Ford Focus (2017 year). Manual — part 43

STEERING

Electric Power Steering

WARNINGS

The electric power steering system
has diagnostic checks that
continuously monitor the system. If

a fault is detected, a message displays in
the information display. Stop your vehicle
as soon as it is safe to do so. Switch the
ignition off. After at least 10 seconds,
switch the ignition on and watch the
information display for a steering system
warning message. If a steering system
warning message returns, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer.

If the system detects an error, you
may not feel a difference in the
steering, however a serious condition

may exist. Obtain immediate service from
an authorized dealer, failure to do so may
result in loss of steering control.

Your vehicle has an electric power steering
system. There is no fluid reservoir. No
maintenance is required.

If your vehicle loses electrical power while
you are driving, electric power steering
assistance is lost. The steering system still
operates and you can steer your vehicle
manually. Manually steering your vehicle
requires more effort.

Extreme continuous steering may increase
the effort required for you to steer your
vehicle. This increased effort prevents
overheating and permanent damage to
the steering system. You do not lose the
ability to steer your vehicle manually.
Typical steering and driving maneuvers
allow the system to cool and return to
normal operation.

Steering Tips

If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•

Correct tire pressures.

•

Uneven tire wear.

•

Loose or worn suspension
components.

•

Loose or worn steering components.

•

Improper vehicle alignment.

Note: A high crown in the road or high
crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander or pull.

Adaptive Learning

The electronic power steering system
adaptive learning helps correct road
irregularities and improves overall handling
and steering feel. It communicates with
the brake system to help operate
advanced stability control and accident
avoidance systems. Additionally, whenever
the battery is disconnected or a new
battery installed, you must drive your
vehicle a short distance before the system
relearns the strategy and reactivates all
systems.

REAR UNDER FLOOR
STORAGE

Cargo Management System

(If

Equipped)

E142445

The system is located in the floor of the
cargo area. Lift the handle to open.

LUGGAGE COVERS

WARNINGS

Make sure that the posts are properly
latched in the mounting features.
The luggage cover may cause injury

in a sudden stop or crash if it is not securely
installed.

Do not place any objects on the
luggage cover. They may obstruct
your vision or strike occupants of

your vehicle in the case of a sudden stop
or crash.

You can remove the luggage cover to load
tall items in the cargo area.

Removing the Cover

E174241

1

3

2

Note: You must repeat the steps on both
sides of your vehicle.

1.

Open the liftgate and disconnect the
tether by pulling it out.

2. Rotate the luggage cover upward.

3. Tap the bottom of the luggage cover

upward near the pivot rod.

Reverse the steps to install the luggage
cover.

LOAD LIMIT

Vehicle Loading - with and
without a Trailer

This section guides you in the
proper loading of your vehicle,
trailer, or both. Keep your loaded
vehicle weight within its design
rating capability, with or without
a trailer. Properly loading your
vehicle provides maximum return
of vehicle design performance.
Before you load your vehicle,
become familiar with the

following terms for determining
your vehicle’s weight rating, with
or without a trailer, from the
vehicle’s Tire and Loading
Information label or Safety
Compliance Certification label.

Tire and Loading Label Information
Example:

E198719

Payload

E143816

PAYLOAD

Payload is the combined weight
of cargo and passengers that your
vehicle is carrying. The maximum
payload for your vehicle appears
on the Tire and Loading label. The
label is either on the B-pillar or the
edge of the driver door. Vehicles
exported outside the US and
Canada may not have a tire and
loading label. Look for “The
combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed
XXX kg OR XXX lb” for maximum
payload. The payload listed on the
Tire and Loading Information label
is the maximum payload for your
vehicle as built by the assembly
plant. If you install any additional
equipment on your vehicle, you
must determine the new payload.
Subtract the weight of the
equipment from the payload listed
on the Tire and Loading label.
When towing, trailer tongue
weight or king pin weight is also
part of payload.

WARNING

The appropriate loading
capacity of your vehicle can

be limited either by volume
capacity (how much space is
available) or by payload capacity
(how much weight the vehicle
should carry). Once you have
reached the maximum payload of
your vehicle, do not add more
cargo, even if there is space
available. Overloading or
improperly loading your vehicle
can contribute to loss of vehicle
control and vehicle rollover.

GAWR (Gross Axle Weight
Rating)

GAWR is the maximum allowable
weight that a single axle (front or
rear) can carry. These numbers
are on the Safety Compliance
Certification label. The label is
located on the door hinge pillar,
door-latch post, or the door edge
that meets the door-latch post,
next to the driver seating position.

The total load on each axle must
never exceed its Gross Axle
Weight Rating.

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating)

GVWR is the maximum allowable
weight of the fully loaded vehicle.
This includes all options,
equipment, passengers and cargo.
It appears on the Safety
Compliance Certification label.
The label is located on the door
hinge pillar, door-latch post, or the
door edge that meets the
door-latch post, next to the driver
seating position.

The gross vehicle weight must
never exceed the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating.