Ford Focus (2017 year). Manual — part 35

Brake-Shift Interlock

WARNINGS

Do not drive your vehicle until you
verify that the brake lamps are
working.

When doing this procedure, you will
be taking your vehicle out of park (P)
which means your 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.

If you fully release the parking brake
and the brake warning lamp remains
illuminated, the brakes may not be

working properly. See your authorized
dealer.

Note: For some markets this feature will be
disabled.

Your vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift
interlock feature that prevents moving the
gearshift lever from park (P) when the
ignition is in the on position and the brake
pedal is not pressed.

If you cannot move the gearshift lever out
of park (P) position with the ignition in the
on position and the brake pedal pressed,
a malfunction may have occurred. It is
possible that a fuse has blown or your
vehicle’s brake lamps are not operating
properly. See Fuse Specification Chart
(page 201).

If the fuse is not blown and the brake
lamps are working properly, the following
procedure will allow you to move the
gearshift lever from park (P):

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1.

Remove the side panel on the right side
of the gearshift lever.

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2. Locate the access hole.

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3. Insert the screwdriver (or similar tool)

into the access hole and press the lever
foreword while pulling the gearshift
lever out of the park (P) position and
into the neutral (N) position.

4. Remove the tool and reinstall the

panel.

5. Start the vehicle and release the

parking brake.

Automatic Transmission Adaptive
Learning

This feature may increase durability and
provide consistent shift feel over the life
of your vehicle. A new vehicle or
transmission may have firm shifts, soft
shifts or both. This operation is considered
normal and does not affect function or
durability of the transmission. Over time,
the adaptive learning process fully updates
transmission operation.

If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck In Mud
or Snow

Note: Do not rock the vehicle if the engine
is not at normal operating temperature or
damage to the transmission may occur.

Note: Do not rock the vehicle for more than
a minute or damage to the transmission and
tires may occur, or the engine may overheat.

If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow,
you may rock it out by shifting between
forward and reverse gears, stopping
between shifts in a steady pattern. Press
lightly on the accelerator in each gear.

GENERAL INFORMATION

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 242).

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

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See Warning Lamps and
Indicators (page 87).

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.

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 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

Brake assist detects when you brake
rapidly 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.

Anti-lock Brake System

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

This lamp momentarily
illuminates when you turn the
ignition on. If the light does not

illuminate during start up, remains on or
flashes, the system may be disabled. Have
the system checked by an authorized
dealer. If the anti-lock brake system is
disabled, normal braking is still effective.

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If the brake warning lamp
illuminates when you release the
parking brake, have the system

checked by an authorized dealer.

HINTS ON DRIVING WITH
ANTI-LOCK BRAKES

Note: When the system is operating, 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.

The anti-lock braking system will 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.

PARKING BRAKE

Vehicles With Automatic
Transmission

WARNING

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.

Vehicles With Manual
Transmission

WARNING

Always set the parking brake fully.

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.

All Vehicles

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

To apply the parking brake:

1.

Press the foot brake pedal firmly.

2. Pull the parking brake lever up to its

fullest extent.

To release the parking brake:

1.

Press the brake pedal firmly.

2. Pull the lever up slightly.

3. Press the release button and push the

lever down.

HILL START ASSIST

WARNINGS

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

brake and shift the transmission into park
(P) for automatic transmission or first gear
for manual transmission.

You must remain in your vehicle once
you have activated the system.

During all times, you are responsible
for controlling your vehicle,
supervising the system and

intervening, if required.

If the engine is revved excessively, or
if a malfunction is detected, the
system will be deactivated.

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 is active, your vehicle will
remain stationary on the slope for two to
three seconds after you release the brake
pedal. This allows you time to move your
foot from the brake to the accelerator
pedal. The brakes are released
automatically once 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.