Ford Five Hundred (2007 year). Manual — part 66

3. The fuel cap may not have been securely tightened. See Fuel filler
cap in this chapter.

4. Driving through deep water—the electrical system may be wet.

These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with good quality fuel, properly tightening the fuel cap or letting the
electrical system dry out. After three driving cycles without these or any
other temporary malfunctions present, the

indicator should stay off

the next time the engine is started. A driving cycle consists of a cold
engine startup followed by mixed city/highway driving. No additional
vehicle service is required.

If the

indicator remains on, have your vehicle serviced at the first

available opportunity. Although some malfunctions detected by the
OBD-II may not have symptoms that are apparent, continued driving
with the

indicator on can result in increased emissions, lower fuel

economy, reduced engine and transmission smoothness, and lead to more
costly repairs.

Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing

Some state/provincial and local governments may have
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) programs to inspect the emission control
equipment on your vehicle. Failure to pass this inspection could prevent
you from getting a vehicle registration. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M
test if the

indicator is on or not working properly (bulb is burned

out), or if the OBD-II system has determined that some of the emission
control systems have not been properly checked. In this case, the vehicle
is considered not ready for I/M testing.

If the

indicator is on or the bulb does not work, the vehicle may

need to be serviced. Refer to the On board diagnostics (OBD-II)
description in this chapter.

If the vehicle’s engine or transmission has just been serviced, or the
battery has recently run down or been replaced, the OBD-II system may
indicate that the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing. To determine if the
vehicle is ready for I/M testing, turn the ignition key to the ON position
for 15 seconds without cranking the engine. If the

indicator blinks

eight times, it means that the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing; if
the

indicator stays on solid, it means that the vehicle is ready for

I/M testing.

Maintenance and Specifications

266

The OBD-II system is designed to check the emission control system
during normal driving. A complete check may take several days. If the
vehicle is not ready for I/M testing, the following driving cycle consisting
of mixed city and highway driving may be performed:

15 minutes of steady driving on an expressway/highway followed by 20
minutes of stop-and-go driving with at least four 30-second idle periods.

Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete. If
the vehicle is still not ready for I/M testing, the above driving cycle will
have to be repeated.

POWER STEERING FLUID

Refer to the scheduled maintenance information for the service
interval schedules.

1. Start the engine and let it run
until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant
temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area
between H and C).

2. While the engine idles, turn the
steering wheel left and right several
times.

3. Turn the engine off.

4. Check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be between the MIN
and MAX lines. Do not add fluid if the level is in this range.

5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the range between the MIN and MAX lines. Be
sure to put the cap back on the reservoir. Refer to Maintenance
product specifications and capacities in this chapter for the proper
fluid type.

Maintenance and Specifications

267

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 the
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 your scheduled maintenance information for 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.

Maintenance and Specifications

268

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 your scheduled maintenance information for 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 to Identifying 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]).

Maintenance and Specifications

269