2006 FORD FIVE HUNDRED power steering

Introduction 4
Instrument Cluster 10
Warning lights and chimes 10
Gauges 14
Entertainment Systems 17
AM/FM stereo with CD 17
AM/FM stereo with in-dash six CD 20
Family entertainment system 25
Climate Controls 40
Manual heating and air conditioning 40
Automatic temperature control 42
Rear window defroster 47
Lights 48
Headlamps 48
Turn signal control 52
Bulb replacement 52
Driver Controls 58
Windshield wiper/washer control 58
Steering wheel adjustment 59
Power windows 61
Mirrors 64
Speed control 65
Moon roof 69
Message center 74
Locks and Security 84
Keys 84
Locks 84
Anti-theft system 96
Table of Contents
1
2006 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)

Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Power Windows
Front/Rear
Power Window Lockout
Child Safety Door
Lock/UnlockInterior Luggage
Compartment Release
Symbol
Panic AlarmEngine Oil
Engine CoolantEngine Coolant
Temperature
Do Not Open When HotBattery
Avoid Smoking, Flames,
or SparksBattery Acid
Explosive GasFan Warning
Power Steering FluidMaintain Correct Fluid
LevelMAX
MIN
Emission SystemEngine Air Filter
Passenger Compartment
Air FilterJack
Check Fuel CapLow Tire Pressure
Warning
2006 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Introduction
9

information identifies and describes the fundamental characteristics of
the tire and also provides a U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number for
safety standard certification and in case of a recall.
This begins with the letters “DOT” and indicates that the tire meets all
federal standards. The next two numbers or letters are the plant code
designating where it was manufactured, the next two are the tire size
code and the last four numbers represent the week and year the tire was
built. For example, the numbers 317 mean the 31st week of 1997. After
2000 the numbers go to four digits. For example, 2501 means the 25th
week of 2001. The numbers in between are identification codes used for
traceability. This information is used to contact customers if a tire defect
requires a recall.
Tire Replacement Requirements
Your vehicle is equipped with tires designed to provide a safe ride and
handling capability.
Only use replacement tires and wheels that are the same size
and type (such as P-metric versus LT-metric or all-season versus
all-terrain) as those originally provided by Ford. Use of any tire or
wheel not recommended by Ford can affect the safety and
performance of your vehicle, which could result in an increased risk of
loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
Additionally the use of non-recommended tires and wheels could cause
steering, suspension, axle or transfer case/power transfer unit failure. If
you have questions regarding tire replacement, see an authorized
dealer.
Important:Remember to replace the wheel valve stems when the road
tires are replaced on your vehicle.
It is recommended that the two front tires or two rear tires generally be
replaced as a pair.
Safety practices
Driving habits have a great deal to do with your tire mileage and safety.
•Observe posted speed limits
•Avoid fast starts, stops and turns
•Avoid potholes and objects on the road
•Do not run over curbs or hit the tire against a curb when parking
2006 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
155

STARTING
Positions of the ignition
1. LOCK, locks the automatic
transaxle gearshift lever and allows
key removal. This position also shuts
the engine and all electrical
accessories off without locking the
steering wheel. To lock the steering
wheel, remove the key then turn the
steering wheel.
2. ACC, allows the electrical accessories such as the radio to operate
while the engine is not running. This position also unlocks the steering
wheel.
3. RUN, all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights illuminated. Key
position when driving.
4. START, cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine
starts.
Starting your vehicle
Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain control system. This
system meets all Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment standard
requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio
noise.
When starting a fuel-injected engine, don’t press the accelerator before
or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have difficulty
starting the engine. For more information on starting the vehicle, refer to
Starting the enginein this chapter.
To avoid potential transmission damage at extremely cold temperatures
(below -20°F [-30°C]), it is recommended that the vehicle be warmed up
to normal operating temperature before driving at highway speeds above
50 mph (80 km/h). Normal operating temperature is normally reached
after 10 minutes of moderate driving or idling.
Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce very high
temperatures in the engine and exhaust system, creating the risk
of fire or other damage.
2006 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
172

