Disclaimer: Not affiliated with or endorsed by Ford Motor Company. For informational purposes only. Full Disclaimer

2018 Ford Focus Owners Manual - Brakes



Brakes

Wet brakes result in reduced braking efficiency. Gently press the brake pedal a few times when driving from a car wash or standing water to dry the brakes.

Note: 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. Have the system checked by an authorized dealer. If your vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking, have it checked by an authorized dealer.

Note: Brake dust may accumulate on the wheels, even under normal driving conditions. Some dust is inevitable as the brakes wear and does not contribute to brake noise. See Cleaning the Wheels (page 241).

Note: Depending on applicable laws and regulations in the country for which your vehicle was originally built, the brake lamps could flash during heavy braking. Following this, the hazard lights could also flash when your vehicle comes to a stop.

In the event that the accelerator pedal becomes stuck or entrapped, apply steady and firm pressure to the brake pedal to slow your vehicle and reduce engine power. If you experience this condition, apply the brakes and bring your vehicle to a safe stop. Move the transmission to park (P), switch the engine off and apply the parking brake. Inspect the accelerator pedal for any interference. If none are found and the condition persists, have your vehicle towed to the nearest authorized dealer.

Brake assist detects when you rapidly brake by measuring the rate at which you press the brake pedal. It provides maximum braking efficiency as long as you press the pedal, and can reduce stopping distances in critical situations

This system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops by keeping the brakes from locking.

If it illuminates when you are driving, this indicates a malfunction. Your vehicle

continues to have normal braking without the anti-lock brake system function. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.

It also momentarily illuminates when you switch the ignition on to confirm the lamp is functional. If it does not illuminate when you switch the ignition on, or begins to flash at any time, have the system checked by an authorized dealer.

It illuminates when you engage the parking brake and the ignition is on.

If it illuminates when your vehicle is moving, make sure the parking brake is disengaged. If the parking brake is disengaged, this indicates low brake fluid level or a brake system fault. Have your vehicle immediately checked.

It also momentarily illuminates when you switch the ignition on to confirm the lamp is functional. If it does not illuminate when you switch the ignition on, or begins to flash at any time, have the system checked by an authorized dealer.

147

The anti-lock braking system does not eliminate the risks when:

• You drive too closely to the vehicle in front of you.

• Your vehicle is hydroplaning.

• You take corners too fast.

• The road surface is poor.

Note: If the system activates, the brake pedal may pulse and may travel further. Maintain pressure on the brake pedal. You may also hear a noise from the system. This is normal.

Always set the parking brake fully and leave your vehicle with the transmission selector lever in

position P.

Note: If you park your vehicle on a hill and facing uphill move the transmission selector lever to position P and turn the steering wheel away from the curb.

Note: If you park your vehicle on a hill and facing downhill move the transmission selector lever to position P and turn the steering wheel toward the curb.

Always set the parking brake fully.

148

Note: If you park your vehicle on a hill and facing uphill select first gear and turn the steering wheel away from the curb.

Note: If you park your vehicle on a hill and facing downhill select reverse gear and turn the steering wheel toward the curb.

Note: Do not press the release button while pulling the lever up.

To apply the parking brake:

    Press the foot brake pedal firmly.
    Pull the parking brake lever up to its fullest extent.

To release the parking brake:

    Press the brake pedal firmly.
    Pull the lever up slightly.
    Press the release button and push the lever down.

The system does not replace the parking brake. When you leave your vehicle, always apply the parking

brake and shift the transmission into park

    for automatic transmission or first gear for manual transmission.

You must remain in your vehicle when the system turns on. At all times, you are responsible for

controlling your vehicle, supervising the system and intervening, if required. Failure to take care may result in the loss of control of your vehicle, serious personal injury or death.

The system turns off if there is a malfunction or if you excessively rev the engine.

The system makes it easier to pull away when your vehicle is on a slope without the need to use the parking brake.

When the system activates, your vehicle remains stationary on a slope for a few seconds after you release the brake pedal. This allows you time to move your foot from the brake to the accelerator pedal. The brakes release when the engine has developed sufficient torque to prevent your 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 system activates on any slope that causes your vehicle to roll.

Note: There is no warning lamp to indicate the system is either on or off.

    Press the brake pedal to bring your vehicle to a complete standstill. Keep the brake pedal pressed and shift into first gear when facing uphill or reverse

(R) when facing downhill.

    The system activates if the sensors detect that your vehicle is on a slope.
    When you remove your foot from the brake pedal, your vehicle remains on the slope without rolling away for a few seconds. This hold time increases if you are in the process of driving off.
    Pull away in the normal manner.

You can switch this feature on or off in the information display. The system remembers the last setting when you start your vehicle.

The system turns on when you switch the ignition on and you cannot switch the system off.

149


Download Manual