warning FORD FOCUS ELECTRIC 2012 3.G Owners Manual

Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)
Your vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS). This
system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops by
keeping the brakes from locking. Noise from the ABS pump motor and
brake pedal pulsation may be observed during ABS braking and the
brake pedal may suddenly travel a little farther as soon as ABS braking is
done and normal brake operation resumes. These are normal
characteristics of the ABS and should be no reason for concern.
Using ABS
When hard braking is required, apply continuous force on the brake
pedal. Do not pump the brake pedal since this will reduce the
effectiveness of the ABS and will increase your vehicle’s stopping
distance. The ABS will be activated immediately, allowing you to retain
steering control during hard braking and on slippery surfaces. However,
the ABS does not decrease stopping distance.
Brake assist
The brake assist system provides full braking force during panic braking
situations. It detects a rapid application of the brake pedal and uses the
ABS system to achieve maximum braking pressure. Once a panic brake
application is detected, the system will remain activated as long as the
brake pedal is pressed or ABS is engaged. The system is deactivated by
either releasing the brake pedal or coming to a complete stop. When the
system activates, noise from the ABS pump motor and brake pedal
pulsation may be observed; this is normal.
ABS warning lampThe ABS lamp in the instrument cluster momentarily
illuminates when the ignition is turned on. If the light does not
illuminate during start up, remains on or flashes, the ABS may
be disabled and may need to be serviced.
Even when the ABS is disabled, normal braking is still effective.
(If your BRAKE warning lamp illuminates with the parking
brake released, have your brake system serviced immediately.)
Regenerative braking system
Your vehicle uses a feature known as regenerative braking. This is used
to simulate the engine braking of an internal combustion engine and
assist the standard brake system while recovering some of the energy of
motion and storing it in the battery to improve fuel economy. The
standard brake system is designed to fully stop the car if regenerative
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braking is not available. During regenerative braking, the motor is spun
as a generator to create electrical current. This recharges the battery
and slows the vehicle. In effect, once the accelerator pedal is released,
the motor changes from an energy user to an energy producer.
When the accelerator pedal is released or the brake pedal is applied, the
brake controller automatically detects the amount of deceleration
requested and optimizes how much of the deceleration will be produced
by regenerative braking. The remaining portion is generated by standard
friction braking. When the battery is almost fully charged, the amount of
regenerative braking is limited to avoid overcharging, and the requested
deceleration is produced by standard friction braking alone.
Regenerative braking does not take the place of the standard friction
brakes; it only assists them. Regenerative braking has also been designed
to interact with the anti-lock brake system. Regenerative braking is
disabled when the anti-lock brake system is activated or the battery is
fully charged.
Brake Over Accelerator
In the event the accelerator pedal becomes stuck or entrapped, apply
steady and firm pressure to the brake pedal to slow the vehicle and
reduce motor power. If you experience this condition, apply the brakes
and bring your vehicle to a safe stop. Turn the motor off, shift to P
(Park) and apply the parking brake, and then inspect the accelerator
pedal for any interferences. If none are found and the condition persists,
have your vehicle towed to the nearest authorized dealer.
Parking brakeTo set the parking brake (1), pull
the parking brake handle up as far
as possible.
The BRAKE warning lamp will illuminate and will remain
illuminated until the parking brake is released.
To release, press and hold the button (2), pull the handle up slightly,
then push the handle down.
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WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
WARNING: If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake
warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be
working properly. See your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
ADVANCETRAC STABILITY ENHANCEMENT SYSTEM
The AdvanceTrac system 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 AdvanceTrac system. 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 AdvanceTrac sensors.
Reducing the effectiveness of the AdvanceTrac system could lead to
an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.
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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 AdvanceTrac system 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 AdvanceTrac system activates, SLOW DOWN.
WARNING:If a failure has been detected within the
AdvanceTrac system, the stability control light will illuminate
steadily. Have the system serviced by an authorized dealer immediately.
The AdvanceTrac system automatically enables each time the motor is
started. All features of the AdvanceTrac system (TCS and ESC) are
active and monitor the vehicle from start-up. However, the system will
only intervene if the driving situation requires it.
The AdvanceTrac system includes 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
AdvanceTrac system to operate. If the stability control light illuminates
steadily, have the system serviced by an authorized dealer immediately.
When AdvanceTrac performs 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.
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Switching off traction control
If the vehicle is stuck in snow, mud or sand, and seems to lose power,
switching off the traction control feature of the AdvanceTracsystem
may be beneficial because the wheels are allowed to spin. This will
restore full power and will enhance momentum through the obstacle.
The traction control system can be turned off through the message
center. See Message center in theInstrument Cluster chapter 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 the Message
center in theInstrument Cluster chapter for more information.
WARNING:The EPS has diagnostics checks that continuously
monitor the EPS to ensure proper operation of the electronic
system. When an electronic error is detected, the message STEERING
ASSIST FAULT SERVICE REQUIRED will be displayed in the message
center. If this happens, stop the vehicle in a safe place and turn off the
engine. After at least 10 seconds, reset the system by restarting the engine,
and watch the message center for STEERING ASSIST FAULT SERVICE
REQUIRED. If the message returns, or returns while driving, take the
vehicle to your dealer to have it checked. With the message displayed, the
steering assist is turned off, making the vehicle harder to steer.
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3. Locate the brake shift interlock
lever on the passenger side of the
shifter assembly.
4. Apply the brake pedal. Using a
screwdriver (or similar tool), press
and hold the white brake shift
interlock lever forward while pulling
the gearshift lever out of the P
(Park) position and into the N
(Neutral) position.
