tow FORD FIVE HUNDRED 2005 D258 / 1.G Owner's Guide

RECREATIONAL TOWING
Follow these guidelines for your specific powertrain combination to tow
your vehicle for personal travel (such as behind a recreational vehicle or
moving truck).
In case of roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle, please refer to the
Wrecker towingsection in theDrivingchapter.
These guidelines are designed to ensure that your transmission is not
damaged due to insufficient lubrication.
Front Wheel Drive (FWD) vehicles:
Do not tow your Front Wheel Drive vehicle with the front drive wheels
on the ground as transaxle damage may occur. It is recommended to tow
your vehicle with the front drive wheels on a dolly or use a car-hauling
trailer.
All Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicles:
Do not tow your All Wheel Drive vehicle with any wheels on the ground
as vehicle or transaxle damage may occur. It is recommended to tow
your vehicle using a car-hauling trailer.
2005 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
164

GETTING ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
To fully assist you should you have a vehicle concern, Ford Motor
Company offers a complimentary roadside assistance program. This
program is separate from the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The service
is available:
•24–hours, seven days a week
•for the New Vehicle Limited Warranty period of three years or 36,000
miles (60,000 km), whichever occurs first on Ford and Mercury
vehicles, and four years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km) on Lincoln
vehicles.
Roadside assistance will cover:
•a flat tire change with a good spare (except Ford GT which has a tire
inflation kit)
•battery jump start
•lock-out assistance (key replacement cost is the customer’s
responsibility)
•fuel delivery (2.0 gallons [7.5L], maximum two occurrences within 12
month period)
•towing of your disabled vehicle to the nearest Ford Motor Company
dealership, or your selling dealer if within 35 miles (56.3 km) of the
nearest Ford Motor Company dealership (one tow per disablement).
Even non-warranty related tows, like accidents, are covered (some
exclusions apply, such as impound towing or repossession).
Canadian customers refer to your Owner Information Guide for
information on:
•coverage period
•exact fuel amounts
•towing of your disabled vehicle
•emergency travel expense reimbursement
•travel planning benefits
USING ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Complete the roadside assistance identification card and place it in your
wallet for quick reference. In the United States, this card is found in the
Owner Guide portfolio in the glove compartment. In Canada, the card is
found in theOwner Information Guidein the glove compartment.
U.S. Ford or Mercury vehicle customers who require roadside assistance,
call 1–800–241–3673; Lincoln vehicle customers call 1–800–521–4140.
2005 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
185

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse
Panel Description
F1 20A High beams
F2 15A Interior lamps (Courtesy and
demand lamps), Delayed
accessory (Power windows and
moonroof)
F3 25A Access/Security (Power door lock
actuators, Decklid lock actuator,
Decklid solenoid)
F4 15A Adjustable pedal switch
F5 20A Horns
F6 20A Audio (Subwoofer)
F7 7.5A Power/Keep Alive Memory
(KAM): Cluster and Powertrain
Control Module (PCM), Climate
control, Analog clock
F8 15A Park lamps, Side markers, Trailer
tow protect
F9 20A Cigar lighter, Data Link Connector
(DLC)
F10 7.5A Mirrors and memory module
F11 20A Audio, Family Entertainment
System (FES)
F12 10A Back-up lamps, Electrochromatic
mirror, Reverse Sensing System
(RSS), Trailer tow protect
F13 7.5A Audio
F14 7.5A Starter relay coil, PCM
F15 10A Delayed accessory (Driver window
motor logic, Moonroof, Audio,
Driver door lock switch
illumination)
F16 10A Rear defroster indicator, Heated
mirrors
2005 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
189

WRECKER TOWING
If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact a professional towing
service or, if you are a member of a roadside assistance program, your
roadside assistance service provider.
It is recommended that your vehicle be towed with a wheel lift or flatbed
equipment. Do not tow with a slingbelt. Ford Motor Company has not
approved a slingbelt towing procedure.
If the vehicle is being towed using wheel lift equipment, the wheels being
raised should be brought to a height of 12 inches (30 cm) above the
non-raised wheels to prevent damage to the vehicle.
On Front Wheel Drive (FWD) models,if your vehicle is to be towed
from the rear using wheel lift equipment, it is recommended that the
front wheels (drive wheels) be placed on a dolly to prevent damage to
the automatic transaxle. If your vehicle is to be towed from the front
using wheel lift equipment, it is recommended that the rear wheels be
placed on a dolly to prevent damage to the vehicle.
2005 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
199

