
•Do not use alcohol, methanol, brine or any engine coolants
mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze (coolant).Alcohol
and other liquids can cause engine damage from overheating or
freezing.
•Do not add extra inhibitors or additives to the coolant.These
can be harmful and compromise the corrosion protection of the engine
coolant.
For vehicles with overflow coolant systems with a non-pressurized cap
on the coolant recovery system, add coolant to the coolant recovery
reservoir when the engine is cool. Add the proper mixture of coolant and
water to the “FULL COLD” level. For all other vehicles which have a
coolant degas system with a pressurized cap, or if it is necessary to
remove the coolant pressure relief cap on the radiator of a vehicle with
an overflow system, follow these steps to add engine coolant.
WARNING:To reduce the risk of personal injury, make sure the
engine is cool before unscrewing the coolant pressure relief cap.
The cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come
out forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly.
Add the proper mixture of coolant and water to the cooling system by
following these steps:
1. Before you begin, turn the engine off and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the coolant
pressure relief cap on the coolant reservoir (a translucent plastic bottle).
Slowly turn cap counterclockwise (left) until pressure begins to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the
cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap.
5. Fill the coolant reservoir slowly with the proper coolant mixture, to
within the “COLD FILL RANGE” or the “FULL COLD” level on the
reservoir. If you removed the radiator cap in an overflow system, fill the
radiator until the coolant is visible and radiator is almost full.
6. Replace the cap. Turn until tightly installed. Cap must be tightly
installed to prevent coolant loss.
After any coolant has been added, check the coolant concentration (refer
toChecking engine coolant). If the concentration is not 50/50
(protection to –34°F/–36°C), drain some coolant and adjust the
concentration. It may take several drains and additions to obtain a 50/50
coolant concentration.
2009 Flex(471)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
341

MAINTENANCE PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS AND CAPACITIES
Items CapacityFord Part Name or
equivalentFord Part Number /
Ford Specification
Brake fluidBetween MAX and
MIN on reservoirMotorcraft High
Performance DOT 3
Motor Vehicle Brake
FluidPM-1-C /
WSS-M6C62-A or
WSS-M6C65-A1
Door latch, hood latch,
auxiliary hood latch,
seat tracks, trunk and
liftgate latches— Multi-Purpose GreaseXG-4 or XL-5 /
ESA-M1C93-B
Lock cylinders —Motorcraft Penetrating
and Lock LubricantXL-1 /
None
Automatic transmission
fluid10.0 quarts
(9.5L)
1
Motorcraft
MERCONVATF
2
XT-5-QM /
MERCONV
Rear differential fluid
(AWD)2.4 pints (1.15L)Motorcraft SAE 80W-90
Premium Rear Axle
LubricantXY-80W90-QL /
WSP-M2C197-A
Power Transfer Unit
(PTU) fluid (AWD)
5
18 ounces (0.53L)Motorcraft SAE 75W-140
Synthetic Rear Axle
LubricantXY-75W140-QL /
WSL-M2C192-A
2009 Flex(471)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
362

GENUINE FORD ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR VEHICLE
A wide selection of Genuine Ford Accessories are available for your
vehicle through your local Ford or Ford of Canada dealer. These quality
accessories have been specifically engineered to fulfill your automotive
needs; they are custom designed to complement the style and
aerodynamic appearance of your vehicle. In addition, each accessory is
made from high quality materials and meets or exceeds Ford’s rigorous
engineering and safety specifications. Ford Motor Company will repair or
replace any properly dealer-installed Genuine Ford Accessories found to
be defective in factory-supplied materials or workmanship during the
warranty period, as well as any component damaged by the defective
accessories. The accessories will be warranted for whichever provides
you the greatest benefit:
•12 months or 12,000 miles (20,000 km) (whichever occurs first), or
•the remainder of your new vehicle limited warranty.
Contact your dealer for details and a copy of the warranty.
For a complete listing of the accessories that are available for your
vehicle, please contact your dealer or visit our online store at:
www.fordaccessoriesstore.com.
For maximum vehicle performance, keep the following information in
mind when adding accessories or equipment to your vehicle:
•When adding accessories, equipment, passengers and luggage to your
vehicle, do not exceed the total weight capacity of the vehicle or of
the front or rear axle (GVWR or GAWR as indicated on the Safety
Compliance Certification label). Consult your authorized dealer for
specific weight information.
•The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Canadian Radio
Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) regulate the use of mobile
communications systems — such as two-way radios, telephones and
theft alarms - that are equipped with radio transmitters. Any such
equipment installed in your vehicle should comply with FCC or CRTC
regulations and should be installed only by a qualified service
technician.
•Mobile communications systems may harm the operation of your
vehicle, particularly if they are not properly designed for automotive
use.
•To avoid interference with other vehicle functions, such as anti-lock
braking systems, amateur radio users who install radios and antennas
onto their vehicle should not locate the Amateur Radio Antennas in
the area of the driver’s side hood.
2009 Flex(471)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Accessories
367

