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.
Maintenance and Modifications
The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been designed
and tested to provide predictable performance whether loaded or empty
and durable load carrying capability. For this reason, Ford Motor
Company strongly recommends that you do not make modifications such
as adding or removing parts (such as lift kits or stabilizer bars) or by
using replacement parts not equivalent to the original factory equipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raise the center of gravity can make
it more likely the vehicle will rollover as a result of a loss of control.
Ford Motor Company recommends that caution be used with any vehicle
equipped with a high load or device (such as ladder or luggage racks).
Failure to maintain your vehicle properly may void the warranty, increase
your repair cost, reduce vehicle performance and operational capabilities
and adversely affect driver and passenger safety. Frequent inspection of
vehicle chassis components is recommended if the vehicle is subjected to
heavy off-highway usage.
2007 Montego(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
195
In some states (in the U.S.) you must directly notify Ford in writing
before pursuing remedies under your state’s warranty laws. Ford is also
allowed a final repair attempt in some states.
In the United States, a warranty dispute must be submitted to the BBB
AUTO LINE before taking action under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty
Act, or to the extent allowed by state law, before pursuing replacement
or repurchase remedies provided by certain state laws. This dispute
handling procedure is not required prior to enforcing state created rights
or other rights which are independent of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty
Act or state replacement or repurchase laws.
IN CALIFORNIA (U.S. ONLY)
California Civil Code Section 1793.2(d) requires that, if a manufacturer
or its representative is unable to repair a motor vehicle to conform to the
vehicle’s applicable express warranty after a reasonable number of
attempts, the manufacturer shall be required to either replace the
vehicle with one substantially identical or repurchase the vehicle and
reimburse the buyer in an amount equal to the actual price paid or
payable by the consumer (less a reasonable allowance for consumer
use). The consumer has the right to choose whether to receive a refund
or replacement vehicle.
California Civil Code Section 1793.22(b) presumes that the manufacturer
has had a reasonable number of attempts to conform the vehicle to its
applicable express warranties if, within the first 18 months of ownership
of a new vehicle or the first 18,000 miles (29,000 km), whichever occurs
first:
1. Two or more repair attempts are made on the same non-conformity
likely to cause death or serious bodily injury OR
2. Four or more repair attempts are made on the same nonconformity (a
defect or condition that substantially impairs the use, value or safety of
the vehicle) OR
3. The vehicle is out of service for repair of nonconformities for a total of
more than 30 calendar days (not necessarily all at one time)
In the case of 1 or 2 above, the consumer must also notify the
manufacturer of the need for the repair of the nonconformity at the
following address:
Ford Motor Company
16800 Executive Plaza Drive
Mail Drop 3NE-B
Dearborn, MI 48126
2007 Montego(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Customer Assistance
223
Do not be concerned if your engine sometimes knocks lightly. However, if
it knocks heavily under most driving conditions while you are using fuel
with the recommended octane rating, see your authorized dealer to
prevent any engine damage.
Fuel quality
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems, try a different brand of unleaded gasoline. “Premium”
unleaded gasoline is not recommended for vehicles designed to use
“Regular” unleaded gasoline because it may cause these problems to
become more pronounced. If the problems persist, see your authorized
dealer.
Do not add aftermarket fuel additive products to your fuel tank. It
should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel
tank if you continue to use high quality fuel of the recommended octane
rating. These products have not been approved for your engine and
could cause damage to the fuel system. Repairs to correct the effects of
using an aftermarket product in your fuel may not be covered by your
warranty.
Many of the world’s automakers approved the World-wide Fuel Charter
that recommends gasoline specifications to provide improved
performance and emission control system protection for your vehicle.
Gasolines that meet the World-wide Fuel Charter should be used when
available. Ask your fuel supplier about gasolines that meet the
World-wide Fuel Charter.
Cleaner air
Ford endorses the use of reformulated “cleaner-burning” gasolines to
improve air quality.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
effect on powertrain components.
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 one gallon of fuel is enough to restart the engine. If
the vehicle is out of fuel and on a steep grade, more than one gallon
may be required.
2007 Montego(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
255
•Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel economy.
•Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
•You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain if
unnecessary shifting between third and fourth gear occurs.
Unnecessary shifting of this type could result in reduced fuel
economy.
•Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
•Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
•Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toLubricant specificationsin
this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found inscheduled maintenance information.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for every 400 lb [180 kg] of weight carried).
•Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
•Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
8–10 miles (12–16 km) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
•Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
2007 Montego(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
258
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by an authorized
dealer.
An overfill condition of
transmission fluid may cause
shift and/or engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS
Component 3.0L DOHC V6 Duratec engine
Engine air filter element FA-1771
Fuel filter FG-986
Battery BXT-36R
Oil filter FL-820-S
PCV valve
1
Spark plugs2
1
The PCV valve is a critical emission component. It is one of the items
listed in thescheduled maintenance informationand is essential to
the life and performance of your vehicle and to its emissions system.
For PCV valve replacement, see your authorized dealer. Refer to
scheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate intervals for
changing the PCV valve.
