tow Mercury Montego 2007 s Service Manual

•Theindicator may come on. For more information on the “check
engine” or the “service engine soon” indicator, refer toWarning lights
and chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter.
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY
Measuring techniques
Your best source of information about actual fuel economy is you, the
driver. You must gather information as accurately and consistently as
possible. Fuel expense, frequency of fill-ups or fuel gauge readings are
NOT accurate as a measure of fuel economy. We do not recommend
taking fuel economy measurements during the first 1,000 miles (1,600
km) of driving (engine break-in period). You will get a more accurate
measurement after 2,000 miles-3,000 miles (3,000 km–5,000 km).
Filling the tank
The advertised fuel capacity of the fuel tank on your vehicle is equal to
the rated refill capacity of the fuel tank as listed in theMaintenance
product specifications and capacitiessection of this chapter.
The advertised capacity is the amount of the indicated capacity and the
empty reserve combined. Indicated capacity is the difference in the
amount of fuel in a full tank and a tank when the fuel gauge indicates
empty. Empty reserve is the small amount of fuel remaining in the fuel
tank after the fuel gauge indicates empty.
The amount of usable fuel in the empty reserve varies and should
not be relied upon to increase driving range. When refueling your
vehicle after the fuel gauge indicates empty, you might not be
able to refuel the full amount of the advertised capacity of the
fuel tank due to the empty reserve still present in the tank.
For consistent results when filling the fuel tank:
•Turn the engine/ignition switch to the off position prior to refueling,
an error in the reading will result if the engine is left running.
•Use the same filling rate setting (low — medium — high) each time
the tank is filled.
•Allow no more than two automatic click-offs when filling.
•Always use fuel with the recommended octane rating.
•Use a known quality gasoline, preferably a national brand.
•Use the same side of the same pump and have the vehicle facing the
same direction each time you fill up.
2007 Montego(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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•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.
2007 Montego(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
258

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 Montego(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
263

locking/unlocking doors .....93–94
opening the trunk .....................94
panic alarm ...............................94
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................96
replacing the batteries .............95
Reverse sensing system ...........188
Roadside assistance ..................197
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........121
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..................113, 117–120
Safety Canopy ...........................138
Safety defects, reporting ..........227
Safety restraints ........113, 117–121
BeltMinder
............................123
extension assembly ................121
for adults .........................118–120
for children .....................141–142
Occupant Classification
Sensor ......................................115
safety belt maintenance .........121
warning light and chime ........122
Safety seats for children ..........145
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................269
Satellite Radio Information ........27
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) .............113
Seats ..........................................106
child safety seats ....................145
front seats ...............106, 108, 110
heated ........................................48
memory seat .....................94, 111
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ........................................100Servicing your vehicle ..............235
Setting the clock
AM/FM single CD .....................17
AM/FM/In-dash 6 CD ................23
Spare tire
(see Changing the Tire) ...........209
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................265, 268
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................266
Speed control ..............................69
Starting your vehicle ........177–179
jump starting ..........................213
Steering wheel
controls ......................................72
tilting .........................................62
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................62
Tires ...........................153–154, 206
alignment ................................160
care ..........................................157
changing ..........................206, 209
checking the pressure ............157
inflating ...................................155
label .........................................167
replacing ..................................159
rotating ....................................161
safety practices .......................160
sidewall information ...............162
snow tires and chains ............167
spare tire .................................207
terminology .............................154
tire grades ...............................154
treadwear ........................153, 158
Towing .......................................174
recreational towing .................176
trailer towing ..........................174
2007 Montego(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
277

wrecker ....................................219
Traction control ........................182
Transaxle
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .....................262–263
fluid, refill capacities ..............266
lubricant specifications ..........266
Transmission .............................184
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....184
Trunk ...........................................91
remote release ....................87, 94
Turn signal ..................................56
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................269
Vehicle loading ..........................168Ventilating your vehicle
...........180
W
Warning lights (see Lights)
.......10
Washer fluid
..............................238
Water, Driving through
.............196
Windows
power
.........................................65
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
checking and adding fluid
.....238
operation
...................................61
replacing wiper blades
...........239
Wrecker towing
.........................219
2007 Montego(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
278