2012 FORD FLEX tow

Locks and Security 119
Keys 119
Locks 125
Anti-theft system 136
Seating and Safety Restraints 142
Seating 142
Personal Safety System™ 165
Safety belt system 168
Airbags 179
Child restraints 193
Tires, Wheels and Loading 212
Tire information 214
Tire inflation 216
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) 229
Vehicle loading 234
Trailer towing 241
Recreational towing 245
Driving 247
Starting 247
Brakes 252
AdvanceTrac255
Transmission operation 263
Reverse sensing system 269
Rear-view camera system 271
All wheel drive 278
Roadside Emergencies 285
Getting roadside assistance 285
Hazard flasher control 286
Fuel pump shut-off 286
Fuses and relays 287
Changing tires 294
Wheel lug nut torque 301
Jump starting 302
Wrecker towing 306
Table of Contents
2
2012 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Warning symbols on your vehicle
When you see this symbol, it is
imperative that you consult the
relevant section of this guide before
touching or attempting adjustment
of any kind.
Protecting the environment
We must all play our part in
protecting the environment. Correct
vehicle usage and the authorized
disposal of waste, cleaning and
lubrication materials are significant
steps towards this aim. Information in this respect is highlighted in this
guide with the tree symbol.
CALIFORNIA Proposition 65 Warning
WARNING:Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and
certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and
certain products of component wear contain or emit chemicals known
to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
PERCHLORATE MATERIAL
Certain components of this vehicle such as airbag modules, seat belt
pretensioners, and button cell batteries may contain Perchlorate Material
– Special handling may apply for service or vehicle end of life disposal.
See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.
BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE
Your vehicle does not need an extensive break-in. Try not to drive
continuously at the same speed for the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of
new vehicle operation. Vary your speed frequently in order to give the
moving parts a chance to break in.
Drive your new vehicle at least 1,000 miles (1,600 km) before towing a
trailer. For more detailed information about towing a trailer, refer to
Trailer towingin theTires, Wheels and Loadingchapter.
Introduction
5
2012 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Your vehicle may be equipped with a
USB port inside your center console.
This feature allows you to plug in
media playing devices, memory
sticks, and also to charge devices if
they support this feature. For
further information on this feature,
refer toAccessing and using your
USB portin theSYNCsupplement
orNavigation Systemsupplement.
GENERAL AUDIO INFORMATION
Radio frequencies:
AM and FM frequencies are established by the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) and the Canadian Radio and Telecommunications
Commission (CRTC). Those frequencies are:
AM: 530, 540–1700, 1710 kHz
FM: 87.7, 87.9–107.7, 107.9 MHz
Radio reception factors:
There are three factors that can affect radio reception:
•Distance/strength: The further you travel from an FM station, the
weaker the signal and the weaker the reception.
•Terrain: Hills, mountains, tall buildings, power lines, electric fences,
traffic lights and thunderstorms can interfere with your reception.
•Station overload: When you pass a broadcast tower, a stronger signal
may overtake a weaker one and play while the weak station frequency
is displayed.
CD/CD player care
Do:
•Handle discs by their edges only.
(Never touch the playing
surface).
•Inspect discs before playing.
•Clean only with an approved CD
cleaner.
Entertainment Systems
39
2012 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

•Terrain: Hills, mountains, tall buildings, bridges, tunnels, freeway
overpasses, parking garages, dense tree foliage and thunderstorms can
interfere with your reception.
•Station overload: When you pass a ground based broadcast repeating
tower, a stronger signal may overtake a weaker one and result in an
audio mute.
Unlike AM/FM audible static, you will hear an audio mute when there is
a satellite radio signal interference. Your radio display may display NO
SIGNAL to indicate the interference.
SIRIUSsatellite radio service:SIRIUSSatellite Radio is a
subscription based satellite radio service that broadcasts music, sports,
news and entertainment programming. A service fee is required in order
to receive SIRIUSservice. Vehicles that are equipped with a factory
installed SIRIUSSatellite Radio system include:
•Hardware and limited subscription term, which begins on the date of
sale or lease of the vehicle.
For information on extended subscription terms, the online media player
and other SIRIUSfeatures, please contact SIRIUSat 1–888–539–7474.
Note:SIRIUSreserves the unrestricted right to change, rearrange, add
or delete programming including canceling, moving or adding particular
channels, and its prices, at any time, with or without notice to you. Ford
Motor Company shall not be responsible for any such programming
changes.
Satellite Radio Electronic Serial Number (ESN):This 12-digit
Satellite Serial Number is needed to activate, modify or track your
satellite radio account. You will need this number when communicating
with SIRIUS. While in Satellite Radio mode, you can view this number on
the radio display by pressing the SIRIUS and Preset 1 buttons at the
same time.
Entertainment Systems
43
2012 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Radio Display Condition Action Required
NO TEXT Song title information
not available.Song title information
not available at this
time on this channel.
The system is working
properly.
NO TEXT Category information
not available.Category information
not available at this
time on this channel.
The system is working
properly.
NO SIGNAL Loss of signal from
the SIRIUSsatellite
or SIRIUStower to
the vehicle antenna.You are in a location
that is blocking the
SIRIUSsignal (i.e.,
tunnel, under an
overpass, dense foliage,
etc.). The system is
working properly. When
you move into an open
area, the signal should
return.
UPDATING Update of channel
programming in
progress.No action required. The
process may take up to
three minutes.
CALL SIRIUS
1–888–539–7474Satellite service has
been deactivated by
SIRIUSSatellite
Radio.Call SIRIUSat
1–888–539–7474 to
re-activate or resolve
subscription issues.
Entertainment Systems
45
2012 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

