2005 Mercury Montego Owner's Manual - Page 240

Maintenance and Specifications 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]). Checking 6-speed automatic transmission fluid at cool temperature (32°F-81°F [17°C-27°C]) If a fluid check is necessary at a low fluid temperature (32°F-81°F [17°C-27°C]), perform the check using the cold range on the dipstick. However, the fluid must be re-checked at the proper fluid temperature. Low fluid level Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid level does not show at all on the dipstick. High fluid level Fluid levels above the safe range may result in transaxle failure. An overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause shift and/or engagement concerns and/or possible damage. High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition. 240 2005 Montego (mgo) Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt) USA_English (fus)