2012 FORD FLEX steering

Descend a hill in the same gear you
would use to climb up the hill to avoid
excessive brake application and brake
overheating. Do not descend in
neutral; instead, disengage overdrive
or manually shift to a lower gear.
When descending a steep hill, avoid
sudden hard braking as you could lose
control. The front wheels have to be
turning in order to steer the vehicle.
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes,
therefore apply the brakes steadily.
Do not “pump” the brakes.
Driving on snow and ice
Note:Excessive tire slippage can cause transmission damage.
AWD vehicles have advantages over 2WD vehicles in snow and ice but
can skid like any other vehicle.
Should you start to slide while driving on snowy or icy roads, turn the
steering wheel in the direction of the slide until you regain control.
Avoid sudden applications of power and quick changes of direction on
snow and ice. Apply the accelerator slowly and steadily when starting
from a full stop.
Avoid sudden braking as well. Although an AWD vehicle may accelerate
better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won’t stop any
faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels. Do
not become overconfident as to road conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles
for stopping. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower
gears. In emergency stopping situations, apply the brake steadily. Since
your vehicle is equipped with a four wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS),
do not “pump” the brakes. Refer to theBrakessection of this chapter
for additional information on the operation of the anti-lock brake system.
WARNING:If you are driving in slippery conditions that require
tire chains or cables, then it is critical that you drive cautiously.
Keep speeds down, allow for longer stopping distances and avoid
aggressive steering to reduce the chances of a loss of vehicle control
which can lead to serious injury or death. If the rear end of the vehicle
slides while cornering, steer in the direction of the slide until you
regain control of the vehicle.
Driving
283
2012 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Maintenance and modifications
The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been designed
and tested to provide predictable performance whether loaded or empty
and durable load carrying capability. For this reason, Ford Motor
Company strongly recommends that you do not make modifications such
as adding or removing parts (such as lift kits or stabilizer bars) or by
using replacement parts not equivalent to the original factory equipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raise the center of gravity can make
it more likely the vehicle will rollover as a result of a loss of control.
Ford Motor Company recommends that caution be used with any vehicle
equipped with a high load or device (such as ladder or luggage racks).
Failure to maintain your vehicle properly may void the warranty, increase
your repair cost, reduce vehicle performance and operational capabilities
and adversely affect driver and passenger safety. Frequent inspection of
vehicle chassis components is recommended if the vehicle is subjected to
heavy off-highway usage.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
If driving through deep or standing
water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly. Never drive through water
that is higher than the bottom of
the wheel rims (for cars) or the
bottom of the hubs (for trucks).
When driving through water, traction or brake capability may be limited.
Also, water may enter your engine’s air intake and severely damage your
engine or your vehicle may stall.Driving through deep water where
the transmission vent tube is submerged may allow water into the
transmission and cause internal transmission damage.
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your
vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.
Driving
284
2012 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

