2013 FORD FLEX warning lights

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.
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PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
The traction control system helps avoid drive wheel spin and loss of
traction.
If your vehicle begins to slide, the system applies the brakes to individual
wheels and, when needed, reduces engine power at the same time. If the
wheels spin when accelerating on slippery or loose surfaces, the system
reduces engine power in order to increase traction.
USING TRACTION CONTROL
Note:If your vehicle is equipped with MyKey, it is possible to prevent
turning the TCS off. Refer to theMyKeychapter.
In certain situations (e.g. stuck in snow or mud), turning the traction
control off may be beneficial as this allows the wheels to spin with full
engine power. Turn off the traction control system through the
information display.
System indicator lights and messages
WARNING:If a failure has been detected within the Traction
Control System, the stability control light will illuminate steadily.
Verify that the Traction Control System was not manually disabled using
the information display control. If the stability control light still
illuminates steadily, have the system serviced by an authorized dealer
immediately. Operating your vehicle with Traction Control disabled
could lead to an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle
rollover, personal injury and death.
The stability control light temporarily illuminates on engine
start-up and flashes when a driving condition activates the
stability system.
The stability control off light temporarily illuminates on engine
start-up and stays on when the traction control system is
turned off or if a problem occurs in the stability system.
When the traction control system is turned off or on, a message appears
in the information display showing system status.
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Visual Park Aid Alert
Note:Visual park alert is only available when the transmission is in R
(Reverse).
Note:The reverse sensing system is not effective at speeds above 3 mph
(5 km/h) and may not detect certain angular or moving objects.
The system uses red, yellow and green highlights which appear on top of
the video image when an object is detected by the reverse sensing
system. The alert highlights the closest object detected. The reverse
sensing alert can be disabled and if visual park aid alert is enabled,
highlighted areas are still displayed.
Selectable settings for this feature are ON and OFF.
Manual Zoom
WARNING:When manual zoom is on, the full area behind the
vehicle is not shown. Be aware of your surroundings when using
the manual zoom feature.
Note:Manual zoom is only available when the transmission is in R
(Reverse).
Note:When manual zoom is enabled, only the centerline is shown.
Allows the driver to get a closer view of an object behind the vehicle.
The zoomed image keeps the bumper in the image to provide a
reference. The zoom is only active while the transmission is in R
(Reverse), When the transmission is shifted out of R (Reverse), the
feature automatically turns off and must be reset when it is used again.
Selectable settings for this feature are OFF, Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3.
Press the up and down arrows to change the view. The selection level
appears between the buttons (i.e. Level 1). The default setting for the
manual zoom is OFF.
Rear Camera Delay
When shifting the transmission out of R (Reverse) and into any gear
other than P (Park), the camera image remains in the display until the
vehicle speed reaches 5 mph (8 km/h). This occurs when the rear
camera delay feature is on, or until a radio button is selected.
Selectable settings for this feature are ON and OFF. The default setting
for the rear camera delay is OFF.
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Trailer Lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. Do not
connect trailer lamps directly to your vehicle’s tail lamps. This can cause
damage to your vehicle’s electrical system. Contact your authorized
dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for
hooking-up trailer lamps.
WARNING:Never connect any trailer lamp wiring to the
vehicle’s tail lamp wiring; this may damage the electrical system
resulting in fire. Contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible for
assistance in proper trailer tow wiring installation. Additional electrical
equipment may be required.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing-up to get the feel of the
vehicle-trailer combination before starting on a trip. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113 km/h) during the first 500 miles
(800 kilometers) and do not make full-throttle starts.
•Check your hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts
thoroughly after you have traveled 50 miles (80 kilometers).
•Place the gearshift lever in P (Park) to aid in engine/transmission
cooling and A/C efficiency during hot weather while stopped in traffic.
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may turn off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•Shift to a lower gear when driving down a long or steep hill. Do not
apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become less
effective.
•If your transmission is equipped with the grade assist feature, use this
feature when towing. This provides engine braking and helps eliminate
excessive transmission shifting for optimum fuel economy and
transmission cooling.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached; anticipate
stops and brake gradually.
•Avoid parking on a grade. However, if you must park on a grade, place
wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
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Low tire
pressure
warning lightPossible cause Customer action required
Flashing
warning lightSpare tire in use Repair the damaged road wheel/tire
and reinstall it on the vehicle to
restore system functionality. For a
description on how the system
functions, refer toWhen your
temporary spare tire is installed
in this section.
TPMS
malfunctionIf the tires are properly inflated
and the spare tire is not in use but
the light remains on, contact your
authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
When inflating your tires
When putting air into your tires (such as at a gas station or in your
garage), the tire pressure monitoring system may not respond
immediately to the air added to your tires.
It may take up to two minutes of driving over 20 mph (32 km/h) for the
light to turn off after you have filled your tires to the recommended
inflation pressure.
