2005 FORD FIVE HUNDRED warning

Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the gearshift is
latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the LOCK position and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp
remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly.
See your dealer or a qualified service technician.
Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (56 km/h). The tires may
fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Emergency maneuvers
•In an unavoidable emergency situation where a sudden sharp turn
must be made, remember to avoid “over-driving” your vehicle (i.e.,
turn the steering wheel only as rapidly and as far as required to avoid
the emergency). Excessive steering will result in less vehicle control,
not more. Additionally, smooth variations of the accelerator and/or
brake pedal pressure should be utilized if changes in vehicle speed are
called for. Avoid abrupt steering, acceleration or braking which could
result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover
and/or personal injury. Use all available road surface to return the
vehicle to a safe direction of travel.
•In the event of an emergency stop, avoid skidding the tires and do not
attempt any sharp steering wheel movements.
•If the vehicle goes from one type of surface to another (i.e., from
concrete to gravel) there will be a change in the way the vehicle
responds to a maneuver (steering, acceleration or braking). Again,
avoid these abrupt inputs.
2005 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
180

•Close windows for high speed driving.
EPA window sticker
Every new vehicle should have the EPA window sticker. Contact your
dealer if the window sticker is not supplied with your vehicle. The EPA
window sticker should be your guide for the fuel economy comparisons
with other vehicles.
It is important to note the box in the lower left corner of the window
sticker. These numbers represent the Range of MPG (L/100 km)
expected on the vehicle under optimum conditions. Your fuel economy
may vary depending upon the method of operation and conditions.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with
applicable exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic
converter and other emission control components continue to work
properly:
•Use only the specified fuel listed.
•Avoid running out of fuel.
•Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
•Have the items listed inscheduled maintenance information
performed according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed inscheduled maintenance
informationare essential to the life and performance of your vehicle
and to its emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats up the engine
compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Illumination of the “Check Engine” light, charging system warning light
or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors, smoke or
loss of engine power, could indicate that the emission control system is
not working properly.
2005 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
239

Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass an I/M test of
the on-board diagnostics system. If your
indicator is on, refer to
the description in theWarning lights and chimessection of the
Instrument Clusterchapter. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test with
the
indicator on.
If the vehicle’s powertrain system or its battery has just been serviced,
the on-board diagnostics system is reset to a “not ready for I/M test”
condition. To ready the on-board diagnostics system for I/M testing, a
minimum of 30 minutes of city and highway driving is necessary as
described below:
•First, at least 10 minutes of driving on an expressway or highway.
•Next, at least 20 minutes driving in stop-and-go, city-type traffic with
at least four idle periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete.
POWER STEERING FLUID
Refer to thescheduled maintenance informationfor the service
interval schedules. If adding fluid is necessary, use only MERCONAT F.
1. Start the engine and let it run
until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant
temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area
between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the
steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be between the MIN
and MAX lines. Do not add fluid if the level is in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the range between the MIN and MAX lines. Be
sure to put the cap back on the reservoir.
2005 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
241

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

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

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

Reverse sensing system ...........176
Roadside assistance ..................185
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........108
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ......................95, 98–102
Safety Canopy ...........................119
Safety defects, reporting ..........209
Safety restraints ............95, 98–102
belt minder .............................103
extension assembly ................108
for adults ...........................99–101
for children .....................122–123
Occupant Classification
Sensor ........................................96
safety belt maintenance .........108
warning light and
chime ...............................102–103
Safety seats for children ..........125
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................252
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............95
Seats ............................................88
child safety seats ....................125
front seats .....................88, 90, 92
heated ........................................29
memory seat .......................76, 92
Servicing your vehicle ..............216
Setting the clock
AM/FM/In-dash 6 CD ................21
Spare tire (see Changing
the Tire) ............................139, 141
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................245, 250Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................248, 250
Speed control ..............................50
Starting your vehicle .......165–166,
168
jump starting ..........................194
Steering wheel
controls ......................................53
tilting .........................................44
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................44
Tires ...........................133–134, 138
alignment ................................152
care ..........................................151
changing ..................138–139, 141
checking the pressure ............136
inspecting and inflating .........135
label .........................................150
replacing ..................................138
rotating ....................................153
safety practices .......................152
sidewall information ...............145
snow tires and chains ............154
spare tire .................................139
terminology .............................134
tire grades ...............................134
treadwear ........................133, 151
Towing .......................................161
recreational towing .................164
trailer towing ..........................161
wrecker ....................................199
Traction control ........................171
Transaxle
fluid, refill capacities ..............246
lubricant specifications ..........250
Transmission .............................172
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....172
2005 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
260

fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .....................242–243
lubricant specifications ..........248
Trunk ...........................................73
remote release ....................71, 76
Turn signal ..................................37
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................250
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................252
Vehicle loading ..........................155
Ventilating your vehicle ...........168W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......10
Washer fluid ..............................219
Water, Driving through .............184
Windows
power .........................................46
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
checking and adding fluid .....219
operation ...................................43
replacing wiper blades .............44
Wrecker towing .........................199
2005 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
261