2010 FORD FLEX check engine

The OBD-II system is designed to check the emission control system
during normal driving. A complete check may take several days. If the
vehicle is not ready for I/M testing, the following driving cycle consisting
of mixed city and highway driving may be performed:
15 minutes of steady driving on an expressway/highway followed by
20 minutes of stop-and-go driving with at least four 30-second idle
periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete. If
the vehicle is still not ready for I/M testing, the above driving cycle will
have to be repeated.
POWER STEERING FLUID (EXCEPT ECOBOOST ENGINE)
Refer toscheduled maintenance information.
1. Start the engine and let it run
until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant
temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area
between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the
steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be between the MIN
and MAX lines. Do not add fluid if the level is in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the range between the MIN and MAX lines. Be
sure to put the cap back on the reservoir. Refer toMaintenance
product specifications and capacitiesin this chapter for the proper
fluid type.
Maintenance and Specifications
373
2010 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

BRAKE FLUID
The fluid level will drop slowly as
the brakes wear, and will rise when
the brake components are replaced.
Fluid levels between the MIN and
MAX lines are within the normal
operating range; there is no need to
add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating
range, the performance of the
system could be compromised; seek
service from your authorized dealer
immediately.
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. (For vehicles with the
EcoBoost engine, move the air filter assembly aside to access the
transmission dipstick. SeeChanging the air filter elementfor more
information).
Maintenance and Specifications
374
2010 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Items CapacityFord Part Name or
equivalentFord Part Number /
Ford Specification
Power steering fluid
(except EcoBoost
engine)Between MAX and
MIN on reservoirMotorcraft
MERCONVATFXT-5-QM /
MERCONV
Fuel tank18.6 gallons
(70.4 L)——
Windshield washer fluidTop- off fluid as
neededMotorcraftPremium
Windshield Washer
ConcentrateZC-32-A /
WSB-M8B16-A2
1Approximate dry fill capacity. Actual amount may vary during fluid changes.2Automatic transmissions that require MERCONLV should only use MERCONLV 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-M2C929-A or WSS-M2C930-A and the API Certification
mark.5See your authorized dealer for fluid level checking or filling.
Maintenance and Specifications
381
2010 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Vehicle identification number (VIN)
The vehicle identification number is
located on the driver side
instrument panel.
Please note that in the graphic,
XXXX is representative of your
vehicle identification number.
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) contains the following
information:
1. World manufacturer identifier
2. Brake system / Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) / Restraint
Devices and their location
3. Make, vehicle line, series, body
type
4. Engine type
5. Check digit
6. Model year
7. Assembly plant
8. Production sequence number
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Maintenance and Specifications
384
2010 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