5. Reinstall the console side panel and attach the fastener.
6. Reinstall the access cover.
7. Apply the brake pedal, start the vehicle and release the parking brake.
See your authorized dealer as soon as possible if this procedure
is used.
WARNING: Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the
brake lamps are working.
WARNING: When doing this procedure, you will be taking the
vehicle out of park which means the vehicle can roll freely. To
avoid unwanted vehicle movement, always fully set the parking brake
prior to doing this procedure. Use wheel chocks if appropriate.
WARNING: If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake
warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be
working properly. See your authorized dealer.
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SINGLE SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift lever is latched in P (Park).
The single-speed transmission is built specifically to handle the high RPM
range that comes with an all-electric motor. P (Park)
Note:The vehicle can only be
started in P (Park).
This position locks the transmission
and prevents the front wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
• Press the brake pedal.
• Move the gearshift lever into the
desired gear.
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
• Come to a complete stop.
• Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P (Park).
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R (Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
D (Drive)
The normal driving position for your vehicle. The transmission operates
in a single gear built specifically to handle the high RPM range that
comes with an all-electric motor.
L (Low)
• Provides maximum motor braking.
• Is not intended for use under extended or normal driving conditions
and results in less miles per charge.
• The transmission may be shifted into L (Low) at any vehicle speed.
PRNDL
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HILL START ASSIST
WARNING:The hill start assist feature does not replace the
parking brake. When you leave the vehicle, always apply the
parking brake and shift the transmission into P (Park).
WARNING: You must remain in the vehicle once you have
activated the hill start assist feature.
WARNING: During all times, you are responsible for controlling
the vehicle, supervising the hill start assist system and
intervening, if required.
WARNING: If the motor is revved excessively, or if a malfunction
is detected when the hill start assist feature is active, the hill
start assist feature will be deactivated.
The hill start assist feature makes it easier to pull away when the vehicle is
on a slope without the need to use the parking brake. When the hill start
assist feature is active, the vehicle will remain stationary on the slope for
up to two seconds after you release the brake pedal. During this time, you
have time to move your foot from the brake to the accelerator pedal and
pull away. The brakes are released automatically once the motor has
developed sufficient drive to prevent the vehicle from rolling down the
slope. This is an advantage when pulling away on a slope; for example from
a car park ramp, traffic lights or when reversing uphill into a parking space.
The hill start assist feature is activated automatically when the vehicle is
stopped on a slope greater than five degrees. The hill start assist feature
operates with the vehicle facing downhill if reverse gear is selected. The
hill start assist feature will not operate if the parking brake is activated.
To activate hill start assist, do the following:
1. Press the brake pedal to bring the vehicle to a complete standstill.
Keep the brake pedal pressed.
2. If the sensors detect that the vehicle is on a slope, the hill start assist
feature will be activated automatically.
3. When you remove your foot from the brake pedal, the vehicle will
remain on the slope without rolling away for approximately up to two
seconds. This hold time will automatically be extended if you are in the
process of driving off.
4. Drive off in the normal manner. The brakes will be released automatically.
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If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck in Mud or Snow
Note:Do not rock the vehicle if the motor is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Note: Excessive rocking of the vehicle may eventually cause a loss of
power as the powertrain protects against overheating or damage.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
The Reverse Sensing System (RSS) sounds a tone to warn the driver of
obstacles near the rear bumper when R (Reverse) is selected and the
vehicle is moving at speeds less than 3 mph (5 km/h). The system is not
effective at speeds above 3 mph (5 km/h) and may not detect certain
angular or moving objects.
WARNING: To help avoid personal injury, please read and
understand the limitations of the reverse sensing system as
contained in this section. Sensing is only an aid for some (generally
large and fixed) objects when moving in reverse on a flat surface at
parking speeds. Traffic control systems, inclement weather, air brakes,
and external motors and fans may also affect the function of the
sensing system; this may include reduced performance or a false
activation.
WARNING: To help avoid personal injury, always use caution
when in R (Reverse) and when using the sensing system.
WARNING: This system is not designed to prevent contact with
small or moving objects. The system is designed to provide a
warning to assist the driver in detecting large stationary objects to
avoid damaging the vehicle. The system may not detect smaller objects,
particularly those close to the ground.
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WARNING:Certain add-on devices such as large trailer hitches,
bike or surfboard racks and any device that may block the normal
detection zone of the forward and reverse sensing system may create
false beeps.
The system detects obstacles up to
6 ft (2 m) from the rear bumper with
a decreased coverage area at the
outer corners of the bumper, (refer
to the illustration for approximate
zone coverage areas). As you move
closer to the obstacle, the rate of the
tone increases. When the obstacle is
less than 10 inches (25 cm) away,
the tone will sound continuously. If
the system detects a stationary or
receding object further than
10 inches (25 cm) from the side of
the vehicle, the tone will sound for
only three seconds. Once the system
detects an object approaching, the
tone will sound again.
While receiving a detection warning,
the radio volume will be reduced to
a predetermined level. After the
warning goes away, the radio will
return to the previous value.
The system is automatically turns on when the gearshift lever is placed
in R (Reverse) and the ignition is on. A control in the message center
allows the driver to disable the system. Refer to Message centerin the
Instrument Cluster chapter for more information.
Note: If the system cannot be turned off, refer to MyKey™in theLocks
and Security chapter for more information.
Keep the sensors (located on the rear bumper/fascia) free from
snow, ice and large accumulations of dirt (do not clean the
sensors with sharp objects). If the sensors are covered, it will
affect the accuracy of the system.
If your vehicle sustains damage to the rear bumper/fascia, leaving
it misaligned or bent, the sensing zone may be altered causing
inaccurate measurement of obstacles or false alarms.
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