Replace the PCV valve with one that meets Ford material and
design specifications for your vehicle, such as a Motorcraft or
equivalent replacement part. The customer warranty may be void
for any damage to the emissions system if such a PCV valve is not
used.
2For spark plug replacement, see your authorized dealer. Refer to
scheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate intervals for
changing the spark plugs.
Replace the spark plugs with ones that meet Ford material and
design specifications for your vehicle, such as Motorcraft or
equivalent replacement parts. The customer warranty may be
void for any damage to the engine if such spark plugs are not
used.
2007 Montego(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
265
A
Accessory delay ..........................67
Air cleaner filter .......................265
Air conditioning ....................46, 48
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................127, 136, 138
and child safety seats ............129
description ..............127, 136, 138
disposal ....................................141
driver airbag ............129, 137, 139
indicator light .................135, 141
operation .................129, 137, 139
passenger airbag .....129, 137, 139
side airbag ...............................136
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................190
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................245
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ......................180–181
Anti-theft system ..............100, 104
arming the system ..................104
disarming a triggered
system .....................................105
triggering .................................105
Audio system
(see Radio) ............................16, 21
Automatic transaxle
fluid, adding ....................262–263
fluid, checking ................262–263
fluid, refill capacities ..............266
fluid, specification ..................266
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .........................185, 187
B
Battery .......................................243acid, treating emergencies .....243
jumping a disabled battery ....213
maintenance-free ....................243
replacement, specifications ...265
servicing ..................................243
BeltMinder...............................123
Brakes ........................................180
anti-lock ...........................180–181
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................181
fluid, checking and adding ....262
fluid, refill capacities ..............266
fluid, specifications .................266
lubricant specifications ..........266
parking ....................................181
shift interlock ..........................184
Bulbs ............................................56
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....266
Cargo net .....................................87
Cassette tape player ...................16
Cell phone use ..............................7
Changing a tire .........................206
Child safety restraints ..............142
child safety belts ....................142
Child safety seats ......................145
attaching with tether straps ..149
in front seat ............................146
in rear seat ..............................146
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............229
instrument panel ....................231
interior .....................................232
interior trim ............................232
plastic parts ............................230
washing ....................................228
waxing .....................................228
2007 Montego(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
273
wheels ......................................229
wiper blades ............................230
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ......46, 48
Clock ............................................63
Clock adjust
6-CD in dash .............................23
AM/FM/CD
.................................17
Compass, electronic
set zone adjustment
.................80
Console
........................................64
overhead
....................................63
Controls
power seat
...............................108
steering column
........................72
Coolant
checking and adding
..............245
refill capacities
................250, 266
specifications
..........................266
Cruise control
(see Speed control)
....................69
Cupholder(s)
.............................113
Customer Assistance
................197
Ford Extended Service
Plan
..........................................225
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada
.....................226
Getting roadside assistance
...197
Getting the service you
need
.........................................221
Ordering additional owner’s
literature
.................................227
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program
...................................225D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................54
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..................................262–263
engine oil .................................239
Driving under special
conditions ..........................191, 194
sand .........................................192
snow and ice ...........................195
through water .................193, 196
E
Electronic message center .........78
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................213
Emission control system ..........259
Engine ........................................268
cleaning ...................................229
coolant .....................................245
idle speed control ...................243
lubrication specifications .......266
refill capacities ........................266
service points ..........................237
starting after a collision .........199
Engine block heater .................180
Engine oil ..................................239
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................239
checking and adding ..............239
dipstick ....................................239
filter, specifications ........242, 265
recommendations ...................242
refill capacities ........................266
specifications ..........................266
Exhaust fumes ..........................180
F
Fluid capacities .........................266
2007 Montego(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
274
Foglamps .....................................53
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
driving off road .......................190
Fuel ............................................251
calculating fuel
economy ............................79, 256
cap ...........................................253
capacity ...................................266
choosing the right fuel ...........254
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................259
detergent in fuel .....................255
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................251, 253, 256
filter, specifications ........251, 265
fuel pump shut-off switch .....199
improving fuel economy ........256
octane rating ...................254, 268
quality ......................................255
running out of fuel .................255
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................251
Fuel pump shut-off switch .......199
Fuses ..........................................200
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............253
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................256
Gauges .........................................14
H
Hazard flashers .........................199
Head restraints .........106, 111–112
Headlamps ...................................52
aiming ........................................54
autolamp system .......................52
bulb specifications ....................57daytime running lights .............54
flash to pass ..............................53
high beam .................................53
replacing bulbs .........................57
turning on and off ....................52
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system .................................46, 48
Homelink wireless control
system ..........................................74
Hood ..........................................236
I
Ignition ...............................177, 268
Illuminated visor mirror .............62
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................145
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................261
Instrument panel ........................63
cleaning ...................................231
cluster ........................................10
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................54
J
Jack ............................................206
positioning ...............................206
storage .....................................206
Jump-starting your vehicle ......213
K
Keyless entry system .................99
autolock .....................................88
keypad .......................................99
locking and unlocking doors ..100
programming entry code .........99
2007 Montego(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
275