2013 FORD FLEX tow

Do not be concerned if your engine
sometimes knocks lightly. However,
if it knocks heavily while you are
using fuel with the recommended
octane rating, see your authorized
dealer to prevent any engine
damage.
RUNNING OUT OF FUEL
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
effect on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
•You may need to cycle the ignition from off to on several times after
refueling to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine. On restarting, cranking time will take a few seconds longer
than normal. With keyless ignition, just start the engine. Crank time
will be longer than usual.
•Normally, adding 1 gallon (3.8L) of fuel is enough to restart the
engine. If the vehicle is out of fuel and on a steep grade, more than
1 gallon (3.8L) may be required.
•The service engine soon indicator may come on. For more information
on the service engine soon indicator, refer toWarning lamps and
indicatorsin theInstrument Clusterchapter.
Refilling with a Portable Fuel Container
WARNING:Do not insert the nozzle of portable fuel containers
or aftermarket funnels into the capless fuel system. This could
damage the fuel system and its seal, and may cause fuel to run onto the
ground instead of filling the tank, which could result in serious personal
injury.
WARNING:Do not try to pry open or push open the capless fuel
system with foreign objects. This could damage the fuel system
and its seal and cause injury to you or others.
Note:Do not use aftermarket funnels; they will not work with the
capless fuel system and can damage it. The included funnel has been
specially designed to work safely with your vehicle.
87(R+M)/2 METHOD
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Note:Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous
grinding or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be
worn-out and should be inspected by an authorized dealer. If the vehicle
has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking,
the vehicle should be inspected by an authorized dealer.
Note:Brake dust may accumulate on the wheels, even under normal
driving conditions. Some dust is inevitable as the brakes wear and does
not contribute to brake noise. Refer to theVehicle Carechapter for
wheel cleaning instructions.
Refer to theInstrument Clusterchapter for information on the
brake system warning light.
Wet brakes result in reduced braking efficiency. Gently press the brake
pedal a few times when driving from a car wash or standing water to dry
the brakes.
Brake Over Accelerator
In the event the accelerator pedal becomes stuck or entrapped, apply
steady and firm pressure to the brake pedal to slow the vehicle and
reduce engine power. If you experience this condition, apply the brakes
and bring your vehicle to a safe stop. Turn the engine off, shift to P
(Park) and apply the parking brake, and then inspect the accelerator
pedal for any interferences. If none are found and the condition persists,
have your vehicle towed to the nearest authorized dealer.
Emergency Brake Assist
Emergency brake assist detects when you brake heavily by measuring the
rate at which you press the brake pedal. It provides maximum braking
efficiency as long as you press the pedal. Emergency brake assist can
reduce stopping distances in critical situations.
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The system can be turned off using the information display control. Refer
to theInformation Displaychapter. If a fault is present in the system, a
warning message appears in the information display and does not allow
the driver to switch the faulted system on.
Note:If your vehicle is equipped with MyKey, it is possible to prevent
turning the sensing system off. Refer to theMyKeychapter.
Using the Rear Sensing System
The rear sensors are only active when the transmission is in R (Reverse).
As the vehicle moves closer to the obstacle, the rate of the audible
warning increases. When the obstacle is fewer than 10 inches (25
centimeters) away, the warning sounds continuously. If a stationary or
receding object is detected farther than 10 inches (25 centimeters) from
the side of the vehicle, the tone sounds for only three seconds. Once the
system detects an object approaching, the warning sounds again.
A. Coverage area of up to 6 feet
(2 meters) from the rear bumper
(with a decreased coverage area at
the outer corners of the bumper).
The system detects certain objects while the transmission is in R
(Reverse):
•and moving toward a stationary object at a speed of 3 mph (5 km/h)
or less.
•but not moving, and a moving object is approaching the rear of the
vehicle at a speed of 3 mph (5 km/h) or less.
•and moving at a speed of less than 3 mph (5 km/h) and a moving
object is approaching the rear of the vehicle at a speed of less than
3 mph (5 km/h).
A
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ACTIVE PARK ASSIST (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:This system is designed to be a supplementary park
aid. It may not work in all conditions and is not intended to
replace the driver’s attention and judgment. The driver is responsible
for avoiding hazards and maintaining a safe distance and speed, even
when the system is in use.
Note:The driver is always responsible for controlling the vehicle,
supervising the system and intervening if required.
The system detects an available parallel parking space and automatically
steers the vehicle into the space (hands-free) while you control the
accelerator, gearshift and brakes. The system visually and/or audibly
instructs the driver to park the vehicle.
The system may not function correctly if something passes between the
front bumper and the parking space (i.e. a pedestrian or cyclist) or if the
edge of the neighboring parked vehicle is high from the ground (i.e. a
bus, tow truck or flatbed truck).
Note:The sensors may not detect objects in heavy rain or other
conditions that cause disruptive reflections.
Note:The sensors may not detect objects with surfaces that absorb
ultrasonic waves.
The system should not be used if:
•a foreign object (i.e. bike rack or trailer) is attached to the front or
rear of the vehicle or at another location close to the sensors.
•an overhanging object (i.e. surfboard) is attached to the roof.
