Working with the engine on
1. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
2. Block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
Note:Do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do not
remove it while the engine is running.
OPENING THE HOOD
1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood
release handle located under the
bottom of the instrument panel near
the steering column.
2. Go to the front of the vehicle and
release the auxiliary latch that is
located under the front center of
the hood.
3. Lift the hood and support it with
the prop rod. Lift the prop rod by
the sleeve and not the bare metal.
2005 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
217
WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the
level is low. In very cold weather, do
not fill the reservoir completely.
Only use a washer fluid that meets
Ford specification WSB-M8B16–A2.
Refer toLubricant specifications
in this chapter.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
If you operate your vehicle in temperatures below 40° F (4.5°C),
use washer fluid with antifreeze protection. Failure to use
washer fluid with antifreeze protection in cold weather could result in
impaired windshield vision and increase the risk of injury or accident.
Note:Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant reservoir. Washer
fluid placed in the cooling system may harm engine and cooling system
components.
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to thescheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate
intervals for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
2005 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
219
specifications ..................248, 250
Exhaust fumes ..........................168
F
Fluid capacities .........................246
Foglamps .....................................34
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
driving off road .......................178
Fuel ............................................231
calculating fuel
economy ............................60, 236
cap ...........................................233
capacity ...................................246
choosing the right fuel ...........234
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................239
detergent in fuel .....................235
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................231, 233, 236
filter, specifications ........235, 245
fuel pump shut-off switch .....186
improving fuel economy ........236
octane rating ...................234, 250
quality ......................................235
running out of fuel .................235
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................231
Fuel pump shut-off switch .......186
Fuses ..........................................187
G
Garage Door Opener
(see Homelink wireless control
system) ........................................55
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............233
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................236
Gauges .........................................14H
Hazard flashers .........................186
Head restraints .....................88, 93
Headlamps ...................................33
aiming ..................................35–36
autolamp system .......................33
bulb specifications ....................38
daytime running lights .............34
flash to pass ..............................35
high beam .................................35
replacing bulbs ...................38–39
turning on and off ....................33
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system ...........................25, 27, 29
Homelink wireless control
system ..........................................55
Hood ..........................................217
I
Ignition ...............................165, 250
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................125
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................241
Instrument panel ........................45
cleaning ...................................213
cluster ........................................10
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................35
J
Jack ............................................138
positioning ...............................138
storage .....................................138
Jump-starting your vehicle ......194
2005 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
258
