2013 FORD FLEX brakes

WARNING:Exceeding the Safety Compliance Certification Label
vehicle weight rating limits could result in substandard vehicle
handling or performance, engine, transmission and/or structural damage,
serious damage to the vehicle, loss of control and personal injury.
GCW (Gross Combined Weight)– is the weight of the loaded vehicle
(GVW) plus the weight of the fully loaded trailer.
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating)– is the maximum allowable
weight of the vehicle and the loaded trailer – including all cargo and
passengers – that the vehicle can handle without risking damage.
(Important: The towing vehicle’s braking system is rated for operation at
GVWR, not at GCWR. Separate functional brakes should be used for safe
control of towed vehicles and for trailers where the GCW of the towing
vehicle plus the trailer exceed the GVWR of the towing vehicle.The
GCW must never exceed the GCWR.
Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight– is the highest possible weight of a
fully loaded trailer the vehicle can tow. It assumes a vehicle with only
mandatory options, no cargo (internal or external), a tongue load of
10–15% (conventional trailer), and driver only (150 lb. [68 kg]).Consult
your authorized dealer (or theRV and Trailer Towing Guide
provided by your authorized dealer) for more detailed
information.
WARNING:Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on
the Safety Compliance Certification Label.
WARNING:Do not use replacement tires with lower load
carrying capacities than the original tires because they may lower
the vehicle’s GVWR and GAWR limitations. Replacement tires with a
higher limit than the original tires do not increase the GVWR and
GAWR limitations.
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TOWING A TRAILER
WARNING:Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on
the certification label.
WARNING:Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could
result in engine damage, transmission damage, structural damage, loss
of vehicle control, vehicle rollover and personal injury.
Your vehicle’s load capacity is designated by weight, not by volume, so
you cannot necessarily use all available space when loading a vehicle.
Towing a trailer places an additional load on your vehicle’s engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these
components periodically during, and after, any towing operation.
TRAILER SWAY CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:Turning off the trailer sway control increases the risk
of loss of vehicle control, serious injury or death. Ford does not
recommend turning off this feature except in situations where reducing
vehicle speed may be dangerous (e.g. driving uphill) or the driver has
significant trailer towing experience and can control trailer sway and
maintain safe operation.
Note:This feature does not prevent trailer sway, but reduces it once it
begins.
Note:This feature cannot stop all trailers from swaying.
Note:In some cases, if vehicle speed is too high, the system may
activate multiple times, gradually reducing vehicle speed.
This feature applies the vehicle brakes at individual wheels and, if
necessary, reduces engine power. If the trailer begins to sway, the
traction control system light flashes andTRAILER SWAY REDUCE
SPEEDappears in the information display. The first thing to do is slow
the vehicle down, then pull safely to the side of the road and check for
proper tongue load and trailer load distribution. Refer toLoad Carrying
chapter for specific loading information.
Trailer sway control can be turned off by using the information display
control; refer to theInformation Displayschapter. The system turns
back on whenever the ignition is turned on.
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Trailer Brakes
WARNING:Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system
directly to your vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not have
enough braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly
increase.
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are
safe if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer’s
specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and Federal
regulations.
The braking system of the tow vehicle is rated for operation at the
GVWR not GCWR.
Trailer Brake Controller Connector (If Equipped)
The trailer brake controller connector
is located under the instrument panel
above the brake pedal.
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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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•Drive a heavily loaded vehicle or tow a trailer.
•Carry unnecessary weight (approximately 1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for
every 400 lb [180 kg] of weight carried).
•Add particular accessories to your vehicle (e.g. bug deflectors,
rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski racks).
•Drive with the wheels out of alignment.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
WARNING:Drive through water in an emergency only, and not
as part of normal driving.
WARNING:Engine damage can occur if water enters the air
filter.
Note:Driving through deep water may allow water into the transmission
or air intake and can cause internal vehicle damage or cause it to stall.
Note:Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your
vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly. Never drive through water that is higher than the bottom of the
wheel rims (for cars) or the bottom
of the hubs (for trucks).
When driving through water,
traction or brake capability may be
limited. Also, water may enter your
engine’s air intake and severely
damage your engine or your vehicle
may stall.
Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle
as quickly as dry brakes.
278Driving Hints
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•Start the engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle until it reaches normal
operating temperature.
•With your foot on the brake, shift through all the gears while the
engine is running.
Fuel system
•Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fuel until the first automatic shutoff
of the fuel pump nozzle.
Note:During extended periods of vehicle storage (30 days or more), fuel
may deteriorate due to oxidation. Add a quality gas stabilizer product to
the vehicle fuel system whenever actual or expected storage periods
exceed 30 days. Follow the instructions on the additive label. The vehicle
should then be operated at idle speed to circulate the additive
throughout the fuel system.
