Page 6 of 558

Driving Hints 277
Economical driving....................................277
Floormats..........................................279
Roadside Emergencies 281
Getting roadside assistance..............................281
Hazard warning flashers................................282
Fuel cut-off switch....................................283
Jump-starting the vehicle...............................283
Customer Assistance 286
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only)........................293
Reporting safety defects (Canada only).....................293
Fuses 294
Changing a fuse......................................294
Fuse specification chart.................................295
Maintenance 303
General information...................................303
Opening and closing the hood............................304
Under hood overview..................................305
Engine oil dipstick....................................307
Engine oil check......................................307
Engine coolant check..................................308
Automatic transmission fluid check........................313
Brake fluid check.....................................317
Power steering fluid check..............................317
Fuel filter...........................................317
Washer fluid check....................................318
Battery.............................................318
Checking the wiper blades...............................320
Changing the wiper blades...............................320
Air filter(s)..........................................321
6Table of Contents
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Page 10 of 558
SYMBOL GLOSSARY
WARNING:You risk death or serious injury to yourself and
others if you do not follow the instruction highlighted by the
warning symbol.
These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.
Symbol Description Symbol Description Symbol Description
Safety alertSee Owner’s
ManualAnti-lock
braking
system
Avoid
smoking,
flames, or
sparksBatteryBattery acid
Brake fluid –
non
petroleum
baseBrake systemCabin air
filter
Check fuel
capChild Safety
Door Lock
and UnlockChild seat
lower anchor
Child seat
tether anchorCruise
controlDo not open
when hot
Engine air
filterEngine
coolantEngine
coolant
temperature
Engine
oilExplosive
gasFan warning
Fasten safety
beltFront airbagFront fog
lamps
10Introduction
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Page 47 of 558

CHILD RESTRAINT AND SAFETY BELT MAINTENANCE
Inspect the vehicle safety belts and child safety seat systems periodically
to make sure they work properly and are not damaged. Inspect the
vehicle and child seat safety belts to make sure there are no nicks, tears
or cuts. Replace if necessary. All vehicle safety belt assemblies, including
retractors, buckles, front safety belt buckle assemblies, buckle support
assemblies (slide bar-if equipped), shoulder belt height adjusters (if
equipped), shoulder belt guide on seatback (if equipped), rear inflatable
safety belts (if equipped), child safety seat LATCH and tether anchors,
and attaching hardware, should be inspected after a collision. Refer to
the child restraint manufacturer’s instructions for additional inspection
and maintenance information specific to the child restraint. Ford Motor
Company recommends that all safety belt assemblies in use in vehicles
involved in a collision be replaced. However, if the collision was minor
and an authorized dealer finds that the belts do not show damage and
continue to operate properly, they do not need to be replaced. Safety
belt assemblies not in use during a collision should also be inspected and
replaced if either damage or improper operation is noted.
For proper care of soiled safety belts, refer toInteriorin theCleaning
chapter.
Safety Belts47
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LIFTGATE
WARNING:It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area,
inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these
areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow
people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with
seats and safety belts. Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and
using a safety belt properly.
Manual Liftgate
WARNING:Make sure that the liftgate is closed to prevent
exhaust fumes from being drawn into the vehicle. This will also
prevent passengers and cargo from falling out. If you must drive with
the liftgate door open, keep the vehicle well ventilated so outside air
comes into the vehicle.
Note:Be careful when opening or closing the liftgate in a garage or
other enclosed area to avoid damaging the liftgate.
Note:Do not hang anything (bike rack, etc.) from the spoiler, glass or
liftgate. This could damage the liftgate and its components.
Note:Do not leave the liftgate open while driving. This could damage
the liftgate and its components.
The liftgate area is only intended for cargo, not passengers.
To open the liftgate:Press the
button located in the top of the
liftgate pull cup handle to unlatch the
liftgate, then pull on the outside
handle.
80Locks
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USA(fus)
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WARNING:Driving a vehicle with the brake system warning light
on is dangerous. A significant decrease in braking performance may
occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle. Have the vehicle checked
by your authorized dealer as soon as possible. Driving extended distances
with the parking brake engaged can cause brake failure and the risk of
personal injury.
