Table 1 shows three common exterior lighting related problems of the 2005 Mercury Montego.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Headlights problems | |
| Back Up Lights problems | |
| Exterior Lighting problems |
Low beam headlights only project out about 2 or 3 car lengths. Do not feel safe driving above 40 mph on dark un-lit roads. Have had dealer check the aim and was told it was right on spec and if it wasn't it was at max adjustment for height. Have attempted to adjust them myself per owners manual and apparently dealer is correct because I was unable to elevate them as well. Very dangerous, cannot see far enough ahead to brake unless going very slowly. High beams are fine, no problem.
Parked car at home after dropping daughter off in town car performed normally. Five hours later went out to pick daughter up. Started car and had no speedometer, odometer, tachometer, no cluster panel at all. No lights on panel, a/c would not function and backup lights came on and stayed on. The wrench symbol light came on at this time. I tested the car daily with the same results, until Tuesday, August 11th. I had an appt to take it in to a Ford dealer to have it diagnosed. When I started the car at this time, the cluster panel and a/c were working, the backup lights were off (except when in reverse) and the wrench light was now off. However, now the check engine light was on. Diagnosis at the dealership was that the cluster panel was bad and was sending incorrect codes (p0462 & p2067) causing the check engine light to come on. Since those codes are associated with the powertrain control module it could cause the engine to stall at any time.
I own a 2005 Mercury Montego. While driving various speeds, all of the instrument panel gauges would illuminate and drop to zero and the seat belt indicators would illuminate and chime. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000.