A
Accessory delay ..........................98
AdvanceTrac ..............................257
Air cleaner filter ...............359–361
Air conditioning ..............64, 67, 70
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................64
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ................181–182, 190, 192
and child safety seats ............183
description ..............182, 190, 192
disposal ....................................196
driver airbag ............184, 191, 194
indicator light .................190, 195
operation .................184, 191, 194
passenger airbag .....184, 191, 194
side airbag ...............................190
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................271
Ambient mood/lighting ...............81
AM/FM .........................................16
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................339
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................255
Anti-theft system ..............142, 145
arming the system ..................145
disarming a triggered
system .....................................147
Audio system (see Radio) .........16
Automatic transaxle
fluid, refill capacities ..............362
fluid, specification ..................362
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................264
fluid, adding ............................358fluid, checking ........................358
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....25
B
Battery .......................................336
acid, treating emergencies .....336
jumping a disabled battery ....307
maintenance-free ....................336
replacement, specifications ...361
servicing ..................................336
Belt-Minder.............................177
Booster seats .............................212
Brakes ........................................255
anti-lock ...................................255
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................256
fluid, checking and adding ....357
fluid, refill capacities ..............362
fluid, specifications .................362
lubricant specifications ..........362
parking ....................................256
shift interlock ..........................262
Bulbs ............................................82
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....362
Cargo net ...................................123
CD ................................................16
Cell phone use ..............................7
Child safety seats ......................201
in front seat ............................202
in rear seat ..............................202
LATCH .....................................205
recommendations ...................199
tether anchorage hardware ...207
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................212
2009 Flex(471)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
369

Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............324
instrument panel ....................326
interior .....................................326
plastic parts ............................325
washing ....................................322
waxing .....................................323
wheels ......................................323
wiper blades ............................325
Climate control
(see Air conditioning or
Heating) ...........................64, 67, 70
Clock ............................................88
Clock adjust
AM/FM .......................................17
Compass, electronic ....................89
calibration .................................90
set zone adjustment .................90
Console
overhead ..............................88–89
Controls
power seat ...............................153
steering column ......................104
Coolant
checking and adding ..............339
refill capacities ................342, 362
specifications ..........................362
Cooler ..........................................92
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ..................101
Customer Assistance ................278
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................318
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................319
Getting roadside assistance ...278
Getting the service you
need .........................................314Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................320
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................318
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................78
Defrost
rear window and rearview
mirrors .......................................70
windshield .................................70
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................358
engine oil .................................333
Driving under special
conditions ..........................272, 275
sand .........................................274
snow and ice ...........................276
through water .................274, 277
DVD system .................................34
E
Electronic message center .......110
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................307
running out of fuel .........307, 349
Emission control system ..........354
Engine ........................................364
cleaning ...................................324
coolant .....................................339
fail-safe cooling .......................343
idle speed control ...................336
lubrication specifications .......362
refill capacities ........................362
service points ..................331–332
2009 Flex(471)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
370

