2013 FORD FLEX tire pressure

CHANGING A ROAD WHEEL
WARNING:The use of tire sealants may damage your tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS) and should not be used. However, if you
must use a sealant, the TPMS sensor and valve stem on the wheel must be
replaced by an authorized Ford dealer.
WARNING:Refer toTire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)in
this chapter for important information. If the tire pressure monitor
sensor becomes damaged, it will no longer function.
Note:The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) indicator light will
illuminate when the spare tire is in use. To restore the full functionality
of the monitoring system, all road wheels equipped with tire pressure
monitoring sensors must be mounted on the vehicle.
If you get a flat tire while driving, do not apply the brake heavily.
Instead, gradually decrease your speed. Hold the steering wheel firmly
and slowly move to a safe place on the side of the road.
Have a flat serviced by an authorized dealer in order to prevent damage
to the TPMS sensors, refer toTire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
earlier in the chapter. Replace the spare tire with a road tire as soon as
possible. During repairing or replacing of the flat tire, have the
authorized dealer inspect the TPMS sensor for damage.
Dissimilar Spare Tire/Wheel Information
WARNING:Failure to follow these guidelines could result in an
increased risk of loss of vehicle control, injury or death.
If you have a dissimilar spare tire/wheel, then it is intended for
temporary use only. This means that if you need to use it, you should
replace it as soon as possible with a road tire/wheel that is the same size
and type as the road tires and wheels that were originally provided by
Ford. If the dissimilar spare tire or wheel is damaged, it should be
replaced rather than repaired.
A dissimilar spare tire/wheel is defined as a spare tire and/or wheel that
is different in brand, size or appearance from the road tires and wheels
and can be one of three types:
1.T-type mini-spare:This spare tire begins with the letter “T” for tire
size and may have “Temporary Use Only” molded in the sidewall
362Wheels and Tires
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

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
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Multi-Point Inspection
In order to keep your vehicle running right, it is important to have the
systems on your vehicle checked regularly. This can help identify
potential issues and prevent major problems. Ford Motor Company
recommends the following multi-point inspection be performed at every
scheduled maintenance interval to help make sure your vehicle keeps
running great.
Multi-point inspection – Recommended each visit
Accessory drive belt(s) Half-shaft dust boots (if equipped)
Battery performance Horn operation
Clutch operation (if equipped) Radiator, cooler, heater and A/C hoses
Engine air filter Suspension component for leaks or
damage
Exhaust system Steering and linkage
Exterior lamps and hazard
warning system operationTires for wear and proper pressure,
including spare
Fluid levels*; fill if necessary Windshield for cracks, chips or pits
For oil and fluid leaks Washer spray and wiper operation
*Brake, coolant recovery reservoir, manual and automatic transmission
(with an underhood dipstick), power steering (if equipped) and
window washer
Be sure to ask your dealership service advisor or technician about the
multi-point vehicle inspection. It’s a comprehensive way to perform a
thorough inspection of your vehicle. It’s your checklist that gives you
immediate feedback on the overall condition of your vehicle. You’ll know
what’s been checked, what’s okay, as well as those things that may
require future or immediate attention. The multi-point vehicle inspection
is one more way to keep your vehicle running great!
Scheduled Maintenance387
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Selecting your media source
(USB, Line in, BT audio) ......... 436
Sending new text messages ..... 494
Setting a destination ................ 521
Setting a destination by
voice ........................................... 522
Setting the clock ............... 140, 510
Setting your wallpaper ............. 510
Side air curtain ........................... 58
Side-curtain airbags system ....... 58
SIRIUSsatellite radio ..... 140, 475
SIRIUS satellite radio voice
commands ................................. 478
SIRIUS Travel Link ................... 502
SIRIUS Travel Link voice
commands ................................. 504
SOS Post Crash Alert ................. 50
Spare tire (see Changing the
Tire) ........................................... 364
Spark plugs,
specifications ..................... 370, 375
Specification chart,
lubricants ................................... 371
Stability system ......................... 227
Starting your vehicle ................ 198
jump starting .......................... 283
push button start system ....... 196
Steering wheel ............................ 90
controls ...................................... 92
tilting ................................... 90–91
Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS) (see airbags) .................... 51Supported media file types ...... 487
Supported player, media
formats and metadata
information ................................ 487
SYNCcustomer support ......... 404
SYNCServices ................. 429, 498
System settings ......................... 512
T
Temperature control (see
Climate control) ........ 153, 155, 157
Text messaging ................. 415, 494
Text messaging (sending,
downloading, deleting) ..... 416, 418
Third-row power fold seat ....... 182
Tilt steering wheel ................ 90–91
Tires ........................... 341–342, 362
alignment ................................ 355
care .......................................... 341
changing .......................... 362, 364
checking the pressure ............ 351
inflating ................................... 349
label ......................................... 348
replacing .................................. 353
rotating .................................... 356
safety practices ....................... 354
sidewall information ............... 343
snow tires and chains ............ 357
spare tire ................................. 362
terminology ............................. 342
tire grades ............................... 342
treadwear ........................ 341, 351
Touchscreen features
(climate) .................................... 519
Index557
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)