Page 179 of 558
WARNING:Before returning the seatback to its original position,
make sure that cargo or any objects are not trapped behind the
seatback. After returning the seatback to its original position, pull on
the seatback to ensure that it has fully latched. An unlatched seat may
become dangerous in the event of a sudden stop or collision.
4. Ensure that the rear latch hooks
are properly engaged with the floor
striker.
Note: Ensure that the seat and seatback are latched securely in position.
Keep floor area free of objects that would prevent proper seat
engagement.
WARNING:Do not adjust or release the seat floor latch while
vehicle is in motion. Do not operate the vehicle with seats in
tumbled position. Always latch the vehicle seat to the floor, whether the
seat is occupied or empty. If not latched or if the seat is tumbled, the
seat may cause injury during a sudden stop.
Seats179
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 182 of 558

PowerFold3rd-row seat (if equipped)
The third row seat features a power one-touch operation that allows you
to adjust the Left, Right, or Both seats into a NORMAL, STOW, FOLD, or
TAILGATE position with just one touch of a button. The third row seat
also includes obstacle detection that allows the seat to stop and reverse
direction if it hits an obstacle so that the obstacle can be removed.
The third row power seat buttons are located behind the third row seats
on the left-hand quarter trim panel.
Note:The power fold seats work only when the vehicle is in P (Park)
and the tailgate is open. If the ignition is off and the feature is still
running, the battery saver will turn it off after 10 minutes. You can
reactivate the power seats by pressing the unlock button on the remote
entry key fob or by using the unlock procedure on the keyless entry
keypad. Refer toSecuriCode™ keyless entry systemin theLocks and
Securitychapter. Keeping the key in accessory or run positions will
prevent the feature from timing out.
Press the seat selection button (D) to select either right-hand seat, the
left-hand seat or both. First select the seat you would like to adjust, then
select one of the following:
•Press the NORMAL button (A) to return the seat to the normal
seating position.
•Press the STOW button (B) to stow the seat into the tub floor.
•Press the FOLD button (C) (the top portion of the button) to fold
down the seatback.
•Press the TAILGATE button (C) (the bottom portion of the button) to
put the seat into the tailgate position.
Note:Pressing a different button while the power seat feature is already
being performed may cause the first selected seat movement to be
cancelled. Allow the first seat movement to be completed before pressing
a button for another function.
NORMAL
STOWRH
BOTH
LH
FOLD
TA I L G AT E
ABCD
182Seats
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 184 of 558

HOMELINKWIRELESS CONTROL SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:Make sure that the garage door and security device
are free from obstruction when you are programming. Do not
program the system with the vehicle in the garage.
WARNING:Do not use the system with any garage door opener
that does not have the safety stop and reverse feature as required
by U.S. Federal Safety Standards (this includes any garage door opener
manufactured before April 1, 1982).
Note:Make sure you keep the original remote control transmitter for use
in other vehicles as well as for future system programming.
Note:We recommend that upon the sale or lease termination of your
vehicle, you erase the programmed function buttons for security reasons.
SeeErasing the function button codeslater in this section.
Note:You can program a maximum of three devices. To change or
replace any of the three devices after it has been initially programmed,
you must first erase the current settings. SeeErasing the function
button codeslater in this section.
The universal garage door opener
replaces the common hand-held
garage door opener with a
three-button transmitter that is
integrated into the driver’s sun visor.
The system includes two primary features, a garage door opener and a
platform for remote activation of devices with the home. As well as being
programmed for garage doors, the system transmitter can be
programmed to operate entry gate operators, security systems, entry
door locks, and home or office lighting.
Additional system information can be found on-line at www.homelink.com
or by calling the toll-free help line on 1-800-355-3515.
Programming
Note:Put a new battery in the hand-held transmitter. This will ensure
quicker training and accurate transmission of the radio-frequency signal.
184Universal Garage Door Opener
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 210 of 558

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the
gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the off position
and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
Your vehicle has been designed to improve fuel economy by reducing fuel
usage while coasting or decelerating. When you take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and the vehicle begins to slow down, the torque
converter clutch locks up and aggressively shuts off fuel flow to the
engine while decelerating. This fuel economy benefit may be perceived as
a light to medium braking sensation when removing your foot from the
accelerator pedal.
P (Park)
This position locks the transmission
and prevents the front wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
•Press the brake pedal
•Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
•Come to a complete stop
•Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P (Park)
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R (Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
D (Drive) with Overdrive
The normal driving position for the best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through six.
PRNDL
210Transmission
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 224 of 558

