Introduction 4
Instrument Cluster 12
Warning lights and chimes 12
Gauges 16
Message center 18
Entertainment Systems 28
AM/FM stereo with CD/MP3 28
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) 37
USB port 38
Satellite radio information 42
Family entertainment system 46
Navigation system 66
SYNC66
Climate Controls 67
Manual heating and air conditioning 67
Dual electronic automatic temperature control 70
Navigation system based climate control 73
Rear window defroster 78
Lights 80
Headlamps 80
Turn signal control 84
Bulb replacement 85
Driver Controls 90
Windshield wiper/washer control 90
Steering wheel adjustment 91
Power windows 100
Mirrors 101
Speed control 103
Moon roof 107
Table of Contents
1
2012 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Event Data Recording
This vehicle is equipped with an event data recorder (EDR). The
main purpose of an EDR is to record, in certain crash or near
crash-like situations, such as an airbag deployment or hitting a
road obstacle; this data will assist in understanding how a
vehicle’s systems performed. The EDR is designed to record data
related to vehicle dynamics and safety systems for a short period
of time, typically 30 seconds or less. The EDR in this vehicle is
designed to record such data as:
•How various systems in your vehicle were operating;
•Whether or not the driver and passenger seatbelts were
buckled/fastened;
•How far (if at all) the driver was depressing the accelerator
and/or the brake pedal; and
•How fast the vehicle was travelling; and
•Where the driver was positioning the steering wheel.
This data can help provide a better understanding of the
circumstances in which crashes and injuries occur.
Note: EDR data is recorded by your vehicle only if a non-trivial
crash situation occurs; no data is recorded by the EDR under
normal driving conditions and no personal data or information
(e.g., name, gender, age, and crash location) is recorded (see
limitations regarding 911 Assist and Traffic, directions and
Information privacy below). However, parties, such as law
enforcement, could combine the EDR data with the type of
personally identifying data routinely acquired during a crash
investigation.
To read data recorded by an EDR, special equipment is required,
and access to the vehicle or the EDR is needed. In addition to the
vehicle manufacturer, other parties, such as law enforcement,
that have such special equipment, can read the information if
they have access to the vehicle or the EDR. Ford Motor Company
and Ford of Canada do not access event data recorder
information without obtaining consent, unless pursuant to court
order or where required by law enforcement, other government
authorities or other third parties acting with lawful authority.
Other parties may seek to access the information independently
of Ford Motor Company and Ford of Canada.
Introduction
7
2012 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Note: Including to the extent that any law pertaining to Event
Data Recorders applies to SYNCor its features, please note the
following: Once 911 Assist (if equipped) is enabled (set ON), 911
Assist may, through any paired and connected cell phone, disclose
to emergency services that the vehicle has been in a crash
involving the deployment of an airbag or, in certain vehicles, the
activation of the fuel pump shut-off. Certain versions or updates
to 911 Assist may also be capable of being used to electronically
or verbally provide to 911 operators the vehicle location (such as
latitude and longitude), and/or other details about the vehicle or
crash or personal information about the occupants to assist 911
operators to provide the most appropriate emergency services. If
you do not want to disclose this information, do not activate the
911 Assist feature. See your SYNCsupplement for more
information.
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.
Introduction
8
2012 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Warning lights and gauges can alert you to a vehicle condition that may
become serious enough to cause extensive repairs. A warning light may
illuminate when a problem exists with one of your vehicle’s functions.
Many lights will illuminate when you start your vehicle to make sure the
bulbs work. If any light remains on after starting the vehicle, refer to the
respective system warning light for additional information.
Service engine soon:The service
engine soon indicator light
illuminates when the ignition is first
turned to the on position to check
the bulb and to indicate whether the vehicle is ready for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing. Normally, the service engine soon
light will stay on until the engine is cranked, then turn itself off if no
malfunctions are present. However, if after 15 seconds the service engine
soon light blinks eight times, it means that the vehicle is not ready for
I/M testing. See theReadiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M)
testingin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
Solid illumination after the engine is started indicates the on-board
diagnostics system (OBD-II) has detected a malfunction. Refer to
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II)in theMaintenance and Specifications
chapter. If the light is blinking, engine misfire is occurring which could
damage your catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid
heavy acceleration and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced
immediately by your authorized dealer.
EFC
H
RPM x 10002
0 13
4
5
6
7
60
100
MPH
20406080
0180160 140 120
0 204080
100
120
Instrument Cluster
12
2012 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Humidity and moisture condensation
Moisture in the air will condense in the DVD player under extremely
humid conditions or when moving from a cold place to a warm one.
Moisture condensation may cause damage to the DVD and/or player. If
moisture condensation occurs, do not insert a CD or DVD into the
player. If one is already in the player, remove it. Turn the DVD player ON
to dry the moisture before inserting a DVD. This could take an hour or
more.
Foreign substances
Exercise care to prevent dirt and foreign objects from entering the DVD
player compartment. Be especially careful not to spill liquids of any kind
onto the media controls or into the system. If liquid is accidentally
spilled onto the system, immediately turn the system OFF and consult a
qualified service technician.
Cleaning the liquid crystal display (LCD) screen
Clean the display screen by applying a small amount of water or any
ammonia-based household glass cleaner directly to a soft cloth. Rub the
screen gently until the dust, dirt or fingerprints are removed. Do not
spray the screen directly with water or glass cleaning solvents. Overspray
from these fluids could drip down into the internal electronics of the
screen and cause damage. Do not apply excessive pressure while
cleaning the screen.