5./(Headphones/Speakers): Press to activate dual play mode on
either headrest system. During dual play mode, the following happens:
a.Rear speakers turn off
b.Headphones become active on both headrest systems.
c.Media sources become available through the DVD systems.
Note:If the system is in dual play mode, you must press the
/
(Headphones/Speakers) button on both headrest systems in order to
return to single play. For more information, please refer toSingle
play/Dual playlater in this section.
6.MEDIA for Monitor A:In Dual Play mode, press MEDIA repeatedly
to select from the possible media sources: (Monitor A, Monitor B, AM,
FM1, FM2, SR1, SR2, SR3 (satellite radio, if equipped), Disc, Jukebox (if
equipped) and SYNC(if equipped). The selected media type will
display on the screen. When Monitor A is chosen, you can also use the
auxiliary inputs and the USB port on the headrest system.
MEDIA for Monitor B:In Dual Play mode, press MEDIA repeatedly to
select from the possible media sources: (Monitor A, Monitor B). The
selected media type will display on the screen. When Monitor B is
chosen, you can also use the auxiliary inputs and USB port on the
headrest system.
For further information, please refer toSingle play/Dual playlater in
this section.
Note:Each headrest monitor is labeled with an identifier (either A or B)
found in the upper right corner of the system.
7.
(On/Off):Press to turn the system on/off. Power for headrest A is
separate from headrest B.
Note:This also disables dual play. When both headrest systems are
turned off, the system will return to single play mode.
8.Infrared receiver (IR):System sensor which reads the signals from
the remote control and also sends audio signals to the infrared wireless
headphones.
9.LCD screen:This seven inch liquid crystal display (LCD) screen can
be adjusted for easier viewing by children. Pull the top of the screen
panel toward the viewer at the IR receiver/transmitter cover for a better
viewing angle. The screen is hinged at the bottom and pivots to face
downward. Push the screen back in place until it latches to return it to a
stowed position.
Note:Ensure that you do not pull the LCD screen too far forward as it
can cause damage.
10.CD/DVD slot:Insert the disc, label side facing the rear passengers.
Entertainment Systems
50
2012 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Operating tips
•To reduce fog build-up on the windshield during humid weather, place
the air flow selector in the
position.
•To reduce humidity build-up inside the vehicle: do not drive with the
system off or with recirculated air engaged.
•Do not put objects under the front seats that will interfere with the
airflow to the back seats.
•Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area at the base of
the windshield.
•A small amount of air may be felt from the floor vent regardless of the
air distribution setting that is selected.
During extreme high ambient temperatures when idling stationary for
extended periods of time in gear, it is recommended to run the A/C in
the MAX A/C position, turn off the rear A/C unit (if equipped), reduce
blower fan speed from the highest setting and put the vehicle’s
transmission into the P (Park) gear position to continue to receive cool
air from your A/C system.
For maximum cooling performance in the MAX A/C mode:
•Press MAX A/C.
•Adjust the temperature to the coldest setting.
•Set the fan to the highest speed initially, then adjust to maintain
passenger comfort.
For maximum cooling performance in the
andmodes:
•Adjust the temperature to the coldest setting.
•Press A/C and recirculated air
to provide colder airflow.
•Set the fan to the highest speed initially, then adjust to maintain
passenger comfort.
To aid in side window defogging/demisting in cold weather:
1. Select
.
2. Press A/C.
3. Adjust the temperature to the warmest setting.
4. Set the fan speed to the highest setting.
5. Direct the outer instrument panel vents toward the side windows.
Climate Controls
69
2012 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

•To improve the A/C cool down, drive with the windows slightly open
for 2–3 minutes after starting the vehicle or until the vehicle has
“aired out.”
•A small amount of air may be felt from the floor vent regardless of the
air distribution setting that is selected.
In extremely cold temperatures, to maximize overall heater performance
it is suggested to not operate the auxiliary system (if equipped) until the
engine temperature gauge crosses into the normal operating range.
For maximum cooling performance (MAX A/C):
1. Select MAX A/C. The system will default to single-zone operation and
set the temperature to 60°F (16°C).
2. A/C,
andwill be selected.
3. Fan speed will be increased to the highest speed, but can be adjusted
as desired.
To aid in side window defogging/demisting in cold weather:
1. Select
.
2. Select A/C.
3. Adjust the temperature control to maintain comfort.
4. Set the fan to the highest speed.
5. Direct the outer instrument panel vents toward the side windows.
Climate Controls
77
2012 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)