2009 FORD FLEX tow

Locks and Security 125
Keys 125
Locks 127
Anti-theft system 142
Seating and Safety Restraints 148
Seating 148
Safety restraints 168
Airbags 181
Child restraints 196
Tires, Wheels and Loading 216
Tire information 218
Tire inflation 220
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) 233
Vehicle loading 239
Trailer towing 244
Recreational towing 249
Driving 250
Starting 250
Brakes 255
Traction Control™/AdvanceTrac
257
Transmission operation 262
Reverse camera 269
All wheel drive 271
Roadside Emergencies 278
Getting roadside assistance 278
Hazard flasher switch 279
Fuses and relays 280
Changing tires 289
Temporary mobility kit 296
Wheel lug nut torque 306
Jump starting 307
Wrecker towing 312
Table of Contents
2
2009 Flex(471)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)

Protecting the environment
We must all play our part in
protecting the environment. Correct
vehicle usage and the authorized
disposal of waste, cleaning and
lubrication materials are significant
steps towards this aim. Information in this respect is highlighted in this
guide with the tree symbol.
CALIFORNIA Proposition 65 Warning
WARNING:Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and
certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and
certain products of component wear contain or emit chemicals known
to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
PERCHLORATE MATERIAL
Certain components of this vehicle such as airbag modules, seat belt
pretensioners, and button cell batteries may contain Perchlorate Material
– Special handling may apply for service or vehicle end of life disposal.
See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.
BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE
Your vehicle does not need an extensive break-in. Try not to drive
continuously at the same speed for the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of
new vehicle operation. Vary your speed frequently in order to give the
moving parts a chance to break in.
Drive your new vehicle at least 1,000 miles (1,600 km) before towing a
trailer. For more detailed information about towing a trailer, refer to
Trailer towingin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter.
Do not add friction modifier compounds or special break-in oils since
these additives may prevent piston ring seating. SeeEngine oilin the
Maintenance and Specificationschapter for more information on oil
usage.
SPECIAL NOTICES
New Vehicle Limited Warranty
For a detailed description of what is covered and what is not covered by
your vehicle’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty, refer to theWarranty
Guide/Customer Information Guidethat is provided to you along with
yourOwner’s Guide.
2009 Flex(471)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Introduction
5

Your vehicle may be equipped with a
USB port inside your center console.
This feature allows you to plug in
media playing devices, memory
sticks, and also to charge devices if
they support this feature. For
further information on this feature,
refer toAccessing and using your
USB portin theSYNCsupplement
orNavigation systemsupplement.
GENERAL AUDIO INFORMATION
Radio frequencies:
AM and FM frequencies are established by the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) and the Canadian Radio and Telecommunications
Commission (CRTC). Those frequencies are:
AM: 530, 540–1700, 1710 kHz
FM: 87.7, 87.9–107.7, 107.9 MHz
Radio reception factors:
There are three factors that can affect radio reception:
•Distance/strength: The further you travel from an FM station, the
weaker the signal and the weaker the reception.
•Terrain: Hills, mountains, tall buildings, power lines, electric fences,
traffic lights and thunderstorms can interfere with your reception.
•Station overload: When you pass a broadcast tower, a stronger signal
may overtake a weaker one and play while the weak station frequency
is displayed.
CD/CD player care
Do:
•Handle discs by their edges only.
(Never touch the playing
surface).
•Inspect discs before playing.
•Clean only with an approved CD
cleaner.
2009 Flex(471)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Entertainment Systems
28

In track mode, the system will display and play the structure as if it were
only one level deep (all .mp3 files will be played, regardless of being in a
specific folder). In folder mode, the system will only play the .mp3 files
in the current folder.
Satellite radio information (if equipped)
Satellite radio channels:SIRIUS broadcasts a variety of music, news,
sports, weather, traffic and entertainment satellite radio channels. For
more information and a complete list of SIRIUS satellite radio channels,
visit www.sirius.com in the United States, www.sirius-canada.ca in
Canada, or call SIRIUS at 1–888–539–7474.
Satellite radio reception factors: To receive the satellite signal, your
vehicle has been equipped with a satellite radio antenna located on the
roof of your vehicle. The vehicle roof provides the best location for an
unobstructed, open view of the sky, a requirement of a satellite radio
system. Like AM/FM, there are several factors that can affect satellite
radio reception performance:
• Antenna obstructions: For optimal reception performance, keep the
antenna clear of snow and ice build-up and keep luggage and other
material as far away from the antenna as possible.
• Terrain: Hills, mountains, tall buildings, bridges, tunnels, freeway
overpasses, parking garages, dense tree foliage and thunderstorms can
interfere with your reception.
• Station overload: When you pass a ground based broadcast repeating
tower, a stronger signal may overtake a weaker one and result in an
audio mute.
Unlike AM/FM audible static, you will hear an audio mute when there is
a satellite radio signal interference. Your radio display may display NO
SIGNAL to indicate the interference.
SIRIUS satellite radio service: SIRIUS Satellite Radio is a subscription
based satellite radio service that broadcasts music, sports, news and
entertainment programming. A service fee is required in order to receive
SIRIUS service. Vehicles that are equipped with a factory installed
SIRIUS Satellite Radio system include:
• Hardware and limited subscription term, which begins on the date of
sale or lease of the vehicle.
• Use of online media player providing access to all SIRIUS music
channels over the internet using any computer connected to the
internet (U.S. customers only)
2009 Flex (471)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Entertainment Systems
31

