
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

When lifting a plastic-cased battery, excessive pressure on the
end walls could cause acid to flow through the vent caps,
resulting in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or battery.
Lift the battery with a battery carrier or with your hands on opposite
corners.
Keep batteries out of reach of children. Batteries contain sulfuric
acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Shield your eyes
when working near the battery to protect against possible splashing of
acid solution. In case of acid contact with skin or eyes, flush
immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt
medical attention. If acid is swallowed, call a physician immediately.
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds.Wash hands after handling.
Because your vehicle’s engine is electronically controlled by a computer,
some control conditions are maintained by power from the battery. When
the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the engine must
relearn its idle and fuel trim strategy for optimum driveability and
performance. To begin this process:
1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.
2. Put the gearshift in P (Park), turn off all accessories and start the
engine.
3. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
5. Turn the A/C on and allow the engine to idle for at least one minute.
6. Release the parking brake. With your foot on the brake pedal and with
the A/C on, put the vehicle in D (Drive) and allow the engine to idle for
at least one minute.
7. Drive the vehicle to complete the relearning process.
•The vehicle may need to be driven 10 miles (16 km) or more to
relearn the idle and fuel trim strategy.
•If you do not allow the engine to relearn its idle trim, the idle
quality of your vehicle may be adversely affected until the idle
trim is eventually relearned.
If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,
the clock and radio settings must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.
2005 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
224

If your transaxle does not engage normally, do not attempt to
drive. The vehicle should be towed to your 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]).
2005 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
243

A
Accessory delay ..........................48
Air cleaner filter .......................245
Air conditioning ....................27, 29
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................109, 116, 119
and child safety seats ............111
description ..............109, 116, 119
disposal ....................................122
driver airbag ............111, 117, 120
indicator light .................116, 121
operation .................111, 117, 120
passenger airbag .....111, 117, 120
side airbag ...............................116
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................178
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................225
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................169
Anti-theft system ........................86
arming the system ....................86
disarming a triggered system ..87
Audio system (see Radio) ...17, 20
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ....................242–243
fluid, checking ................242–243
fluid, refill capacities ..............246
fluid, specification ..................250
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .........................174–175
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........248
B
Battery .......................................223acid, treating emergencies .....223
jumping a disabled battery ....194
maintenance-free ....................223
replacement, specifications ...245
servicing ..................................223
BeltMinder .................................103
Brakes ........................................169
anti-lock ...................................169
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................169
fluid, checking and adding ....242
fluid, refill capacities ..............246
fluid, specifications .........248, 250
lubricant specifications ..248, 250
parking ....................................170
shift interlock ..........................172
Bulbs ............................................37
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....246
Cargo net .....................................71
Cassette tape player ...................17
Cell phone use ............................70
Changing a tire .........................138
Child safety restraints ..............123
child safety belts ....................123
Child safety seats ......................125
attaching with tether straps ..129
in front seat ............................127
in rear seat ..............................127
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............211
instrument panel ....................213
interior .....................................213
interior trim ............................213
plastic parts ............................212
washing ....................................210
waxing .....................................210
2005 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
256

K
Keyless entry system .................80
autolock .....................................82
Keys
positions of the ignition .........165
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................33
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................38
daytime running light ...............34
fog lamps ...................................34
headlamps .....................33, 38–39
headlamps, flash to pass ..........35
instrument panel, dimming .....35
interior lamps ...........................37
replacing bulbs ...................37–42
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................37
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........169
Load limits .................................155
Locks
autolock .....................................82
childproof ..................................73
doors ..........................................72
Lubricant specifications ...248, 250
Lug nuts ....................................145
Lumbar support, seats ...............89
M
Message center ...........................59
english/metric button ...............63
system check button ................64
warning messages .....................64
Mirrors ...................................45, 49automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................49
fold away ...................................49
side view mirrors (power) .......49
Moon roof ....................................54
Motorcraft parts ................235, 245
O
Octane rating ............................234
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................219
P
Parking brake ............................170
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....245
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor ...................96
Power adjustable foot pedals .....50
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................190
Power door locks ........................72
Power mirrors .............................49
Power point .................................46
Power steering ..........................172
fluid, checking and adding ....241
fluid, refill capacity ................246
fluid, specifications .........248, 250
Power Windows ...........................46
R
Radio ......................................17, 20
Relays ........................................187
Remote entry system .................75
illuminated entry ................79–80
opening the trunk .....................76
2005 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
259