2005 Mercury Montego tow

Seating and Safety Restraints 87
Seating 87
Safety restraints 94
Air bags 107
Child restraints 119
Tires, Wheels and Loading 130
Tire Information 131
Tire Inflation 132
Changing tires 135
Lug Nut Torque 142
Vehicle loading 152
Trailer towing 158
Recreational towing 161
Driving 162
Starting 162
Brakes 166
Traction control 167
Transmission operation 169
Roadside Emergencies 182
Getting roadside assistance 182
Hazard flasher switch 183
Fuel pump shut-off switch 183
Fuses and relays 184
Jump starting 191
Wrecker towing 196
Customer Assistance 198
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) 206
Cleaning 207
Table of Contents
2
2005 Montego(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA_English(fus)

SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
Warning symbols in this guide
How can you reduce the risk of personal injury to yourself or others? In
this guide, answers to such questions are contained in comments
highlighted by the warning triangle symbol. These comments should be
read and observed.
Warning symbols on your vehicle
When you see this symbol, it is
imperative that you consult the
relevant section of this guide before
touching or attempting adjustment
of any kind.
Protecting the environment
We must all play our part in
protecting the environment. Correct
vehicle usage and the authorized
disposal of waste, cleaning and
lubrication materials are significant
steps towards this aim. Information in this respect is highlighted in this
guide with the tree symbol.
BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE
Your vehicle does not need an extensive break-in. Try not to drive
continuously at the same speed for the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of
new vehicle operation. Vary your speed frequently in order to give the
moving parts a chance to break in.
Drive your new vehicle at least 500 miles (800 km) before towing a
trailer.
Do not add friction modifier compounds or special break-in oils during
the first few thousand miles (kilometers) of operation, since these
additives may prevent piston ring seating. SeeEngine oilin the
Maintenance and Specificationschapter for more information on oil
usage.
2005 Montego(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA_English(fus)
Introduction
5

RADIO RECEPTION FACTORS
There are three factors that can effect radio reception:
•Distance/strength: The further you travel from an FM station, the
weaker the signal and the weaker the reception.
•Terrain: Hills, mountains, tall buildings, power lines, electric fences,
traffic lights and thunderstorms can interfere with your reception.
•Station overload: When you pass a broadcast tower, a stronger signal
may overtake a weaker one and play while the weak station frequency
is displayed.
CD/CD PLAYER CARE
Do:
•Handle discs by their edges only. Never touch the playing surface.
•Inspect discs before playing. Clean only with an approved CD cleaner
and wipe from the center out.
Don’t:
•Expose discs to direct sunlight or heat sources for extended periods
of time.
•Insert more than one disc into each slot of the CD changer magazine.
•Clean using a circular motion.
CD units are designed to play commercially pressed 4.75 in (12 cm)
audio compact discs only. Due to technical incompatibility, certain
recordable and re-recordable compact discs may not function
correctly when used in Ford CD players. Irregular shaped CDs,
CDs with a scratch protection film attached, and CDs with
homemade paper (adhesive) labels should not be inserted into
the CD player. The label may peel and cause the CD to become
jammed. It is recommended that homemade CDs be identified
with permanent felt tip marker rather than adhesive labels.
Ballpoint pens may damage CDs. Please contact your dealer for
further information.
AUDIO SYSTEM WARRANTY AND SERVICE
Refer to theWarranty Guidefor audio system warranty information. If
service is necessary, see your dealer or qualified technician.
2005 Montego(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA_English(fus)
Entertainment Systems
23

Operating tips
•To reduce fog build up on the windshield during humid weather, place
the air flow selector in the
position.
•To reduce humidity build up inside the vehicle: do not drive with the
airflow selector in the O (OFF) or with recirculated air engaged.
•Do not put objects under the front seats that will interfere with the
airflow to the back seats.
•Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area at the base of
the windshield.
•For maximum cooling performance (MAX A/C):
In the MAX A/C mode:
•Move the temperature control selector to the coldest setting.
•Set the fan to the highest speed initially, then adjust to maintain
passenger comfort.
In the
andmodes:
•Move the temperature control selector to the coldest setting.
•Select A/C and recirculated air
. Usewith A/C to provide
colder airflow.
•Set the fan to the highest speed initially, then adjust to maintain
passenger comfort.
In extremely cold temperatures, to maximize overall heater performance
it is suggested to not operate the auxiliary system (if so equipped) until
the engine temperature gauge crosses into the normal operating range.
To aid in side window defogging/demisting in cold weather:
1. Select
.
2. Select A/C.
3. Set the temperature control to full heat.
4. Set the fan speed to the highest setting.
5. Direct the outer instrument panel vents towards the side windows.
Do not place objects on top of the instrument panel as these
objects may become projectiles in a collision or sudden stop.
2005 Montego(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA_English(fus)
Climate Controls
25

