2011 FORD FLEX tow

TEMPORARY MOBILITY KIT (IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a
temporary mobility kit (located
under the driver’s seat). To remove
the temporary mobility kit, move the
driver’s seat fully forward and undo
the Velcrostrap that attaches it to
the rear of the seat frame.
To replace the temporary mobility kit, open the Velcrostrap on the bag
and slide the bag back under the driver’s seat. Wrap the strap over the
rear frame bar, loop it through the buckle and secure the bag to the seat
frame.
The temporary mobility kit consists of an air compressor to reinflate the
tire and a sealing compound in a canister that will effectively seal most
punctures caused by nails or similar objects. This kit will provide a
temporary seal allowing you to drive your vehicle up to 120 miles
(200 km) at a maximum speed of 50 mph (80 km/h).
WARNING:When towing a trailer, use the temporary mobility
kit and not the mini spare tire. The mini spare tire is not
intended for the higher towing load limits of this vehicle. When towing
heavy loads with the mini spare tire, vehicle handling may be
diminished, which could lead to loss of control, and serious personal
injury.
Note:The temporary mobility kit sealant compound in the canister is to
be used for one tire only. See your authorized dealer for additional
replacement sealant canisters.
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1. Air compressor (inside)
2. Diverter knob
3. On/Off button
4. Air pressure gauge
5. Deflation button
6. Sealant bottle/canister
7. Sealant filling clear tube
8. Sealant tube — tire valve
connector
9. Yellow cap tool
10. Air compressor hose
11. Air hose — tire valve connector
12. Accessory power plug
13. Casing/housing
General information
WARNING:Failure to follow these guidelines could result in an
increased risk of loss of vehicle control, injury or death.
Do not attempt to repair punctures larger than
14inch (6.4 mm) or
damage to the tire’s sidewall. The tire may not completely seal.
Note:Do not use the temporary mobility kit if a tire has become
severely damaged by driving the vehicle with a tire that has insufficient
air pressure. Only punctured areas located within the tire tread can be
sealed with the temporary mobility kit.
Loss of air pressure may adversely affect tire performance. For this
reason:
•Do notdrive the vehicle above 50 mph (80 km/h).
•Do notdrive further than 120 miles (200 km). Drive only to the
closest Ford Motor Company authorized dealer or tire repair shop to
have your tire inspected.
•Drive carefully and avoid abrupt steering maneuvers.
•Periodically monitor tire inflation pressure in the affected tire; if the
tire is losing pressure, have the vehicle towed.
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Note: When the sealing compound is first added into the tire, the
air pressure gauge reading on the compressor unit may indicate a
higher value; this is normal and should be no reason for concern.
The pressure will drop after about 30 seconds of operation. The
tire pressure has to be checked with the compressor in the OFF
position to get the correct tire pressure reading.
WARNING:Do not stand directly over the temporary mobility
kit while inflating the tire. If you notice any unusual bulges or
deformations in the tire’s sidewall during inflation, stop and call
roadside assistance.
WARNING:If the tire doesn’t inflate to the recommended tire
pressure within 15 minutes, stop and call roadside assistance.
9. When the recommended tire pressure is reached, turn off the kit by
pressing the on/off button; disconnect the kit from the tire valve and the
power point. Re-install the valve cap on the tire valve, place the tube cap
on the metal connector, and return the kit to the stowage area.
10.Immediately and cautiously, drive the vehicle 4 miles (6 km)
to distribute the sealant evenly inside the tire. Do not exceed
50 mph (80 km/h).
Note:If you experience any unusual vibration, ride disturbance or
noise while driving, reduce your speed until you can safely pull off to
the side of the road to call for roadside assistance.Do not proceed
to the second stage of this operation.
11. After 4 miles (6 km), stop and check the tire pressure. SeeSecond
stage: Checking tire pressure.
Second stage: Checking tire pressure
Check the air pressure of your tires as follows:
1. Remove the valve cap from the tire valve.
2. Unhook the black hose from the side of the compressor and fasten
firmly on the valve stem by turning clockwise.
WARNING:If you are proceeding from theFirst stage:
Reinflating the tire with sealing compound and airsection
and have injected sealant in the tire and the pressure is below 20 psi
(1.4 bar),stop and call roadside assistance.If tire pressure is
above 20 psi (1.4 bar), continue to the next step.
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3. Turn the dial clockwise to the air position. Turn on the kit by pressing
the on/off button.
4. Adjust the tire to the
recommended inflation pressure
from the tire label located on the
driver’s door or door jamb area.
Pressing the deflation button near
the sealant canister removes air
from the tire.
Note:The tire pressure has to be
checked with the compressor in the
OFF position to get the correct tire
pressure reading.
5. Turn the compressor off by pressing the on/off button.
6. Unplug the hoses, re-install the valve cap on the tire and return the
kit to the stowage area.
WARNING:The power plug may get hot after use and should
be handled carefully while unplugging.
What to do after the tire has been sealed
After using the temporary mobility kit to seal your tire, you will need to
replace the sealant canister and clear tube (hose). Sealing compound
and spare parts can be obtained and replaced at an authorized Ford
Motor Company dealership or tire dealer. Empty sealant bottles may be
disposed of at home; however, liquid residue from the sealing compound
should be disposed by your local Ford Motor Company dealership or tire
dealer, or in accordance with local waste disposal regulations.
