FORD FOCUS RS 2018 User Guide

GAUGES
Oil temperature gauge.A
Turbocharger boost gauge.B
Oil pressure gauge.C
Oil Temperature Gauge
If the needle enters the red section, theengine is overheating. Reduce enginespeed as soon as safely possible to allowthe engine to cool. If you continue tooperate the engine at high engine speedswith the needle in the red section, theengine speed reduces automatically toprevent engine damage.
Turbocharger Boost Gauge
Indicates the added intake pressureprovided by the turbocharger.
Oil Pressure Gauge
Oil pressure varies with engine speed. Thepressure rises as engine speed rises anddrops as engine speed drops.
If the needle enters the red section awarning lamp illuminates and a messageappears in the information display. Stopyour vehicle as soon as it is safe to do soand switch the engine off. Check theengine oil level.
WARNING LAMPS AND
INDICATORS
Performance Shift Indicator
It illuminates when thepowertrain reaches the optimumupshift point. It flashes when theengine is close to hitting the engine speedlimiter.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Launch Control
The system configures the chassis andpowertrain systems to deliver the fastest
possible acceleration when launching froma standing start.
Note: When you switch the feature on, itis only active once. You must switch thefeature on each time it is required.
To switch the feature on, do the following:
Note:Your vehicle must be completely stationary.
ActionStep
Fully press the clutch pedal and shift the gearshift lever to first gear.1
Access the following menus using the information display control.2
Expand the menu and then scroll to the followingmenu item.Settings3
Expand the menu and then scroll to the followingmenu item.Driver Assist4
Check the box to switch the feature on.Launch Control5
Fully press the accelerator pedal. Engine speed automatically limits to 5000RPM.6
Quickly release the clutch pedal when ready to launch.7
Note: Only use launch control when the front wheels are in the straight ahead position.Make sure there are no objects in front of your vehicle.
The system does not operate in any of thefollowing conditions:
•The transmission is in reverse (R).
•The engine has not reached normaloperating temperature.
INFORMATION MESSAGES
Message Indicator
The message indicatorilluminates to supplement somemessages.
The indicator is red or amber dependingon the severity of the condition and itremains on until the condition is resolved.
A system-specific symbol with a messageindicator may supplement somemessages.
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All-Wheel Drive
Action and DescriptionMessage
Displays when the system has been automatically disabledto protect itself. This is caused by operating the vehicle witha severely mismatched tire installed, if the system is over-heating or if there is an issue with another vehicle systempreventing AWD operation. Overheating is most likely to occurif the vehicle is operated in severe conditions, for exampletrack use, or if there is excessive wheel slip, for example yourvehicle become stuck in mud.
AWD OFF
The system resumes normal function and clears this messageafter:
•You switch the ignition off and on and drive a shortdistance with the correct wheels and tires installed.
•The system is allowed to cool.
•Other vehicle system issues are resolved.
Displays in conjunction with an amber Information icon if thesystem is not operating correctly and defaults to front-wheeldrive only. If the warning remains on or continues appear,have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.
AWD Malfunction ServiceRequired
Displays when the rear drive unit lubrication requires changing.This message may appear if the vehicle is used for extended
periods of extreme driving, for example track use.*
AWD System Oil ChangeDue
*The rear drive unit does not require any normal scheduled maintenance. The systemelectronically monitors the rear drive unit and notifies you of required service by displayingthe message in the information display. The lubricant is more likely to require changingif you use your vehicle for extended periods of extreme driving, for example track use. Donot check or change the lubricant unless the rear drive unit shows signs of leakage or themessage displays. If the rear drive unit is submerged in water or to reset the message,have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Electronic Stability Control
Action and DescriptionMessage
Displays when you switch the system off.Electronic StabilityControl Off
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MANUAL SEATS
WARNING
Make sure the seat fully locks intoplace by rocking it backward andforward.
Lift the handle to move the seatbackward and forward.A
Repeatedly lift the lever up toraise the seat.B
Repeatedly push the lever downto lower the seat.