COLOR
Fuse
ratingMini
fusesStandard
fusesMaxi
fusesCartridge
maxi
fusesFuse link
cartridge
20A Yellow Yellow Yellow Blue Blue
25A Natural Natural — Natural Natural
30A Green Green Green Pink Pink
40A — — Orange Green Green
50A — — Red Red Red
60A — — Blue Yellow Yellow
70A — — Tan — Brown
80A — — Natural Black Black
Passenger compartment fuse panel
The fuse panel is located under the instrument panel to the left of the
steering wheel.
Roadside Emergencies
288
2012 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingProtected Circuits
23 15A High beam headlamps
24 20A Horn
25 10A Demand lamps/Interior lamps,
Power fold seats
26 10A Instrument panel cluster
27 20A Ignition Switch
28 5A Radio/navigation
29 5A Instrument panel cluster
30 5A Transmission shifter
31 10A Not used (spare)
32 10A Restraint control module
33 10A TT battery charge relay coil
34 5A Roll stability control, Refrigerator
relay coil, Electric power assist
steering
35 10A Steering angle sensor, Reverse
sensing system, Active park assist,
Heated seat, AWD, DC/AC
inverter, Rearview camera
36 5A Passive anti-theft system module
37 10A Not used (spare)
38 20A TT park lamps
39 20A Radio/navigation
40 20A Rear heated seats
41 15A Switch illumination, Auto dimming
mirror, Moon roof, Mood lighting
42 10A Not used (spare)
43 10A Auxiliary climate control relay,
Rear window defroster relay, Rear
wiper
44 10A Not used (spare)
45 5A Wiper relay, climate control relay
Roadside Emergencies
290
2012 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingProtected Circuits
41 G8VA relay TT park lamp
42 G8VA relay TT stop/turn lamp (left)
43 G8VA relay TT stop/turn lamp (right)
44 G8VA relay Backup lamps relay
45 — Not used
46 15A** Vehicle power 2, Vehicle power 3
47 20A** Vehicle power 1 – PCM power
48 15A** Vehicle power – coils on plugs
49 10A** Heated mirrors
50 HC micro relay Blower motor
51 HC micro relay Rear wiper
52 HC micro relay Starter
53 HC micro relay 3rd row power seats
54 — Not used
55 HC micro relay Front wiper relay
56 HC micro relay Rear window defroster
57 — Not used
58 — Not used
59 HC micro relay Auxiliary blower motor
60 HC micro relay TT battery charge
61 — Not used
62 G8VA relay Refrigerator
63 — Not used
64 HC micro relay PCM
65 G8VA relay A/C clutch
66 G8VA relay Fuel pump
* Cartridge Fuses ** Mini Fuses
CHANGING THE TIRES
If you get a flat tire while driving, do not apply the brake heavily.
Instead, gradually decrease your speed. Hold the steering wheel firmly
and slowly move to a safe place on the side of the road.
Roadside Emergencies
294
2012 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

•Do not allow air fresheners and hand sanitizers to spill on interior
surfaces. If a spill occurs,wipe off immediately.Damage may not be
covered by your warranty.
WARNING:Do not use chemical solvents or strong detergents
when cleaning the steering wheel or instrument panel to avoid
contamination of the airbag system.
If a staining liquid like coffee/juice has been spilled on the instrument
panel or on interior trim surfaces, clean as follows:
1. Wipe up spilled liquid using a clean, white, cotton cloth.
2. Wipe the surface with a damp, clean, white cotton cloth. For more
thorough cleaning, use a mild soap and water solution. If the spot cannot
be completely cleaned by this method, the area may be cleaned using a
commercially available cleaning product designed for automotive
interiors.
3. If necessary, apply more soap and water solution or cleaning product
to a clean, white, cotton cloth and press the cloth onto the soiled
area–allow this to set at room temperature for 30 minutes.
4. Remove the soaked cloth, and if it is not soiled badly, use this cloth to
clean the area by using a rubbing motion for 60 seconds.
5. Following this, wipe area dry with a clean, white, cotton cloth.
INTERIOR
For fabric, carpets, cloth seats, safety belts and seats equipped with side
airbags:
•Remove dust and loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner.
•Remove light stains and soil with MotorcraftProfessional Strength
Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner (ZC-54).
•If grease or tar is present on the material, spot-clean the area first
with MotorcraftSpot and Stain Remover (ZC-14). In Canada, use
MotorcraftMulti-Purpose Cleaner (CXC-101).
•If a ring forms on the fabric after spot cleaning, clean the entire area
immediately (but do not oversaturate) or the ring will set.
•Do not use household cleaning products or glass cleaners, which can
stain and discolor the fabric and affect the flame retardant abilities of
the seat materials.
Cleaning
321
2012 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

OPENING THE HOOD
1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood
release handle located under the
bottom of the instrument panel near
the steering column.
2. Go to the front of the vehicle and
release the auxiliary latch that is
located under the front center of
the hood.
3. Lift the hood.
Maintenance and Specifications
325
2012 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
3.5L V6 engine
1. Power steering fluid reservoir
2. Engine coolant reservoir
3. Brake fluid reservoir
4. Battery
5. Power distribution box
6. Air filter assembly
7. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
8. Engine oil dipstick
9. Engine oil filler cap
10. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
Maintenance and Specifications
326
2012 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)