Page 2 of 272
Seating and Safety Restraints 97
Seating 97
Safety restraints 105
Airbags 118
Child restraints 132
Tires, Wheels and Loading 144
Tire Information 144
Tire Inflation 146
Vehicle loading 158
Trailer towing 164
Recreational towing 167
Driving 168
Starting 168
Brakes 171
Traction control 173
Transmission operation 175
Roadside Emergencies 188
Getting roadside assistance 188
Hazard flasher switch 189
Fuel pump shut-off switch 190
Fuses and relays 190
Changing tires 197
Lug Nut Torque 203
Jump starting 203
Wrecker towing 209
Customer Assistance 211
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) 217
Cleaning 218
Table of Contents
2
2006 Montego(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Page 173 of 272

The BRAKE warning lamp in the
instrument cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated (when the
ignition is turned ON) until the
parking brake is released.
Always set the parking brake fully and make sure that the
gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
rear brakes, the vehicle’s stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
Push the pedal downward again to
release the parking brake. Driving
with the parking brake on will cause
the brakes to wear out quickly and
reduce fuel economy.
Note:If the vehicle is driven with
the parking brake applied, a chime
will sound.
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.
P!
BRAKE
2006 Montego(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
173
Page 201 of 272
4. Put the jack in the jack notch
next to the tire you are changing.
Turn the jack handle clockwise until
the wheel is completely off the
ground.
5. Remove the lug nuts with the lug wrench.
6. Replace the flat tire with the spare tire, making sure the valve stem is
facing outward. Reinstall the lug nuts until the wheel is snug against the
hub. Do not fully tighten the lug nuts until the wheel has been lowered.
7. Lower the wheel by turning the jack handle counterclockwise.
8. Remove the jack and fully tighten
the lug nuts in the order shown.
Refer toWheel lug nut torque
specificationslater in this chapter
for the proper lug nut torque
specification.
9. Install the wheel cover (if
equipped). The wheel cover will
only install if the Ford/Mercury logo
is aligned over the valve stem on the
wheel.
1
4 3
2 5
2006 Montego(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
201
Page 203 of 272

If you are stowing the temporary
spare tire,place the tire over the
jack and secure it with the large
wing nut.
WHEEL LUG NUT TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
Retighten the lug nuts to the specified torque at 100 miles (160 km)
after any wheel disturbance (tire rotation, changing a flat tire, wheel
removal, etc.).
Bolt size Wheel lug nut torque*
lb.ft. N•m
1/2-20 UNF 100 135
* Torque specifications are for nut and bolt threads free of dirt and
rust. Use only Ford recommended replacement fasteners.
When a wheel is installed, always remove any corrosion, dirt or
foreign materials present on the mounting surfaces of the wheel
or the surface of the wheel hub, brake drum or brake disc that
contacts the wheel. Ensure that any fasteners that attach the rotor to
the hub are secured so they do not interfere with the mounting
surfaces of the wheel. Installing wheels without correct metal-to-metal
contact at the wheel mounting surfaces can cause the wheel nuts to
loosen and the wheel to come off while the vehicle is in motion,
resulting in loss of control.
JUMP STARTING
The gases around the battery can explode if exposed to flames,
sparks, or lit cigarettes. An explosion could result in injury or
vehicle damage.
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which can burn skin, eyes and
clothing, if contacted.
2006 Montego(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
203