2013 FORD FLEX Owners Manual

Console Refrigerator and Freezer (if equipped)
This feature will operate when the vehicle is on or in accessory mode.
Limit the time of use when the vehicle is in accessory mode to avoid
draining the vehicle’s battery. Ford recommends only using this feature
when the engine is running.
Flip the console lid forward, then lift
off the cover to open the cooling
compartment. Be sure to replace the
cover when you are done using it.
This helps maintain a more
consistent cooling temperature.
Refrigerator:Briefly press and
hold COOL. The indicator light on
the cool side of the switch will
illuminate and the indicator light on
the freeze side will glow when the
refrigerator is active. The
temperature will cool to
approximately 41°F (5°C). Briefly
press and hold COOL again to turn
off the refrigerator. Briefly press and
hold FREEZE to change to freezer
mode.
Freezer:Briefly press and hold
FREEZE. Both indicator lights will
illuminate when the freezer is
active. The temperature will cool to
approximately 23°F (-5°C). Press
FREEZE again to turn off the
freezer. Press COOL to change to
refrigerator mode.
This feature will turn off when the vehicle is turned off. It will turn back
on to the last used mode when the vehicle is restarted.
FREEZE
COOL
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Cleaning and Maintenance
Note:Condensation on the inside walls of the refrigerator is normal
under certain conditions.
This feature is maintenance free, but you can clean the inside of the unit
and the cover with a mild soap and water solution when needed.
OVERHEAD CONSOLE
The appearance of the overhead console will vary according to your
option package.
Press near the rear edge of the door
to open it.
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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.
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IGNITION SWITCH (IF EQUIPPED)
A. Off – The ignition is off.Note:In
order to switch off the engine while
the vehicle is in motion, shift to
neutral and use the brakes to bring
the vehicle to a safe stop. After the
vehicle has stopped, turn the engine
off and shift into park. Then, turn
the key to the accessory or off
position.
B. Accessory – Allows some electrical accessories to operate while the
engine is not running.
C. On – All electrical circuits operational. Warning lamps and indicators
are illuminated. This is the key position when driving.
D. Start – Cranks the engine. The engine may continue cranking for up
to 10 seconds or until the vehicle starts. Release the key as soon as the
engine starts.
Note:Do not store the key in the ignition after the vehicle is turned off
and you have left the vehicle. This could cause a drain on the battery.
KEYLESS STARTING (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:The keyless starting system may not function if the
key is close to metal objects or electronic devices such as mobile
phones.
Note:A valid key must be located inside the vehicle to switch the
ignition on and start the engine.
To turn the ignition on, press the start button once. It
is located on the instrument panel to the right of the
steering wheel. All electrical circuits and accessories are
operational, and warning lamps and indicators will
illuminate.
To start the vehicle, do the following:
1. Make sure the transmission is in P (Park).
2. Fully press the brake pedal.
C
D
B
A
START
STOP ENGINE
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3. Press the start button. The engine may continue cranking for up to
10 seconds or until the vehicle starts.
To turn the ignition off, press the start button when the vehicle is on or
the engine is running.
The system will not function if:
•the key frequencies are jammed.
•the key battery is dead.
If you are unable to start your vehicle, do the following.
1. Insert the key into the key holder
located in the center console utility
compartment. Insert the key into the slot
with the buttons facing out and with key
ring up.
2. With the key in this position, you can
use the start button to switch the ignition
on and start your vehicle.
To stop the engine with the vehicle stationary, do the following:
1. Move the gearshift lever to P (Park).
2. Press the start button.
Note:The ignition, all electrical circuits, warning lamps and indicators
will be switched off.
To stop the engine when the vehicle is moving, do the following:
1. Press and hold the start button for at least one second or press the
start button three times within two seconds.
2. Shift to neutral and use the brakes to bring the vehicle to a safe stop.
3. After the vehicle has stopped, turn the engine off and shift into park.
WARNING:Switching off the engine when the vehicle is still
moving will result in a loss of brake and steering assistance. The
steering will not be locked, but higher effort will be required. When the
ignition is switched off, some electrical circuits, warning lamps and
indicators may also be off.
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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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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.
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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.
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