Radio Display Condition Action Required
UNSUBSCRIBED Subscription not
available for this
channel.Contact SIRIUS at
1–888–539–7474 to
subscribe to the channel
or tune to another
channel.
NO TEXT Artist information
not available.Artist information not
available at this time on
this channel. The system is
working properly.
NO TEXT Song title
information not
available.Song title information not
available at this time on
this channel. The system is
working properly.
NO TEXT Category
information not
available.Category information not
available at this time on
this channel. The system is
working properly.
NO SIGNAL Loss of signal from
the SIRIUS satellite
or SIRIUS tower to
the vehicle antenna.You are in a location that
is blocking the SIRIUS
signal (i.e., tunnel, under
an overpass, dense foliage,
etc). The system is
working properly. When
you move into an open
area, the signal should
return.
UPDATING Update of channel
programming in
progress.No action required. The
process may take up to
three minutes.
CALL SIRIUS
1–888–539–7474Satellite service has
been deactivated by
SIRIUS Satellite
Radio.Call SIRIUS at
1–888–539–7474 to
re-activate or resolve
subscription issues.
2009 Flex(471)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Entertainment Systems
33

Operating tips
•To reduce fog build up on the windshield during humid weather, place
the air flow selector in the
position.
•To reduce humidity build up inside the vehicle: do not drive with the
system off or with recirculated air engaged.
•Do not put objects under the front seats that will interfere with the
airflow to the back seats.
•Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area at the base of
the windshield.
During extreme high ambient temperatures when idling stationary for
extended periods of time in gear, it is recommended to run the A/C in
the MAX A/C position, turn off the rear A/C unit (if equipped), reduce
blower fan speed from the highest setting and put the vehicle’s
transmission into the PARK gear position to continue to receive cool air
from your A/C system.
For maximum cooling performance in the MAX A/C mode:
•Press MAX A/C.
•Adjust the temperature to the coldest setting.
•Set the fan to the highest speed initially, then adjust to maintain
passenger comfort.
For maximum cooling performance in the
andmodes:
•Adjust the temperature to the coldest setting.
•Select A/C and recirculated air
to provide colder airflow.
•Set the fan to the highest speed initially, then adjust to maintain
passenger comfort.
To aid in side window defogging/demisting in cold weather:
1. Select
.
2. Select A/C.
3. Adjust the temperature to the warmest setting.
4. Set the fan speed to the highest setting.
5. Direct the outer instrument panel vents toward the side windows.
2009 Flex(471)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Climate Controls
66

•For maximum cooling performance (MAX A/C):
In AUTO mode, press AUTO control and set to desired temperature.
In manual override mode, select
or, A/C and recirculated
air
and set the temperature to 60°F (16°C). Set the fan to the
highest speed initially, then adjust to maintain passenger comfort.
•To improve the A/C cool down, drive with the windows slightly open
for 2–3 minutes after starting the vehicle or until the vehicle has
“aired out.”
In extremely cold temperatures, to maximize overall heater performance
it is suggested to not operate the auxiliary system (if equipped) until the
engine temperature gauge crosses into the normal operating range.
To aid in side window defogging/demisting in cold weather:
1. Select
.
2. Select A/C.
3. Adjust the temperature control to maintain comfort.
4. Set the fan to the highest speed.
5. Direct the outer instrument panel vents toward the side windows.
AUXILIARY CLIMATE CONTROL
1.
Fan speed:Turn to select the desired fan speed.
2.
:Distributes air through the rear vents.
2009 Flex(471)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Climate Controls
74

3. Turn the ignition switch to on and then back to off.
4. Turn the headlamp switch to the autolamp position. The headlamps
will turn on.
5. Wait the desired amount of time for the exit delay you want (up to
three minutes), then turn the headlamp switch to off. The headlamps
will turn off.
Fog lamp control (if equipped)
With the ignition on, the fog lamps
can be turned on when the
headlamp control is pulled toward
you and is in any of the following
positions:
•Parking lamps
•Low beams
•Autolamps (when active)
The fog lamp indicator light will
illuminate when the fog lamps have been turned on. The fog lamps will
not operate when the high beams are active.
High beams
Push the lever toward the
instrument panel to activate. Pull
the lever towards you to deactivate.
Flash to pass
Pull toward you to activate and
release to deactivate.
12
12
2009 Flex(471)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Lights
77