A
Accessory delay ........................102
Active Park Assist .....................280
AdvanceTrac ..............................262
Air cleaner filter ...............376–378
Air conditioning ..............68, 71, 74
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................68
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ................184–185, 193, 195
and child safety seats ............186
description ..............185, 193, 195
disposal ....................................199
driver airbag ............187, 194, 196
indicator light .................193, 198
operation .................187, 194, 196
passenger airbag .....187, 194, 196
side airbag ...............................193
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................285
Ambient mood/lighting ...............85
AM/FM .........................................28
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................354
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................260
Anti-theft system ..............140, 149
arming the system ..................149
disarming a triggered
system .....................................150
Audio system (see Radio) .........28
Automatic transaxle
fluid, refill capacities ..............379
fluid, specification ..................379Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .........................271, 273
fluid, adding ............................374
fluid, checking ........................374
Selectshift (SST) ....................275
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....37
B
Battery .......................................352
acid, treating emergencies .....352
jumping a disabled battery ....319
maintenance-free ....................352
replacement, specifications ...378
servicing ..................................352
Belt-Minder.............................180
Booster seats .............................213
Brakes ........................................260
anti-lock ...................................260
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................261
fluid, checking and adding ....374
fluid, refill capacities ..............379
fluid, specifications .................379
lubricant specifications ..........379
parking ....................................261
shift interlock ..........................269
Bulbs ............................................86
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....379
Car2UHome Automation
System .......................................113
Cargo net ...................................124
CD ................................................28
Cell phone use ..............................9
Changing a tire .........................302
Index
391
2010 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Child safety seats ......................203
in front seat ............................204
in rear seat ..............................204
LATCH .....................................207
recommendations ...................201
tether anchorage hardware ...210
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................213
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............336
instrument panel ....................339
interior .....................................340
plastic parts ............................338
washing ....................................334
waxing .....................................335
wheels ......................................335
wiper blades ............................338
Climate control
(see Air conditioning or
Heating) ...........................68, 71, 74
Clock ............................................93
Clock adjust
AM/FM .......................................29
Compass, electronic ....................94
calibration .................................95
set zone adjustment .................95
Console
overhead ....................................94
Controls
power seat ...............................156
steering column ......................106
Coolant
checking and adding ..............354
refill capacities ................357, 379
specifications ..........................379
Cooler ..........................................97
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ..................104Customer Assistance ................292
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................388
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................331
Getting roadside assistance ...292
Getting the service you
need .........................................327
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................332
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................330
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................82
Defrost
rear window and rearview
mirrors .......................................74
windshield .................................74
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................374
engine oil .................................349
Driving under special
conditions ..........................287, 289
sand .........................................288
snow and ice ...........................290
through water .................288, 291
DVD system .................................46
E
Electronic message center .........18
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................319
running out of fuel .........319, 365
Emission control system ..........370
Index
392
2010 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Engine ........................................382
cleaning ...................................336
coolant .....................................354
fail-safe cooling .......................359
idle speed control ...................352
lubrication specifications .......379
refill capacities ........................379
service points ..................345–346
Engine block heater .................258
Engine oil ..................................349
change oil soon warning,
message center .......................349
checking and adding ..............349
dipstick ....................................349
filter, specifications ........351, 378
recommendations ...................351
refill capacities ........................379
specifications ..........................379
Event data recording ....................7
Exhaust fumes ..........................258
F
Fail safe cooling ........................359
Family entertainment system ....46
Fleet MyKey programming ......143
Fluid capacities .........................379
Fog lamps ....................................81
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
driving off road .......................286
Freezer ........................................97
Fuel ............................................361
calculating fuel
economy ............................20, 367
cap ...........................................363
capacity ...................................379
choosing the right fuel ...........364comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................370
detergent in fuel .....................365
filler funnel .............................365
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................361, 363, 367
filter, specifications ........361, 378
fuel pump shut-off ..................294
improving fuel economy ........367
octane rating ...................364, 382
quality ......................................365
running out of fuel .........319, 365
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................361
Fuses ..........................................294
G
Garage door opener ..................109
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............363
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................367
Gauges .........................................16
H
Hazard flashers .........................293
Head restraints .................160, 162
Headlamps ...................................80
aiming ..................................82–83
autolamp system .......................80
bulb specifications ....................86
daytime running lights .............82
flash to pass ..............................81
high beam .................................81
replacing bulbs .........................87
turning on and off ....................80
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system ...........................68, 71, 74
Index
393
2010 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

O
Octane rating ............................364
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................349
Overdrive ...................................270
P
Parental MyKey
programming .............................143
Park Assist ................................280
Parking brake ............................261
Parts
(see Motorcraftparts) ...........378
Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor .................173
Power adjustable foot pedals ...104
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................298
Power door locks ......................127
Power liftgate ............................120
Power mirrors ...........................103
Power point .................................98
Power steering ..........................267
fluid, checking and adding ....373
fluid, refill capacity ................379
fluid, specifications .................379
Power Windows .........................101
R
Radio ............................................28
6-CD in dash .............................28
Rear heated seats .....................167
Rear seat entertainment
system ..........................................46
Rear-view camera system .........278Recommendations for
attaching safety restraints for
children ......................................201
Refrigerator .................................97
Relays ........................................294
Remote entry system .......132–133
illuminated entry ....................137
locking/unlocking
doors ................................133–134
opening the trunk ...................134
panic alarm .............................135
replacement/additional
transmitters .............................136
replacing the batteries ...........136
Reverse sensing system ...........276
Roadside assistance ..................292
Roof rack ...................................125
S
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..................171, 175–179
Safety Canopy ...................193, 195
Safety defects, reporting ..........333
Safety restraints ........171, 175–179
Belt-Minder...........................180
extension assembly ................179
for adults .........................176–178
for children .............................199
Occupant Classification
Sensor ......................................173
warning light and chime ........180
Safety restraints - LATCH
anchors ......................................207
Safety seats for children ..........203
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................383
Satellite Radio (if equipped) .....28
Index
395
2010 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)