warning Mercury Montego 2005 s Owner's Guide

3. Locate the white plastic cover at
the front driver side of the gearshift
lever. Locate the screw which
attaches this cover and remove
using a screwdriver. Remove the
cover by tilting forward while
pulling up and out of the gearshift
assembly.
4. Locate the silver button in the driver side front area of the gearshift
assembly. Press and hold the silver button while moving the gearshift
lever out of P (Park) into N (Neutral).
5. Start the vehicle and release the parking brake.
If it is necessary to use the above procedure to move the gearshift lever,
it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle’s brakelamps are not
operating properly. Refer toFuses and relaysin theRoadside
Emergencieschapter.
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician.
Understanding the gearshift positions of the Continuously Variable
Transaxle (CVT) (if equipped)
The CVT is a fully automatic transaxle that electronically monitors
vehicle system inputs and outputs and driver demands to select the
desired drive ratio. Unlike traditional automatic transmissions/transaxles,
the CVT continually adjusts the optimum overall drive ratio between
engine and drive wheels for all operating conditions.
As traditional automatic transmissions/transaxles shift up or down in
gears, this shifting in gear ratios is noticeable by increasing and
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This system is not designed to prevent contact with small or
moving objects. The system is designed to provide a warning to
assist the driver in detecting large stationary objects to avoid damaging
the vehicle. The system may not detect smaller objects, particularly
those close to the ground.
Certain add-on devices such as large trailer hitches, bike or
surfboard racks and any device that may block the normal
detection zone of the RSS system may create false beeps.
The RSS detects obstacles up to six
feet (two meters) from the rear
bumper with a decreased coverage
area at the outer corners of the
bumper, (refer to the figures for
approximate zone coverage areas).
As you move closer to the obstacle,
the rate of the tone increases. When
the obstacle is less than 10 inches
(25.0 cm) away, the tone will sound
continuously. If the RSS detects a
stationary or receding object further
than 10 inches (25.0 cm) from the
side of the vehicle, the tone will
sound for only three seconds. Once
the system detects an object
approaching, the tone will sound
again.
The RSS automatically turns on
when the gear selector is placed in
R (Reverse) and the ignition is ON.
An RSS control on the instrument
panel allows the driver to turn the
RSS on and off. To turn the RSS off,
the ignition must be ON, and the gear selector in R (Reverse). An
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If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician.
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (56 km/h). The tires may
fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Emergency maneuvers
•In an unavoidable emergency situation where a sudden sharp turn
must be made, remember to avoid “over-driving” your vehicle (i.e.,
turn the steering wheel only as rapidly and as far as required to avoid
the emergency). Excessive steering will result in less vehicle control,
not more. Additionally, smooth variations of the accelerator and/or
brake pedal pressure should be utilized if changes in vehicle speed are
called for. Avoid abrupt steering, acceleration or braking which could
result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover
and/or personal injury. Use all available road surface to return the
vehicle to a safe direction of travel.
•In the event of an emergency stop, avoid skidding the tires and do not
attempt any sharp steering wheel movements.
•If the vehicle goes from one type of surface to another (i.e., from
concrete to gravel) there will be a change in the way the vehicle
responds to a maneuver (steering, acceleration or braking). Again,
avoid these abrupt inputs.
AWD Systems (if equipped)
AWD uses all four wheels to power
the vehicle. This increases traction,
enabling you to drive over terrain
and road conditions that a
conventional two-wheel drive vehicle
cannot.
Sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels on the most solid
area of the trail. Avoid reducing the tire pressures but shift to a lower
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EPA window sticker
Every new vehicle should have the EPA window sticker. Contact your
dealer if the window sticker is not supplied with your vehicle. The EPA
window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy comparisons
with other vehicles.
It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window
sticker. These numbers represent the Range of MPG (L/100 km)
expected on the vehicle under optimum conditions. Your fuel economy
may vary depending upon the method of operation and conditions.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
•Use only the specified fuel listed.
•Avoid running out of fuel.
•Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
•Have the items listed inscheduled maintenance information
performed according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed inscheduled maintenance
informationare essential to the life and performance of your vehicle
and to its emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Illumination of the “Check Engine” light, charging system warning light
or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke or
loss of engine power, could indicate that the emission control system is
not working properly.
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Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostics system. If your
indicator is on, refer to
the description in theWarning lights and chimessection of the
Instrument Clusterchapter. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test with
the
indicator on.
If the vehicle’s powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a “not ready for I/M test”
condition. To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as
described below:
•First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
•Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
POWER STEERING FLUID
Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the service interval
schedules. If adding fluid is necessary, use only MERCONAT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run
until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant
temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area
between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the
steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be between the MIN
and MAX lines. Do not add fluid if the level is in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the range between the MIN and MAX lines. Be
sure to put the cap back on the reservoir.