TRACTION CONTROL(IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a Traction Controlsystem. This
system helps you maintain the stability and steerability of your vehicle. It
is especially useful on slippery road surfaces. The system operates by
detecting and controlling wheel spin. The system borrows many of the
electronic elements already present in the anti-lock braking system
(ABS).
Wheel-speed sensors allow excess wheel spin to be detected by the
Traction Controlportion of the ABS computer. Excess wheel spin is
controlled through engine torque reduction. This is realized via the fully
electronic engine control system. This process is very sensitive to driving
conditions and very fast acting. The wheels “search” for optimum
traction several times a second and adjustments are made accordingly.
The Traction Controlsystem will allow your vehicle to make better use
of available traction on slippery surfaces. The system is a driver aid
which makes your vehicle easier to handle primarily on snow and ice
covered roads.
During Traction Controloperation the engine will not “rev-up” when
you push further on the accelerator. This is normal system behavior.
If you should become stuck in deep
snow or on a very slippery road
surface, try switching the Traction
Controlsystem off. This may allow
excess wheel spin to “dig” the
vehicle out or enable a successful
“rocking” maneuver.
Aggressive driving in any road conditions can cause you to lose
control of your vehicle increasing the risk of severe personal
injury or property damage. The occurrence of a Traction Control
event is an indication that at least some of the tires have exceeded
their ability to grip the road; this may lead to an increased risk of loss
of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. If you
experience a severe road event, SLOW DOWN.
STEERING
To help prevent damage to the power steering system, never hold the
steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it stops) for more than
a few seconds when the engine is running.
2006 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
178

It is also important to maintain a proper power steering fluid level in the
power steering fluid reservoir:
•Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level.
SeeChecking and adding power steering fluidin theMaintenance
and Specificationschapter.
•Some noise is normal during operation. If the noise is excessive, check
for low power steering pump fluid level before seeking service by your
authorized dealer.
•Heavy or uneven steering efforts may be caused by low power steering
pump fluid level. Check for low power steering pump fluid level before
seeking service by your authorized dealer.
•Do not fill the power steering pump reservoir above the maximum
level, as this may result in leaks from the reservoir. SeeChecking and
adding power steering fluidin theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•an improperly inflated tire
•uneven tire wear
•loose or worn suspension components
•loose or worn steering components
•improper steering alignment
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE OPERATION
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is
in the ON position unless the brake pedal is depressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in
the ON position and the brake pedal depressed:
1. Remove the trim ring around the gearshift lever.
2006 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
179

Descend a hill in the same gear you
would use to climb up the hill to
avoid excessive brake application
and brake overheating. Do not
descend in neutral; instead,
disengage overdrive or manually
shift to a lower gear. When
descending a steep hill, avoid
sudden hard braking as you could
lose control. When you brake hard,
the front wheels can’t turn and if
they aren’t turning, you won’t be
able to steer. The front wheels have to be turning in order to steer the
vehicle.
If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, apply the brakes steadily. Do not
“pump” the brakes.
Driving on snow and ice
Note:Excessive tire slippage can cause transaxle damage.
AWD vehicles have advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but
can skid like any other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving on snowy or icy roads, turn the
steering wheel in the direction of the slide until you regain control.
Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although an AWD vehicle may accelerate
better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won’t stop any
faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels. Do
not become overconfident as to road conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles
for stopping. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower
gears. In emergency stopping situations, apply the brake steadily. Since
your vehicle is equipped with a four wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS),
do not “pump” the brakes. Refer to theBrakessection of this chapter
for additional information on the operation of the anti-lock brake system.
2006 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
190

Passenger compartment fuse panel/Smart Junction Box (SJB)
The fuse panel is located under the instrument panel to the left of the
steering wheel.
The fuses are coded as follows.
Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingPassenger Compartment Fuse
Panel Description
F1 20A High beams
F2 15A Interior lamps (Courtesy and
demand lamps), Delayed
accessory (Power windows and
moonroof)
F3 25A Access/Security (Power door lock
actuators, Decklid lock actuator,
Decklid solenoid)
F4 15A Adjustable pedal switch
F5 20A Horns
F6 20A Audio (Subwoofer)
F7 7.5A Power/Keep Alive Memory
(KAM): Cluster and Powertrain
Control Module (PCM), Climate
control, Analog clock
2006 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
196