2002 Ford Focus Owner Guide 4th Printing - Page 288

Maintenance and Specifications How fail-safe cooling works If the engine begins to overheat: • The engine coolant temperature gauge will move to the red area. • The MultiĆfunction warning light:automatic tranaxle/cooling system will illuminate. • The Check Engine indicator will illuminate. If the engine reaches a preset overĆtemperature condition, the engine will automatically switch to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine. When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However: • The engine power will be limited. • The air conditioning system will be disabled. • The Check Engine warning light also illuminates. Extended operation will increase the engine temperature and the engine will completely shut down, causing steering and braking effort to increase. Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be reĆstarted. Take your vehicle to a service facility as soon as possible to minimize engine damage. 288