2013 FORD FLEX check engine

Battery and
Charging System
MessagesAction / Description
Check Charging
SystemDisplayed when the charging system needs
servicing. If the warning stays on or continues
to come on, contact your authorized dealer as
soon as possible.
Turn Power Off to
Save BatteryDisplayed when the battery management
system determines that:
•the battery is at a low state of charge or,
•the ignition has been in accessory position
or on position with the engine off for
approximately 45 minutes.
Turn the ignition off as soon as possible to
protect the battery. This message will clear
once the vehicle has been started and the
battery state of charge has recovered. Turning
off unnecessary electrical loads will allow
faster battery state-of-charge recovery.
Transport Mode
Contact DealerContact your authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
Factory Mode Contact
DealerContact your authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
BLISMessages Action / Description
Blind Spot Not
Available Sensor
BlockedDisplayed when the blind spot information
system/cross traffic alert system sensors are
blocked. Driver can typically clean the sensor
to resolve.
Blind Spot System
FaultDisplayed when a fault with the blind spot
information system has occurred. Contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Cross Traffic Not
Available Sensor
BlockedDisplayed when the blind spot information
system/cross traffic alert system sensors are
blocked. Driver can typically clean the sensor
to resolve.
Information Displays131
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

BLISMessages Action / Description
Cross Traffic System
FaultDisplayed when a fault with the cross traffic
alert system has occurred. Contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Vehicle Coming From
XDisplayed when the blind spot information
system with cross traffic alert (CTA) system is
operating and senses a vehicle.
Brake System
MessagesAction / Description
Brake Fluid Level Low Indicates the brake fluid level is low and the
brake system should be inspected immediately.
Check Brake System Displayed when the brake system needs
servicing. If the warning stays on or continues
to come on, contact your authorized dealer as
soon as possible.
Park Brake Engaged Displayed when the parking brake is set, the
engine is running and the vehicle is driven
more than 3 mph (5 km/h). If the warning
stays on after the parking brake is released,
contact your authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
Collision Warning
System MessagesAction / Description
Collision Warn Not
AvailableDisplayed when there is a system malfunction
with the collision warning system. The system
will be disabled. Contact your authorized
dealer as soon as possible.
Collision Warn Not
Available Sensor
BlockedDisplayed when the collision warning system
radar is blocked because of poor radar
visibility due to bad weather or ice/mud/water
in front of the radar. Driver can typically clean
the sensor to resolve. Contact your authorized
dealer as soon as possible.
132Information Displays
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

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)

MyKeyMessages Action / Description
Vehicle Near MyKey
Top SpeedDisplayed when a MyKeyis in use and the
MyKey speed limit is on and the vehicle speed
is near the selected top speed.
Check Speed Drive
SafelyDisplayed when a MyKeyis in use and the
optional setting is on and the vehicle exceeds
a preselected speed.
Buckle Up to Unmute
AudioDisplayed when a MyKeyis in use and
Belt-Minderis activated.
Could Not Program
KeyDisplayed when an attempt is made to
program a spare key using two existing
MyKeys.
Park Aid Messages Action / Description
Check Park Aid Displayed when the transmission is in R
(Reverse) and the park aid is disabled.
Check Rear Park Aid Displayed when the transmission is in R
(Reverse) and the park aid is disabled.
Rear Park Aid On Off Displays the rear park aid status.
Passenger Sensing
System MessageAction / Description
Remove Objects Near
Passenger SeatDisplayed when objects are by the passenger
seat. After the objects are moved away from
the seat, if the warning stays on or continues
to come on contact your authorized dealer as
soon as possible.
Reminder Messages Action / Description
Steering Lock Turn
Wheel to UnlockDisplays when you need to turn the steering
wheel in order to disengage the steering lock.
Shift to Park Displayed when the engine is turned off and
shift select lever is in any position other than
P (Park).
136Information Displays
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

GENERAL INFORMATION
WARNING:Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce
very high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system,
creating the risk of fire or other damage.
WARNING:Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle on dry grass
or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the
engine compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
WARNING:Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in
other enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open
the garage door before you start the engine.
WARNING:If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have
your vehicle checked by an authorized dealer immediately. Do not
drive if you smell exhaust fumes.
If you disconnect the battery, your vehicle may exhibit some unusual
driving characteristics for approximately 5 miles (8 km) after you
connect it. This is because the engine management system must realign
itself with the engine. You may disregard any unusual driving
characteristics during this period.
This system meets all Canadian interference-causing equipment standard
requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio
noise.
When starting your engine, avoid pressing the accelerator pedal before
and during operation. Only use the accelerator pedal when you have
difficulty starting the engine.
Starting and Stopping the Engine195
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

