check engine light FORD FOCUS 2011 2.G Owners Manual

WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Warning lights and gauges can alert you to a vehicle condition that may
become serious enough to cause expensive repairs. A warning light may
illuminate when a problem exists with one of your vehicle’s functions.
Many lights will illuminate when you start your vehicle to make sure the
bulb works. If any light remains on after starting the vehicle, refer to the
respective system warning light for additional information.
Service engine soon:Theservice
engine soonindicator light
illuminates when the ignition is first
turned to the on position to check
the bulb and to indicate whether the vehicle is ready for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing. Normally, the “service engine soon”
light will stay on until the engine is cranked, then turn itself off if no
malfunctions are present. However, if after 15 seconds the “service
engine soon” light blinks eight times, it means that the vehicle is not
ready for I/M testing. See theReadiness for Inspection/Maintenance
(I/M) testingin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
Solid illumination after the engine is started indicates the on-board
diagnostics system (OBD-II) has detected a malfunction. Refer to
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II)in theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter. If the light is blinking, engine misfire is occurring which could
damage your catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid
heavy acceleration and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced
immediately by your authorized dealer.
Instrument Cluster
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WARNING:Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust
temperatures could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel
system, interior floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly
causing a fire.
Check fuel cap:Illuminates when
the fuel cap may not be properly
installed. Continued driving with
this light on may cause the Service
engine soon warning light to come
on, refer toFuel filler capin the
Maintenance and Specificationschapter.
Brake system warning light:To
confirm the brake system warning
light is functional, it will
momentarily illuminate when the
ignition is turned to the on position
when the engine is not running, or in a position between on and start, or
by applying the parking brake when the ignition is turned to the on
position. If the brake system warning light does not illuminate at this
time, seek service immediately from your authorized dealer. Illumination
after releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level and the
brake system should be inspected immediately by your authorized dealer.
WARNING:Driving a vehicle with the brake system warning
light on is dangerous. A significant decrease in braking
performance may occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle.
Have the vehicle checked by your authorized dealer. Driving extended
distances with the parking brake engaged can cause brake failure and
the risk of personal injury.
Anti-lock brake system (if
equipped):If the ABS light stays
illuminated or continues to flash, a
malfunction has been detected, have
the system serviced immediately by
your authorized dealer. Normal braking is still functional unless the brake
warning light also is illuminated.
P!
BRAKE
ABS
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•Be sure that the engine block heater, heater cord and extension cord
are solidly connected. A poor connection can cause the cord to
become very hot and may result in an electrical shock or fire. Be sure
to check for heat anywhere in the electrical hookup once the system
has been operating for approximately a half hour.
•Finally, have the engine block heater system checked during your fall
tune-up to be sure it’s in good working order.
How to use the engine block heater
Ensure the receptacle terminals are clean and dry prior to use. To clean
them, use a dry cloth.
Depending on the type of factory installed equipment, your engine block
heater will use .4 to 1.0 kilowatt-hours of energy per hour of use. Your
factory installed block heater system does not have a thermostat;
however, maximum temperature is attained after approximately three
hours of operation. Block heater operation longer than three hours will
not improve system performance and will unnecessarily use additional
electricity.
Make sure system is unplugged and properly stowed before driving the
vehicle. While not in use, make sure the protective cover seals the
prongs of the engine block heater cord plug.
BRAKES
Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding
or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be worn-out
and should be inspected by an authorized dealer. If the vehicle has
continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking, the
vehicle should be inspected by an authorized dealer.
Refer toWarning lights and
chimesin theInstrument Cluster
chapter for information on the brake
system warning light.
Under normal operating conditions, brake dust may accumulate on the
wheels. Some brake dust is inevitable as brakes wear and does not
contribute to brake noise. The use of modern friction materials with
emphasis on improved performance and environmental considerations
can lead to more dust than in the past. Brake dust can be cleaned by
weekly washing with soapy water and a soft sponge. Heavier deposits can
be removed with MotorcraftWheel and Tire Cleaner (ZC-37–A).
