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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.
“Tread Lightly” is an educational
program designed to increase public
awareness of land-use regulations
and responsibilities in our nations
wilderness areas. Ford Motor
Company joins the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land
Management in encouraging you to help preserve our national forest and
other public and private lands by “treading lightly.”
Driving on hilly or sloping terrain
Although natural obstacles may make it necessary to travel diagonally up
or down a hill or steep incline, you should always try to drive straight up
or straight down.Avoid driving crosswise or turning on steep
slopes or hills.A danger lies in losing traction, slipping sideways and
possibly rolling over. Whenever driving on a hill, determine beforehand
the route you will use. Do not drive over the crest of a hill without
seeing what conditions are on the other side. Do not drive in reverse
over a hill without the aid of an observer.
When climbing a steep slope or hill, start in a lower gear rather than
downshifting to a lower gear from a higher gear once the ascent has
started. This reduces strain on the engine and the possibility of stalling.
If you do stall out, Do not try to turnaround because you might roll over.
It is better to back down to a safe location.
Apply just enough power to the wheels to climb the hill. Too much
power will cause the tires to slip, spin or lose traction, resulting in loss of
vehicle control.
2005 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
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Descend a hill in the same gear you
would use to climb up the hill to
avoid excessive brake application
and brake overheating. Do not
descend in neutral; instead,
disengage overdrive or manually
shift to a lower gear. When
descending a steep hill, avoid
sudden hard braking as you could
lose control. When you brake hard,
the front wheels can’t turn and if
they aren’t turning, you won’t be
able to steer. The front wheels have to be turning in order to steer the
vehicle.
If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, apply the brakes steadily. Do not
“pump” the brakes.
Driving on snow and ice
Note:Excessive tire slippage can cause transaxle damage.
AWD vehicles have advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but
can skid like any other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving on snowy or icy roads, turn the
steering wheel in the direction of the slide until you regain control.
Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although an AWD vehicle may accelerate
better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won’t stop any
faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels. Do
not become overconfident as to road conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles
for stopping. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower
gears. In emergency stopping situations, apply the brake steadily. Since
your vehicle is equipped with a four wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS),
do not “pump” the brakes. Refer to theBrakessection of this chapter
for additional information on the operation of the anti-lock brake system.
2005 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
183
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wheels ......................................211
wiper blades ............................212
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......27, 29
Clock ............................................45
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................21
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment .................61
Console ........................................70
overhead ....................................45
Controls
power seat .................................90
steering column ........................53
Coolant
checking and adding ..............225
refill capacities ................230, 246
specifications ..................248, 250
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................50
Cupholder(s) ...............................94
Customer Assistance ................185
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................214
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................207
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................208
Getting roadside assistance ...185
Getting the service you
need .........................................201
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................208
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................203
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................206D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................34
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..................................242–243
engine oil .................................219
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........248
Driving under special
conditions ..........................179, 182
sand .........................................181
snow and ice ...........................183
through water .................181, 184
E
Electronic message center .........59
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................194
Emission control system ..........239
Engine ........................................250
cleaning ...................................211
coolant .....................................225
idle speed control ...................223
lubrication
specifications ..................248, 250
refill capacities ........................246
service points ..........................218
starting after a collision .........186
Engine block heater .................168
Engine oil ..................................219
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................219
checking and adding ..............219
dipstick ....................................219
filter, specifications ........222, 245
recommendations ...................222
refill capacities ........................246
2005 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
257