OPERATING TIPS
•To reduce fog build up on the windshield during humid weather, place
the air flow selector in the
position.
•To reduce humidity build up inside the vehicle: do not drive with the
airflow selector in the OFF or with recirculated air engaged.
•Do not put objects under the front seats that will interfere with the
airflow to the back seats.
•Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area at the base of
the windshield.
•For maximum cooling performance (MAX A/C):
In AUTO mode, press AUTO control and set to desired temperature.
In manual override control, select
or, A/C and recirculated
air
and set the temperature to 60°F (16°C). Set the fan to the
highest speed initially, then adjust to maintain passenger comfort.
•To improve the A/C cool down, drive with the windows slightly open
for 2–3 minutes after starting the vehicle or until the vehicle has
“aired out.”
In extremely cold temperatures, to maximize overall heater performance
it is suggested to not operate the auxiliary system (if so equipped) until
the engine temperature gauge crosses into the normal operating range.
To aid in side window defogging/demisting in cold weather:
1. Select
.
2. Select A/C.
3. Adjust the temperature control to maintain comfort.
4. Set the fan to the highest speed.
5. Direct the outer instrument panel vents towards the side windows.
Do not place objects on top of the instrument panel as these
objects may become projectiles in a collision or sudden stop.
2005 Montego(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA_English(fus)
Climate Controls
30

5. Wait the desired amount of time for the exit delay you want (up to
three minutes), then turn the headlamp switch to
. The headlamps
will turn off.
Foglamp control (if equipped)
With the ignition on, the foglamps
can be turned on when the
headlamp control is pulled toward
you and is in any of the following
positions:
•Parking lamps
•Low beams
•Autolamps (when active)
The foglamps will not operate when
the high beams are active.
Daytime running lamps (DRL) (if equipped)
Turns the headlamps on with a reduced output.
To activate:
•the ignition must be in the ON position,
•the headlamp control is in the OFF, autolamps or parking lamp
position and
•the transmission must be out of the Park position.
Always remember to turn on your headlamps at dusk or during
inclement weather. The Daytime Running Lamp (DRL) system
does not activate the tail lamps and generally may not provide
adequate lighting during these conditions. Failure to activate your
headlamps under these conditions may result in a collision.
2005 Montego(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA_English(fus)
Lights
33

High beams
Pull the lever towards you, to the
second detent, to activate. Pull the
lever towards you again to
deactivate.
Flash to pass
Pull toward you, to the first detent,
to activate and release to deactivate.
PANEL DIMMER CONTROL
Use to adjust the brightness of the
instrument panel and all applicable
switches in the vehicle during
headlamp and parklamp operation.
Move the control to the full upright
position, past detent, to turn on the
interior lamps.
AIMING THE HEADLAMPS
The headlamps on your vehicle are properly aimed at the assembly plant.
If your vehicle has been in an accident the alignment of your headlamps
should be checked by a qualified service technician.
2005 Montego(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA_English(fus)
Lights
34

MULTI-FUNCTION LEVER
Windshield wiper:For intermittent
operation, move control up one
position.
Adjust the rotary control to the
desired speed setting.
Mist function:To activate mist,
push control down from the OFF
position and release to get one wipe.
For normal or low speed wiper
operation, move control up two
positions from OFF.
For high speed wiper operation,
move control up three positions
from OFF.
Windshield washer:Pull the end
of the stalk towards you:
•briefly: causes a single swipe of
the wipers without washer fluid.
•a quick pull and hold: the wipers
will swipe three times with
washer fluid.
•a long pull and hold: the wipers and washer fluid will be activated for
up to ten seconds.
2005 Montego(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA_English(fus)
Driver Controls
41