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A
Accessory delay ..........................46
Air bag supplemental
restraint system ........107, 114, 116
and child safety seats ............109
description ..............107, 114, 116
disposal ....................................119
driver air bag ..........109, 115, 117
indicator light .................114, 119
operation .................109, 115, 117
passenger air bag ...109, 115, 117
side air bag ..............................114
Air cleaner filter .......................241
Air conditioning ....................26, 28
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................175
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................222
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................166
Anti-theft system ........................84
arming the system ....................85
disarming a triggered
system .......................................86
Audio system
(see Radio) ............................16, 19
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ............................239
fluid, checking ........................239
fluid, refill capacities ..............242
fluid, specification ..................247
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .........................170, 172
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........245
B
Battery .......................................220acid, treating emergencies .....220
jumping a disabled battery ....191
maintenance-free ....................220
replacement, specifications ...241
servicing ..................................220
BeltMinder .................................102
Brakes ........................................166
anti-lock ...................................166
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ...............166
fluid, checking and adding ....239
fluid, refill capacities ..............242
fluid, specifications .........245, 247
lubricant specifications ..245, 247
parking ....................................167
shift interlock ..........................169
Bulbs ............................................36
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....242
Cargo net .....................................69
Cassette tape player ...................16
Cell phone use ............................68
Certification Label ....................248
Changing a tire .........................135
Child safety restraints ..............120
child safety belts ....................120
Child safety seats ......................122
attaching with tether straps ..126
in front seat ............................124
in rear seat ..............................124
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............208
instrument panel ....................210
interior .....................................210
interior trim ............................210
plastic parts ............................209
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washing ....................................207
waxing .....................................207
wheels ......................................208
wiper blades ............................209
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......26, 28
Clock ............................................43
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................20
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment .................59
Console ........................................68
overhead ....................................43
Controls
power seat .................................90
steering column ........................51
Coolant
checking and adding ..............222
refill capacities ................227, 242
specifications ..................245, 247
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................48
Cupholder(s) ...............................93
Customer Assistance ................182
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................211
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................204
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................205
Getting roadside assistance ...182
Getting the service
you need .................................198
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................206
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................201
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............204D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................33
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................239
engine oil .................................216
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........245
Driving under special
conditions ..........................176, 179
sand .........................................177
snow and ice ...........................180
through water .................178, 181
E
Electronic message center .........57
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................191
Emission control system ..........236
Engine ........................................247
cleaning ...................................208
coolant .....................................222
idle speed control ...................220
lubrication
specifications ..................245, 247
refill capacities ........................242
service points ..........................215
starting after a collision .........183
Engine block heater .................165
Engine oil ..................................216
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................216
checking and adding ..............216
dipstick ....................................216
filter, specifications ........219, 241
recommendations ...................219
refill capacities ........................242
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K
Keyless entry system .................78
autolock .....................................80
Keys
positions of the ignition .........162
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................32
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................36
daytime running light ...............33
fog lamps ...................................33
headlamps .................................32
headlamps, flash to pass ..........34
instrument panel, dimming .....34
interior lamps ...........................36
replacing bulbs ...................36–40
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................36
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........166
Load limits .................................152
Locks
autolock .....................................80
childproof ..................................71
doors ..........................................70
Lubricant specifications ...245, 247
Lug nuts ....................................142
Lumbar support, seats ...............88
M
Message center ...........................57
english/metric button ...............61
system check button ................62
warning messages .....................62
Mirrors ...................................43, 47automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................47
fold away ...................................47
side view mirrors (power) .......47
Moon roof ....................................52
Motorcraft parts ................232, 241
O
Octane rating ............................231
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................216
P
Parking brake ............................167
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....241
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor ...................95
Power adjustable foot pedals .....48
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................187
Power door locks ........................70
Power mirrors .............................47
Power point .................................44
Power steering ..........................168
fluid, checking and adding ....238
fluid, refill capacity ................242
fluid, specifications .........245, 247
Power Windows ...........................44
R
Radio ......................................16, 19
Relays ........................................184
Remote entry system .................73
illuminated entry ................77–78
opening the trunk .....................74
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Reverse sensing system ...........173
Roadside assistance ..................182
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........106
Safety belts
(see Safety restraints) .94, 97–101
Safety Canopy ...........................116
Safety defects, reporting ..........206
Safety restraints ............94, 97–101
belt minder .............................102
extension assembly ................106
for adults ...........................98–100
for children .....................119–120
Occupant Classification
Sensor ........................................95
safety belt maintenance .........106
warning light and chime ........101
Safety seats for children ..........122
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............94
Seats ............................................87
child safety seats ....................122
front seats .....................87, 89, 91
heated ........................................28
memory seat .......................75, 91
Servicing your vehicle ..............213
Setting the clock
AM/FM/In-dash 6 CD ................20
Spare tire (see
Changing the Tire) ...........135, 138
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................241, 247
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................245, 247
Speed control ..............................48Starting your
vehicle ........................162–163, 165
jump starting ..........................191
Steering wheel
controls ......................................51
tilting .........................................42
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................42
Tires ...........................130–131, 135
alignment ................................149
care ..........................................147
changing ..........................135, 138
checking the pressure ............133
inspecting and inflating .........132
label .........................................147
replacing ..................................134
rotating ....................................149
safety practices .......................148
sidewall information ...............142
snow tires and chains ............151
spare tire .................................136
terminology .............................131
tire grades ...............................131
treadwear ........................130, 147
Towing .......................................158
recreational towing .................161
trailer towing ..........................158
wrecker ....................................196
Traction control ........................167
Transaxle
fluid, refill capacities ..............242
lubricant specifications ..........247
Transmission .............................169
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....169
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................239
lubricant specifications ..........245
Trunk ...........................................71
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remote release ....................69, 74
Turn signal ..................................36
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................247
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................249
Vehicle loading ..........................152
Ventilating your vehicle ...........165
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......10Washer fluid
..............................216
Water, Driving through
.............181
Windows
power
.........................................44
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
checking and adding fluid
.....216
operation
...................................41
replacing wiper blades
.............42
Wrecker towing
.........................196
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