Page 377 of 418

Miscellaneous
•Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and pins under vehicle are
covered with grease to prevent rust.
•Move vehicles at least 25 feet (8 m) every 15 days to lubricate
working parts and prevent corrosion.
Removing vehicle from storage
When your vehicle is ready to come out of storage, do the following:
•Wash your vehicle to remove any dirt or grease film build-up on
window surfaces.
•Check windshield wipers for any deterioration.
•Check under the hood for any foreign material that may have collected
during storage (mice/squirrel nests).
•Check the exhaust for any foreign material that may have collected
during storage.
•Check tire pressures and set tire inflation per the Tire Label.
•Check brake pedal operation. Drive the vehicle 15 ft (4.5 meters) back
and forth to remove rust build up.
•Check fluid levels (including coolant, oil and gas) to make sure there
are no leaks, and fluids are at recommended levels.
•If the battery was removed, clean the battery cable ends and inspect.
If you have any concerns or issues, contact your authorized dealer.
MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS
Component 3.5L V6 Engine 3.5L V6 EcoBoost
Engine
Engine air filter element FA-1884 FA-1884
Battery BXT-65-650 BXT-65-750
Oil filter FL-500-S FL-500-S
Spark Plugs SP-411
1SP-512-A1
1
For spark plug replacement, see your authorized dealer. Refer to
scheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate intervals for
changing the spark plugs.
Replace the spark plugs with ones that meet Ford material and
design specifications for your vehicle, such as Motorcraftor
equivalent replacement parts. The customer warranty may be void
for any damage to the engine if such spark plugs are not used.
Maintenance and Specifications
377
2011 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 394 of 418

Multi-point inspection
In order to keep your vehicle running right, it is important to have the
systems on your vehicle checked regularly. This can help identify
potential issues and prevent major problems. Ford Motor Company
recommends the following multi-point inspection be performed at every
scheduled maintenance interval to help ensure your vehicle keeps
running great.
Maximum oil change interval
❑As indicated by the instrument cluster message center (can be up to one year or 10,000 miles [16,000 km])
Engine coolant change interval
❑6 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km) - change engine coolant (whichever comes first)❑After initial change - change engine coolant every 3 years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km).
Check every month
❑Check function of all interior and exterior lights❑Check tires for wear and correct air pressure, including spare tire
❑Check windshield washer fluid level
❑Check engine oil level
Check every six months
❑Check lap/shoulder belts and seat latches for wear and function❑Check parking brake for proper operation
❑Check safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, airbag, safety belt) for operation
❑Check cooling system fluid level and coolant strength
❑Check battery connections and clean if necessary
❑Check washer spray, wiper operation and clean all wiper blades (replace as necessary)
❑Check and lubricate all hinges, latches and outside locks. Inspect for correct operation
❑Check and lubricate door rubber weatherstrips. Inspect for excessive wear
❑Check and clean body and door drain holes. Inspect for clogs and obstructions
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
394
2011 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 395 of 418

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.
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
395
2011 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 417 of 418

Scheduled Maintenance Guide
Normal Scheduled
Maintenance and Log .............397
What Maintenance Schedule
Should You Follow? ................393
Seats ..........................................143
child safety seats ....................199
cleaning ...................................333
climate control ..........................74
easy access/easyout feature ..152
front seats ...............................146
heated ........................71, 150, 159
memory seat ...................132, 150
second row seats ............154, 157
third row seats ........157, 160–161
Second-row power fold seat ....157
SecuriCode keyless entry
system ........................................135
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ........................................137
Servicing your vehicle ..............336
Setting the clock .........................29
SOS Post Crash Alert ...............194
Spare tire
(see Changing the Tire) ...........300
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................377, 381
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................378
Speed control ............................104
Starting your vehicle ........250–252
jump starting ..........................315
Steering wheel
controls ....................................106
tilting .........................................92
Stereo
6-CD in dash .............................28CD-MP3 .....................................28
SYNC..........................................67
T
Temporary mobility kit .............305
Third-row power fold seat .......163
Tilt steering wheel ......................92
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....231
Tires ...........................216–217, 298
alignment ................................224
care ..........................................220
changing ..................298, 300–301
checking the pressure ............220
inflating ...................................218
label .........................................230
replacing ..................................222
rotating ....................................224
safety practices .......................223
sidewall information ...............226
snow tires and chains ............236
spare tire .................................298
Temporary mobility kit ..........305
terminology .............................217
tire grades ...............................217
treadwear ........................216, 221
Towing .......................................244
recreational towing .................249
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated ..............247
trailer towing ..........................244
wrecker ....................................318
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated ................247
Transaxle
fluid, refill capacities ..............378
lubricant specifications ..........378
Transmission .............................266
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....265
Index
417
2011 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)