
gear and drive steadily through the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly
and avoid spinning the wheels.
If your vehicle is equipped with a 6–speed transmission:When
driving at slow speeds in deep sand under high outside temperatures,
use L (Low) gear when possible. L (Low) gear operation will maximize
the engine and transmission cooling capability.Do not perform this
operation if your vehicle is equipped with an
electronically-controlled CVT.
Under severe operating conditions, the A/C may cycle on and off to
protect overheating of the engine.
Avoid excessive speed because vehicle momentum can work against you
and cause the vehicle to become stuck to the point that assistance may
be required from another vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back
out the way you came if you proceed with caution.
Mud and water
If you must drive through high water, drive slowly. Traction or brake
capability may be limited.
When driving through water, determine the depth; avoid water higher
than the bottom of the hubs (if possible) and proceed slowly. If the
ignition system gets wet, the vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the
vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you
are driving in mud. Even AWD vehicles can lose traction in slick mud. As
when you are driving over sand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does slide, steer in the direction of
the slide until you regain control of the vehicle.
If the transmission, AWD system components or axles are submerged in
water, their fluids should be checked and changed, if necessary.
Driving through deep water may damage the transmission.
If the front or rear axle is submerged in water, the axle lubricant and
PTU (Power Transfer Unit) lubricant should be checked and changed if
necessary.
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts
and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts causes an
imbalance that could damage drive components.
2007 Montego(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
193

BRAKE FLUID
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the “MIN” and
“MAX” lines are within the normal
operating range; there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating
range the performance of your
brake system could be
compromised; seek service from
your authorized dealer immediately.
TRANSAXLE FLUID
Checking automatic transaxle fluid—CVT transaxle
Do not use supplemental transaxle fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials or transaxle fluids
other than the recommended fluid, may affect transaxle operation
and result in damage to internal transaxle components.
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid 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, takes more than a couple of seconds
to engage into Drive/Reverse or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
It is recommended that an authorized dealer check fluid level and
add fluid if required.
If your transaxle has a low fluid condition sufficient to affect proper
operation the transaxle control module will send a signal to illuminate
the
on the instrument panel.
As long as the transaxle engages normally to drive or reverse, it is safe
to drive but if the
illuminates the vehicle should be taken to your
authorized dealer for evaluation as soon as possible.
2007 Montego(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
262

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

Items CapacityFord Part Name or
equivalentFord Part Number /
Ford Specification
Engine oil (includes
filter change)6.0 quarts (5.7L)Motorcraft SAE 5W-20
Premium Synthetic
Blend Motor Oil (US)
Motorcraft SAE 5W-20
Super Premium Motor
Oil (Canada)
3
XO-5W20-QSP (US)
CXO-5W20- LSP12
(Canada) /
WSS-M2C930-A and API
Certification Mark
Engine coolant11.6 quarts
(11.0L)Motorcraft Premium
Gold Engine Coolant
(yellow-colored)
4
VC-7-B /
WSS-M97B51-A1
Cooling system stop
leak pellets—Motorcraft Cooling
System Stop Leak PelletsVC-6 /
WSS-M99B37-B6
Power steering fluidBetween MAX and
MIN on reservoirMotorcraft MERCON
AT FXT-2-QDX /
MERCON
Windshield washer fluid 101 oz (3.0L)Motorcraft Premium
Windshield Washer
ConcentrateZC-32-A /
WSB-M8B16-A2
Fuel tank 20.0 gallons (75.7) — —
1Approximate dry fill capacity. Actual amount may vary during fluid changes.2Using any transmission fluid other than those that meet the recommended specification may cause
internal transaxle damage.3Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine oil need only meet the
requirements of Ford specification WSS-M2C930-A and the API Certification mark.4Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.
2007 Montego(mgo)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
267

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