2011 FORD FLEX ECU

Locks and Security 118
Keys 118
Locks 124
Anti-theft system 137
Seating and Safety Restraints 143
Seating 143
Safety restraints 165
Airbags 180
Child restraints 195
Tires, Wheels and Loading 214
Tire information 216
Tire inflation 218
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) 231
Vehicle loading 237
Trailer towing 244
Recreational towing 249
Driving 250
Starting 250
Brakes 255
AdvanceTrac257
Transmission operation 266
Reverse sensing system 272
Rear-view camera system 274
All wheel drive 281
Roadside Emergencies 288
Getting roadside assistance 288
Hazard flasher control 289
Fuel pump shut-off 289
Fuses and relays 290
Changing tires 298
Temporary mobility kit 305
Wheel lug nut torque 313
Jump starting 315
Wrecker towing 318
Table of Contents
2
2011 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Additionally, when you connect to Traffic, Directions and
Information (if equipped, U.S. only) the service uses GPS
technology and advanced vehicle sensors to collect the vehicle’s
current location, travel direction, and speed (“vehicle travel
information”) only to help provide you with the directions, traffic
reports, or business searches your request. If you do not want
Ford or its vendors to receive this information, do not activate
the service. Ford Motor Company and the vendors it uses to
provide you with this information do not store your vehicle travel
information. For more information, see Traffic, Directions and
Information, Terms and Conditions. See your SYNCsupplement
for more information.
CELL PHONE USE
The use of Mobile Communications Equipment has become increasingly
important in the conduct of business and personal affairs. However,
drivers must not compromise their own or others’ safety when using
such equipment. Mobile Communications can enhance personal safety
and security when appropriately used, particularly in emergency
situations. Safety must be paramount when using mobile communications
equipment to avoid negating these benefits.
Mobile Communication Equipment includes, but is not limited to, cellular
phones, pagers, portable email devices, text messaging devices and
portable two-way radios.
WARNING:Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle
control, accident and injury. Ford strongly recommends that you
use extreme caution when using any device or feature that may take
your focus off the road. Your primary responsibility is the safe
operation of your vehicle.
We recommend against the use of any handheld device while driving
and that you comply with all applicable laws.
Introduction
8
2011 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

AdvanceTrac/traction control
off:Illuminates when the
AdvanceTrac/traction control has
been turned off. Refer to the
Drivingchapter for more
information.
Low tire pressure warning:
Illuminates when your tire pressure
is low. If the light remains on at
start up or while driving, the tire
pressure should be checked. Refer
toInflating your tiresin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter. When
the ignition is first turned to on, the light will illuminate for three
seconds to ensure the bulb is working. If the light does not turn on or
begins to flash, have the system inspected by your authorized dealer. For
more information on this system, refer toTire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS)in theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter.
Speed control:Illuminates when
the speed control is engaged. Turns
off when the speed control system
is disengaged.
Overdrive cancel and grade
assist (if equipped):Illuminates
when the overdrive function of the
transmission has been turned off
and the grade assist function has
been turned on, refer to theDrivingchapter.
Anti-theft system:Flashes when
the SecuriLockPassive Anti-theft
System has been activated.
Door ajar:Illuminates when the
ignition is in the on position and any
door is open.
OFF
Instrument Cluster
15
2011 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Tachometer:Indicates the engine
speed in revolutions per minute.
Driving with your tachometer
pointer continuously at the top of
the scale may damage the engine.
Odometer:Registers the total miles
(kilometers) of the vehicle. Refer to
Message centerin theInstrument
clusterchapter on how to switch
the display from Metric to English.
Trip odometer:SeeTRIP A/BunderMessage centerin this chapter.
MESSAGE CENTER
Your vehicle’s message center allows you to configure/personalize certain
vehicle options to suit your needs.
The message center is also capable of monitoring many vehicle systems
and will alert you to potential vehicle problems and various conditions
with an informational message followed by a long indicator chime.
The message center display is located in the instrument cluster.
Info
Press the INFO button repeatedly to
cycle through the following features:
TRIP A/B
Registers the distance of individual journeys. Press and release INFO
button until the A or B trip appears in the display (this represents the
trip mode). Press and hold RESET until it resets.
Refer toUNITSlater in this section to switch the display from Metric to
English.
MYKEY MILES (km) (if programmed)
For more information, refer toMyKeyin theLocks and Security
chapter.
MILES (km) TO E
This displays an estimate of approximately how far you can drive with
the fuel remaining in your tank under normal driving conditions.
Instrument Cluster
18
2011 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

EASY ENTRY
This feature automatically moves the driver’s seat backwards for easy
exit/entry from the vehicle.
Press RESET to turn it off or on.
REAR PARK AID (if equipped)
This feature sounds a tone to warn the driver of obstacles near the rear
bumper, and functions only when R (Reverse) gear is selected.
Press RESET to turn it off or on.
TRAILER SWAY (if equipped)
This feature uses the electronic stability control to mitigate trailer sway,
Press RESET to turn it off or on.
TIRE MOBILITY KIT EXP 1, 2, 3, 4 YR (if equipped)
Use this feature to set the expiration date that is listed on the tire
mobility kit sealant canister. SeeTemporary mobility kitin the
Roadside Emergencieschapter for more information on the expiration
date.
Press the RESET control to choose the proper expiration date in years.
CREATE MYKEY / MYKEY SETUP / CLEAR MYKEY
For more information refer toMyKeyin theLocks and Security
chapter.
LANGUAGE = ENGLISH / SPANISH / FRENCH
Allows you to choose which language the message center will display in.
Selectable languages are English, Spanish, or French.
Waiting four seconds or pressing the RESET button cycles the message
center through each of the language choices.
Press and hold RESET for two seconds to set the language choice.
System warnings
System warnings alert you to possible problems or malfunctions in your
vehicle’s operating systems.
In the event of a multiple warning situation, the message center will
cycle the display to show all warnings by displaying each one for four
seconds.
The message center will display the last selected feature if there are no
more warning messages.
Instrument Cluster
22
2011 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

