2009 FORD FLEX manual transmission

The multi-panel vista roof has a built-in sliding shade that can be
manually opened or closed when the glass panel is shut. To close the
shade, pull it toward the front of the vehicle.
HOMELINKWIRELESS CONTROL SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
The HomeLink
Wireless Control
System, located on the driver’s visor,
provides a convenient way to
replace up to three hand-held
transmitters with a single built-in
device. This feature will learn the
radio frequency codes of most
transmitters to operate garage
doors, entry gate operators, security systems, entry door locks, and
home or office lighting.
WARNING:When programming your HomeLink
Wireless
Control System to a garage door or gate, be sure that people and
objects are out of the way to prevent potential injury or damage.
Do not use the HomeLink
Wireless Control System with any garage
door opener that lacks safety stop and reverse features as required by
U.S. federal safety standards (this includes any garage door opener
model manufactured before April 1, 1982). A garage door which cannot
detect an object, signaling the door to stop and reverse, does not meet
current U.S. federal safety standards. For more information, contact
HomeLink
at:www.homelink.comor1–800–355–3515.
Retain the original transmitter for use in other vehicles as well as for
future programming procedures (i.e. new HomeLink
equipped vehicle
purchase). It is also suggested that upon the sale of the vehicle, the
programmed Homelink
buttons be erased for security purposes, refer to
Programmingin this section.
Programming
Do not program HomeLink
with the vehicle parked in the garage.
Note:Your vehicle may require the ignition switch to be turned to the
accessory position for programming and/or operation of the HomeLink
.
It is also recommended that a new battery be placed in the hand-held
transmitter of the device being programmed to HomeLink
for quicker
training and accurate transmission of the radio-frequency signal.
2009 Flex(471)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
107

Opening and Closing the power liftgate:
WARNING:Make sure all persons are clear of the power liftgate
area before using the power liftgate control.
WARNING:Keep keys out of reach of children. Do not allow
children to play near an open or moving power liftgate.
The liftgate will only operate with the vehicle in P (Park).
When the liftgate is being power closed, a chime will sound three times
as the liftgate begins to power close. A single chime indicates a problem
with the close request, caused by:
•the ignition is in on and the transmission is not in Park
•or the battery voltage is below the minimum operating voltage
•or the vehicle speed is at or above 3 mph (5 km/h)
If the liftgate reverses and starts to close after a open request, a fast
continuous chime indicates excessive load on the gate or a possible strut
failure. If any excessive load is removed and you still have a faster
chime, have the system serviced immediately by your authorized dealer.
Do not attempt to manually force the liftgate to travel faster than the
power system will permit. This will activate the obstacle detection
feature.
Note:Cycling the ignition prior to completely latching the liftgate could
result in damage to the liftgate and/or its power components. Make sure
the liftgate is fully latched before operating the vehicle.
Care should be exercised in starting the engine before the liftgate is fully
closed (latched). If the ignition is cycled during a Liftgate Power Close
cycle and the liftgate is 6-10 inches (15–24 cm) from being latched, the
liftgate may reverse to the full open position. Verify that the gate is
closed before operating or moving the vehicle, especially in an enclosure,
like a garage or a parking structure. The liftgate or it components could
be damaged in an enclosure, if the liftgate is open.
When power operating the liftgate at temperatures below 32°F (0°C), the
liftgate may stop about five inches (12.7 cm) from the full open position.
The liftgate can be fully opened by pushing it upward to the maximum
open position.
2009 Flex(471)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driver Controls
120

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.
2009 Flex(471)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Driving
262

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

If the vehicle is towed by other means or incorrectly, vehicle
damage may occur.
Ford Motor Company produces a towing manual for all authorized tow
truck operators. Have your tow truck operator refer to this manual for
proper hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle.
Emergency towing
In case of a roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle (without access
to wheel dollies, car hauling trailer, or flatbed transport vehicle) your
vehicle (regardless of transmission powertrain configuration) can be flat
towed (all wheels on the ground) under the following conditions:
•Vehicle is facing forward so that it is being towed in a forward
direction.
•Place the transmission in N (Neutral). Refer toBrake shift interlock
in theDrivingchapter for specific instructions if you cannot move the
gear shift lever into N (Neutral).
•Maximum speed is not to exceed 35 mph (56 km/h).
•Maximum distance is 50 miles (80 km).
2009 Flex(471)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Roadside Emergencies
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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
2009 Flex(471)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
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