2011 FORD FLEX recommended oil

Your vehicle is very sophisticated and built with multiple complex
performance systems. Every manufacturer develops these systems using
different specifications and performance features. That’s why it’s
important to rely upon your Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealership to
properly diagnose and repair your vehicle.
Ford Motor Company has recommended maintenance intervals for
various parts and component systems based upon engineering testing.
Ford Motor Company relies upon this testing to determine the most
appropriate mileage for replacement of oils and fluids to protect your
vehicle at the lowest overall cost to you and recommends against
maintenance schedules that deviate from the scheduled maintenance
information.
Ford strongly recommends the use of genuine Ford replacement parts.
Parts other than Ford, Motorcraftor Ford-authorized remanufactured
parts that are used for maintenance replacement or for the service of
components affecting emission control must be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability. It is the
owner’s responsibility to determine the equivalency of such parts. Please
consult yourWarranty Guidefor complete warranty information.
Non-Ford approved chemicals or additives are not required for factory
recommended maintenance. In fact, Ford Motor Company recommends
against the use of such additive products unless specifically
recommended by Ford for a particular application.
Oil, fluids and flushing
In many cases, fluid discoloration is a normal operating characteristic
and, by itself, does not necessarily indicate a concern or that the fluid
needs to be changed. However, discolored fluids that also show signs of
overheating and/or foreign material contamination should be inspected
immediately by a qualified expert such as the factory-trained technicians
at your Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealership. Your vehicle’s oils and fluids
should be changed at the specified intervals or in conjunction with a
repair. Flushing is a viable way to change fluid for many vehicle
sub-systems during scheduled maintenance. It is critical that systems are
flushed only with new fluid that is the same as that required to fill and
operate the system, or using a Ford-approved flushing chemical.
Genuine Ford parts and service
When planning your maintenance services, consider your Ford and
Lincoln Mercury dealership for all your vehicle’s needs.
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Be sure to ask your Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealership service advisor
or technician about the multi-point vehicle inspection. It’s a
comprehensive way to perform a thorough inspection of your vehicle. It’s
your checklist that gives you immediate feedback on the overall
condition of your vehicle. You’ll know what’s been checked, what’s okay,
as well as those things that may require future or immediate attention.
The multi-point vehicle inspection is one more way to keep your vehicle
running great!
Mutli-point inspection - Recommended at every visit
❑Check and top-up fluid levels: brake, coolant recovery reservoir, manual and automatic transmission (if equipped with an
underhood dipstick), power steering (if equipped) and window washer
❑Inspect tires for wear and check air pressure, including spare.
❑Check exhaust system for leaks, damage, loose parts and foreign material.
❑Check battery performance.
❑Check operation of horn, exterior lamps, turn signals and hazard warning lights.
❑Check radiator, coolers, heater and air conditioning hoses.
❑Inspect windshield washer spray and wiper operation.
❑Check windshield for cracks, chips and pitting.
❑Inspect for oil and fluid leaks.
❑Inspect engine air filter.
❑Inspect half shaft dust boots, if equipped.
❑Check shocks and struts and other suspension components for leaks and damage.
❑Inspect steering and linkage.
❑Inspect accessory drive belt(s).
❑Inspect clutch operation, if equipped.
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Oil Change Service Interval* 1 2 345678910
Change engine oil and filter• •••••••••
Rotate tires, inspect tire wear and measure tread
depth• •••••••••
Inspect wheels and related components for abnormal
noise, wear, looseness or drag• •••••••••
Perform multi-point inspection (recommended)• •••••••••
Inspect automatic transmission fluid level (if
equipped with a dipstick); consult dealer for
requirements• •••••••••
Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake
linings, hoses and parking brake• •••••••••
Inspect engine cooling system for strength, and
hoses• •••••••••
Inspect exhaust system and heat shields• •••••••••
Inspect half-shaft boots (if equipped)• •••••••••
Inspect steering linkage, ball joints, suspension,
tie-rod ends, driveshaft and U-joints; lubricate if
equipped with grease fittings• •••••••••
Inspect cabin air filter (if equipped)• ••••
*Oil change service intervals should be completed as indicated by the instrument cluster message center
Reset your Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ after each engine oil and filter change; refer to theInstrument Clusterchapter
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Oil Change Service Interval* 11 12 13 14 15
Change engine oil and filter•••••
Rotate tires, inspect tire wear and measure tread depth•••••
Inspect wheels and related components for abnormal noise, wear,
looseness or drag•••••
Perform multi-point inspection (recommended)•••••
Inspect automatic transmission fluid level (if equipped with a
dipstick); consult dealer for requirements•••••
Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake linings, hoses and
parking brake•••••
Inspect engine cooling system for strength, and hoses•••••
Inspect exhaust system and heat shields•••••
Inspect half-shaft boots (if equipped)•••••
Inspect steering linkage, ball joints, suspension, tie-rod ends,
driveshaft and U-joints; lubricate if equipped with grease fittings•••••
Inspect cabin air filter (if equipped)•••
*Oil change service intervals should be completed as indicated by the instrument cluster message center
Reset your Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ after each engine oil and filter change; refer to theInstrument Clusterchapter
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Extensive idling and/or low-speed driving for long distances as in heavy
commercial use such as delivery, taxi, patrol car or livery
As required– Change engine oil and replace oil filter as indicated by
message center and perform services as listed in the
Normal Scheduled Maintenance chart (except Fiesta).
