2013 FORD FLEX trailer

2.Full-size dissimilar spare with label on wheel:This spare tire has
a label on the wheel that states: “THIS TIRE AND WHEEL FOR
TEMPORARY USE ONLY”
When driving with one of the dissimilar spare tires listed above,do not:
•Exceed 50 mph (80 km/h)
•Load the vehicle beyond maximum vehicle load rating listed on the
Safety Compliance Label
•Tow a trailer
•
Use snow chains on the end of the vehicle with the dissimilar spare tire
•Use more than one dissimilar spare tire at a time
•Use commercial car washing equipment
•Try to repair the dissimilar spare tire
Use of one of the dissimilar spare tires listed above at any one wheel
location can lead to impairment of the following:
•Handling, stability and braking performance
•Comfort and noise
•Ground clearance and parking at curbs
•Winter weather driving capability
•Wet weather driving capability
3.Full-size dissimilar spare without label on wheel
When driving with the full-size dissimilar spare tire/wheel,do not:
•Exceed 70 mph (113 km/h)
•Use more than one dissimilar spare tire/wheel at a time
•Use commercial car washing equipment
•Use snow chains on the end of the vehicle with the dissimilar spare
tire/wheel
The usage of a full-size dissimilar spare tire/wheel can lead to impairment
of the following:
•Handling, stability and braking performance
•Comfort and noise
•Ground clearance and parking at curbs
•Winter weather driving capability
•Wet weather driving capability
Wheels and Tires363
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

•All-Wheel driving capability (if applicable)
•Load leveling adjustment (if applicable)
When driving with the full-size dissimilar spare tire/wheel additional
caution should be given to:
•Towing a trailer
•Driving vehicles equipped with a camper body
•Driving vehicles with a load on the cargo rack
Drive cautiously when using a full-size dissimilar spare tire/wheel and
seek service as soon as possible.
Tire Change Procedure
WARNING:When one of the front wheels is off the ground, the
transmission alone will not prevent the vehicle from moving or
slipping off the jack, even if the vehicle is in P (Park).
WARNING:To help prevent the vehicle from moving when you
change a tire, be sure to place the transmission in P (Park), set the
parking brake and block (in both directions) the wheel that is diagonally
opposite (other side and end of the vehicle) to the tire being changed.
WARNING:If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or someone else
could be seriously injured.
WARNING:Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the
vehicle close to moving traffic. Pull far enough off the road to avoid
the danger of being hit when operating the jack or changing the wheel.
WARNING:To lessen the risk of personal injury, do not put any
part of your body under the vehicle while changing a tire. Do not
start the engine when your vehicle is on the jack. The jack is only meant
for changing the tire.
364Wheels and Tires
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

ACCESSORIES
For a complete listing of the accessories that are available for your
vehicle, please contact your dealer or visit our online store at:
Accessories.Ford.com(U.S. only).
Ford Custom Accessories are available for your vehicle through your
local Ford or Ford of Canada dealer. Ford Motor Company will repair or
replace any properly dealer-installed Ford Custom Accessories found to
be defective in factory-supplied materials or workmanship during the
warranty period, as well as any component damaged by the defective
accessories. The accessories will be warranted for whichever provides
you the greatest benefit:
•12 months or 12,000 miles (20,000 km) (whichever occurs first), or
•the remainder of your new vehicle limited warranty.
Contact your dealer for details and a copy of the warranty.
Exterior style
•Bug shield•Splash guards
•Deflectors•Applique’ trim kit*
•Spoiler•Graphics
•Body kits
Interior style
•Ambient lighting•Rear seat entertainment*
•Backlit door sill plates•Interior trim kit*
•Floor mats•Sport pedals
Lifestyle
•Ash cup / coin holder•Roof racks and carriers*
•Cargo organization and
management•Cargo net
•SUV camping net*•Conversation mirror
•Trailer hitches, wiring harnesses
and accessories•Roof rails
378Accessories
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

SPECIAL OPERATING CONDITIONS
If you operate your vehicleprimarilyin any of the following conditions,
you need to perform additional maintenance as indicated. If you
occasionallyoperate your vehicle under any of these conditions, it is
not necessary to perform the additional maintenance. For specific
recommendations, see your dealership service advisor or technician.
Perform the services shown in the following tables when specified or
within 3,000 miles (4,800 km) of the OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message
appearing in the message center.
Example #1:The OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message comes on at
28,751 miles (46,270 km); perform the 30,000 mile (48,000 km)
automatic transmission fluid replacement.
Example #2:The OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message hasnotcome on
but the odometer reads 30,000 miles (48,000 km); perform the engine air
filter replacement. (i.e., Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ was reset at
25,000 miles [40,000 km].)
Towing a trailer or using a camper or car-top carrier
As required Change engine oil and filter as indicated by
message center and perform services listed in the
Normal Scheduled Maintenance chart
Inspect frequently,
service as requiredInspect and lubricate U-joints
See axle maintenance items underExceptions
Every 30,000 miles
(48,000 km)Change automatic transmission fluid (except
Focus)
Every 60,000 miles
(96,000 km)Change manual transmission fluid
Extensive idling and/or low-speed driving for long distances as
in heavy commercial use (i.e. delivery, taxi, patrol car or livery)
As required Change engine oil and filter as indicated by
message center and perform services listed in the
Normal Scheduled Maintenance chart
Inspect frequently,
service as requiredReplace cabin air filter (if equipped)
Replace engine air filter
Every 30,000 miles
(48,000 km)Change automatic transmission fluid (except
Focus)
Every 60,000 miles
(96,000 km)Replace spark plugs
Scheduled Maintenance395
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

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

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

Towing ....................... 269, 274–275
recreational towing ................. 275
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated .............. 272
trailer towing .......................... 269
wrecker .................................... 274
Traction control ........................ 225
Traffic, Directions and
Information ................................ 429
Traffic preferences ................... 526
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated ................ 272
Trailer sway control .................. 269
Transaxle
fluid, refill capacities .............. 371
lubricant specifications .......... 371
Transmission
brake-shift interlock (BSI) .... 214
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) ............................. 313
Turn signal ................................ 101
U
USB port ............................ 149, 483
Using privacy mode .................. 412V
Vehicle health report ........ 427, 508
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) .......................................... 375
Vehicle loading .......................... 261
Ventilating your vehicle ........... 199
Voice commands in media
mode .......................................... 434
Voice commands in phone
mode .......................................... 410
Voice recognition ...................... 459
W
Warning lights (see Lights) ..... 111
Washer fluid .............................. 318
Water, Driving through ............. 278
Wi-Fi .......................................... 515
Windows
power ....................................... 103
rear wiper/washer ..................... 97
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers .......................................... 96
checking and adding fluid ..... 318
replacing wiper blades ... 320–321
Wrecker towing ......................... 274
558Index
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)