2006 Mercury Montego transmission dipstick

IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
3.0L DOHC V6 DURATEC ENGINE
1. Engine coolant reservoir
2. Power steering fluid reservoir
3. Engine coolant bleed plug
4. Brake fluid reservoir
5. Battery
6. Power distribution box
7. Air filter assembly
8. 6–speed automatic transmission fluid dipstick (if equipped)
9. Engine oil dipstick
10. Engine oil filler cap
11. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
2006 Montego(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
227

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 Montego(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
252

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 Montego(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
253

wheels ......................................219
wiper blades ............................221
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......39, 41
Clock ............................................56
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................20
AM/FM/CD .................................16
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment .................72
Console ........................................56
overhead ..............................55–56
Controls
power seat ...............................100
steering column ........................64
Coolant
checking and adding ..............234
refill capacities ................239, 255
specifications ..................257, 259
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................61
Cupholder(s) .............................104
Customer Assistance ................188
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................215
Getting assistance outside
the U.S. and Canada ..............216
Getting roadside assistance ...188
Getting the service you
need .........................................211
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................216
Utilizing the Mediation/
Arbitration Program ...............214
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................47Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..................................251–252
engine oil .................................229
Doors
lubricant specifications ..........257
Driving under special
conditions ..........................182, 185
sand .........................................183
snow and ice ...........................186
through water .................184, 187
E
Electronic message center .........70
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................203
Emission control system ..........248
Engine ........................................259
cleaning ...................................220
coolant .....................................234
idle speed control ...................232
lubrication
specifications ..................257, 259
refill capacities ........................255
service points ..........................227
starting after a collision .........190
Engine block heater .................171
Engine oil ..................................229
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................229
checking and adding ..............229
dipstick ....................................229
filter, specifications ........231, 254
recommendations ...................231
refill capacities ........................255
specifications ..................257, 259
Exhaust fumes ..........................171
F
Fluid capacities .........................255
2006 Montego(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
266