check transmission fluid FORD FIVE HUNDRED 2007 D258 / 1.G Owners Manual

Low fuel (if equipped):
Illuminates when the fuel level in
the fuel tank is at or near empty
(refer toFuel gaugein this
chapter).
Speed control:Illuminates when
the speed control is engaged. Turns
off when the speed control system
is disengaged.
Low washer fluid (if equipped):
Illuminates when the windshield
washer fluid is low.
Door ajar (if equipped):
Illuminates when the ignition is in
the ON position and any door or
decklid is open.
Anti-theft system:Flashes when
the SecuriLockPassive Anti-theft
System has been activated.
Throttle Control/Transmission:
Illuminates when a powertrain fault
has been detected. Contact your
authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
Turn signal:Illuminates when the
left or right turn signal or the
hazard lights are turned on. If the
indicators flash faster, check for a burned out bulb.
High beams:Illuminates when the
high beam headlamps are turned on.
Key-in-ignition warning chime:Sounds when the key is left in the
ignition in the OFF/LOCK or ACCESSORY position and the driver’s door
is opened.
2007 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
13

If your vehicle is equipped with a 6–speed transmission:When
driving at slow speeds in deep sand under high outside temperatures,
use L (Low) gear when possible. L (Low) gear operation will maximize
the engine and transmission cooling capability.Do not perform this
operation if your vehicle is equipped with an
electronically-controlled CVT.
Under severe operating conditions, the A/C may cycle on and off to
protect overheating of the engine.
Avoid excessive speed because vehicle momentum can work against you
and cause the vehicle to become stuck to the point that assistance may
be required from another vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back
out the way you came if you proceed with caution.
Mud and water
If you must drive through high water, drive slowly. Traction or brake
capability may be limited.
When driving through water, determine the depth; avoid water higher
than the bottom of the hubs (if possible) and proceed slowly. If the
ignition system gets wet, the vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the
vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you
are driving in mud. Even AWD vehicles can lose traction in slick mud. As
when you are driving over sand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does slide, steer in the direction of
the slide until you regain control of the vehicle.
If the transmission, AWD system components or axles are submerged in
water, their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary.
Driving through deep water may damage the transmission.
If the front or rear axle is submerged in water, the axle lubricant and
PTU (Power Transfer Unit) lubricant should be checked and changed if
necessary.
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts
and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts causes an
imbalance that could damage drive components.
2007 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
198

If your transaxle does not engage normally, do not attempt to
drive. The vehicle should be towed to your authorized 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]).
2007 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
269

Checking automatic transmission fluid at cool temperature
(32°F-81°F [17°C-27°C])
If a fluid check is necessary at a low
fluid temperature (32°F-81°F
[17°C-27°C]), perform the check
using the cold range on the dipstick.
However, the fluid must be
re-checked at the proper fluid
temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level does not show at all on the
dipstick.
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may result in transaxle failure. An
overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or
possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the
Maintenance product specifications and capacitiessection in this
chapter.
Note:Only one ATF fluid specification has been tested and approved for
use with 6-speed—Premium Automatic Transmission fluid. Mercon fluids
can not be used in a automatic 6-speed without damage or voiding
warranty.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transaxle component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 1/2 pint (250 mL) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
2007 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
270

A
Accessory delay ..........................70
Air cleaner filter .......................271
Air conditioning ....................48, 50
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ................131–132, 140, 142
and child safety seats ............133
description ..............132, 140, 142
disposal ....................................145
driver airbag ............134, 141, 143
indicator light .................140, 145
operation .................134, 141, 143
passenger airbag .....134, 141, 143
side airbag ...............................140
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................195
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................250
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................186
Anti-theft system ..............105, 108
arming the system ..................108
disarming a
triggered system .....................109
triggering .................................109
Audio system (see Radio) ...16, 21
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ....................268–269
fluid, checking ................268–269
fluid, refill capacities ..............272
fluid, specification ..................272
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .........................191–192
B
Battery .......................................248acid, treating emergencies .....248
jumping a disabled battery ....217
maintenance-free ....................248
replacement, specifications ...271
servicing ..................................248
Belt-Minder.............................126
Booster seats .............................146
Brakes ........................................185
anti-lock ...................................186
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................186
fluid, checking and adding ....268
fluid, refill capacities ..............272
fluid, specifications .................272
lubricant specifications ..........272
parking ....................................187
shift interlock ..........................189
Bulbs ............................................58
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....272
Cargo net .....................................90
Cassette tape player ...................16
Cell phone use ..............................7
Changing a tire .........................210
Child safety restraints ..............146
child safety belts ....................146
Child safety seats ......................150
attaching with
tether straps ...........................154
in front seat ............................151
in rear seat ..............................151
Child safety seats -
booster seats .............................146
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............235
instrument panel ....................236
interior .....................................237
plastic parts ............................235
2007 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
279

washing ....................................233
waxing .....................................234
wheels ......................................234
wiper blades ............................236
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......48, 50
Clock ............................................66
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................22
AM/FM/CD .................................17
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment .................83
Console ........................................67
overhead ....................................66
Controls
power seat ...............................112
steering column ........................75
Coolant
checking and adding ..............250
refill capacities ................255, 272
specifications ..........................272
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................72
Cupholder(s) .............................117
Customer Assistance ................202
Ford Extended
Service Plan ............................229
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............230
Getting roadside assistance ...202
Getting the service
you need .................................225
Ordering additional
owner’s literature ...................231
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................229D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................56
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..................................268–269
engine oil .................................244
Driving under special
conditions ..........................196, 199
sand .........................................197
snow and ice ...........................200
through water .................198, 201
DVD system .................................30
E
Electronic message center .........81
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................217
Emission control system ..........264
Engine ........................................274
cleaning ...................................235
coolant .....................................250
idle speed control ...................248
lubrication specifications .......272
refill capacities ........................272
service points ..........................242
starting after a collision .........204
Engine block heater .................185
Engine oil ..................................244
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................244
checking and adding ..............244
dipstick ....................................244
filter, specifications ........247, 271
recommendations ...................247
refill capacities ........................272
specifications ..........................272
Exhaust fumes ..........................185
2007 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
280

tire grades ...............................159
treadwear ........................158, 163
Towing .......................................179
recreational towing .................181
trailer towing
..........................179
wrecker
....................................223
Traction control
........................188
Transaxle
fluid, checking and
adding (automatic)
........268–269
fluid, refill capacities
..............272
lubricant specifications
..........272
Transmission
.............................189
brake-shift interlock (BSI)
....189
Trunk
...........................................94
remote release
....................90, 97
Turn signal
..................................58V
Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN) ...........................275
Vehicle loading ..........................174
Ventilating your vehicle ...........185
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......10
Washer fluid ..............................243
Water, Driving through .............201
Windows
power .........................................68
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
checking and adding fluid .....243
operation ...................................64
replacing wiper blades ...........244
Wrecker towing .........................223
2007 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
284