
BRAKE FLUID
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 authorized dealer immediately.
TRANSAXLE FLUID
Checking automatic transaxle fluid—CVT transaxle
Do not use supplemental transaxle fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials or transaxle fluids
other than the recommended fluid, may affect transaxle operation
and result in damage to internal transaxle components.
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid 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, takes more than a couple of seconds
to engage into Drive/Reverse or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
It is recommended that an authorized dealer check fluid level and
add fluid if required.
If your transaxle has a low fluid condition sufficient to affect proper
operation the transaxle control module will send a signal to illuminate
the
on the instrument panel.
As long as the transaxle engages normally to drive or reverse, it is safe
to drive but if the
illuminates the vehicle should be taken to your
authorized dealer for evaluation as soon as possible.
2006 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
256

If your transaxle does not engage normally, do not attempt to
drive. The vehicle should be towed to your authorized 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]).
2006 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
257

REFILL CAPACITIES
Fluid Ford Part
NameApplication Capacity
Brake fluid Motorcraft High
Performance
DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake
FluidAll Between MAX
and MIN on
reservoir
Engine
coolant
1Motorcraft
Premium Gold
Engine Coolant
(yellow-colored)3.0L engine 11.6 quarts
(11.0L)
Engine oil
(includes filter
change)
2
Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 Premium
Synthetic Blend
Motor Oil (US)
Motorcraft SAE
5W-20 Super
Premium Motor
Oil (Canada)3.0L engine 6.0 quarts (5.7L)
Fuel tank
capacityN/A All 20.0 gallons
(75.7)
Power steering
fluidMotorcraft
MERCONAT F3.0L engine Between MAX
and MIN on
reservoir
Automatic
transaxleMotorcraft
Continuously
Variable Chain
Type
Transmission
Fluid
3
CVT automatic
transaxle10.0 quarts
(9.5L)4
Premium
Automatic
Transmission
Fluid
3
6–speed
automatic
transaxle7.4 quarts (7.0L)4
2006 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
260

LUBRICANT SPECIFICATIONS
ItemsFord Part
Name or
equivalentFord Part
NumberFord
Specification
Brake fluid Motorcraft High
Performance
DOT 3 Motor
Vehicle Brake
FluidPM-1 or PM-1-C ESA-M6C25-A
or
WSS-M6C62-A
Door latch,
hood latch,
auxiliary hood
latch, seat
tracks, trunk
and liftgate
latchesMulti-Purpose
GreaseXG-4 or XL-5 ESA-M1C93-B
Lock cylinders Motorcraft
Penetrating and
Lock LubricantXL-1 none
Automatic CVT
transaxleMotorcraft
Continuously
Variable Chain
Type
Transmission
Fluid
1
XT-7-QCFT WSS-M2C933–A
Automatic
6-speed
transaxleMotorcraft
Premium
Automatic
Transmission
Fluid
1
XT-8-QAW WSS-M2C924-A
Rear Axle
(AWD)Motorcraft SAE
80W-90
Premium Rear
Axle LubricantXY-80W90-QL WSP-M2C197–A
2006 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
262

A
Accessory delay ..........................63
Air cleaner filter .......................259
Air conditioning ....................42, 44
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................123, 132, 134
and child safety seats ............125
description ..............123, 132, 134
disposal ....................................137
driver airbag ............125, 133, 135
indicator light .................131, 137
operation .................125, 133, 135
passenger airbag .....125, 133, 135
side airbag ...............................132
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................185
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................239
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................176
Anti-theft system ..................96, 99
arming the system ....................99
disarming a triggered
system .....................................100
triggering .................................100
Audio system (see Radio) ...17, 20
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ....................256–257
fluid, checking ................256–257
fluid, refill capacities ..............260
fluid, specification ..................264
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .........................181–182
Axle
lubricant specifications ..........262
B
Battery .......................................237acid, treating emergencies .....237
jumping a disabled battery ....208
maintenance-free ....................237
replacement, specifications ...259
servicing ..................................237
BeltMinder...............................117
Brakes ........................................175
anti-lock ...................................176
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................176
fluid, checking and adding ....256
fluid, refill capacities ..............260
fluid, specifications .........262, 264
lubricant specifications ..262, 264
parking ....................................177
shift interlock ..........................179
Bulbs ............................................52
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....260
Cargo net .....................................83
Cassette tape player ...................17
Cell phone use ..............................7
Changing a tire .........................201
Child safety restraints ..............138
child safety belts ....................138
Child safety seats ......................141
attaching with tether straps ..145
in front seat ............................142
in rear seat ..............................142
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............225
instrument panel ....................226
interior .....................................227
interior trim ............................227
plastic parts ............................225
washing ....................................223
waxing .....................................224
2006 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
271

autolock .....................................94
keypad .......................................93
locking and unlocking doors ....94
programming entry code .........93
Keys .............................................97
positions of the ignition .........172
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................48
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................53
daytime running light ...............50
fog lamps ...................................49
headlamps .................................48
headlamps, flash to pass ..........49
instrument panel, dimming .....50
interior lamps ...........................52
replacing bulbs .............53–54, 57
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................52
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........176
Load limits .................................163
Locks
autolock .....................................94
childproof ..................................85
doors ..........................................84
Lubricant specifications ...262, 264
Lug nuts ....................................208
Lumbar support, seats .............102
M
Message center ...........................74
english/metric button ...............79
system check button ................79
warning messages .....................80
Mirrors .........................................64automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................64
fold away ...................................64
heated ........................................65
side view mirrors (power) .......64
Moon roof ....................................69
Motorcraft parts ........228, 245, 259
N
Navigation system .......................25
O
Octane rating ............................249
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................234
P
Parking brake ............................177
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....259
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor .................110
Power adjustable foot pedals .....65
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................198
Power door locks ........................84
Power mirrors .............................64
Power point .................................61
Power steering ..........................178
fluid, checking and adding ....255
fluid, refill capacity ................260
fluid, specifications .........262, 264
Power Windows ...........................61
R
Radio ......................................17, 20
2006 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
274

recreational towing .................171
trailer towing ..........................169
wrecker ....................................214
Traction control ........................178
Transaxle
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .....................256–257
fluid, refill capacities ..............260
lubricant specifications ..........264
Transmission .............................179
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....179
lubricant specifications ..........262
Trunk ...........................................85
remote release ....................83, 88
Turn signal ..................................52
V
Vehicle dimensions ...................264Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................266
Vehicle loading ..........................163
Ventilating your vehicle ...........175
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......10
Washer fluid ..............................233
Water, Driving through .............191
Windows
power .........................................61
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers
checking and adding fluid .....233
operation ...................................58
replacing wiper blades ...........233
Wrecker towing .........................214
2006 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
276