
Front safety belt pretensioners
The safety belt pretensioners at the front outboard seating positions are
designed to tighten the safety belts firmly against the occupant’s body
during frontal collisions, and in side collisions and rollovers when the
vehicle is equipped with the Safety Canopysystem. This helps increase
the effectiveness of the safety belts. In frontal collisions, the safety belt
pretensioners can be activated alone or, if the collision is of sufficient
severity, together with the front airbags.
Front safety belt energy management retractors
The front outboard safety belt energy management retractors allow
webbing to be pulled out of the retractor in a gradual and controlled
manner in response to the occupant’s forward momentum. This helps
reduce the risk of force-related injuries to the occupant’s chest by
limiting the load on the occupant. Refer toEnergy management feature
section in this chapter.
Determining if the Personal Safety Systemis operational
The Personal Safety Systemuses a warning light in the instrument
cluster or a back-up tone to indicate the condition of the system. Refer
to theWarning lights and chimessection in theInstrument Cluster
chapter. Routine maintenance of the Personal Safety Systemis not
required.
The Restraints Control Module (RCM) monitors its own internal circuits
and the circuits for the airbag supplemental restraints, crash sensor(s),
safety belt pretensioners, front safety belt buckle sensors, driver seat
position sensor, and front passenger sensing system. In addition, the
RCM also monitors the restraints warning light in the instrument cluster.
A difficulty with the system is indicated by one or more of the following.
•The warning light will either flash or stay lit.
•The warning light will not illuminate immediately after ignition is
turned on.
•A series of five beeps will be heard. The tone pattern will repeat
periodically until the problem and warning light are repaired.
If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have the Personal
Safety Systemserviced at an authorized dealer immediately. Unless
serviced, the system may not function properly in the event of a
collision.
2007 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
120

Any alteration/modification to the front passenger seat may
affect the performance of the front passenger sensing system.
Determining if the system is operational
The supplemental restraint system uses a warning indicator light in the
instrument cluster or a back-up tone to indicate the condition of the
system. Refer to theWarning lights and chimessection in the
Instrument Clusterchapter. Routine maintenance of the airbag is not
required.
A difficulty with the system is indicated by one or more of the following:
•The readiness light (same light
for front and side airbag system)
will either flash or stay lit.
•The readiness light will not
illuminate immediately after ignition is turned on.
•A series of five beeps will be heard. The tone pattern will repeat
periodically until the problem and/or light are repaired.
If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have the supplemental
restraint system serviced at an authorized dealer immediately. Unless
serviced, the system may not function properly in the event of a
collision.
Seat-mounted side airbag system (if equipped)
Do not place objects or mount equipment on or near the airbag
cover on the side of the seatbacks of the front seats or in front
seat areas that may come into contact with a deploying airbag. Failure
to follow these instructions may increase the risk of personal injury in
the event of a collision.
Do not use accessory seat covers. The use of accessory seat
covers may prevent the deployment of the side airbags and
increase the risk of injury in an accident.
Do not lean your head on the door. The side airbag could injure
you as it deploys from the side of the seatback.
2007 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Seating and Safety Restraints
140

Safety chains
Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to the frame or hook retainers
of the vehicle hitch. To connect the trailer’s safety chains, cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.
Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are
safe if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer’s
specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and Federal
regulations.
Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system directly to your
vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not have enough
braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly increase.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. See your
authorized dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions and
equipment for hooking up trailer lamps.
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
•It is recommended to select the L (Low) gear position when additional
engine braking is needed. In situations such as prolonged downhill
driving on steep grades (i.e., driving in mountainous areas), additional
engine braking is needed to reduce the load on the vehicle’s regular
brake system to prevent them from overheating.
•Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to yourscheduled maintenance
informationfor more information.
2007 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Tires, Wheels and Loading
180

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.
2007 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
182

•Make sure the gearshift lever is in
P (Park).
3. Turn the key to 3 (RUN) without
turning the key to 4 (START).
Some warning lights will briefly illuminate. SeeWarning lights and
chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter for more information
regarding the warning lights.
Starting the engine
1. Turn the key to 3 (RUN) without
turning the key to 4 (START).
2. Turn the key to 4 (START), then
release the key as soon as the
engine starts. Excessive cranking
could damage the starter.
Note:If the engine does not start within five seconds on the first try,
turn the key to LOCK, wait 10 seconds and try again. If the engine still
fails to start, press the accelerator to the floor and try again; this will
allow the engine to crank with the fuel shut off in case the engine is
flooded with fuel.
2007 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
184