Engine block heater .................253
Engine oil ..................................333
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................333
checking and adding ..............333
dipstick ....................................333
filter, specifications ........335, 361
recommendations ...................335
refill capacities ........................362
specifications ..........................362
Event data recording ....................6
Exhaust fumes ..........................253
F
Fail safe cooling ........................343
Family entertainment system ....34
Fluid capacities .........................362
Foglamps .....................................77
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
driving off road .......................272
Freezer ........................................92
Fuel ............................................345
calculating fuel
economy ..........................112, 351
cap ...........................................347
capacity ...................................362
choosing the right fuel ...........348
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................354
detergent in fuel .....................349
filler funnel .............................349
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................345, 347, 351
filter, specifications ........344, 361
improving fuel economy ........351
octane rating ...................348, 364
quality ......................................349
running out of fuel .........307, 349safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................345
Fuses ..........................................280
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............347
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................351
Gauges .........................................14
H
Hazard flashers .........................279
Head restraints .................157, 159
Headlamps ...................................76
aiming ........................................78
autolamp system .......................76
bulb specifications ....................82
daytime running lights .............78
flash to pass ..............................77
high beam .................................77
replacing bulbs .........................83
turning on and off ....................76
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system ...........................64, 67, 70
Homelink wireless control
system ........................................107
Hood ..........................................330
I
Ignition ...............................250, 364
Illuminated visor mirror .............88
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................201
2009 Flex(471)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
371

Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................356
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................326
cluster ........................................10
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................78
J
Jump-starting your vehicle ......307
K
Keyless entry system ...............140
autolock ...................................127
keypad .....................................140
locking and unlocking doors ..141
programming entry code .......140
Keys ...................................125, 143
positions of the ignition .........250
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................76
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................82
daytime running light ...............78
fog lamps ...................................77
headlamps .................................76
headlamps, flash to pass ..........77
instrument panel, dimming .....78
interior lamps .....................81, 83
replacing bulbs .........................83
LATCH anchors .........................205
Liftgate ..............................119, 134
Lights, warning and indicator ....10
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........256
Load limits .................................239Locks
autolock ...................................127
childproof ................................131
doors ........................................127
Lubricant specifications ...........362
Lug nuts ....................................306
Luggage rack .............................124
Lumbar support, seats .....152, 155
M
Message center .................110–111
english/metric button .............114
system check button ..............113
warning messages ...................116
Mirrors ...................................98–99
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ........................................99
heated ................................70, 100
programmable memory ..........135
side view mirrors (power) .......99
Moon roof ..................................106
Motorcraft parts ........328, 344, 361
N
Navigation system .......................63
O
Octane rating ............................348
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................333
Overdrive ...................................264
P
Parking brake ............................256
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....361
2009 Flex(471)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
372

Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor .................169
Power adjustable foot pedals ...100
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................284
Power door locks ......................127
Power liftgate ............................119
Power mirrors .............................99
Power point .................................93
Power steering ..........................262
fluid, checking and adding ....357
fluid, refill capacity ................362
fluid, specifications .................362
Power Windows ...........................96
R
Radio ............................................16
6-CD in dash .............................16
Rear seat entertainment
system ..........................................34
Recommendations for
attaching safety restraints for
children ......................................199
Refrigerator .................................92
Relays ........................................280
Remote entry system .......132–133
illuminated entry ............137, 139
locking/unlocking
doors ................................133–134
opening the trunk ...................134
panic alarm .............................135
replacement/additional
transmitters .............................137
replacing the batteries ...........136
Reverse camera .........................269
Reverse sensing system ...........266Roadside assistance ..................278
Roof rack ...................................124
S
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..................168, 171–175
Safety Canopy ...................190, 192
Safety defects, reporting ..320–321
Safety restraints ........168, 171–175
Belt-Minder...........................177
extension assembly ................176
for adults .........................172–175
for children .............................196
Occupant Classification
Sensor ......................................169
warning light and chime ........176
Safety restraints - LATCH
anchors ......................................205
Safety seats for children ..........201
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................365
Satellite Radio (if equipped) .....16
Satellite Radio Information ........31
Seats ..........................................148
child safety seats ....................201
climate control ..........................70
easy access/easyout feature ..156
front seats ...............................151
heated ........................67, 155, 164
memory seat ...................135, 156
second row seats ............159, 162
third row seats ........162, 165–166
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ........................................142
Servicing your vehicle ..............329
Setting the clock .........................17
2009 Flex(471)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
373