Page 44 of 264

Changing the wiper blades
1. Pull the wiper arm away from the
vehicle. Turn the blade 90 degrees
from the wiper arm and remove it
from the arm.
2. Attach the new wiper to the
wiper arm by turning it 90 degrees
it into place.
Replace wiper blades at least once
per year for optimum performance.
Poor wiper quality can sometimes be improved by cleaning the wiper
blades, refer toWindows and wiper bladesin theCleaningchapter.
To prolong the life of the wiper blades, it is highly recommended to
scrape off the ice on the windshield before turning on the wipers. The
layer of ice has many sharp edges and can damage the micro edge of the
wiper rubber element.
TILT STEERING WHEEL
To adjust the steering wheel:
1. Pull down and hold the steering
wheel release control.
2. Move the steering wheel up or
down until you find the desired
location.
3. Pull the steering wheel release
control up. This will lock the
steering wheel in position.
Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving.
2005 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
44
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•3.0L Duratec engine
•Never wash or rinse the engine while it is running; water in the
running engine may cause internal damage.
PLASTIC (NON-PAINTED) EXTERIOR PARTS
Use only approved products to clean plastic parts. These products are
available from your dealer.
•For routine cleaning, use Motorcraft Detail Wash (ZC-3–A).
•If tar or grease spots are present, use Motorcraft Bug and Tar
Remover (ZC-42).
WINDOWS AND WIPER BLADES
The windshield, rear and side windows and the wiper blades should be
cleaned regularly. If the wipers do not wipe properly, substances on the
vehicle’s glass or the wiper blades may be the cause. These may include
hot wax treatments used by commercial car washes, tree sap, or other
organic contamination. To clean these items, please follow these tips:
•The windshield, rear windows and side windows may be cleaned with
a non-abrasive cleaner such as Motorcraft Ultra-Clear Spray Glass
Cleaner (ZC-23), available from your dealer.
•Do not use abrasives, as they may cause scratches.
•Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean any parts.
•Wiper blades can be cleaned with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
windshield washer solution. Be sure to replace wiper blades when they
appear worn or do not function properly.
2005 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Cleaning
212
Page 219 of 264

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
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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
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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