Note:After the sealing compound has been used, the maximum vehicle
speed is 50 mph (80 km/h) and the maximum driving distance is
120 miles (200 km). The sealed tire should be inspected immediately.
Note:After sealant use, the TPMS sensor and valve stem on the wheel
must be replaced by an authorized Ford dealer.
You can check the tire pressure any time within the 120 miles (200 km)
by performing the procedure fromSecond stage: Checking tire
pressurelisted previously.
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WRECKER TOWING
If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact a professional towing
service or, if you are a member of a roadside assistance program, your
roadside assistance service provider.
It is recommended that your vehicle be towed with a wheel lift and
dollies or flatbed equipment. Do not tow with a slingbelt. Ford Motor
Company has not approved a slingbelt towing procedure.
On FWD vehicles, if your vehicle is to be towed from the front, ensure
proper wheel lift equipment is used to raise the front wheels off the
ground. The rear wheels can be left on the ground when towed in this
fashion.
If your vehicle is to be towed from the rear using wheel lift equipment, it
is recommended that the front wheels (drive wheels) be placed on a
dolly to prevent damage to the automatic transmission.
On AWD vehicles, it isrequiredthat your vehicle be towed with a wheel
lift and dollies or flatbed equipment with all the wheels off the ground to
prevent damage to the automatic transmission, AWD system or vehicle.
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If the vehicle is towed by other means or incorrectly, vehicle
damage may occur.
Ford Motor Company produces a towing manual for all authorized tow
truck operators. Have your tow truck operator refer to this manual for
proper hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle.
Emergency towing
In case of a roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle (without access
to wheel dollies, car hauling trailer, or flatbed transport vehicle) your
vehicle (regardless of transmission powertrain configuration) can be flat
towed (all wheels on the ground) under the following conditions:
•Vehicle is facing forward so that it is being towed in a forward
direction.
•Place the transmission in N (Neutral). Refer toBrake-shift interlock
in theDrivingchapter for specific instructions if you cannot move the
gear shift lever into N (Neutral).
•Maximum speed is not to exceed 35 mph (56 km/h).
•Maximum distance is 50 miles (80 km).
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WASHING THE EXTERIOR
Wash your vehicle regularly with cool or lukewarm water and a neutral
pH shampoo, such as MotorcraftDetail Wash (ZC-3-A), which is
available from your authorized dealer.
•Never use strong household detergents or soap, such as dish washing
or laundry liquid. These products can discolor and spot painted
surfaces.
•Never wash a vehicle that is “hot to the touch” or during exposure to
strong, direct sunlight.
•Always use a clean sponge or car wash mitt with plenty of water for
best results.
•Dry the vehicle with a chamois or soft terry cloth towel in order to
eliminate water spotting.
•It is especially important to wash the vehicle regularly during the
winter months, as dirt and road salt are difficult to remove and cause
damage to the vehicle.
•Immediately remove items such as gasoline, diesel fuel, bird droppings
and insect deposits because they can cause damage to the vehicle’s
paintwork and trim over time. Use MotorcraftBug and Tar Remover
(ZC-42) which is available from your authorized dealer.
•Remove any exterior accessories, such as antennas, before entering a
car wash.
•Suntan lotions and insect repellents can damage any painted
surface; if these substances come in contact with your vehicle,
wash off as soon as possible.
Exterior chrome
•Wash the vehicle first, using cool or lukewarm water and a neutral pH
shampoo, such as MotorcraftDetail Wash (ZC-3-A).
•Use MotorcraftCustom Bright Metal Cleaner (ZC-15), available from
your authorized dealer. Apply the product as you would a wax to
clean bumpers and other chrome parts; allow the cleaner to dry for a
few minutes, then wipe off the haze with a clean, dry rag.
•Never use abrasive materials such as steel wool or plastic pads
as they can scratch the chrome surface.
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CHANGING THE WIPER BLADES
1. Pull the wiper arm away from the
vehicle. Turn the blade at an angle
from the wiper arm. Press the lock
tab to release the blade and pull the
wiper blade down toward the
windshield to remove it from the
arm.
2. Attach the new wiper to the
wiper arm and press it into place
until a click is heard.
Replace wiper blades at least once per year for optimum performance.
Poor wiper quality can be improved by cleaning the wiper blades and the
windshield. Refer toWindows and wiper bladesin theCleaning
chapter.
To prolong the life of the wiper blades, it is highly recommended to
scrape off the ice on the windshield before turning on the wipers. The
layer of ice has many sharp edges and can damage the micro edge of the
wiper rubber element.
Changing rear window wiper blade
To replace the rear wiper blade:
1. Grab the wiper arm with one
hand close to the arm/blade joint
and pull it as far away from the
glass as possible. Do not use
excessive force because it can break
the wiper arm at the heel. Hold it
there until the next step.
2. Grab the primary structure of the
blade with the other hand close to
the arm/blade joint.
Maintenance and Specifications
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