BRAKE FLUID LEVEL LOW— Indicates the brake fluid level is low
and the brake system should be inspected immediately. Refer toBrake
fluidin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
AWD OFF (if equipped)— Displayed when the AWD system has been
automatically disabled to protect itself. This is caused by operating the
vehicle with the compact spare tire installed or if the system is
overheating. The AWD system will resume normal function and clear this
message after driving a short distance with the road tire re-installed or
after the system is allowed to cool.
CHECK AWD (if equipped)— Displayed when a problem exists with
the AWD system. Contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
LOW TIRE PRESSURE— Displayed when one or more tires on your
vehicle has low tire pressure. Refer toInflating your tiresin theTires,
Wheels and Loadingchapter.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR FAULT— Displayed when the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System is malfunctioning. If the warning stays on or
continues to come on, contact your authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR FAULT— Displayed when a tire pressure
sensor is malfunctioning, or your spare tire is in use. For more
information on how the system operates under these conditions, refer to
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)in theTires, Wheels and
Loadingchapter. If the warning stays on or continues to come on,
contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT— The power steering system
has disabled power steering assist due to a system error; service is
required.
SERVICE POWER STEERING— The power steering system has
detected a condition that requires service.
SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW— The power steering system
has detected a condition that requires service immediately.
ENGINE OIL CHANGE SOON— Displayed when the engine oil life
remaining is 5% to 1%.
OIL CHANGE REQUIRED— Displayed when the oil life left reaches
0%.
INTKEY COULD NOT PROGRAM— Displayed when an attempt is
made to program a fifth integrated key to the remote key entry system.
For more information on integrated key, refer to theLocks and Security
chapter in this manual.
Instrument Cluster
24
2011 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

BACK UP SLOWLY USE CAUTION (if equipped)— May display
when using the active park assist system. SeeActive park assistin the
Drivingchapter for more information.
BACK UP USE CAUTION (if equipped)— May display when using
the active park assist system. SeeActive park assistin theDriving
chapter for more information.
ACTIVE PARK FINISHED (if equipped)— May display when using
the active park assist system. SeeActive park assistin theDriving
chapter for more information.
REMOVE HANDS PUT IN REVERSE (if equipped)— May display
when using the active park assist system. SeeActive park assistin the
Drivingchapter for more information.
ACTIVE PARK NOT AVAILABLE (if equipped)— May display when
using the active park assist system. SeeActive park assistin the
Drivingchapter for more information.
ACTIVE PARK DEACTIVATED (if equipped)— Displayed when the
active park feature has been turned off. Refer toActive park assistin
theDrivingchapter for more information.
MYKEY ACTIVE DRIVE SAFELY— Displayed at startup when MyKey
is in use. Refer toMyKeyin theLocks and Securitychapter for more
information.
KEY COULD NOT PROGRAM— Displayed when an attempt is made
to program a spare key using two existing MyKeys. Refer toMyKeyin
theLocks and Securitychapter for more information.
VEHICLE SPEED 80 MPH MAX— Displayed when a MyKey is in use
and the admin has enabled the MyKey speed limit and the vehicle speed
is 80 mph (130 km/h). Refer toMyKeyin theLocks and Security
chapter for more information.
SPEED LIMITED TO 80 MPH— Displayed when starting the vehicle
and MyKey is in use and the MyKey speed limit is on. Refer toMyKeyin
theLocks and Securitychapter for more information.
CHECK SPEED DRIVE SAFELY— Displayed when a MyKey is in use
and the optional setting is on and the vehicle exceeds a preselected
speed. Refer toMyKeyin theLocks and Securitychapter for more
information.
VEHICLE NEAR TOP SPEED— Displayed when a MyKey is in use
and the MyKey speed limit is on and the vehicle speed is approaching
80 mph (130 km/h). Refer toMyKeyin theLocks and Securitychapter
for more information.
Instrument Cluster
26
2011 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

TOP SPEED MYKEY SETTING— Displayed when a MyKey is in use
and the MyKey speed limit is on and the vehicle speed is 80 mph
(130 km/h). Refer toMyKeyin theLocks and Securitychapter for more
information.
BUCKLE UP TO UNMUTE AUDIO— Displayed when a MyKey is in
use and Belt-Minderis activated. Refer toMyKeyin theLocks and
Securitychapter for more information.
ADVTRAC ON MYKEY SETTING— Displayed when a MyKey is in
use when trying to disable the AdvanceTracsystem and the optional
setting is on. Refer toMyKeyin theLocks and Securitychapter for
more information.
SERVICE ADVANCETRAC— Displayed when the AdvanceTrac
system has detected a condition that requires service.
TO STOP ALARM START VEHICLE— Displayed when the perimeter
alarm system is armed and the vehicle is entered using the key on the
driver’s side door. In order to prevent the perimeter alarm system from
triggering, the ignition must be turned to start or on before the
12 second chime expires. SeePerimeter alarm systemin theLocks and
Securitychapter.
POWER REDUCED TO LOWER TEMP— Displayed when vehicle
performance is reduced due to high engine fluid temperatures. See
Engine fluid temperature managementandWhat you should know
about fail-safe coolingin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
SERVICE TIRE MOBILITY KIT (if equipped)— Displayed when the
tire mobility kit requires service. See your authorized dealer for more
information.
Instrument Cluster
27
2011 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)