2012 FORD FLEX transmission

C. Remove the bolt cover (if
equipped).
D. Remove two bolts that attach the air filter assembly to the front of
the vehicle (2).
E. Loosen the clamp holding the air filter assembly to the rubber hose
(1).
F. Remove the harness retaining clip by pulling up (3). Do not
disconnect the sensor (4).
G. Without disconnecting the sensor (4), pull the air filter assembly up
to disconnect the air filter assembly from the seated grommets located
underneath the air filter assembly.
H. Rotate the air filter assembly 90
degrees counterclockwise and
reinstall into the rubber hose.
I. Tighten the clamp (1).
J. The transmission fluid level indicator can now be accessed.
Maintenance and Specifications
358
2012 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

WARNING:Do not run engine with the air filter disconnected.
Start the engine and continue with Step 6.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube by
turning it to the locked position.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated areas for normal operating temperature.
Low fluid level
If the fluid level is below the MIN
range of the dipstick, add fluid to
reach the hash mark level.Note:If
the fluid level is below the MIN
level, do not drive the vehicle. An underfill condition may cause shift
and/or engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperature 180°F-200°F (82°C-93°C) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 20 miles
(30 km) of driving.
The transmission fluid level should
be targeted within the cross-hatch
area if at normal operating
temperature 180°F-200°F
(82°C-93°C).
High fluid level
If the fluid level is above the MAX
range of the dipstick, remove fluid
to reach the hashmark level.Note:
Fluid level above the MAX level may
cause shift and/or engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition. If your
vehicle has been operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city
traffic during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off until normal operating temperatures are reached. Depending
on vehicle use, cooling times could take up to 30 minutes or longer.
MAX MIN
MAX MIN
Maintenance and Specifications
359
2012 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in the
Maintenance product specifications and capacitiessection in this
chapter.
Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 1/2 pint
(250 ml) increments through the
filler tube until the level is correct.
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by an authorized
dealer.
An overfill condition of
transmission fluid may cause shift and/or engagement concerns
and/or possible damage.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
For vehicles equipped with the EcoBoost engine, reinstall the air
filter assembly.
After the fluid level has been checked and adjusted as necessary, do the
following:
A. Shut the engine off.
B. Loosen the clamp holding the air filter assembly to the rubber hose.
C. Rotate the air filter assembly 90 degrees clockwise without
disconnecting the sensor.
D. Seat the air filter assembly back into the grommets by pushing down
on the air filter assembly.
E. Tighten the clamp.
F. Install and tighten two bolts that attach air filter assembly to the front
of the vehicle.
G. Install the bolt cover (if equipped).
H. Reinstall the harness retaining clip into the front of the air filter
assembly.
MAX MIN
Maintenance and Specifications
360
2012 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

MAINTENANCE PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS AND CAPACITIES
Items CapacityFord Part Name or
equivalentFord Part Number /
Ford Specification
Brake fluidBetween MAX and
MIN on reservoirMotorcraftHigh
Performance DOT 3
Motor Vehicle Brake
FluidPM-1-C /
WSS-M6C62-A or
WSS-M6C65-A1
Door latch, hood latch,
auxiliary hood latch,
seat tracks, trunk and
liftgate latches—Multi-Purpose Grease
(Lithium grease)XG-4 or XL-5 or
equivalent /
ESA-M1C93-B
Lock cylinders —MotorcraftPenetrating
and Lock LubricantXL-1 /
None
Automatic transmission
fluid (6F50)10.9 quarts
(10.3L)
1
Motorcraft
MERCONLV AT F
2
XT-10-QLV /
MERCONLV
Automatic transmission
fluid (6F55)11.6 quarts
(11.0L)
1
Rear differential fluid
(AWD)2.4 pints (1.15L)MotorcraftSAE 80W-90
Premium Rear Axle
LubricantXY-80W90-QL /
WSP-M2C197-A
Power Transfer Unit
(PTU) fluid (AWD)
5
18 ounces (0.53L)MotorcraftSAE
75W-140 Synthetic Rear
Axle LubricantXY-75W140-QL /
WSL-M2C192-A
Maintenance and Specifications
366
2012 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Items CapacityFord Part Name or
equivalentFord Part Number /
Ford Specification
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-M2C945-A (3.5L V6 engine) or WSS-M2C946-A (3.5L V6
EcoBoost engine) and the API Certification mark.5See your authorized dealer for fluid level checking or filling.
Maintenance and Specifications
369
2012 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

TRANSMISSION CODE DESIGNATIONS
You can find a transmission code on
the Safety Compliance Certification
Label. The following table tells you
which transmission each code
represents.
Description Code
6-speed automatic transmission (6F50) J
6-speed automatic transmission (6F55) G
Maintenance and Specifications
373
2012 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

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.
Multi-point inspection – Recommended each visit
Accessory drive belt(s) Half-shaft dust boots (if equipped)
Battery performance Horn operation
Clutch operation (if equipped) Radiator, cooler, heater and A/C hoses
Engine air filter Suspension component for leaks or
damage
Exhaust system Steering and linkage
Exterior lamps and hazard
warning system operationTires for wear and proper pressure,
including spare
Fluid levels*; fill if necessary Windshield for cracks, chips or pits
For oil and fluid leaks Washer spray and wiper operation
*Brake, coolant recovery reservoir, manual and automatic transmission
(with an underhood dipstick), power steering (if equipped) and
window washer
Be sure to ask your 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!
Scheduled Maintenance
385
2012 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Normal Scheduled Maintenance
At every oil change
interval as indicated
by the message
centerChange engine oil and filter
Rotate tires, inspect tire wear and measure tread
depth
Perform multi-point inspection (recommended)
Inspect automatic transmission fluid level (if
equipped with dipstick); consult dealer for
requirements
Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake
linings, hoses and parking brake
Inspect cabin air filter (if equipped)
Inspect engine cooling system strength and hoses
Inspect exhaust system and heat shields
Inspect rear axle and U-joints; lubricate if
equipped with grease fittings (AWD vehicles)
Inspect half-shaft boots (if equipped)
Inspect steering linkage, ball joints, suspension,
tie-rod ends, driveshaft and U-joints; lubricate if
equipped with grease fittings
Inspect wheels and related components for
abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag
Reset your Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ after each engine oil and filter
change; refer to theInstrument Clusterchapter
Do not exceed one year or 10,000 miles (16,000 km) between
service intervals
Scheduled Maintenance
388
2012 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)