Rotate the handle or move thelever to recline the seatback.C
102018 Focus RS (CEW) RS, Canada/United States of America, JM5J 19A285 LAA enUSA, Edition date: 201706, First PrintingSeatsE215587BCA

FUEL QUALITY
Choosing the Right Fuel
Use only premium unleaded gasoline witha minimum pump (R+M)/2 octane ratingof 91. For optimal performance, usepremium unleaded gasoline with an octanerating of 93 or higher.
The use of the correct fuel is an importantpart of the proper maintenance of yourvehicle, and a condition of the vehicleWarranty. For this vehicle, the use ofgasoline with an octane level of 91 orhigher is required. The use of gasoline withan octane rating lower than 91 willinvalidate the vehicle Warranty. It candegrade vehicle performance and lead tosevere mechanical damage.
Note:Use of any fuel other than thoserecommended can impair the emissioncontrol system and cause a loss of vehicleperformance.
Do not use:
•Diesel fuel.
•Fuels containing kerosene or paraffin.
•Fuel containing more than 15% ethanolor E85 fuel.
•Fuels containing methanol.
•Fuels containing metallic-basedadditives, including manganese-basedcompounds.
•Fuels containing the octane boosteradditive, methylcyclopentadienylmanganese tricarbonyl (MMT).
•Leaded fuel (using leaded fuel isprohibited by law).
The use of fuels with metallic compoundssuch as methylcyclopentadienylmanganese tricarbonyl (commonly knownas MMT), which is a manganese-basedfuel additive, will impair engineperformance and affect the emissioncontrol system.
Do not be concerned if the enginesometimes knocks lightly. However, if itknocks heavily under most drivingconditions while you are using fuel with therecommended octane rating, contact anauthorized dealer to prevent any enginedamage.
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MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Manual transmission vehicles have astarter interlock that prevents cranking theengine unless you fully press the clutchpedal.
Due to the high performance of thepowertrain, a certain amount of noise fromthe transmission is normal.
Note:During each shift, you must fully pressthe clutch pedal to the floor and fullyrelease the accelerator. Failure to followthis may cause increased shift efforts,prematurely wear transmissioncomponents, or cause gear clash or damageto the transmission.
Note: Do not attempt to shift when thewheels do not have traction. Resultingcomponent damage may not be covered bythe vehicle Warranty.
Note: Do not drive with your foot restingon the clutch pedal or use the clutch pedalto hold your vehicle at a standstill whilewaiting on a hill. Resulting componentdamage may not be covered by the vehicleWarranty.
Recommended Shift Speeds
We recommend you shift gears accordingto the following guide to help achieve thebest fuel economy for your vehicle.
Vehicle Speed mph( km/h)Gear Shifts
15 (24)1–2
25 (40)2–3
40 (65)3–4
45 (72)4–5
50 (80)5–6
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USING ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
Your vehicle has All-Wheel Drive withDynamic Torque Vectoring. This featureuses all four wheels to power the vehicleand independently controls the torque toeach rear wheel. The system also has theability to over speed the outside rear wheelwhile cornering. This increases traction andhandling performance giving your vehicleroad holding capabilities that are superiorto conventional two-wheel drive andfour-wheel drive vehicles. The system isactive all the time and requires no inputfrom the driver. The system has differentDrive Mode calibration settings thatoptimize all-wheel drive performance forvarious conditions. See Drive Control(page 20).
Your vehicle is not intended for off-roaduse in the same way as an all-terrainvehicle. The all-wheel drive feature givesyour vehicle some limited off-roadcapabilities where driving surfaces arerelatively level, obstruction-free and similarto normal on-road driving conditions.Operating your vehicle under other thanthose conditions could subject the vehicleto excessive stress which can result indamage not covered by the vehicleWarranty.
The rear drive unit does not require anynormal scheduled maintenance. Thesystem is electronically monitored and anyrequired service messages appear in theinformation display. The rear drive unitlubricants may require changing if you useyour vehicle for extended periods of highspeed driving, for example track use. Youare not required to check or change therear drive unit lubricant unless there aresigns of leakage or a message appears inthe information display indicating that theunit requires service.
Using Mismatched Tires or Wheels
WARNINGS
Only use replacement tires andwheels that are of the same size,load index, speed rating and type asthose originally fitted to your vehicle.
