2009 FORD FLEX four wheel drive

Descend a hill in the same gear you
would use to climb up the hill to
avoid excessive brake application
and brake overheating. Do not
descend in neutral; instead,
disengage overdrive or manually
shift to a lower gear. When
descending a steep hill, avoid
sudden hard braking as you could
lose control. The front wheels have
to be turning in order to steer the
vehicle.
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, therefore apply the brakes steadily. Do
not “pump” the brakes.
Driving on snow and ice
Note:Excessive tire slippage can cause transmission damage.
AWD vehicles have advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but
can skid like any other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving on snowy or icy roads, turn the
steering wheel in the direction of the slide until you regain control.
Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although an AWD vehicle may accelerate
better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won’t stop any
faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels. Do
not become overconfident as to road conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles
for stopping. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower
gears. In emergency stopping situations, apply the brake steadily. Since
your vehicle is equipped with a four wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS),
do not “pump” the brakes. Refer to theBrakessection of this chapter
for additional information on the operation of the anti-lock brake system.
2009 Flex(471)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
276

•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
299

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