You may notice a reduction in the vehicle’s speed caused by reduced
engine power. Your vehicle has been designed to enter this mode if
certain high temperature/high load conditions take place in order to
manage the engine’s fluid temperatures. The amount of speed reduction
will depend on the vehicle loading, towing, grade, ambient temperature,
and other factors. If this occurs, there is no need to pull off the road.
The vehicle can continue to be driven while this message is active.
WARNING:To reduce the risk of collision and injury, be
prepared that the vehicle speed may reduce and the vehicle may
not be able to accelerate with full power until the fluid temperatures
reduce.
The air conditioning may also cycle on and off during severe operating
conditions to protect overheating of the engine. When the engine coolant
temperature decreases to a more normal operating temperature, the air
conditioning will turn on once again.
If you notice any of the following:
•the engine coolant temperature gauge moves fully into the red (hot)
area
•the coolant temperature warning light illuminates
•the service engine soon indicator illuminates
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and place the vehicle in P
(Park).
2. Leave the engine running until the coolant temperature gauge needle
moves away from the H range. After several minutes, if this does not
happen, follow the remaining steps.
3. Turn the engine off and wait for it to cool before checking the coolant
level.
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
4. If the coolant level is normal, you may restart your engine and
continue on.
5. If the coolant is low, add coolant, restart the engine and take your
vehicle to an authorized dealer. SeeAdding engine coolantin this
chapter for more information.
Refer to fail-safe cooling for additional information.
Maintenance and Specifications
353
2011 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
The transmission fluid level should
be targeted within the cross-hatch
area if at normal operating
temperature 180°F-200°F
(82°C-93°C).
High fluid level
If the fluid level is above the MAX
range of the dipstick, remove fluid
to reach the hashmark level.Note:
Fluid level above the MAX level may
cause shift and/or engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition. 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 until normal operating temperatures are reached. Depending
on vehicle use, cooling times could take up to 30 minutes or longer.
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.
MAX MIN
MAX MIN
Maintenance and Specifications
372
2011 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
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.
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
392
2011 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
A
Accessory delay ........................102
Active Park Assist .....................276
AdvanceTrac ..............................257
Air cleaner filter .......373–374, 377
Air conditioning ..............68, 71, 74
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................68
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................180, 189, 191
and child safety seats ............182
description ..............180, 189, 191
disposal ....................................194
driver airbag ............182, 190, 192
indicator light .................188, 194
operation .................182, 190, 192
passenger airbag .....182, 190, 192
side airbag ...............................189
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................281
Ambient mood/lighting ...............86
AM/FM .........................................28
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................348
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................255
Anti-theft system ..............137, 140
arming the system ..................140
disarming a triggered
system .....................................142
Audio system (see Radio) .........28
Automatic transaxle
fluid, refill capacities ..............378
fluid, specification ..................378Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .........................267, 269
fluid, adding ............................369
fluid, checking ........................369
Selectshift (SST) ....................271
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....37
B
Battery .......................................346
acid, treating emergencies .....346
jumping a disabled battery ....315
maintenance-free ....................346
replacement, specifications ...377
servicing ..................................346
Belt-Minder.............................175
Booster seats .............................209
Brakes ........................................255
anti-lock ...................................255
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................256
fluid, checking and adding ....368
fluid, refill capacities ..............378
fluid, specifications .................378
lubricant specifications ..........378
parking ....................................256
shift interlock ..........................265
Bulbs ............................................86
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....378
Cargo net ...................................117
CD ................................................28
Cell phone use ..............................8
Changing a tire .........................298
Child safety seats ......................199
in front seat ............................199
Index
412
2011 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
in rear seat ..............................199
LATCH .....................................203
recommendations ...................197
tether anchorage hardware ...206
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................209
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............328
instrument panel ....................331
interior .....................................332
plastic parts ............................330
washing ....................................327
waxing .....................................328
wheels ......................................328
wiper blades ............................330
Climate control
(see Air conditioning or
Heating) ...........................68, 71, 74
Clock ............................................94
Clock adjust
AM/FM .......................................29
Compass, electronic ....................94
calibration .................................95
set zone adjustment .................95
Console
overhead ....................................93
Controls
power seat ...............................147
steering column ......................106
Coolant
checking and adding ..............348
refill capacities ................351, 378
specifications ..........................378
Cooler ..........................................97
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ..................104
Customer Assistance ................288Ford Extended Service
Plan ..................................387, 390
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................324
Getting roadside assistance ...288
Getting the service you
need .........................................320
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................325
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................323
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................83
Defrost
rear window and rearview
mirrors .......................................74
windshield .................................74
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................369
engine oil .................................342
Driving under special
conditions ..........................283, 285
sand .........................................284
snow and ice ...........................286
through water .................284, 287
DVD system .................................47
E
Electronic message center .........18
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................315
running out of fuel .........314, 360
Emission control system ..........365
Engine ........................................381
Index
413
2011 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
cleaning ...................................328
coolant .....................................348
fail-safe cooling .......................354
idle speed control ...................346
lubrication specifications .......378
refill capacities ........................378
service points ..................338–339
Engine block heater .................253
Engine oil ..................................342
checking and adding ..............342
dipstick ....................................342
filter, specifications ................377
refill capacities ........................378
specifications ..........................378
Event data recording ....................6
Exhaust fumes ..........................253
F
Fail safe cooling ........................354
Family entertainment system ....47
Fleet MyKey programming ......119
Floor mats .................................112
Fluid capacities .........................378
Fog lamps ....................................82
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
driving off road .......................282
Freezer ........................................97
Fuel ............................................355
calculating fuel
economy ............................20, 362
cap ...........................................357
capacity ...................................378
choosing the right fuel ...........359
detergent in fuel .....................360
filler funnel .............................360
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................355, 357, 362filter, specifications ........355, 377
fuel pump shut-off ..................289
improving fuel economy ........362
octane rating ...................359, 381
quality ......................................359
running out of fuel .........314, 360
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................355
Fuses ..........................................290
G
Garage door opener ..................108
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............357
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................362
Gauges .........................................16
H
Hazard flashers .........................289
Head restraints .................152, 154
Headlamps ...................................81
aiming ........................................84
autolamp system .......................81
bulb specifications ....................87
daytime running lights .............83
flash to pass ..............................83
high beam .................................82
replacing bulbs .........................88
turning on and off ....................81
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system ...........................68, 71, 74
Homelink wireless control
system ........................................108
Hood ..........................................337
I
Ignition ...............................250, 381
Index
414
2011 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)