Inspect frequently, service as
required– Replace cabin air filter (if equipped).
– Replace engine air filter.
Every 300 hours of engine
operation*– Change engine oil and replace oil filter (Fiesta).
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)– Change automatic transmission fluid (not required on
Fiesta or vehicles equipped with a 6R80 transmission).
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km)– Replace spark plugs.
* Engine hour meter installation is recommended for these operating
conditions.
Perform the services noted in the preceding table at the specified
time/mileage (km) period either within 3,000 miles (5,000 km) of the
OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message appearing in the message center or
when the time/mileage (km) reading indicates service is due.
Example #1:The OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message comes on at
28,751 miles (46,270 km); perform the 30,000 mile (48,000 km)
automatic transmission fluid replacement.
Example #2:The OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message hasnotcome on
but the odometer reads 30,000 miles (48,000 km); perform the engine air
filter replacement. (i.e., Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ was reset at
25,000 miles [40,000 km].)
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EXCEPTIONS
In addition, there are several exceptions to the Normal Schedule. They
are listed below:
Normal vehicle axle maintenance
❑Rear axles and power take-off (PTO) units containing synthetic lubricant and light duty trucks equipped with Ford-design
axles are lubricated for life. These lubricants are not to be checked or changed unless a leak is suspected, service is re-
quired or the axle assembly has been submerged in water. The axle and PTO lubricant should be changed anytime the axle
and PTO have been submerged in water. During extended trailer tow operation above 70°F (21°C) ambient and wide open
throttle for extended periods above 45 mph (72 km/h), non-synthetic rear axle lubricants should be replaced every
3,000 miles (4,800 km) or three months, whichever occurs first. The 3,000 mile (4,800 km) lubricant change interval
may be waived if the axle was filled with 75W140 synthetic gear lubricant meeting Ford specification WSL-M2C192-A, part
number F1TZ-19580-B or equivalent. Add friction modifier XL-3 (EST-M2C118-A) or equivalent for complete refill of Traction-
Lok rear axles (refer to
Maintenance product and specificationsin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter for details).
The axle lubricant should be changed anytime an axle has been submerged in water.
Police/Taxi/Livery vehicle axle maintenance
❑Replace rear axle lubricant every 100,000 miles (160,000 km). Rear axle lubricant change may be waived if the axle
was filled with 75W140 synthetic gear lubricant meeting Ford specification WSL-M2C192-A, part number FITZ-19580-B or
equivalent. Add four ounces (118 mL) of friction modifier XL-3 (EST-M2C118-A) or equivalent for complete refill of Traction-
Lok rear axles. The axle lubricant should be changed anytime the axle has been submerged in water.
California fuel filter replacement
❑If vehicle is registered in California, the California Air Resources Board has determined that the failure to perform this main-
tenance item will not nullify the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to the completion of the vehicle’s useful life.
Ford Motor Company, however, urges you to have all recommended maintenance services performed at the specified inter-
vals and to record all vehicle service.
Hot climate oil change intervals
❑If operating conditions are normal and you drive your Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle under typical, everyday conditions
andyou are using an API performance category oil of SL or later (for example SM, etc.) then you can follow the
7,500 mile (12,000 km) normal service oil change intervals schedule. Vehicles operating in the Middle East, North Africa,
Sub-Saharan Africa or locations with similar climates must follow the oil change interval of 3,000 mile (5,000 km) if the
owner is using oils defined by the American Petroleum Institute (API) performance category of API SK or earlier (for ex-
ample SJ, etc.).
Engine air filter & cabin air filter replacement
❑Engine air filter and cabin air filter life is dependent on exposure to dusty and dirty conditions. Vehicles operated in these
conditions will require frequent inspection and replacement of the engine air filter and cabin air filter.
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