2009 FORD FLEX TPMS

Low Tire Pressure
Warning LightPossible cause Customer Action Required
Flashing Warning
LightSpare tire in
useYour temporary spare tire is in
use. Repair the damaged road
wheel and re-mount it on the
vehicle to restore system
functionality. For a description
of how the system functions
under these conditions, refer to
When your temporary spare
tire is installedin this section.
TPMS
malfunctionIf your tires are properly
inflated and your spare tire is
not in use and the TPMS
warning light still flashes, have
the system inspected by your
authorized dealer.
When inflating your tires
When putting air into your tires (such as at a gas station or in your
garage), the Tire Pressure Monitoring System may not respond
immediately to the air added to your tires.
It may take up to two minutes of driving over 20 mph (32 km/h) for the
light to turn OFF after you have filled your tires to the recommended
inflation pressure.
How temperature affects your tire pressure
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) monitors tire pressure in
each pneumatic tire. While driving in a normal manner, a typical
passenger tire inflation pressure may increase approximately 2 to 4 psi
(14 to 28 kPa) from a cold start situation. If the vehicle is stationary
over night with the outside temperature significantly lower than the
daytime temperature, the tire pressure may decrease approximately 3 psi
(20.7 kPa) for a drop of 30° F (16.6°C) in ambient temperature. This
lower pressure value may be detected by the TPMS as being significantly
lower than the recommended inflation pressure and activate the TPMS
warning for low tire pressure. If the low tire pressure warning light is
ON, visually check each tire to verify that no tire is flat. (If one or more
tires are flat, repair as necessary.) Check air pressure in the road tires. If
any tire is under-inflated, carefully drive the vehicle to the nearest
location where air can be added to the tires. Inflate all the tires to the
recommended inflation pressure.
2009 Flex(471)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Tires, Wheels and Loading
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CHANGING A FLAT TIRE
If you get a flat tire while driving:
•do not brake heavily.
•gradually decrease the vehicle’s speed.
•hold the steering wheel firmly.
•slowly move to a safe place on the side of the road.
Your vehicle may be equipped with a conventional spare tire that is
different in one or more of the following: type, brand, size, speed rating
and tread design. If this is the case, this dissimilar spare tire is still rated
for your vehicle loads (GAWR and GVWR). This temporary spare tire is
not equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) sensor.
Note:The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) indicator light will
illuminate when the spare is in use. To restore the full functionality of
the TPMS system, all road wheels equipped with the tire pressure
monitoring sensors must be mounted on the vehicle.
Have a flat tire serviced by an authorized dealer in order to prevent
damage to the TPMS sensor, refer toTire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)in theTires, Wheels, and Loadingchapter. Replace the spare
tire with a road tire as soon as possible. During repairing or replacing of
the flat tire, have the authorized dealer inspect the TPMS sensor for
damage.
WARNING:The use of tire sealants may damage your Tire
Pressure Monitoring System and should only be used if it is
supplied with your vehicle as part of the original temporary mobility
kit.
WARNING:Refer toTire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
in theTire, Wheels and Loadingchapter for important
information. If the tire pressure monitor sensor becomes damaged, it
will no longer function.
Dissimilar spare tire/wheel information
WARNING:Failure to follow these guidelines could result in an
increased risk of loss of vehicle control, injury or death.
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Roadside Emergencies
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•Never leave the temporary mobility kit unattended when it is
operating.
•Sealant compound contains latex. Make sure that you use the
non-latex gloves provided to avoid an allergic reaction.
•Keep the temporary mobility kit away from children.
•Only use the temporary mobility kit when the ambient temperature is
between -22° F (–30° C) and 158° F (70° C).
•Only use the sealing compound before the use by date. The use by
date is on the lower right hand corner of the label located on the
sealant canister (bottle).Check the use by date regularly and
replace the canister after four years.
•Do not store the temporary mobility kit unsecured inside the
passenger compartment of the vehicle as it may cause injury during a
sudden stop or collision. Always store the kit in its original location.
•After sealant use, the TPMS sensor and valve stem on the wheel must
be replaced by an authorized Ford dealer.
•When inflating a tire or other objects, use the black air hose only. Do
not use the transparent hose which is designed for sealant application
only.
•Operating the temporary mobility kit could cause an electrical
disturbance in radio and DVD player operation.
What to do when a tire is punctured
A tire puncture within the tire’s tread area can be repaired in two stages
with the temporary mobility kit:
•In the first stage, the tire will be reinflated with a sealing compound
and air. After the tire has been reinflated, you will need to drive the
vehicle a short distance (approximately 4 miles [6 km]) to distribute
the sealant in the tire.
•In the second stage, you will need to check the tire pressure and
adjust, if necessary, to the vehicle’s tire inflation pressure.
First stage: Reinflating the tire with sealing compound and air
Preparation
Park the vehicle in a safe, level and secure area, away from moving
traffic. Turn the hazard lights on. Apply the parking brake and turn the
engine off. Inspect the flat tire for visible damage.
Sealant compound contains latex. To avoid any allergic reactions, use the
non-latex gloves located in the accessory box on the underside of the
temporary mobility kit housing.
2009 Flex(471)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
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Note:After the sealing compound has been used, the maximum vehicle
speed is 50 mph (80 km/h) and the maximum driving distance is
120 miles (200 km). The sealed tire should be inspected immediately.
Note:After sealant use, the TPMS sensor and valve stem on the wheel
must be replaced by an authorized Ford dealer.
You can check the tire pressure any time within the 120 miles (200 km)
by performing the procedure fromSecond stage: Checking tire
pressurelisted previously.
Removal of the Sealant Canister from the Temporary Mobility Kit
1. Unwrap the clear tube from the
compressor housing.
2. Locate the yellow cap at the end
of the clear tube.
2009 Flex(471)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
303

Spare tire
(see Changing the Tire) ...........291
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................361, 364
Specification chart, lubricants..362
Speed control ............................101
Starting your vehicle ........250–252
jump starting ..........................307
Steering wheel
controls ....................................104
tilting .........................................87
Stereo
6-CD in dash .............................16
CD-MP3 .....................................16
SYNC ............................................63
T
Temporary mobility kit .............296
Tilt steering wheel ......................87
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....233
Tires ...................................218–219
alignment ................................226
care ..........................................222
changing ..........................291–292
checking the pressure ............222
inflating ...................................220
label .........................................232
replacing ..................................224
rotating ....................................226
safety practices .......................225
sidewall information ...............228
snow tires and chains ............238
spare tire .................................289
Temporary mobility kit ..........296
terminology .............................219
tire grades ...............................219treadwear ........................218, 223
Towing .......................................244
recreational towing .................249
trailer towing ..........................244
wrecker ....................................312
Transaxle
fluid, refill capacities ..............362
lubricant specifications ..........362
Transmission .............................262
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....262
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................358
Turn signal ..................................80
U
USB port ......................................27
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................365
Vehicle loading ..........................239
Ventilating your vehicle ...........253
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......10
Washer fluid ..............................332
Water, Driving through .............277
Windows
power .........................................96
rear wiper/washer .....................87
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................86
checking and adding fluid .....332
replacing wiper blades ...332–333
Wrecker towing .........................312
2009 Flex(471)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
374