In case of a roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle (without access
to wheel dollies, flatbed transport vehicle or a car hauling trailer) your
vehicle can be flat towed (all wheels on the ground) only under the
following conditions:
•The ambient temperature is above 32°F (0°C)
•Place the automatic transaxle in N (Neutral).
•DO NOT exceed the distance of 31 miles (50 km).
•DO NOT exceed the speed of 31 mph (50 km/h).
On All Wheel Drive (AWD) models,it is not recommended that your
vehicle be towed with any wheels on the ground. It is recommended to
tow your vehicle with all the wheels off the ground using wheel lift
equipment and a wheel dolly, a flatbed transport vehicle or a car-hauling
trailer.
In case of a roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle (without access
to wheel dollies, flatbed transport vehicle or a car hauling trailer) your
vehicle can be flat towed (all wheels on the ground) or wrecker towed
(rear wheels on the ground) only under the following conditions:
•The ambient temperature is above 32°F (0°C).
•Place the transmission in N (Neutral).
•Maximum distance is 31 miles (50 km).
•Maximum speed is 31 mph (50 km/h).
If the vehicle is towed by other means or incorrectly, vehicle
damage may occur.
Ford Motor Company produces a towing manual for all authorized tow
truck operators. Have your tow truck operator refer to this manual for
proper hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle.
2005 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
200

The CAMVAP program is a straight-forward and relatively speedy
alternative to resolve a disagreement when all other efforts to produce a
settlement have failed. This procedure is without cost to you and is
designed to eliminate the need for lengthy and expensive legal
proceedings.
In the CAMVAP program, impartial third-party arbitrators conduct
hearings at mutually convenient times and places in an informal
environment. These impartial arbitrators review the positions of the
parties, make decisions and, when appropriate, render awards to resolve
disputes. CAMVAP decisions are fast, fair, and final as the arbitrator’s
award is binding both to you and Ford of Canada.
CAMVAP services are available in all territories and provinces. For more
information, without charge or obligation, call your CAMVAP Provincial
Administrator directly at 1-800-207-0685.
FORD EXTENDED SERVICE PLAN
You can get more protection for your new car or light truck by
purchasing Ford Extended Service Plan (Ford ESP) coverage. It provides
the following:
•Benefits during the warranty period depending on the plan you
purchase (such as: reimbursement for rentals; coverage for certain
maintenance and wear items).
•Protection against covered repair costs after your Bumper-to-Bumper
Warranty expires.
You may purchase Ford ESP from any participating Ford and Lincoln
Mercury and Ford of Canada dealer. There are several plans available in
various time, distance and deductible combinations which can be tailored
to fit your own driving needs. Ford ESP also offers reimbursement
benefits for towing and rental coverage.
When you buy Ford ESP, you receive Peace-of-Mind protection
throughout the United States and Canada, provided by a network of
more than 4,600 participating Ford or Lincoln Mercury and Ford of
Canada dealers.
If you did not take advantage of the Ford Extended Service Plan at the
time of purchasing your vehicle, you may still be eligible. Since this
information is subject to change, please ask your dealer for complete
details about Ford Extended Service Plan coverage options, or visit the
Ford ESP website at www.ford-esp.com.
2005 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Customer Assistance
207

