2013 FORD FLEX check engine

•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.
Vehicle Care337
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Items CapacityFord Part Name or
equivalentFord Part Number /
Ford Specification
3Automatic transmissions that require MERCONLV should only use MERCONLV fluid. Refer
toscheduled maintenance informationto determine the correct service interval. Use of any
fluid other than the recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.4See your authorized dealer for fluid level checking or filling.5Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine oil need only meet the
requirements of Ford specification WSS-M2C945-A (3.5L V6 engine) or WSS-M2C946-A (3.5L V6
EcoBoost engine) and display the API Certification mark.6Your engine has been designed to be used with Ford engine oil, which gives a fuel economy
benefit while maintaining the durability of your engine.
Using oils other than the one specified can result in longer engine cranking periods, reduced
engine performance, reduced fuel economy and increased emission levels.7Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.
374Capacities and Specifications
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The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) contains the following
information:
A. World manufacturer identifier
B. Brake system / Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) / Restraint
Devices and their location
C. Make, vehicle line, series, body
type
D. Engine type
E. Check digit
F. Model year
G. Assembly plant
H. Production sequence number
VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL
The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration Regulations require
that a Safety Compliance Certification
Label be affixed to a vehicle and
prescribe where the Safety
Compliance Certification Label may be
located. The Safety Compliance
Certification Label shall be affixed to
either the door hinge pillar, the door
latch post, or the edge of the door
near the door latch, next to the
driver’s seating position.
376Capacities and Specifications
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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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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
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EXCEPTIONS
There are several exceptions to the Normal Schedule. They are listed
below:
Normal vehicle axle maintenance:Rear axles and power take-off
(PTO) units with synthetic fluid and light-duty trucks equipped with
Ford-design axles are lubricated for life; do not check or change fluid
unless a leak is suspected, service is required or the assembly has been
submerged in water. During long periods of trailer towing with outside
temperatures above 70°F (21°C) and at wide-open throttle for long
periods above 45 mph (72 km/h), non-synthetic rear axle fluids should be
changed every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or three months, whichever comes
first. This interval can be waived if the axle is filled with 75W140
synthetic gear fluid meeting Ford specification WSL-M2C192-A, part
number F1TZ-19580-B or equivalent. Add friction modifier XL-3
(EST-M2C118-A) or equivalent for complete refill of Traction-Lok rear
axles (refer toTechnical specificationsin theCapacities and
Specificationschapter for details).
Police/Taxi/Livery vehicle axle maintenance:Change rear axle fluid
every 100,000 miles (160,000 km). Rear axle fluid change may be waived
if the axle was filled with 75W140 synthetic gear fluid meeting Ford
specification WSL-M2C192-A, part number FITZ-19580-B or equivalent.
Add four ounces (118 mL) of additive friction modifier XL-3
(EST-M2C118-A) or equivalent for complete refill of Traction-Lok rear
axles. The axle fluid should be changed anytime the axle has been
submerged in water
California fuel filter replacement:If the vehicle is registered in
California, the California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify the emission
warranty or limit recall liability prior to the completion of the vehicle’s
useful life. Ford Motor Company, however, urges you to have all
recommended maintenance services performed at the specified intervals
and to record all vehicle service.
Class A Motorhome:Change brake fluid every two years.
Hot climate oil change intervals:Vehicles operating in the Middle
East, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa or locations with similar climates
using an American Petroleum Institute (API) Certified for Gasoline
Engines (Certification mark) oil of SM or SN quality, the normal oil
change interval is 5,000 miles (8,000 km).
If the available API “SM” or “SN” oils are not available, then the oil
change service interval is 3,000 mile (4,800 km).
Scheduled Maintenance401
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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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Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid .......................................... 313
engine oil ................................. 307
Display settings ......................... 510
Driving under special
conditions .................. 215, 217, 220
sand ......................................... 218
snow and ice ........................... 221
through water ................. 219, 278
Dual automatic temperature
control (DATC) ................. 155, 157
E
Electronic message center ....... 117
Electronic stability control ...... 227
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting .......................... 283
running out of fuel ................. 203
Emergency brake (see Parking
brake) ........................................ 224
Emission control system .......... 207
End user license agreement .... 533
Engine ........................................ 370
cleaning ................................... 332
fail-safe cooling ....................... 312
idle speed control ................... 318
lubrication specifications ....... 371
refill capacities ........................ 371
service points .......................... 306
Engine block heater ................. 199
Engine oil
checking and adding .............. 307
dipstick .................................... 307
filter, specifications ................ 375
refill capacities ........................ 371
specifications .......................... 371Event data recording .................. 12
Exhaust fumes .......................... 199
F
Fail safe cooling ........................ 312
Fleet MyKey programming ........ 70
Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) .... 201
Floor mats ................................. 279
Fluid capacities ......................... 371
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
driving off road ....................... 217
Freezer ...................................... 193
Fuel
cap ........................................... 205
capacity ................................... 371
choosing the right fuel ........... 202
filler funnel ............................. 203
filling your vehicle with fuel .. 205
filter, specifications ........ 317, 375
fuel pump shut-off .................. 283
octane rating ................... 202, 370
running out of fuel ................. 203
safety information relating to
automotive fuels ..................... 201
Fuel and distance computer .... 121
outside temperature
indicator .................................. 121
to empty indicator .................. 121
trip distance ............................ 121
trip/reset button ..................... 121
Fuel - flex fuel vehicle
(FFV) ......................................... 201
Fuses .................................. 294–295
G
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............ 205
Index553
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