2011 FORD FLEX checking oil

Engine shield
Some vehicles may be equipped
with an aero-shield under the
engine. This shield needs to be
removed for service, including oil
and filter changes. It is secured with
four quick release fasteners.
WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the
level is low. In very cold weather, do
not fill the reservoir completely.
Only use a washer fluid that meets
Ford specifications. Do not use any
special washer fluid such as
windshield water repellent type fluid
or bug wash. They may cause
squeaking, chatter noise, streaking
and smearing. Refer to
Maintenance product specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
WARNING:If you operate your vehicle in temperatures below
40°F (5°C), use washer fluid with antifreeze protection. Failure
to use washer fluid with antifreeze protection in cold weather could
result in impaired windshield vision and increase the risk of injury or
accident.
Checking and adding washer fluid for the liftgate
Washer fluid for the liftgate is supplied by the same reservoir as the
windshield.
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3. The wiper arm has a snap
retention feature to receive a cross
pin from the wiper blade structure.
Grip tightly and press on the
arm/blade joint from beneath and
separate the blade from the arm.
Avoid rotating the wiper blade
structure and trapping your left
hand between the arm and blade.
4. Attach the new wiper to the
wiper arm and press it into place
until a click is heard.
If you find this procedure too difficult, please see your dealer.
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to thescheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate
intervals for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the
engine oil level dipstick.
6. Wipe the dipstick clean. Insert the dipstick fully, then remove it again.
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•If the oil level iswithin this
range,the oil level is acceptable.
DO NOT ADD OIL.
•If the oil level isbelow this
mark,engineoil must be added
to raise the level within the
normal operating range.
•If required, add engine oil to the engine. Refer toAdding engine oil
in this chapter.
•Do not overfill the engine
with oil. Oil levels above this
mark may cause engine
damage.If the engine is
overfilled, some oil must be
removed from the engine by an
authorized dealer.
7. Put the dipstick back in and ensure it is fully seated.
Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer toChecking the engine
oilin this chapter.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal operating range, add
only certified engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the
engine oil filler cap and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the
opening.
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the
normal operating range on the engine oil level dipstick.
4. Install the dipstick and ensure it is fully seated.
5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap clockwise
until it stops.
To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the vehicle with the
engine oil level dipstick and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.
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•Always dispose of automotive
batteries in a responsible manner.
Follow your local authorized
standards for disposal. Call your
local authorized recycling center
to find out more about recycling
automotive batteries.
ENGINE COOLANT
Checking engine coolant
The concentration and level of engine coolant should be checked at the
intervals listed inscheduled maintenance information.The coolant
concentration should be maintained at 50/50 coolant and distilled water,
which equates to a freeze point of -34°F (-36°C). Coolant concentration
testing is possible with a hydrometer or antifreeze tester. The level of
coolant should be maintained at the FULL COLD level or within the
COLD FILL RANGE in the coolant reservoir. If the level falls below, add
coolant per the instructions in theAdding engine coolantsection.
Your vehicle was factory-filled with a 50/50 engine coolant and water
concentration. If the concentration of coolant falls below 40% or above
60%, the engine parts could become damaged or not work properly.A
50/50 mixture of coolant and water provides the following:
•Freeze protection down to -34°F (-36°C).
•Boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
•Protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
•Proper function of calibrated gauges.
L
E
A
D
RETURN
RECYCLE
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Items CapacityFord Part Name or
equivalentFord Part Number /
Ford Specification
Engine coolant
(with rear heater)13.2 quarts
(12.5L)
(3.5L engine)
6
•MotorcraftSpecialty
Green Engine Coolant
3
•VC-10-A2 (US)
•CVC-10-A (Canada) /
WSS-M97B55-A
Power steering fluid
(except EcoBoost
engine)Between MAX and
MIN on reservoirMotorcraft
MERCONVATFXT-5-QM /
MERCONV
Fuel tank18.6 gallons
(70.4L)——
Windshield washer fluid Fill as requiredMotorcraftPremium
Windshield Washer
Concentrate (US)
Premium Quality
Windshield Washer Fluid
(Canada)ZC-32-A (US)
CXC-37-(A, B, D, and F)
(Canada) /
WSB-M8B16-A2/- -
1Approximate dry fill capacity. Actual amount may vary during fluid changes.2Automatic transmissions that require MERCONLV should only use MERCONLV fluid. Refer to
scheduled maintenance informationto determine the correct service interval. Use of any fluid
other than the recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.3Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.4Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine oil need only meet the
requirements of Ford specification WSS-M2C930-A (3.5L V6 engine) or WSS-M2C929-A (3.5L V6
EcoBoost engine) and the API Certification mark.5See your authorized dealer for fluid level checking or filling.63.5L EcoBoost engine coolant capacity- 13.7 quarts (13.0L)
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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
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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
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