2006 FORD FIVE HUNDRED check transmission fluid

Speed control:Illuminates when
the speed control is engaged. Turns
off when the speed control system
is disengaged.
Low washer fluid (if equipped):
Illuminates when the windshield
washer fluid is low.
Door ajar (if equipped):
Illuminates when the ignition is in
the ON position and any door or
decklid is open.
Anti-theft system:Flashes when
the SecuriLockPassive Anti-theft
System has been activated.
Throttle Control/Transmission:
Illuminates when a powertrain fault
or an AWD fault (if equipped) has
been detected. Contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Turn signal:Illuminates when the
left or right turn signal or the
hazard lights are turned on. If the
indicators flash faster, check for a burned out bulb.
High beams:Illuminates when the
high beam headlamps are turned on.
Key-in-ignition warning chime:Sounds when the key is left in the
ignition in the OFF/LOCK or ACCESSORY position and the driver’s door
is opened.
Headlamps on warning chime:Sounds when the headlamps or parking
lamps are on, the ignition is off (the key is not in the ignition) and the
driver’s door is opened.
2006 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Instrument Cluster
13

when you are driving over sand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does slide, steer in the direction of
the slide until you regain control of the vehicle.
If the transmission, AWD system components or axles are submerged in
water, their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary.
Driving through deep water may damage the transmission.
If the front or rear axle is submerged in water, the axle lubricant and
PTU (Power Transfer Unit) lubricant should be checked and changed if
necessary.
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts
and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts causes an
imbalance that could damage drive components.
“Tread Lightly” is an educational
program designed to increase public
awareness of land-use regulations
and responsibilities in our nations
wilderness areas. Ford Motor
Company joins the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land
Management in encouraging you to help preserve our national forest and
other public and private lands by “treading lightly.”
Driving on hilly or sloping terrain
Although natural obstacles may make it necessary to travel diagonally up
or down a hill or steep incline, you should always try to drive straight up
or straight down.Avoid driving crosswise or turning on steep
slopes or hills.A danger lies in losing traction, slipping sideways and
possibly rolling over. Whenever driving on a hill, determine beforehand
the route you will use. Do not drive over the crest of a hill without
seeing what conditions are on the other side. Do not drive in reverse
over a hill without the aid of an observer.
When climbing a steep slope or hill, start in a lower gear rather than
downshifting to a lower gear from a higher gear once the ascent has
started. This reduces strain on the engine and the possibility of stalling.
If you do stall out, Do not try to turnaround because you might roll over.
It is better to back down to a safe location.
Apply just enough power to the wheels to climb the hill. Too much
power will cause the tires to slip, spin or lose traction, resulting in loss of
vehicle control.
2006 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
189

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

Checking automatic transmission fluid at cool temperature
(32°F-81°F [17°C-27°C])
If a fluid check is necessary at a low
fluid temperature (32°F-81°F
[17°C-27°C]), perform the check
using the cold range on the dipstick.
However, the fluid must be re-checked at the proper fluid temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level does not show at all on the
dipstick.
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may result in transaxle failure. An
overfill condition of transmission
fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or
possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the
Lubricant specificationssection in this chapter.
Note:Only one ATF fluid specification has been tested and approved for
use with 6-speed—Premium Automatic Transmission fluid. Mercon fluids
can not be used in a automatic 6-speed without damage or voiding
warranty.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transaxle component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 1/2 pint (250 mL) increments through the filler
tube until the level is correct.
2006 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
258

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

wheels ......................................224
wiper blades ............................226
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......42, 44
Clock ............................................60
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................21
AM/FM/CD
.................................17
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment
.................76
Console
........................................60
overhead
..............................59–60
Controls
power seat
...............................104
steering column
........................68
Coolant
checking and adding
..............239
refill capacities
................244, 260
specifications
..................262, 264
Cruise control
(see Speed control)
....................65
Cupholder(s)
.............................108
Customer Assistance
................192
Ford Extended Service
Plan
..........................................220
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada
.....................221
Getting roadside assistance
...192
Getting the service you
need
.........................................216
Ordering additional owner’s
literature
.................................222
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program
...................................220D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................50
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..................................256–257
engine oil .................................234
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........262
Driving under special
conditions ..........................186, 189
sand .........................................188
snow and ice ...........................190
through water .................188, 191
E
Electronic message center .........74
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................208
Emission control system ..........253
Engine ........................................264
cleaning ...................................225
coolant .....................................239
idle speed control ...................237
lubrication specifications ......262,
264
refill capacities ........................260
service points ..........................232
starting after a collision .........194
Engine block heater .................175
Engine oil ..................................234
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................234
checking and adding ..............234
dipstick ....................................234
filter, specifications ........236, 259
recommendations ...................236
refill capacities ........................260
2006 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
272

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