Ford 2002 Focus Owner's Manual page 289

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 Multi function warning
light:automatic tranaxle/cooling
system will illuminate.
• The Check Engine indicator will
illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset
over temperature 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 re started. Take
your vehicle to a service facility as
soon as possible to minimize engine
damage.
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