Discrepancies With User's Manual

[SeaGrey]

Sorry if these have all been covered many times before.

Focus Estate Titanium 1.6 TDCi 2010.

1) The manual tells me there's an airbag deactivation switch in the glove box. No such thing.

2) The manual tells me there's a parking heater. Can't find this in the dashboard menu.

I realise some models don't have everything, but normally the manual states 'this may be an option' etc. so I'm assuming anything else listed *will* be present.

3) Where is the pollen filter ?

I phoned Ford customer services but the 11 year old who answered the phone didn't seem to know what an airbag was. And the 'Tech Support' number he gave me doesn't work (0906 5533447 - this is also listed on Ford's website !)

My owner's handbook is dated 9/9 so is quite up to date with my April '10 registered car.

I'm mainly concerned about item 1) as I now have a 2nd baby, and may need to put the toddler in the front while my wife is in the back next to baby.

Thanks in advance for replies.

[cuke]

Sorry if these have all been covered many times before.

Focus Estate Titanium 1.6 TDCi 2010.

1) The manual tells me there's an airbag deactivation switch in the glove box. No such thing.

2) The manual tells me there's a parking heater. Can't find this in the dashboard menu.

I realise some models don't have everything, but normally the manual states 'this may be an option' etc. so I'm assuming anything else listed *will* be present.

3) Where is the pollen filter ?

I phoned Ford customer services but the 11 year old who answered the phone didn't seem to know what an airbag was. And the 'Tech Support' number he gave me doesn't work (0906 5533447 - this is also listed on Ford's website !)

My owner's handbook is dated 9/9 so is quite up to date with my April '10 registered car.

I'm mainly concerned about item 1) as I now have a 2nd baby, and may need to put the toddler in the front while my wife is in the back next to baby.

Thanks in advance for replies.

Hi, my manual states inside the cover:

"The information contained in this publication was correct at the time of going to print. In the interest of

development the right is reserved to change specifications, design or equipment at any time without

notice and without incurring any obligations. This publication, or part thereof, may not be reproduced

nor translated without our approval. Errors and omissions excepted".

Then on the page titled 'About this Handbook':

"Note: This handbook describes product

features and options available throughout

the range, sometimes even before they

are generally available. It may describe

options not fitted to your vehicle".

I thought it was common knowledge that parking heaters are only installed in certain countries and that the airbag deactivation switch has to be installed by the dealer, but then again FCS might not..

The pollen filter is inside the car, see here http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=67515

"The manual also says this about child seats:

Secure children that are less than

150 centimetres tall or less than 12

years of age in a suitable, approved

child restraint, in the rear seat.

Secure children that weigh less than 13

kilograms in a rearward facing baby safety

seat (Group 0+) in the rear seat".

I would have thought that your car also has isofix anchor points.

Chris

[SeaGrey]

Thanks for the reply.

I'm only considering the front seat as a temporary measure, i.e. when my wife is feeding the baby. I'd much rather have both youngsters in the back, which is what I'll do most of the time (well, that now means *all* the time as I can't deactivate the airbag !).

I've seen the switch on other Fords, and there's just a plastic cover plate where it would sit on my car. It seems odd that something like this is considered an extra. I guess on the plus side, at least I can't forget to enable it again when an adult sits in the front !

[cuke]

Hi, I don't think Ford are alone in this, certainly our Mazda has to have one fitted. Guess it might be down to the good 'ole EC

Chris

[SeaGrey]

Hi, I don't think Ford are alone in this, certainly our Mazda has to have one fitted. Guess it might be down to the good 'ole EC

Chris

Is it not more likely that it's compulsory under EC regulations, and somehow the UK doesn't have to comply ?

[Magenta]

I think they could sum things up by saying simply "This handbook is a bit vague" ! The E & O.E bit says it all. I agree, Ford are no worse than other manufacurers for this.