Page 220 of 280

In case of a roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle (without access
to wheel dollies, flatbed transport vehicle or a car hauling trailer) your
vehicle can be flat towed (all wheels on the ground) only under the
following conditions:
•The ambient temperature is above 32°F (0°C)
•Place the automatic transaxle in N (Neutral).
•DO NOT exceed the distance of 31 miles (50 km).
•DO NOT exceed the speed of 31 mph (50 km/h).
On All Wheel Drive (AWD) models,it is not recommended that your
vehicle be towed with any wheels on the ground. It is recommended to
tow your vehicle with all the wheels off the ground using wheel lift
equipment and a wheel dolly, a flatbed transport vehicle or a car-hauling
trailer.
In case of a roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle (without access
to wheel dollies, flatbed transport vehicle or a car hauling trailer) your
vehicle can be flat towed (all wheels on the ground) or wrecker towed
(rear wheels on the ground) only under the following conditions:
•The ambient temperature is above 32°F (0°C).
•Place the transmission in N (Neutral).
•Maximum distance is 31 miles (50 km).
•Maximum speed is 31 mph (50 km/h).
If the vehicle is towed by other means or incorrectly, vehicle
damage may occur.
Ford Motor Company produces a towing manual for all authorized tow
truck operators. Have your tow truck operator refer to this manual for
proper hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle.
2007 Montego(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
220
Page 258 of 280

•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
Page 263 of 280

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]).
2007 Montego(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
263
Page 277 of 280

locking/unlocking doors .....93–94
opening the trunk .....................94
panic alarm ...............................94
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................96
replacing the batteries .............95
Reverse sensing system ...........188
Roadside assistance ..................197
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........121
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..................113, 117–120
Safety Canopy ...........................138
Safety defects, reporting ..........227
Safety restraints ........113, 117–121
BeltMinder............................123
extension assembly ................121
for adults .........................118–120
for children .....................141–142
Occupant Classification
Sensor ......................................115
safety belt maintenance .........121
warning light and chime ........122
Safety seats for children ..........145
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................269
Satellite Radio Information ........27
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) .............113
Seats ..........................................106
child safety seats ....................145
front seats ...............106, 108, 110
heated ........................................48
memory seat .....................94, 111
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ........................................100Servicing your vehicle ..............235
Setting the clock
AM/FM single CD .....................17
AM/FM/In-dash 6 CD ................23
Spare tire
(see Changing the Tire) ...........209
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................265, 268
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................266
Speed control ..............................69
Starting your vehicle ........177–179
jump starting ..........................213
Steering wheel
controls ......................................72
tilting .........................................62
T
Tilt steering wheel ......................62
Tires ...........................153–154, 206
alignment ................................160
care ..........................................157
changing ..........................206, 209
checking the pressure ............157
inflating ...................................155
label .........................................167
replacing ..................................159
rotating ....................................161
safety practices .......................160
sidewall information ...............162
snow tires and chains ............167
spare tire .................................207
terminology .............................154
tire grades ...............................154
treadwear ........................153, 158
Towing .......................................174
recreational towing .................176
trailer towing ..........................174
2007 Montego(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
277
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