P!
BRAKE
Driving
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The AdvanceTracsystem includes
a stability control button on the
center of the instrument panel, and
a stability control light in the
instrument cluster. The stability
control light in the instrument
cluster will illuminate temporarily during start-up as part of a normal
system self-check, or during driving if a driving situation causes the
AdvanceTracsystem to operate. If the stability control light illuminates
steadily, verify that the AdvanceTracsystem is not manually disabled by
pressing the stability control button located on the center stack of the
instrument panel. If the stability control light remains steadily
illuminated, have the system serviced by an authorized dealer
immediately. If equipped with a message center, the vehicle will also
indicate a failure with the AdvanceTracsystem.
Note:If the system cannot be turned off, refer toMyKey™in theLocks
and Securitychapter for more information.
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 AdvanceTracyou 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
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be beneficial because the wheels are allowed to spin. This will restore
full engine power and will enhance momentum through the obstacle. To
switch off the TCS press the stability control button. Full features of the
AdvanceTracsystem can be restored by pressing the stability control
button again or by turning off and restarting the engine.
If you switch off the TCS, the stability control light will illuminate
steadily. Pressing the AdvanceTracbutton again will turn off the
stability control light.
In R (Reverse), ABS and the engine traction control and brake traction
control features will continue to function; however, ESC is disabled.
AdvanceTracFeatures
Button functionsStability
control light
ESC TCS
Default at start-upIlluminated
during bulb
checkEnabled Enabled
Button pressed
momentarilyIlluminated solid Enabled Disabled
Button pressed
again after
deactivationNot illuminated Enabled Enabled
STEERING
To help prevent damage to the power steering system:
•Never hold the steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it
stops) for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
•Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
•Some noise is normal during operation. If the noise is excessive, check
for a low power steering fluid level before seeking service by your
authorized dealer.
•Heavy or uneven steering efforts may be caused by a low power
steering fluid level. Check for a low power steering fluid level before
seeking service by your authorized dealer.
•Do not fill the power steering fluid reservoir above the MAX mark on
the reservoir.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
Driving
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Use the following guidelines to avoid electrostatic charge build-up when
filling an ungrounded fuel container:
•Place approved fuel container on the ground.
•DO NOT fill a fuel container while it is in the vehicle (including the
cargo area).
•Keep the fuel pump nozzle in contact with the fuel container while
filling.
•DO NOT use a device that would hold the fuel pump handle in the fill
position.
Fuel filler cap
When fueling your vehicle:
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Carefully turn the filler cap counterclockwise until it spins off.
3. Pull to remove the cap from the fuel filler pipe.
4. To install the cap, align the tabs on the cap with the notches on the
filler pipe.
5. Turn the filler cap clockwise 1/4 of a turn until at least one click is
heard.
If the check fuel cap light
or a “check fuel cap” message comes on,
the fuel filler cap may not be properly installed. The light or message can
come on after several driving events after you’ve refueled your vehicle.
At the next opportunity, safely pull off of the road, remove the fuel filler
cap, align the cap properly and reinstall it. The check fuel cap
light
or “check fuel cap” message may not reset immediately; it may
take several driving cycles for the check fuel cap light
or “check fuel
cap” message to turn off. A driving cycle consists of an engine start-up
(after four or more hours with the engine off) followed by city and
highway driving.
Continuing to drive with the check fuel cap light
or “check fuel cap”
message on may cause the
light to turn on as well.
If you must replace the fuel filler cap, replace it with a fuel filler
cap that is designed for your vehicle. The customer warranty may
be void for any damage to the fuel tank or fuel system if the
correct genuine Ford, Motorcraft or other certified fuel filler cap
is not used.
Maintenance and Specifications
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•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.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for every 400 lb [180 kg] of weight carried).
•Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
•Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
8–10 miles (12–16 km) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
•Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
•Close windows for high speed driving.
