FORD 2012 Focus v.5 - Manual (Page 273)

Certain adverse driving maneuvers may activate the ESC system, which
include but are not limited to:
• Taking a turn too fast
• Maneuvering quickly to avoid an accident, pedestrian or obstacle
• Driving over a patch of ice or other slippery surfaces
• Changing lanes on a snow-rutted road
• Entering a snow-free road from a snow-covered side street, or vice
versa
• Entering a paved road from a gravel road, or vice versa
Switching off traction control (if equipped)
If the vehicle is stuck in snow, mud or sand, and seems to lose engine
power, switching off the traction control feature of the AdvanceTrac
௡
system may be beneficial because the wheels are allowed to spin. This
will restore full engine power and will enhance momentum through the
obstacle.
The traction control system can be turned off through the message
center. See Message center in the Instrument 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 the Instrument Cluster chapter for more information.
Driving
273
2012 Focus (foc)
Owners Guide, 5th Printing
USA (fus)