2009 FORD FLEX automatic transmission fluid

STEERING
To help prevent damage to the power steering system, never hold the
steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it stops) for more than
a few seconds when the engine is running.
It is also important to maintain a proper power steering fluid level in the
power steering fluid reservoir:
•Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level.
SeePower steering fluidin theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter.
•Some noise is normal during operation. If the noise is excessive, check
for low power steering pump fluid level before seeking service by your
authorized dealer.
•Heavy or uneven steering efforts may be caused by low power steering
pump fluid level. Check for low power steering pump fluid level before
seeking service by your authorized dealer.
•Do not fill the power steering pump reservoir above the maximum
level, as this may result in leaks from the reservoir. SeePower
steering fluidin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is off), you
can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•an improperly inflated tire
•uneven tire wear
•loose or worn suspension components
•loose or worn steering components
•improper steering alignment
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is
in the on position unless brake pedal is depressed.
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Driving
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IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
1. Power steering fluid reservoir
2. Engine coolant reservoir
3. Brake fluid reservoir
4. Battery
5. Power distribution box
6. Air filter assembly
7. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
8. Engine oil dipstick
9. Engine oil filler cap
10. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
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TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not
consume fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the
transmission is not working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or
shifts slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 20 miles [30 km]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic
during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before
checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 km) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
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 toIdentifying 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 be in
the designated areas for normal operating temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is in the add range or does not
show at all on the dipstick.
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperature 149°F (65°C) on a level surface. The normal operating
temperature can be reached after approximately 20 miles (30 km) of
driving.
2009 Flex(471)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Maintenance and Specifications
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The transmission fluid should be
within the cross-hatch area if at
normal operating temperature 149°F
(65°C).
High fluid level
Fluid levels above the safe range
may result in transmission 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.
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the
Maintenance product specifications and capacitiessection in this
chapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 1/2 pint
(250 ml) increments through the
filler tube until the level is correct.
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by an authorized
dealer.
An overfill condition of
transmission fluid may cause shift and/or engagement concerns
and/or possible damage.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
AIR FILTER
Refer toscheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate
intervals for changing the air filter element.
When changing the air filter element, use only the Motorcraft air filter
element listed. Refer toMotorcraft part numbersin this chapter.
2009 Flex(471)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
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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
MERCON
VATF
2
XT-5-QM /
MERCON
V
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
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Maintenance and Specifications
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Items CapacityFord Part Name or
equivalentFord Part Number /
Ford Specification
Engine oil 5.5 quarts (5.2L)Motorcraft SAE 5W-20
Premium Synthetic
Blend Motor Oil (US)
Motorcraft SAE 5W-20
Super Premium Motor
Oil (Canada)
4
XO-5W20-QSP (US)
CXO-5W20-LSP12
(Canada) /
WSS-M2C930-A and API
Certification Mark
Engine coolant (with
rear heater)13.2 quarts
(12.5L)Motorcraft Premium
Gold Engine Coolant
with bittering agent
(yellow-colored)
3
VC-7-B /
WSS-M97B51-A1
Power steering fluidBetween MAX and
MIN on reservoirMotorcraft
MERCON
VATFXT-5-QM /
MERCON
V
Fuel tank18.6 gallons
(70.4 L)——
Windshield washer fluidTop- off fluid as
neededMotorcraft Premium
Windshield Washer
ConcentrateZC-32-A /
WSB-M8B16-A2
1Approximate dry fill capacity. Actual amount may vary during fluid changes.2Automatic transmissions that require MERCON
V should only use MERCON
V fluid. Refer to
scheduled maintenance informationto determine the correct service interval. Use of any fluid
other than the recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.3Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.4Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine oil need only meet the
requirements of Ford specification WSS-M2C930-A and the API Certification mark.5See your authorized dealer for fluid level checking or filling.
2009 Flex(471)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Maintenance and Specifications
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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
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Index
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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
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
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