Cleaning DVD and CD discs
Inspect all discs for contamination before playing. If necessary, clean
discs only with an approved DVD and CD cleaner and wipe from the
center out to the edge. Do not use circular motion.
NAVIGATION SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a navigation system. Refer to the
Navigation Systemsupplement for further information.
SYNC(IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle may be equipped with SYNC, a hands-free communications
and entertainment system with special phone and media features. For
more information, please refer to theSYNCsupplement or to the
SYNCsection in theNavigation Systemsupplement (if equipped).
Entertainment Systems
66
2012 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
4.A/C:Press to activate/deactivate air conditioning. Use with
recirculated air to improve cooling performance and efficiency. A/C
engages automatically in MAX A/C,
(defrost) and
(floor/defrost).
5.
Recirculated air:Press to activate/deactivate air recirculation in
the vehicle. Recirculated air may reduce the amount of time needed to
cool down the interior of the vehicle and may also help reduce undesired
odors from reaching the interior of the vehicle. Recirculated air engages
automatically when MAX A/C is selected or can be engaged manually in
any airflow mode except
(defrost). When the ignition switch is
turned off and back on, the climate system will return to the recirculated
air mode only if the A/C button LED is illuminated and the air
distribution selection is either
(panel) or(panel/floor).
6.MAX A/C:Distributes recirculated air through the instrument panel
vents to cool the vehicle. This re-cooling of the interior air is more
economical and efficient. Recirculated air may also help reduce
undesirable odors from entering the vehicle. Press the MAX A/C button
again for normal A/C operation.
7.Temperature control:Controls the temperature of the airflow in the
vehicle.
8.
Fan speed adjustment:Controls the volume of air circulated in
the vehicle.
9.
Power:Press to activate/deactivate the climate control system.
When the system is off, outside air is prevented from entering the
vehicle.
10.
Power:Press to activate/deactivate the rear climate control
system.
11.REAR CTRL:Press to change control of the rear climate system
from the front to the rear controls.
12.Temp–:Press to lower the temperature for the rear climate area.
13.Temp+:Press to increase the temperature for the rear climate area.
14.
–Rear fan speed control:Press to decrease the fan speed for
the rear climate area.
15.
+Rear fan speed control:Press to increase the fan speed for
the rear climate area.
Climate Controls
68
2012 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
•:Distributes air through the instrument panel vents.
•
:Distributes air through the instrument panel vents, floor vents
and rear seat floor vents.
•
:Distributes air through the floor vents and rear seat floor vents.
4.A/C:Press to activate/deactivate air conditioning. Use with
recirculated air to improve cooling performance and efficiency. A/C
engages automatically in MAX A/C,
(defrost)
and
(floor/defrost).
5.AUTO:Press to engage automatic temperature control. Select the
desired temperature using the temperature control. The system will
automatically determine fan speed, airflow location, A/C on or off, and
outside or recirculated air, to heat or cool the vehicle to reach the
desired temperature.
6.MAX A/C:Distributes recirculated air through the instrument panel
vents to cool the vehicle. This re-cooling of the interior air is more
economical and efficient. Recirculated air may also help reduce
undesirable odors from entering the vehicle. Press the MAX A/C button
again for normal A/C operation.
7.
Recirculated air:Press to activate/deactivate air recirculation in
the vehicle. Recirculated air may reduce the amount of time needed to
cool down the interior of the vehicle and may also help reduce undesired
odors from reaching the interior of the vehicle. Recirculated air engages
automatically when MAX A/C is selected or can be engaged manually in
any airflow mode except
(defrost). When the ignition switch is
turned off and back on, the climate system will return to the recirculated
air mode only if the A/C button LED is illuminated and the air
distribution selection is either
(panel) or(panel/floor).
Recirculation may turn off automatically in all airflow modes, except
MAX A/C.
8.
Passenger heated seat control:Press once to activate high heat
setting (two indicator lights), press again to activate low heat setting
(one indicator light), and press again to deactivate the passenger heated
seat. Refer toFront seatingin theSeating and Safety Restraints
chapter for more information.
9.PASS TEMP:Press to activate separate passenger temperature
control and turn the dial to increase/decrease the airflow temperature for
the passenger side of the vehicle.
Climate Controls
71
2012 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
DUAL ZONE AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL (NAVIGATION
BASED–IF EQUIPPED)
Temperature conversion:To switch between Fahrenheit and Celsius,
refer toMessage centerin theInstrument Clusterchapter.
1.Climate:Press to control the climate control system through the
touch display screen. SeeTouchscreen functionslater in this section.
2.
RRear defroster:Press to activate/deactivate the rear window
defroster. Refer toRear window defrosterlater in this chapter for more
information. If your vehicle is equipped with heated mirrors, the same
button will activate both.
3.A/C:Press to activate/deactivate air conditioning. Use with
recirculated air to improve cooling performance and efficiency. A/C
engages automatically in MAX A/C,
(defrost) and
(floor/defrost).
4.Passenger temperature:Press to activate separate passenger
temperature control and increase/decrease the air temperature on the
passenger side of the vehicle.
Climate Controls
73
2012 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)