If you have run out of fuel:
•You may need to cycle the ignition from OFF to ON several times after
refueling to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine. On restarting, cranking time will take a few seconds longer
than normal.
•Normally, adding 1 gallon (3.8L) of fuel is enough to restart the
engine. If the vehicle is out of fuel and on a steep grade, more than
1 gallon (3.8L) may be required.
•The
indicator may come on. For more information on the “check
engine” or the “service engine soon” indicator, refer toWarning lights
and chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter.
ESSENTIALS OF GOOD FUEL ECONOMY
Measuring techniques
Your best source of information about actual fuel economy is you, the
driver. You must gather information as accurately and consistently as
possible. Fuel expense, frequency of fill-ups or fuel gauge readings are
NOT accurate as a measure of fuel economy. We do not recommend
taking fuel economy measurements during the first 1,000 miles
(1,600 km) of driving (engine break-in period). You will get a more
accurate measurement after 2,000 miles–3,000 miles
(3,000 km–5,000 km).
Filling the tank
The advertised fuel capacity of the fuel tank on your vehicle is equal to
the rated refill capacity of the fuel tank as listed in theMaintenance
product specifications and capacitiessection of this chapter.
The advertised capacity is the amount of the indicated capacity and the
empty reserve combined. Indicated capacity is the difference in the
amount of fuel in a full tank and a tank when the fuel gauge indicates
empty. Empty reserve is the small amount of fuel remaining in the fuel
tank after the fuel gauge indicates empty.
The amount of usable fuel in the empty reserve varies and should
not be relied upon to increase driving range. When refueling your
vehicle after the fuel gauge indicates empty, you might not be
able to refuel the full amount of the advertised capacity of the
fuel tank due to the empty reserve still present in the tank.
For consistent results when filling the fuel tank:
•Turn the engine/ignition switch to the off position prior to refueling,
an error in the reading will result if the engine is left running.
2007 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
261

F
Family entertainment system ....30
Fluid capacities .........................272
Foglamps .....................................55
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
driving off road .......................195
Fuel ............................................256
calculating fuel
economy ............................82, 261
cap ...........................................258
capacity ...................................272
choosing the right fuel ...........259
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................264
detergent in fuel .....................260
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................256, 258, 261
filter, specifications ........256, 271
fuel pump shut-off switch .....204
improving fuel economy ........261
octane rating ...................260, 274
quality ......................................260
running out of fuel .................260
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................256
Fuel pump shut-off switch .......204
Fuses ..........................................204
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............258
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................261
Gauges .........................................14
H
Hazard flashers .........................203
Head restraints .........110, 115–116Headlamps ...................................54
aiming ........................................56
autolamp system .......................54
bulb specifications ....................58
daytime running lights .............56
flash to pass ..............................55
high beam .................................55
replacing bulbs ...................59–60
turning on and off ....................54
Heating
heating and air
conditioning system .....46, 48, 50
Homelink wireless
control system .............................77
Hood ..........................................241
I
Ignition ...............................182, 274
Illuminated visor mirror .............65
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................150
Inspection/maintenance
(I/M) testing ..............................266
Instrument panel ........................66
cleaning ...................................236
cluster ........................................10
lighting up panel
and interior ...............................56
J
Jack ............................................210
positioning ...............................210
storage .....................................210
Jump-starting your vehicle ......217
K
Keyless entry system ...............103
autolock .....................................91
keypad .....................................103
2007 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
281

locking and
unlocking doors ......................104
programming entry code .......103
Keys ...........................................106
positions of the ignition .........182
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................54
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................58
daytime running light ...............56
fog lamps ...................................55
headlamps .................................54
headlamps, flash to pass ..........55
instrument panel, dimming .....56
interior lamps .....................58–59
replacing bulbs .............59–60, 63
Lane change indicator
(see Turn signal) ........................58
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........186
Load limits .................................174
Locks
autolock .....................................91
childproof ..................................94
doors ..........................................91
Lubricant specifications ...........272
Lug nuts ....................................217
Lumbar support, seats .............111
M
Message center ...........................81
english/metric button ...............86
system check button ................86
warning messages .....................86
Mirrors .........................................70automatic dimming
rearview mirror .........................70
fold away ...................................71
heated ........................................71
side view mirrors (power) .......70
Moon roof ....................................76
Motorcraft parts ........239, 256, 271
N
Navigation system .......................45
O
Octane rating ............................260
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................244
P
Parking brake ............................187
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....271
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor .................119
Power adjustable foot pedals .....71
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................207
Power door locks ........................91
Power mirrors .............................70
Power point .................................67
Power steering ..........................189
fluid, checking and adding ....267
fluid, refill capacity ................272
fluid, specifications .................272
Power Windows ...........................68
R
Radio ......................................16, 21
2007 Five Hundred(500)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
282