Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2018 Ford Focus Titanium, 4D SedanFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Symptom Chart(s)
Symptom Chart: Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and Stability Control
Diagnostics in this article assume a certain skill level and knowledge of Ford-specific diagnostic practices. REFER to: Diagnostic Methods .
Symptom Chart
| Condition | Possible Sources | Actions |
|---|---|---|
| A module does not respond to the diagnostic scan tool | Fuse Wiring, terminals or connectors ABS module concern SASM concern |
REFER to: Communications Network . |
| The brake warning indicator is always on or never on | Low brake fluid level Brake fluid level sensor Parking brake applied Parking brake switch IPC concern ABS concern |
RETRIEVE and DIAGNOSE all ABS module Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). If there are no ABS module Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), DIAGNOSE the brake warning indicator. REFER to: Instrumentation, Message Center and Warning Chimes . |
| The ABS warning indicator is always on or never on | IPC concern ABS concern SASM concern |
RETRIEVE and DIAGNOSE all ABS module and SASM Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). If there are no ABS module or SASM Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), DIAGNOSE the ABS warning indicator. REFER to: Instrumentation, Message Center and Warning Chimes . |
| The stability-traction control OFF indicator (sliding-car OFF icon) is always on | IPC concern ABS concern SASM concern |
RETRIEVE and DIAGNOSE all ABS module and SASM Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). If there are no ABS module or SASM Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), DIAGNOSE the ABS warning indicator. REFER to: Instrumentation, Message Center and Warning Chimes . |
| ABS false activation, ABS too sensitive, ABS activates on normal stop | Front or rear suspension concern | ELIMINATE the front or rear suspension as the cause of the concern. REFER to: Suspension System . |
| RCM mounting | CONFIRM the RCM is installed correctly. REINSTALL as necessary. REFER to: Restraints Control Module (RCM) . | |
| Loose wheel speed sensor or excessive air gap | INSPECT wheel speed sensor for looseness or excessive air gap. TIGHTEN or INSTALL new as necessary. REFER to: Front Wheel Speed Sensor . REFER to: Rear Wheel Speed Sensor . | |
| Parking brake shoes out of adjustment (dragging) | CHECK and if necessary, ADJUST the parking brake shoes. For vehicles equipped with rear drum brakes, REFER to: Parking Brake Cable Adjustment - Vehicles With: Rear Drum Brakes . For vehicles equipped with rear disc brakes, REFER to: Parking Brake Cable Adjustment - Vehicles With: Rear Drum Brakes . | |
| The traction control system cannot be disabled using the message center | Refer to the Pinpoint Test | GO to Pinpoint Test E |
| The traction control system cannot be disabled using the ESC OFF switch | Refer to the Pinpoint Test | GO to Pinpoint Test R |
| The message center displays Hill Start Assist Not Available | HS-CAN concern Wheel speed sensor concern Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) in the ABS module Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) in the PCM Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) in the RCM Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) in the TCM (automatic transmission only) |
Using a diagnostic scan tool, VERIFY communication with the ABS module, PCM, RCM and TCM. If any module does not pass the network test, REFER to: Communications Network
. Using a diagnostic scan tool, RETRIEVE and RECORD all ABS module, PCM, RCM and TCM Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). DIAGNOSE all Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) retrieved starting with the ABS module. For RCM Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), REFER to: Airbag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) . For PCM Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), REFER to: Electronic Engine Controls 1.0L EcoBoost . REFER to: Electronic Engine Controls 2.0L Duratec-HE . REFER to: Electronic Engine Controls 2.0L EcoBoost . REFER to: ELECTRONIC ENGINE CONTROLS 2.3L For TCM Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), REFER to: Automatic Transmission DPS6/6DCT250 . |
| Hill start assist is inoperative | HS-CAN concern Wheel speed sensor concern Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) in the ABS module Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) in the PCM Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) in the RCM Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) in the TCM (automatic transmission only) |
Using a diagnostic scan tool, VERIFY communication with the ABS module, PCM, RCM and TCM. If any module does not pass the network test, REFER to: Communications Network
. Using a diagnostic scan tool, RETRIEVE and RECORD all ABS module, PCM, RCM and TCM Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). DIAGNOSE all Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) retrieved starting with the ABS module. For RCM Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), REFER to: Airbag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) . For PCM Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), REFER to: Electronic Engine Controls 1.0L EcoBoost . REFER to: Electronic Engine Controls 2.0L Duratec-HE . REFER to: Electronic Engine Controls 2.0L EcoBoost . REFER to: ELECTRONIC ENGINE CONTROLS 2.3L For TCM Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), REFER to: Automatic Transmission DPS6/6DCT250 . |
Factory Service Tools
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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