•the front bumper or side sensors are damaged (i.e. in a collision) or
obstructed by a foreign object (i.e. front bumper cover).
•a mini-spare tire is in use.
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Using the Rear View Camera System
The rear view camera system displays what is behind your vehicle when
you place the transmission in R (Reverse). The system uses fixed
guidelines which show the actual path the vehicle is moving in while
reversing in a straight line. This can be helpful when backing into a
parking space or aligning the vehicle with another object behind the
vehicle.
Note:Do not use the camera system if the trunk is ajar.
Note:If the image comes on while the transmission is not in R
(Reverse), have the system inspected by your authorized dealer.
Note:When towing, the camera only sees what is being towed behind
the vehicle. This might not provide adequate coverage as it usually
provides in normal operation and some objects might not be seen. In
some vehicles, the guidelines may disappear once the trailer tow
connector is engaged.
Note:The camera may not operate correctly under the following
conditions:
•Nighttime or dark areas if one or both reverse lamps are not
operating.
•The camera’s view is obstructed by mud, water or debris. Clean the
lens with a soft, lint-free cloth and non-abrasive cleaner.
•The rear of the vehicle is hit or damaged, causing the camera to
become misaligned.
Guidelines and the Centerline
Note:Active guidelines and fixed guidelines are only available when the
transmission is in R (Reverse).
Note:The centerline is only available if Active or Fixed guidelines are
on.
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A. Active guidelines
B. Centerline
C. Fixed guideline: Green zone
D. Fixed guideline: Yellow zone
E. Fixed guideline: Red zone
F. Rear bumper
Active guidelines are only shown with fixed guidelines. To use active
guidelines, turn the steering wheel to point the guidelines toward an
intended path. If the steering wheel position is changed while reversing,
the vehicle might deviate from the original intended path.
The fixed and active guidelines fade in and out depending on the
steering wheel position. When the steering wheel position is straight, the
active guidelines are not shown.
Always use caution while reversing. Objects in the red zone are closest to
your vehicle and objects in the green zone are further away. Objects are
getting closer to your vehicle as they move from the green zone to the
yellow or red zones. Use the side view mirrors and rear view mirror to
get better coverage on both sides and rear of the vehicle.
Selectable settings for this feature are ACTIVE + FIXED, FIXED and
OFF.
ABCD
F
E
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Blocked Sensor
WARNING:Do not use ACC when towing a trailer with brake
controls. Aftermarket trailer brakes will not function properly when
ACC is activated because the brakes are electronically controlled. Failing to
do so may result in loss of vehicle control, which could result in serious
injury.
WARNING:Do not use tires sizes other than those recommended
because this can affect the normal operation of ACC. Failing to do so
may result in a loss of vehicle control, which could result in serious injury.
A message regarding a blocked
sensor is displayed if the radar
signals from the sensor have been
obstructed. The sensor is located
behind a fascia cover near the driver
side of the lower grille. A vehicle
ahead cannot be detected and the
system will not function when the
radar signals are obstructed. The following table lists possible causes and
actions for this message being displayed.
Cause Action
The surface of the radar in the
grille is dirty or obstructed in
some wayClean the grille surface in front of
the radar or remove the object
causing the obstruction
The surface of the radar in the
grille is clean but the message
remains in the displayWait a short time. It may take
several minutes for the radar to
detect that it is no longer
obstructed
Heavy rain or snow is interfering
with the radar signalsDo not use ACC in these condition
because it may not detect, warn,
or respond to potential collisions.
Swirling water, or snow or ice on
the surface of the road may
interfere with the radar signalsDo not use ACC in these condition
because it may not detect, warn,
or respond to potential collisions.
Desert / remote area with no other
vehicles and no roadside objectsWait a short time or switch to
normal cruise control.
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Reasons for messages being displayed
The radar surface is
dirty or obstructedClean the fascia area in front of the radar or
remove the obstruction.
The radar surface is
not dirty or obstructedDrive normally in traffic for a few minutes to
allow the radar to detect passing vehicles so it
can clear the blocked state.
Heavy rainfall/snowfall
interferes with the
radar signalsNo action required. The system automatically
resets to an unblocked state once the
rainfall/snowfall rate decreases or stops. Do
not use BLISand/or CTA in these conditions.
System Limitations
The BLISand CTA systems do have their limitations; situations such as
severe weather conditions or debris build-up on the sensor area may
limit vehicle detection.
The following are other situations that may limit the BLIS:
•Certain maneuvering of vehicles entering and exiting the blind zone.
•Vehicles passing through the blind zone at very fast rates.
•When several vehicles forming a convoy pass through the blind zone.
The following are other situations that may limit the CTA system:
•Adjacently parked vehicles or objects obstructing the sensors.
•Approaching vehicles passing at speeds greater than 15 mph
(24 km/h).
•Driving in reverse faster than 3 mph (5 km/h).
•Backing out of an angled parking spot.
False Alerts
Note:When towing a trailer, the sensors detect may detect the trailer,
causing a false alert. You may want to turn the BLISoff if the false
alerts become annoying.
There may be certain instances when either the BLISor CTA systems
illuminate the alert indicator with no vehicle in the coverage zone; this is
known as a false alert. Some amount of false alerts are normal; they are
temporary and self-correct.
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