Using a tire or wheel that is notrecommended can affect the safetyand performance of your vehicle andcould result in a loss of vehicle control,vehicle rollover, personal injury or death.
The recommended tire and wheel size canbe found on either the Safety ComplianceCertification Label or the tire informationlabel on the left-hand B-pillar or left-handfront door. If this information is not locatedas stated contact an authorized dealer assoon as possible.
Note:Using a tire or wheel that is notrecommended could cause steering,suspension, axle, power transfer unit or reardrive unit failure. Incorrect tire or wheel usecan cause damage not covered by thevehicle Warranty.
Your vehicle does not have a spare tire. Wedo not recommend using a mismatchedtire or spare wheel. However, in anemergency, the system can tolerate amismatched tire or spare wheel of adifferent size to the original for a shortjourney. The system may automaticallyenter front-wheel drive only mode toprotect driveline components. An all-wheeldrive off warning message may appear inthe information display if you install amismatched tire or spare wheel. SeeInformation Messages (page 8). Themessage turns off after you reinstall thecorrect wheel and tire and you switch theignition off and on. We recommend thatyou reinstall the repaired or replaced wheeland tire as soon as possible.
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Major mismatched tire or wheel sizesbetween the front and rear axles, forexample 18 inch low profile tires on thefront axle and 20 inch high profile tires onthe rear axle could cause the system todefault to front-wheel drive only mode.Damage to the system can occur that maynot covered by the vehicle Warranty.
The system can tolerate any combinationof new and worn tires of the same originaltire size. For example, using three worntires and one new tire.
Driving in Special Conditions
Your vehicle is capable of being driven onsand, snow, mud or a loose surface.However the operating characteristics aredifferent from conventional off-roadvehicles.
Note:Under severe operating conditions,the air conditioning may turn on and off toprotect the engine from overheating.
Basic Operating Principles
WARNING
Be extremely careful when driving onroad surfaces that are made slipperyby loose sand, water, gravel, snow orice. Failure to adhere to this warning couldresult in the loss of vehicle control, seriouspersonal injury or death.
Emergency Maneuvers
If your vehicle goes off the edge of theroad, slow down but avoid severe brakeapplication, only ease the vehicle backonto the road after reducing your speed.Do not turn the steering wheel too sharplywhile returning to the road surface. It maybe safer to stay on the apron or shoulderof the road and slow down graduallybefore returning to the road surface. Youmay lose control if you do not slow downor if you turn the steering wheel too
sharply. It may be better to strike smallobjects, for example highway reflectors,with minor damage to your vehicle ratherthan attempt a sudden return to the roadsurface, which could cause your vehicle toslide sideways out of control or rollover.Remember, your safety and the safety ofothers should be your primary concern.
In an unavoidable emergency situationwhere a sudden sharp turn must be made,remember to avoid over-driving yourvehicle. Only turn the steering wheel asrapidly and as far as required. Excessivesteering results in less vehicle control, notmore. Additionally, smooth variations ofthe accelerator or brake pedal pressureshould be utilized if changes in vehiclespeed are required. Avoid abrupt steering,acceleration or braking which could resultin an increased risk of loss of vehiclecontrol, rollover and personal injury. Useall available road surface to return thevehicle to a safe direction of travel.
If your vehicle goes from one surface typeto another, for example from concrete togravel, there will be a change in the wayyour vehicle responds to steering,acceleration or braking.
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck
WARNING
Do not spin the wheels at over35 mph (56 km/h). The tires may failand injure a passenger or bystander.
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow itmay be rocked out by shifting betweenforward and reverse gears, stoppingbetween shifts, in a steady pattern. Presslightly on the accelerator in each gear.
If your vehicle is stuck in mud or snow,switching traction control off may bebeneficial while attempting to rock yourvehicle.
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Note:Do not rock the vehicle if the engineis not at normal operating temperature ordamage to the transmission may occur.
Note:Do not rock the vehicle for more thana few minutes or damage to thetransmission and tires may occur or theengine may overheat.
Sand
Most of the time traction control improvestire traction by managing wheel slipthrough brake, engine, and all-wheel drivecalibrations. However, during low speeddriving, disabling traction control in deepsand can help keep the wheels moving tomaintain vehicle momentum.