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
This system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops
by keeping the brakes from locking.
The ABS lamp momentarily illuminates when the ignition is
turned on. If the light does not illuminate during start up,
remains on or flashes, the ABS may be disabled and may need
to be serviced.
If the ABS is disabled, normal braking is still effective. If the
brake warning lamp illuminates with the parking brake released,
have your brake system serviced immediately.
HINTS ON DRIVING WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKES
When the system is operating, the brake pedal will pulse and may travel
further. Maintain pressure on the brake pedal. You may also hear a noise
from the system. This is normal.
The ABS will not eliminate the dangers inherent when:
•you drive too closely to the vehicle in front of you.
•your vehicle is hydroplaning.
•you take corners too fast.
•the road surface is poor.
PARKING BRAKE
WARNING:If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake
warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working
properly. See your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park).
To set the parking brake, press the parking brake pedal down to its
fullest extent.
To release the parking brake, press the parking brake pedal down again.
224Brakes
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 233 of 558

Deactivating the Park Assist Feature
The system can be deactivated manually by:
•pressing the active park assist button
•grabbing the steering wheel
•driving above approximately 20 mph (35 km/h) for 30 seconds during
an active park search
•driving above 6 mph (10 km/h) during automatic steering
•turning off the traction control system.
Certain vehicle conditions can also deactivate the system:
•Traction control has activated on a slippery or loose surface.
•Anti-lock brake system activation or failure.
•Any door (except the driver’s) opens.
•Something touches the steering wheel.
If a problem occurs with the system, a warning message is displayed,
followed by a chime. Occasional active park assist messages may occur in
normal operation. For recurring or frequent active park assist faults,
contact an authorized dealer to have your vehicle serviced.
Troubleshooting the System
The system does not look for a space
The traction control system may be off
Any door (except the driver’s) may not be completely closed
The system does not offer a particular space
Something may be contacting the front bumper or side sensors
There is not enough room on both sides of the vehicle in order to park
There is not enough space for the parking maneuver on the opposite
side of the parking space
The vehicle is farther than 5 ft (1.5 m) from the parking space
The vehicle is closer than 16 in. (40 cm) from neighboring parked
vehicles
The transmission is in R (Reverse); the vehicle must be moving forward
to detect a parking space
Parking Aids233
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 260 of 558
CARGO NET (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:The cargo net is not designed to restrain objects
during a collision or heavy braking.
The cargo net secures lightweight
objects in the cargo area. Attach the
net to the anchors provided. Do not
put more than 50 lb (22 kg) in the
net.
260Load Carrying
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 261 of 558

ROOF RACKS AND LOAD CARRIERS (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:When loading the roof rail crossbars, it is recommended
to evenly distribute the load, as well as maintain a low center of
gravity. Loaded vehicles, with higher centers of gravity, may handle
differently than unloaded vehicles. Extra precautions, such as slower
speeds and increased stopping distance, should be taken when driving a
heavily loaded vehicle.
Note:The maximum recommended load is 100 pounds (45 kilograms),
evenly distributed on the crossbars.
Note:Loads should never be placed directly on the roof panel. The roof
panel is not designed to directly carry a load.
For proper function of the roof rack system, loads must be placed directly
on crossbars affixed to the roof rack side rails. Your vehicle may be
equipped with factory-installed crossbars. Ford Genuine Accessory
crossbars, designed specifically for your vehicle, are also recommended for
use with your roof rack system.
Ensure that the load is securely fastened. Check the tightness of the load
before driving and at each fuel stop.
LOAD LIMIT
Vehicle Loading – With and Without a Trailer
This section will guide you in the proper loading of your vehicle and/or
trailer, to keep your loaded vehicle weight within its design rating capability,
with or without a trailer. Properly loading your vehicle will provide
maximum return of vehicle design performance. Before loading your vehicle,
familiarize yourself with the following terms for determining your vehicle’s
weight ratings, with or without a trailer, from the vehicle’s Tire Label or
Safety Compliance Certification Label:
Base Curb Weight– is the weight of the vehicle including a full tank of
fuel and all standard equipment. It does not include passengers, cargo, or
optional equipment.
Vehicle Curb Weight– is the weight of your new vehicle when you picked
it up from your authorized dealer plus any aftermarket equipment.
Load Carrying261
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)