2012 FORD FLEX power steering fluid

Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Power Windows
Front/Rear
Power Window Lockout
Child Safety Door
Lock/UnlockInterior Luggage
Compartment Release
Panic AlarmEngine Oil
Engine CoolantEngine Coolant
Temperature
Do Not Open When HotBattery
Avoid Smoking, Flames,
or SparksBattery Acid
Explosive GasFan Warning
Power Steering FluidMaintain Correct Fluid
LevelMAX
MIN
Service Engine SoonEngine Air Filter
Passenger Compartment
Air FilterJack
Check Fuel CapLow Tire Pressure
Warning
Introduction
11
2012 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Clusterchapter. Note that regardless of chosen enable state, trailer sway
control will be re-enabled each new key cycle.
WARNING:Turning off trailer sway control increases the risk of
loss of vehicle control, serious injury, or death. Ford does not
recommend disabling this feature except in situations where speed
reduction may be detrimental (e.g., hill climbing), the driver has
significant trailer towing experience, and can control trailer sway and
maintain safe operation.
STEERING
3.5L EcoBoost™ engine:Your vehicle is equipped with an Electric
Power Steering (EPS) system. There is no fluid reservoir to check or fill.
If your vehicle loses electrical power while you are driving (or if the
ignition is turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes
more effort. Extreme continuous steering may increase the effort it takes
for you to steer. This occurs to prevent internal overheating and
permanent damage to your steering system. If this should occur, you will
neither lose the ability to steer the vehicle manually nor will it cause
permanent damage. Typical steering and driving maneuvers will allow the
system to cool and steering assist will return to normal.
The EPS system has diagnostic checks that continuously monitor the
EPS system to ensure proper operation. When a system error is
detected, the following message SERVICE POWER STEERING, SERVICE
POWER STEERING NOW or POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT may
display in the message center, refer to theMessage centerin the
Instrument Clusterchapter for more information.
WARNING:The EPS system has diagnostics checks that
continuously monitor the EPS system to ensure proper operation
of the electronic system. When an electronic error is detected, the
message POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT will be displayed in the
message center. If this happens, stop the vehicle in a safe place, and
turn off the engine. After at least 10 seconds, reset the system by
restarting the engine, and watch the message center for POWER
STEERING ASSIST FAULT. If the message returns, or returns while
driving, take the vehicle to your dealer to have it checked. With the
message displayed, the steering assist is turned off, making the vehicle
harder to steer.
Driving
260
2012 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

WARNING:If the message SERVICE POWER STEERING is
displayed in the message center, the EPS system has detected a
problem with the system function. On the next key cycle the message
SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW will be displayed and steering
assist will be removed until the steering system is serviced. Have your
vehicle taken to the nearest dealer as soon as possible.
3.5L Duratec V6 engine:Your vehicle is equipped with a hydraulic
steering system.
To help prevent damage to the power steering system, never hold the
steering wheel at its furthest turning points (until it stops) for more than
a few seconds when the engine is running. If the power steering system
breaks down (or if the engine is turned off), you can steer the vehicle
manually, but it takes more effort.
•Do not operate the vehicle with a low power steering pump fluid level
(below the MIN mark on the reservoir).
•Some noise is normal during operation. If excessive, check for low
power steering pump fluid level before seeking service by your
authorized dealer.
•Heavy or uneven steering efforts may be caused by low power steering
pump fluid level. Check for low power steering pump fluid level before
seeking service by your authorized dealer.
•Do not fill the power steering pump reservoir above the MAX mark on
the reservoir, as this may result in leaks from the reservoir.
If the steering wanders or pulls equipped with either EPS or hydraulic
steering system, check for:
•an improperly inflated tire
•uneven tire wear
•loose or worn suspension components
•loose or worn steering components
•improper vehicle alignment
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander/pull.
WARNING:Obtain immediate service if a system error is
detected. You may not notice any difference in the feel of your
steering, but a serious condition may exist. Failure to do so may result
in loss of steering control.
Driving
261
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)

