If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, Manual transmission operation (if equipped), Using the clutch – FORD 2009 Focus v.1 User Manual

Page 181: Driving

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If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow

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

If necessary, try turning the Traction Control™ system off. This will
allow the wheels to spin, which may help to free your stuck vehicle. For
more information, refer to Traction Control™ in this chapter.

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

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

MANUAL TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)

Using the clutch

Manual transmission vehicles have a starter interlock that prevents
cranking the engine unless the clutch pedal is fully depressed.

To start the vehicle:

1. Make sure the parking brake is fully set.

2. Press the clutch pedal to the floor, then put the gearshift lever in the
neutral position.

3. Start the engine.

4. Press the brake pedal and move the gearshift lever to the desired
gear; 1 (First) or R (Reverse).

5. Release the parking brake, then slowly release the clutch pedal while
slowly pressing on the accelerator.

During each shift, the clutch pedal must be fully depressed to the floor.
Make sure the floor mat is properly positioned so it doesn’t interfere with
the full extension of the clutch pedal.

Failure to fully depress the clutch pedal to the floor may cause
increased shift efforts, prematurely wear transmission
components or damage the transmission.

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2009 Focus (foc)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA
(fus)

Driving

181

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