Cooling system
•Protect against freezing temperatures.
•When removing vehicle from storage, check coolant fluid level.
Confirm there are no cooling system leaks, and fluid is at the
recommended level.
Battery
•Check and recharge as necessary. Keep connections clean.
•If storing your vehicle for more than 30 days without recharging the
battery, it may be advisable to disconnect the battery cables to ensure
battery charge is maintained for quick starting.
Note:If battery cables are disconnected, it will be necessary to reset
memory features.
Brakes
•Make sure brakes and parking brake are fully released.
Tires
•Maintain recommended air pressure.
Miscellaneous
•Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and pins under vehicle are
covered with grease to prevent rust.
•Move vehicles at least 25 feet (8 m) every 15 days to lubricate
working parts and prevent corrosion.
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911 Assist™ ...................... 424, 506
A
ABS (see Brakes) ..................... 224
Accessing and using your USB
port ............................................ 483
Accessing call history/phone
book during active call ............. 412
Accessing your calendar .......... 506
Accessing your media menu
features ...................................... 436
Accessing your phone menu
features ...................................... 414
Accessory delay ........................ 104
Active call menu options ......... 412
Active Park Assist ..................... 230
Adaptive Cruise Control ........... 240
Adding (pairing) a phone ........ 492
Advanced menu options ... 422, 442
Advanced menu options
(prompts, languages, defaults,
master reset, installing
applications) .............................. 422
Airbag supplemental restraint
system .......................................... 51
and child safety seats .............. 52
description ................................ 51
disposal ...................................... 61
driver airbag .............................. 51
passenger airbag ....................... 51
side airbag ........................... 51, 56
Air cleaner filter ....... 321–322, 375
Air conditioning ........................ 153
manual heating and air
conditioning system ............... 153All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road ......................... 216
Ambient mood/lighting ............. 511
AM/FM ....................................... 466
Anti-lock brake system (see
Brakes) ...................................... 224
Anti-theft system .................. 86, 89
arming the system .............. 86, 89
disarming a triggered system .. 89
Audio system
Single CD ................ 140, 144, 146
Audio system
(see Radio) ................ 140, 144, 146
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive ................................. 210
fluid, adding ............................ 313
fluid, checking ........................ 313
fluid, refill capacities .............. 371
fluid, specification .................. 371
Selectshift (SST) .................... 212
Auxiliary Input Jack ................. 479
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) .. 147
Auxiliary powerpoint ................ 189
A/V inputs .......................... 149, 488
B
Battery ....................................... 318
acid, treating emergencies ..... 318
jumping a disabled battery .... 283
maintenance-free .................... 318
replacement, specifications ... 375
servicing .................................. 318
Blind Spot Information System 249
Blind spot mirror ...................... 519
Booster seats ............................... 22
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Brakes ........................................ 223
anti-lock ................................... 224
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ........................... 224
brake warning light ................ 224
fluid, checking and adding .... 317
fluid, refill capacities .............. 371
fluid, specifications ................. 371
lubricant specifications .......... 371
parking .................................... 224
shift interlock .......................... 214
trailer ....................................... 272
C
Capacities for refilling fluids .... 371
Cargo net ................................... 260
CD .............................. 140, 144, 146
CD player .......................... 138, 482
CD voice commands ................. 482
Cell phone use ............................ 16
Changing a tire ......................... 362
Child safety restraints .......... 29, 31
Child safety seats
attaching with tether straps .... 31
automatic locking mode
(retractor) ................................. 39
LATCH ....................................... 29
Child safety seats - booster
seats ............................................. 22
Cleaning the touchscreen ........ 454
Cleaning your vehicle ............... 330
engine compartment .............. 332
instrument panel .................... 334
interior ..................................... 333
plastic parts ............................ 331
washing .................................... 330
waxing ..................................... 332wheels ...................................... 335
wiper blades ............................ 333
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) .......... 153
Climate voice commands ......... 520
Clock .................................. 140, 510
Collision Warning System ......... 254
Compass Display ....................... 121
Console ...................................... 192
overhead .................................. 194
rear .......................................... 192
Coolant
checking and adding .............. 308
refill capacities ........................ 371
specifications .......................... 371
Cooler ........................................ 193
Cross Traffic Alert .................... 249
Cruise control ........................... 239
Customer Assistance ................ 281
Ford Extended Service
Plan .................................. 380, 383
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada ..................... 290
Getting roadside assistance ... 281
Getting the service
you need ................................. 286
Ordering additional owner’s
literature ................................. 292
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ................................... 290
Customizing your
home screen .............................. 453
D
Defrost ....................... 153, 155, 157
rear window ............................ 161
552Index
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