WASHING THE EXTERIOR
Wash your vehicle regularly with cool or lukewarm water and a neutral
pH shampoo, such as Motorcraft Detail Wash (ZC-3–A), which is
available from your dealer.
•Never use strong household detergents or soap, such as dish washing
or laundry liquid. These products can discolor and spot painted
surfaces.
•Never wash a vehicle that is “hot to the touch” or during exposure to
strong, direct sunlight.
•Always use a clean sponge or car wash mitt with plenty of water for
best results.
•Dry the vehicle with a chamois or soft terry cloth towel in order to
eliminate water spotting.
•It is especially important to wash the vehicle regularly during the
winter months, as dirt and road salt are difficult to remove and cause
damage to the vehicle.
•Immediately remove items such as gasoline, diesel fuel, bird droppings
and insect deposits because they can cause damage to the vehicle’s
paintwork and trim over time.
•Remove any exterior accessories, such as antennas, before entering a
car wash.
•Suntan lotions and insect repellents can damage any painted
surface; if these substances come in contact with your vehicle,
wash off as soon as possible.
WAXING
Applying Motorcraft Paint Sealant (ZC-45) to your vehicle every six
months will assist in reducing minor scratches and paint damage.
•Wash the vehicle first.
•Do not use waxes that contain abrasives; use Motorcraft Premium
Liquid Wax (ZC-53-A), which is available from your dealer, or an
equivalent quality product.
•Do not allow paint sealant to come in contact with any non-body
(low-gloss black) colored trim, such as grained door handles, roof
racks, bumpers, side moldings, mirror housings or the windshield cowl
area. The paint sealant will “gray” or stain the parts over time.
PAINT CHIPS
Your dealer has touch-up paint and sprays to match your vehicle’s color.
Take your color code (printed on a sticker in the driver’s door jamb) to
your dealer to ensure you get the correct color.
2005 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Cleaning
210

•Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel economy.
•Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
•You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain if
unnecessary shifting between third and fourth gear occurs.
Unnecessary shifting of this type could result in reduced fuel
economy.
•Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
•Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
•Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toLubricant specificationsin
this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found inscheduled maintenance information.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for every 400 lb [180 kg] of weight carried).
•Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
•Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
8–10 miles (12–16 km) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
•Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
2005 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
238

If your transaxle does not engage normally, do not attempt to
drive. The vehicle should be towed to your dealer for evaluation.
Checking 6–speed automatic transmission fluid (if equipped)
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transaxle does not consume
fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the transaxle is not
working properly, i.e., if the transaxle slips or shifts slowly or if you
notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Checking automatic transmission fluid at operating temperature
(158°F-176°F [70°C-80°C])
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 20 miles [30 km]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic
during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before
checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 km) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry, lint-free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect
the fluid level. The fluid should read
within the hot range on the dipstick
if at normal operating temperature
(158°F-176°F [70°C-80°C]).
2005 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
243

Reverse sensing system ...........176
Roadside assistance ..................185
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........108
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ......................95, 98–102
Safety Canopy ...........................119
Safety defects, reporting ..........209
Safety restraints ............95, 98–102
belt minder .............................103
extension assembly ................108
for adults ...........................99–101
for children .....................122–123
Occupant Classification
Sensor ........................................96
safety belt maintenance .........108
warning light and
chime ...............................102–103
Safety seats for children ..........125
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................252
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............95
Seats ............................................88
child safety seats ....................125
front seats .....................88, 90, 92
heated ........................................29
memory seat .......................76, 92
Servicing your vehicle ..............216
Setting the clock
AM/FM/In-dash 6 CD ................21
Spare tire (see Changing
the Tire) ............................139, 141
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................245, 250Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................248, 250
Speed control ..............................50
Starting your vehicle .......165–166,
168
jump starting ..........................194
Steering wheel
controls ......................................53
tilting .........................................44
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................44
Tires ...........................133–134, 138
alignment ................................152
care ..........................................151
changing ..................138–139, 141
checking the pressure ............136
inspecting and inflating .........135
label .........................................150
replacing ..................................138
rotating ....................................153
safety practices .......................152
sidewall information ...............145
snow tires and chains ............154
spare tire .................................139
terminology .............................134
tire grades ...............................134
treadwear ........................133, 151
Towing .......................................161
recreational towing .................164
trailer towing ..........................161
wrecker ....................................199
Traction control ........................171
Transaxle
fluid, refill capacities ..............246
lubricant specifications ..........250
Transmission .............................172
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....172
2005 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
260