaxle does not consume
fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the transaxle is not
working properly, i.e., if the transaxle slips or shifts slowly or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 20 miles [30 km]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic
during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before
checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 km) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
2008 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
239

Safety Canopy ...........................105
Safety defects,
reporting ............................203–204
Safety restraints ..............82, 85–90
Belt-Minder.............................92
extension assembly ..................91
for adults .............................86–89
for children .....................111–112
Occupant Classification
Sensor ........................................83
safety belt maintenance ...........91
warning light and chime ....91–92
Safety seats for children ..........115
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................247
Satellite Radio Information ........29
Seats ............................................75
child safety seats ....................115
heated ........................................80
SecuriLock passive
anti-theft system .........................71
Servicing your vehicle ..............212
Side air curtain .........................107
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................243, 246
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................244
Speed control ..............................49
Starting your vehicle .......150–151,
153
jump starting ..........................190
Steering wheel
controls ......................................52
tilting .........................................45
Sunroof (moonroof) ...................53
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................45Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Tires, Wheels and
Loading ....................................139
Tires ...................................125–126
alignment ................................133
care ..........................................129
changing ..................................178
checking the pressure ............129
inflating ...................................127
label .........................................139
replacing ..................................131
rotating ....................................133
safety practices .......................132
sidewall information ...............134
snow tires and chains ............144
spare tire .................................175
terminology .............................126
tire grades ...............................126
treadwear ........................125, 130
Towing .......................................149
recreational towing .................149
trailer towing ..........................149
wrecker ....................................196
Traction control ........................157
Transaxle
lubricant specifications ..........244
Transmission
automatic operation ...............159
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....159
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................239
fluid, checking and adding
(manual) .................................241
fluid, refill capacities ..............244
manual operation ....................163
Trunk ...........................................65
remote release ..........................69
Turn signal ..................................38
2008 Focus(foc)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
255