The OBD-II system is designed to check the emission control system
during normal driving. A complete check may take several days. If the
vehicle is not ready for I/M testing, the following driving cycle consisting
of mixed city and highway driving may be performed:
15 minutes of steady driving on an expressway/highway followed by
20 minutes of stop-and-go driving with at least four 30-second idle
periods.
Allow the vehicle to sit for at least eight hours without starting the
engine. Then, start the engine and complete the above driving cycle. The
engine must warm up to its normal operating temperature. Once started,
do not turn off the engine until the above driving cycle is complete. If
the vehicle is still not ready for I/M testing, the above driving cycle will
have to be repeated.
POWER STEERING FLUID (EXCEPT ECOBOOST™ ENGINE)
Refer toscheduled maintenance information.
1. Start the engine and let it run
until it reaches normal operating
temperature (the engine coolant
temperature gauge indicator will be
near the center of the normal area
between H and C).
2. While the engine idles, turn the
steering wheel left and right several
times.
3. Turn the engine off.
4. Check the fluid level in the reservoir. It should be between the MIN
and MAX lines. Do not add fluid if the level is in this range.
5. If the fluid is low, add fluid in small amounts, continuously checking
the level until it reaches the range between the MIN and MAX lines. Be
sure to put the cap back on the reservoir. Refer toMaintenance
product specifications and capacitiesin this chapter for the proper
fluid type.
Maintenance and Specifications
355
2012 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Items CapacityFord Part Name or
equivalentFord Part Number /
Ford Specification
Engine coolant
(3.5L engine)
3
13.2 quarts
(12.5L)MotorcraftSpecialty
Green Engine Coolant
(dark green-colored)•VC-10-A2 (US)
•CVC-10-A (Canada) /
WSS-M97B55-A
MotorcraftSpecialty
Orange Engine Coolant•VC-3-B (US)
•CVC-3-B (Canada) /
WSS-M97B44-D
Engine coolant
(3.5L V6 EcoBoost
engine)
3
13.7 quarts
(13.0L)MotorcraftSpecialty
Green Engine Coolant
(dark green-colored)•VC-10-A2 (US)
•CVC-10-A (Canada) /
WSS-M97B55-A
MotorcraftSpecialty
Orange Engine Coolant•VC-3-B (US)
•CVC-3-B (Canada) /
WSS-M97B44-D
Power steering fluid
(except EcoBoost
engine)Between MAX and
MIN on reservoirMotorcraft
MERCONVATFXT-5-QM /
MERCONV
Fuel tank18.6 gallons
(70.4L)——
Maintenance and Specifications
368
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)

in rear seat ..............................198
LATCH .....................................202
recommendations ...................196
tether anchorage hardware ...205
Child safety seats - booster
seats ...........................................208
Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............317
instrument panel ....................320
interior .....................................321
plastic parts ............................319
washing ....................................316
waxing .....................................316
wheels ......................................317
wiper blades ............................319
Climate control
(see Air conditioning or
Heating) ...........................67, 70, 73
Clock ......................................28, 93
Compass, electronic ....................93
calibration .................................94
set zone adjustment .................94
Console
overhead ....................................92
Controls
power seat ...............................147
steering column ......................105
Coolant
checking and adding ..............336
refill capacities ................339, 366
specifications ..........................366
Cooler ..........................................96
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ..................103
Customer Assistance ................285
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..................................377, 380Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................312
Getting roadside assistance ...285
Getting the service you
need .........................................308
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................314
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................312
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................82
Defrost
rear window and rearview
mirrors .......................................73
windshield .................................73
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................356
engine oil .................................330
Driving under special
conditions ..........................280, 282
sand .........................................281
snow and ice ...........................283
through water .................281, 284
DVD region coding .....................63
DVD system .................................46
E
Electronic message center .........18
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................302
running out of fuel .........302, 348
Emission control system ..........352
Engine ........................................370
cleaning ...................................317
Index
400
2012 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)