•You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain if
unnecessary shifting between third and fourth gear occurs.
Unnecessary shifting of this type could result in reduced fuel
economy.
•Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
•Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
•Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toLubricant specificationsin
this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found inscheduled maintenance information.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for every 400 lb [180 kg] of weight carried).
•Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
•Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
8–10 miles (12–16 km) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
•Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
•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.
2005 Monterey(mty)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA_English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
275
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.
Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and potentially
lethal fumes into the passenger compartment.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not
2005 Monterey(mty)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA_English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
276
permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent
it from working. Information about your vehicle’s emission system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the
engine. This decal identifies engine displacement and gives some tune up
specifications.
Please consult yourWarranty Guidefor complete emission warranty
information.
On board diagnostics (OBD-II)
Your vehicle is equipped with a computer that monitors the engine’s
emission control system. This system is commonly known as the On
Board Diagnostics System (OBD-II). This OBD-II system protects the
environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues to meet
government emission standards. The OBD-II system also assists the
service technician in properly servicing your vehicle. When theCheck
engine/Service engine soonlight illuminates, the OBD-II system has
detected a malfunction. Temporary malfunctions may cause yourCheck
engine/Service engine soonlight to illuminate. Examples are:
1. The vehicle has run out of fuel. (The engine may misfire or run
poorly.)
2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel.
3. The fuel cap may not have been securely tightened. SeeFuel filler
capin this chapter.
These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with good quality fuel and/or properly tightening the fuel cap. After three
driving cycles without these or any other temporary malfunctions
present, theCheck engine/Service engine soonlight should turn off. (A
driving cycle consists of a cold engine startup followed by mixed
city/highway driving.) No additional vehicle service is required.
If theCheck engine/Service engine soonlight remains on, have your
vehicle serviced at the first available opportunity.
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 yourCheck engine/Service engine
soonlight is on, refer to the description in theWarning lights and
chimessection of theInstrument Clusterchapter. Your vehicle may not
pass the I/M test with theCheck engine/Service engine soonlight on.
2005 Monterey(mty)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA_English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
277
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.
CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Check the power steering fluid.
Refer to the scheduled maintenance
guide for 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 within this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the correct operating range. Be sure to put the
cap back on the reservoir.
2005 Monterey(mty)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA_English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
278
BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the “MIN” and
“MAX” lines are within the normal
operating range; there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating
range the performance of your
brake system could be
compromised; seek service from
your dealer immediately.
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
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.
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.
2005 Monterey(mty)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA_English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
279
10. Ensure the pads on the bottom
of the air cleaner assembly are
properly seated.
11. Reconnect the outlet tube to the
air cleaner assembly and tighten the
clamp.
12. Reconnect the Mass Air Flow
Sensor electrical connector to the
outlet tube. Make sure the locking
tab on the connector is in “locked”
position.
Note:If hose clamp is not secured properly or Mass Air Flow Sensor
electrical connector is not properly installed the Check Engine light will
illuminate when vehicle is operated.
Note:Do not use oil-impregnated air filter elements. Failure to use the
correct air filter element may result in severe engine damage. The
customer warranty may be voided for any damage to the engine if the
correct air filter element is not used.
2005 Monterey(mty)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA_English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
284
1. World manufacturer identifier
2. Brake type and gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR)
3. Vehicle line, series, body type
4. Engine type
5. Check digit
6. Model year
7. Assembly plant
8. Production sequence number
Engine number
The engine number (the last eight numbers of the vehicle identification
number) is stamped on the engine block, transmission, frame and
transfer case (if equipped).
Transmission/Transaxle code designations
You can find a transmission/transaxle code on the vehicle certification
label. The following table tells you which transmission or transaxle each
code represents.
Code Description
N Four-speed automatic (AX4N)
2005 Monterey(mty)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA_English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
292
A
Accessory delay ..........................65
AdvanceTrac ..............................211
Air bag supplemental restraint
system ................142–143, 149, 152
and child safety seats ............144
description ..............143, 149, 152
disposal ....................................155
driver air bag ..........145, 150, 153
indicator light .................149, 154
operation .................145, 150, 153
passenger air bag ...145, 150, 153
side air bag ..............................149
Air cleaner filter ...............281, 285
Air filter, cabin ............................40
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................263
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................210–211
Anti-theft system ......................107
arming the system ..................107
disarming a triggered
system .....................................107
Audio system
(see Radio) ......................17, 20, 23
Automatic transaxle .................214
fluid, adding ............................279
fluid, checking ........................279
fluid, refill capacities ..............286
fluid, specification ..................289
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................216
Auxiliary power point .................63
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........287
B
Battery .......................................261acid, treating emergencies .....261
jumping a disabled battery ....232
maintenance-free ....................261
replacement, specifications ...285
servicing ..................................261
BeltMinder .................................137
Brakes ........................................210
anti-lock ...........................210–211
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................210
fluid, checking and adding ....279
fluid, refill capacities ..............286
fluid, specifications .........287, 289
lubricant specifications ..287, 289
parking ....................................211
shift interlock ..........................214
Bulbs ............................................48
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....286
Cargo net .....................................89
Cassette tape player .......17, 20, 23
Cell phone use ............................71
Certification Label ....................291
Child safety restraints ..............155
child safety belts ....................155
Child safety seats ......................158
in front seat ............................159
in rear seat ..............................159
tether anchorage hardware ...162
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............249
instrument panel ....................251
interior .....................................251
interior trim ............................251
plastic parts ............................250
washing ....................................248
waxing .....................................248
2005 Monterey(mty)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA_English(fus)
Index
295