The fast restart feature allows you to restart your vehicle within
20 seconds of switching the vehicle off, if a valid passive key is not
present. Apply the brake pedal and press the start button for up to
20 seconds. After 20 seconds have expired, you can no longer start your
vehicle without the passive key present inside the vehicle.
Once the vehicle has started, the vehicle will remain running until being
turned off by the start button, even if the passive key is no longer found
in the vehicle. Whenever a door is opened and then closed while the
vehicle is running, the system will search for a passive key inside the
vehicle. If the passive key is no longer present in the vehicle, you will not
be able to restart your vehicle outside of the fast restart time.
STARTING A GASOLINE ENGINE
When the engine starts, the idle RPM runs faster to warm the engine. If
the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, have the vehicle
checked.
Before starting the vehicle:
•Make sure all occupants buckle their safety belts.
•Make sure the headlamps and electrical accessories are off.
•Make sure the parking brake is set.
•Make sure the gearshift is in P (Park).
•Switch the ignition on without starting the vehicle.
Some warning lights will briefly illuminate.
Note:Do not touch the accelerator pedal.
1. Select park or neutral.
2. Fully press the brake pedal.
3. Start the engine. The engine may continue cranking for up to
15 seconds or until the vehicle starts.
If your vehicle is equipped with keyless starting, refer toKeyless
startingin this chapter.
Note:If the engine does not start on the first try, wait for a short period
of time and try again.
If you have difficulty starting the engine when the temperature is below
-13
oF (-25oC), press the accelerator pedal slightly and try again.
If the engine does not start after three attempts, wait 10 seconds and
follow this flooded engine procedure.
198Starting and Stopping the Engine
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

1. Select park or neutral.
2. Fully press the accelerator pedal and hold it there.
3. Fully press the brake pedal.
4. Start the engine.
Your vehicle may have remote start capability. Refer toRemote startin
theKeys and Remote Controlchapter.
Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes
WARNING:If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have
this checked immediately. Do not drive your vehicle if you smell
exhaust fumes. Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take
precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.
Important Ventilating Information
If you stop your vehicle and leave the engine idling for long periods of
time, we recommend that you do one of the following:
•Open the windows at least 1 inch (2.5 cm).
•Set your climate control to outside air.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:Failure to follow engine block heater instructions
could result in property damage or physical injury.
WARNING:Do not use your heater with ungrounded electrical
systems or two-pronged (cheater) adapters. There is a risk of
electrical shock.
Note:The heater is most effective when outdoor temperatures are below
0°F (-18°C).
The heater acts as a starting aid by warming the engine coolant. This
allows the climate control system to respond quickly. The equipment
includes a heater element (installed in the engine block) and a wire
harness. You can connect the system to a grounded 120 volt A/C
electrical source.
Starting and Stopping the Engine199
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

We recommend that you do the following for safe and correct operation:
•Use a 16-gauge outdoor extension cord that is product certified by
Underwriter’s Laboratory or Canadian Standards Association. This
extension cord must be able to be used outdoors, in cold
temperatures, and be clearly markedSuitable for Use with Outdoor
Appliances. Never use an indoor extension cord outdoors; it could
result in an electric shock or become a fire hazard.
•Use as short an extension cord as possible.
•Do not use multiple extension cords.
•Make sure that when in operation, the extension cord plug and the
heater cord plug connections are free and clear of water. This could
cause an electric shock or fire.
•Make sure the vehicle is parked in a clean area, clear of combustibles.
•Make sure the heater, heater cord and extension cord are firmly
connected.
•Check for heat anywhere in the electrical hookup once the system has
been operating for approximately 30 minutes.
•Make sure the system is unplugged and properly stowed before driving
your vehicle. Make sure the protective cover seals the prongs of the
block heater cord plug when not in use.
•Make sure the heater system is checked for proper operation before
winter.
Using the Engine Block Heater
Make sure the receptacle terminals are clean and dry prior to use. Clean
them with a dry cloth, if necessary.
The heater uses 0.4 to 1.0 kilowatt-hours of energy per hour of use. The
system does not have a thermostat. It will achieve maximum temperature
after approximately three hours of operation. If you use the heater longer
than three hours, this will not improve system performance and will use
unnecessary electricity.
200Starting and Stopping the Engine
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)