Maintenance and Specifications
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Factory-trained technicians
Ford and Lincoln Mercury service technicians participate in extensive
factory-sponsored certification training to help them become experts on
the operation of your vehicle. Ask your dealership about the training and
certification their technicians have received.
Genuine Ford and Motorcraftreplacement parts
Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealerships stock Ford and Motorcraft
branded replacement parts. These parts meet or exceed Ford Motor
Company’s specifications, and we stand behind them. Parts installed at
your Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealership carry a nationwide, 12 months,
12,000 mile (20,000 km) parts and labor limited warranty. Your dealer
can give you details.
Value shopping for your vehicle’s maintenance needs
Your dealership recognizes the competitive landscape of maintenance and
light repair automotive services. With factory-trained technicians, and
one-stop service from routine maintenance like oil changes and tire
rotations to repairs like brake service, check out the value your Ford and
Lincoln Mercury dealers can offer.
WHICH MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE SHOULD YOU FOLLOW?
Owner checks and services
Certain basic maintenance checks and inspections should be performed
by the owner or a service technician at the intervals indicated. Service
information and supporting specifications are provided in this owner’s
guide.
Any adverse condition should be brought to the attention of your dealer
or qualified service technician as soon as possible for the proper service
advice. The owner maintenance service checks are generally not covered
by warranties so you may be charged for labor, parts or lubricants used.
Maximum oil change interval
❑7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first
Engine coolant change interval
❑6 years or 105,000 miles (168,000 km) - change engine coolant (whichever comes first)❑After initial change - change engine coolant every 3 years or 45,000 miles (72,000 km).
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
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Multi-point inspection
In order to keep your vehicle running right, it is important to have the
systems on your vehicle checked regularly. This can help identify
potential issues and prevent major problems. Ford Motor Company
recommends the following multi-point inspection be performed at every
scheduled maintenance interval to help ensure your vehicle keeps
running great.
Check every month
❑Check function of all interior and exterior lights❑Check tires for wear and correct air pressure, including spare tire
❑Check windshield washer fluid level
❑Check engine oil level
Check every six months
❑Check lap/shoulder belts and seat latches for wear and function❑Check parking brake for proper operation
❑Check safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, airbag, safety belt) for operation
❑Check cooling system fluid level and coolant strength
❑Check battery connections and clean if necessary
❑Check washer spray, wiper operation and clean all wiper blades (replace as necessary)
❑Check and lubricate all hinges, latches and outside locks. Inspect for correct operation
❑Check and lubricate door rubber weatherstrips. Inspect for excessive wear
❑Check and clean body and door drain holes. Inspect for clogs and obstructions
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Be sure to ask your Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealership service advisor
or technician about the multi-point vehicle inspection. It’s a
comprehensive way to perform a thorough inspection of your vehicle. It’s
your checklist that gives you immediate feedback on the overall
condition of your vehicle. You’ll know what’s been checked, what’s okay,
as well as those things that may require future or immediate attention.
The multi-point vehicle inspection is one more way to keep your vehicle
running great!
Multi-point inspection - Recommended at every visit
❑Check and top-up fluid levels: brake, coolant recovery reservoir, manual and automatic transmission (if equipped with an
underhood dipstick), power steering (if equipped) and window washer
❑Inspect tires for wear and check air pressure, including spare.
❑Check exhaust system for leaks, damage, loose parts and foreign material.
❑Check battery performance.
❑Check operation of horn, exterior lamps, turn signals and hazard warning lights.
❑Check radiator, coolers, heater and air conditioning hoses.
❑Inspect windshield washer spray and wiper operation.
❑Check windshield for cracks, chips and pitting.
❑Inspect for oil and fluid leaks.
❑Inspect engine air filter.
❑Inspect half shaft dust boots, if equipped.
❑Check shocks and struts and other suspension components for leaks and damage.
❑Inspect steering and linkage.
❑Inspect accessory drive belt(s).
❑Inspect clutch operation, if equipped.
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
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