How temperature affects your tire pressure
The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) monitors tire pressure in
each pneumatic tire. While driving in a normal manner, a typical
passenger tire inflation pressure may increase approximately 2 to 4 psi
(14 to 28 kPa) from a cold start situation. If the vehicle is stationary
overnight with the outside temperature significantly lower than the
daytime temperature, the tire pressure may decrease approximately 3 psi
(21 kPa) for a drop of 30°F (17°C) in ambient temperature. This lower
pressure value may be detected by the TPMS as being significantly lower
than the recommended inflation pressure and activate the TPMS warning
light for low tire pressure. If the low tire pressure warning light is on,
visually check each tire to verify that no tire is flat. (If one or more tires
are flat, repair as necessary.) Check air pressure in the road tires. If any
tire is under-inflated, carefully drive the vehicle to the nearest location
where air can be added to the tires. Inflate all the tires to the
recommended inflation pressure.
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Additives and Chemicals
Ford Motor Company recommended additives and chemicals are listed in
this book and in theWorkshop Manual.Additional chemicals or additives
not approved by Ford and are not recommended as part of normal
maintenance. Please consult yourWarranty Manualfor complete warranty
information.
Oils, Fluids and Flushing
In many cases, fluid discoloration is a normal operating characteristic and,
by itself, does not necessarily indicate a concern or that the fluid needs to
be changed. However, discolored fluids that also show signs of overheating
and/or foreign material contamination should be inspected immediately by a
qualified expert such as the factory-trained technicians at your dealership.
Your vehicle’s oils and fluids should be changed at the specified intervals or
in conjunction with a repair. Flushing is a viable way to change fluid for
many vehicle sub-systems during scheduled maintenance. It is critical that
systems are flushed only with new fluid that is the same as that required to
fill and operate the system, or using a Ford-approved flushing chemical.
Owner Checks and Services
Certain basic maintenance checks and inspections should be performed
every month or at six months intervals.
Check every month
Engine oil level
Function of all interior and exterior lights
Tires for wear and proper pressure, including spare
Windshield washer fluid level
Check every six months
Battery connections; clean if necessary
Body and door drain holes for obstructions; clean if necessary
Cooling system fluid level and coolant strength
Door weatherstrips for wear; lubricate if necessary
Hinges/latches/outside locks for proper operation; lubricate if necessary
Parking brake for proper operation
Safety belts and seat latches for wear and function
Safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, airbag, safety belt) for operation
Washer spray/wiper operation; clean or replace blades as necessary
386Scheduled Maintenance
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Gauges ............................... 110–111
odometer ................................. 121
trip odometer .......................... 121
H
Hazard flashers ......................... 282
HD Radio™ ............................... 469
Headlamps
aiming ...................................... 324
bulb specifications .................. 329
flash to pass .............................. 98
high beam ................................. 98
replacing bulbs ....................... 326
Head restraints ......................... 164
Heating ...................... 153, 155, 157
Help ............................................ 518
Homelink wireless control
system ........................................ 184
Home screen ............................. 453
Hood .......................................... 304
How to use voice commands ... 459
I
Ignition ............................... 196, 370
Illuminated visor mirror ... 107–108
Information displays ................. 117
Infotainment display ................. 457
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................ 209
Instrument panel
cleaning ................................... 334
cluster ...................................... 111
Intelligent Access Key ................ 63
J
Jack ............................................ 362positioning ............................... 362
storage ..................................... 362
Joining two calls
(multiparty/conference call) .... 412
Jump-starting your vehicle ...... 283
K
Keyless entry system
autolock ..................................... 78
keypad ....................................... 84
locking and unlocking doors .... 85
programming entry code ......... 84
Keys ....................................... 63, 86
positions of the ignition ......... 196
L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ................ 329
headlamps, flash to pass .......... 98
interior lamps ......................... 102
replacing bulbs ....................... 326
LATCH anchors ........................... 29
Liftgate .................................. 80–81
Lights, warning and indicator .. 111
Listening to music .................... 465
Loading pictures ....................... 510
Load limits ................................. 261
Locks
autolock ..................................... 78
childproof .................................. 35
doors .......................................... 76
Lubricant specifications ........... 371
Lug nuts .................................... 368
M
Making and receiving calls ....... 492
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Towing ....................... 269, 274–275
recreational towing ................. 275
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated .............. 272
trailer towing .......................... 269
wrecker .................................... 274
Traction control ........................ 225
Traffic, Directions and
Information ................................ 429
Traffic preferences ................... 526
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated ................ 272
Trailer sway control .................. 269
Transaxle
fluid, refill capacities .............. 371
lubricant specifications .......... 371
Transmission
brake-shift interlock (BSI) .... 214
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) ............................. 313
Turn signal ................................ 101
U
USB port ............................ 149, 483
Using privacy mode .................. 412V
Vehicle health report ........ 427, 508
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) .......................................... 375
Vehicle loading .......................... 261
Ventilating your vehicle ........... 199
Voice commands in media
mode .......................................... 434
Voice commands in phone
mode .......................................... 410
Voice recognition ...................... 459
W
Warning lights (see Lights) ..... 111
Washer fluid .............................. 318
Water, Driving through ............. 278
Wi-Fi .......................................... 515
Windows
power ....................................... 103
rear wiper/washer ..................... 97
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers .......................................... 96
checking and adding fluid ..... 318
replacing wiper blades ... 320–321
Wrecker towing ......................... 274
558Index
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