2009 Ford Focus Owner Guide 2nd Printing - Page 171

Driving WARNING: Aggressive driving in any road conditions can cause you to lose control of your vehicle increasing the risk of severe personal injury or property damage. The occurrence of a Traction Control™ event is an indication that at least some of the tires have exceeded their ability to grip the road; this may lead to an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. If you experience a severe road event, SLOW DOWN. During Traction Control™ operation, the traction control active light will illuminate, you may hear an electric motor type of sound coming from the engine compartment and the engine will not "rev-up" when you push further on the accelerator. This is normal system behavior and should be no reason for concern. The Traction Control™ switch is located on the instrument panel. The Traction Control™ system will automatically turn on every time the ignition is turned off and on. If you should become stuck in snow or ice or on a very slippery road surface, try switching the Traction Control™ system off by pressing the switch. This may allow excess wheel spin to "dig" the vehicle out and enable a successful "rocking" maneuver. If you want to turn off the Traction Control™ system be aware that, for safety reasons, the switch must be pressed and held for at least one second before the system is turned off. To re-engage the Traction Control™ system, the button must again be held for at least one second. If a system fault is detected, the traction control active light will illuminate, the Traction Control™ button will not turn the system on or off and your vehicle should be serviced by an authorized dealer. 171 2009 Focus (foc) Owners Guide, 2nd Printing USA (fus)