check transmission fluid Mercury Montego 2006 Owner's Manuals

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 Securilock
Passive Anti-theft
System has been activated.
Throttle Control/Transmission:
Illuminates when a powertrain fault
or an AWD fault (if equipped) 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.
Headlamps on warning chime:Sounds when the headlamps or parking
lamps are on, the ignition is off (the key is not in the ignition) and the
driver’s door is opened.
2006 Montego(mgo)
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.
2006 Montego(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
184

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]).
2006 Montego(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
252

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
Lubricant specificationssection 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.
2006 Montego(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
253

A
Accessory delay ..........................59
Air cleaner filter .......................254
Air conditioning ....................39, 41
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................118, 127, 129
and child safety seats ............120
description ..............118, 127, 129
disposal ....................................132
driver airbag ............120, 127, 130
indicator light .................126, 132
operation .................120, 127, 130
passenger airbag .....120, 127, 130
side airbag ...............................127
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................181
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................234
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................171–172
Anti-theft system ..................92, 95
arming the system ....................95
disarming a triggered
system .......................................96
triggering ...................................96
Audio system (see Radio) ...16, 19
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ....................251–252
fluid, checking ................251–252
fluid, refill capacities ..............255
fluid, specification ..................259
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .........................176, 178
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........257
B
Battery .......................................232acid, treating emergencies .....232
jumping a disabled battery ....203
maintenance-free ....................232
replacement, specifications ...254
servicing ..................................232
BeltMinder .................................113
Brakes ........................................171
anti-lock ...........................171–172
anti-lock brake system
(ABS) warning light ...............172
fluid, checking and adding ....251
fluid, refill capacities ..............255
fluid, specifications .........257, 259
lubricant specifications ..257, 259
parking ....................................172
shift interlock ..........................175
Bulbs ............................................49
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....255
Cargo net .....................................79
Cassette tape player ...................16
Cell phone use ..............................7
Changing a tire .........................197
Child safety restraints ..............133
child safety belts ....................133
Child safety seats ......................136
attaching with tether straps ..140
in front seat ............................137
in rear seat ..............................137
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............220
instrument panel ....................221
interior .....................................222
interior trim ............................222
plastic parts ............................220
washing ....................................218
waxing .....................................219
2006 Montego(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
265

wheels ......................................219
wiper blades ............................221
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......39, 41
Clock ............................................56
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................20
AM/FM/CD .................................16
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment .................72
Console ........................................56
overhead ..............................55–56
Controls
power seat ...............................100
steering column ........................64
Coolant
checking and adding ..............234
refill capacities ................239, 255
specifications ..................257, 259
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................61
Cupholder(s) .............................104
Customer Assistance ................188
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................215
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............216
Getting roadside assistance ...188
Getting the service you
need .........................................211
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................216
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............214
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................47Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..................................251–252
engine oil .................................229
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........257
Driving under special
conditions ..........................182, 185
sand .........................................183
snow and ice ...........................186
through water .................184, 187
E
Electronic message center .........70
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................203
Emission control system ..........248
Engine ........................................259
cleaning ...................................220
coolant .....................................234
idle speed control ...................232
lubrication
specifications ..................257, 259
refill capacities ........................255
service points ..........................227
starting after a collision .........190
Engine block heater .................171
Engine oil ..................................229
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................229
checking and adding ..............229
dipstick ....................................229
filter, specifications ........231, 254
recommendations ...................231
refill capacities ........................255
specifications ..................257, 259
Exhaust fumes ..........................171
F
Fluid capacities .........................255
2006 Montego(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
266

Transaxle
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .....................251–252
fluid, refill capacities ..............255
lubricant specifications ..........259
Transmission .............................175
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....175
lubricant specifications ..........257
Trunk ...........................................82
remote release ....................79, 84
Turn signal ..................................49
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................259
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................261
Vehicle loading ..........................158Ventilating your vehicle
...........171
W
Warning lights (see Lights)
.......10
Washer fluid
..............................228
Water, Driving through
.............187
Windows
power
.........................................57
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
checking and adding fluid
.....228
operation
...................................54
replacing wiper blades
...........228
Wrecker towing
.........................209
2006 Montego(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
270