When driving over sand, try to keep all fourwheels on the most solid area of the trail.Do not reduce tire pressures, shift to alower gear and drive steadily through theterrain. Apply the accelerator slowly andavoid spinning the wheels.
When driving at slow speeds in sand underhigh outside temperatures, use a low gearwhen possible. Using a low gear maximizesengine and transmission cooling capability.
Avoid excessive speed because vehiclemomentum can work against you andcause the vehicle to become stuck to thepoint that assistance may be required fromanother vehicle. Remember, you may beable to back out the way you came if youproceed with caution.
Note:You may be able to reverse out theway you came if you proceed with caution.
Do not drive your vehicle in deep sand foran extended period of time. This couldcause the system to overheat and defaultto front-wheel drive only mode. If thisoccurs a message appears in theinformation display. To resume normalall-wheel drive function as soon aspossible, stop the vehicle in a safe locationand switch the engine off for at least 10minutes. After the all-wheel drive system
has adequately cooled and the engine hasbeen restarted, the message turns off andnormal all-wheel drive function returns. Ifyou do not switch the engine off, themessage only turns off, when the systemadequately cools and the normal all-wheeldrive function returns.
Note:Under severe operating conditions,the air conditioning may turn on and off toprotect the engine from overheating.
Mud and Water
If you must drive through water, driveslowly. Traction or brake capability maybe limited. See Driving Through Water(page 23).
Once through water, always try the brakes.Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle aseffectively as dry brakes. Drying can beimproved by moving your vehicle slowlywhile applying light pressure on the brakepedal.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehiclespeed or direction when you are driving inmud. Even all-wheel drive vehicles can losetraction in slick mud. Apply the acceleratorslowly and avoid spinning the wheels.
After driving through mud, clean offexcessive mud that has become stuck torotating drive shafts, wheels and tires.Excessive mud stuck on these componentsmay result in an imbalance that couldcause damage not covered by the vehicleWarranty.
If the transmission, power transfer unit orrear drive unit is submerged in water haveyour vehicle checked as soon as possible.
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Hilly or Sloping Terrain
WARNING
Avoid driving across or turning onsteep hilly or sloping terrain. Yourvehicle may lose traction and slipsideways increasing the risk of rolling over.When driving on steep hilly or slopingterrain, determine your route beforehand.Do not drive over the crest of a hill withoutassessing what conditions are on the otherside. Do not reverse over a hill without theaid of an observer.
Although natural obstacles may make itnecessary to travel diagonally up or downa hill or steep incline, you should alwaystry to drive straight up or straight down.
Apply just enough power to the wheels toclimb the hill. Too much power will causethe tires to slip, spin or lose traction,resulting in loss of vehicle control.
When climbing a steep hill or slope, startin a lower gear rather than downshifting toa lower gear from a higher gear once theascent has started. This reduces strain onthe engine and the possibility of stalling.
Note:If your vehicle stalls, do not try to turnaround as your vehicle may lose tractionand slip sideways increasing the risk ofrolling over. It is better to reverse down to asafe location.
When descending a steep hill or slope,start in a lower gear rather thandownshifting to a lower gear from a highergear once the descent has started. Do notdescend a steep hill or slope in neutral.Avoid excessive brake application as thiscauses the brakes to overheat. Whendescending a steep hill or slope, avoidsudden hard braking as you could losecontrol. The front wheels must rotate inorder to steer your vehicle. Your vehicle hasanti-lock brakes, therefore apply thebrakes steadily. Do not pump the brakepedal.
Snow and Ice
WARNING
If you are driving in slipperyconditions that require tire chains orcables, then it is critical that you drivecautiously. Keep speeds down, allow forlonger stopping distances and avoidaggressive steering to reduce the chancesof a loss of vehicle control, personal injuryor death.
Note:The original equipment tires on yourvehicle are designed to optimize theperformance of your vehicle in dry or wetsummer road conditions. We recommendusing a dedicated set of winter tires in snowand ice conditions. Do not mix summerperformance tires with winter tires on yourvehicle. See Using Winter Tires (page 34).
All-wheel drive vehicles have advantagesover two-wheel drive vehicles in snow andice but can skid like any other vehicle.
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