Charging system (RTT)
Illuminates when the battery is not charging properly. If it stays
on while the engine is running, there may be a malfunction with
the charging system. Contact your authorized dealer as soon as
possible. This indicates a problem with the electrical system or a related
component.
Door ajar (RTT)
Displays when the ignition is on and any door is not completely
closed.
Engine oil pressure (RTT)
Illuminates when the oil pressure falls below the normal range.
Engine coolant temperature (RTT)
Illuminates when the engine coolant temperature is high. Stop
the vehicle as soon as possible, switch off the engine and let
cool.
Fog lamps (if equipped)
Illuminates when the fog lamps are turned on.
Overdrive cancel and grade assist (if equipped) (RTT)
Illuminates when grade assist is turned on.
Instrument Cluster11 3
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Settings
Convenience Auto Highbeam
Autolamp Delay Off or number of seconds
Compass Display
Calibrate (if
equipped)HoldOKto
Calibrate
Zone (1–15)
DTE Calculation Normal or Towing
Easy Entry/Exit
Locks Autolock
Autounlock
Remote Unlock All Doors or
Driver First
Oil life Reset Set XXX%
Power Liftgate Switch Enabled or Disabled
Remote Start Climate Control Heater – A/C /
Auto or Last
Setting
Heated Wheel /
AutoorOff
Front Defrost /
AutoorOff
Rear Defrost /
AutoorOff
Driver Seat /
AutoorOff
Passenger Seat /
AutoorOff
Duration (5, 10 or
15 minutes)
Quiet Start
System
Windows Remote Open
Wipers Courtesy Wipe
Rain Sensing
ReverseWiper
120Information Displays
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Vehicle
Auto Highbeam On / Off
Autolamp Delay Off or number of seconds
Easy Entry/Exit On / Off
DTE Calculation Normal / Towing
Locks Autolock On / Off
Autounlock On / Off
Remote
UnlockingAll doors / Driver’s door
Oil Life Reset Set to XXX %
Power Liftgate Enable / Disable
Remote StartClimate Control
(using this
feature allows
you to select
different climate
control modes
when the vehicle
is started using
the remote start
feature)Heater – A/C Auto / Last
Settings
Front Defrost Auto / Off
Rear Defrost Auto / Off
Driver Seat Auto / Off
Passenger Seat Auto / Off
Duration 5 / 10 /15 minutes
Quiet Start On / Off
System Enable / Disable
W ipersCourtesy Wipe On / Off
Rain Sensing On / Off
Reverse Wiper On / Off
*MyKey
Create MyKey Press and hold OK to create MyKey
911 Assist Always On / User Selectable
Traction Control Always On / User Selectable
Max Speed Set to 80 MPH (130 km/h) / Off
Speed Minder 45 mph (72 km/h), 55 mph (89 km/h), 65 mph
(105 km/h), Off
Information Displays127
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Maintenance
MessagesAction / Description
LOW Engine Oil
PressureStop the vehicle as soon as safely possible,
turn off the engine. Check the oil level. If the
warning stays on or continues to come on with
your engine running, contact your authorized
dealer as soon as possible.
Change Engine Oil
SoonDisplayed when the engine oil life remaining is
10% or less.
Oil Change Required Displayed when the oil life left reaches 0%.
Engine Coolant Over
TempDisplayed when the engine coolant
temperature is excessively high.
Washer Fluid Level
LowIndicates the washer fluid reservoir is less than
one quarter full. Check the washer fluid level.
Steering Malfunction
Service NowDisplays when the steering system needs
service. See your authorized dealer.
Service Power Steering The power steering system has detected a
condition that requires service. See your
authorized dealer.
Service Power Steering
NowThe power steering system has detected a
condition within the power steering system
that requires service immediately. See your
authorized dealer.
Power Steering Assist
FaultThe power steering system has disabled power
steering assist due to a system error. See your
authorized dealer.
MyKeyMessages Action / Description
MyKey active Drive
SafelyDisplayed when MyKeyis active.
MyKey not Created Displayed during key programming when
MyKeycannot be programmed.
Speed Limited to xx
MPH/km/hDisplayed when starting the vehicle and
MyKeyis in use and the MyKey speed limit is
on.
Information Displays135
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)