2013 FORD FLEX maintenance

2. Lift the passenger’s side of the cover and push the
cover toward the passenger’s side. Release the three
tabs on the cover from the three slots in the driver’s
side of the housing.
3. Carefully separate the cover from the housing.
4. Remove the air filter element from the housing.
5. Wipe the cover and the housing clean to remove any
dirt or debris and to make sure the cover seals to the
housing.
6. Install a new air filter element. Be careful not to crimp the filter element
edges between the housing and the cover. This could cause filter damage
and allow unfiltered air to enter the engine if not properly seated.
7. Lower the driver’s side of the cover and slide the three tabs on the
cover into the three slots in the housing.
8. Lower the passenger’s side of the cover. Engage the two clamps to
secure the cover to the housing.
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USA(fus)

ADJUSTING THE HEADLAMPS
The headlamps on your vehicle are properly aimed at the assembly plant.
If your vehicle has been in an accident, the alignment of your headlamps
should be checked by your authorized dealer.
Vertical aim adjustment
1. Park the vehicle directly in front of a wall or screen on a level surface,
approximately 25 feet (7.6 meters) away.
•(1) 8 feet (2.4 meters)
•(2) Center height of lamp to
ground
•(3) 25 feet (7.6 meters)
•(4) Horizontal reference line
2. Measure the height of the headlamp
bulb center from the ground and mark
an 8 foot (2.4 meter) horizontal
reference line on the vertical wall or
screen at this height (a piece of
masking tape works well). The center
of the lamp is marked bya3mm
circle on the headlamp lens
3. Turn on the headlamps to illuminate the wall or screen and open the
hood.
To see a clearer light pattern for adjusting, you may want to block the
light from one headlamp while adjusting the other.
On the wall or screen you will
observe a flat zone of high intensity
light located at the top of the right
hand portion of the beam pattern. If
the top edge of the high intensity
light zone is not at the horizontal
reference line, the headlamp will
need to be adjusted.
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Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

4. Locate the vertical adjuster on
each headlamp. Using a Phillips #2
screwdriver, turn the adjuster either
clockwise (to adjust down) or
counterclockwise (to adjust up).
The horizontal edge of the brighter
light should touch the horizontal
reference line.
5. Close the hood and turn off the lamps.
HORIZONTAL AIM IS NOT REQUIRED FOR THIS VEHICLE AND IS
NON-ADJUSTABLE.
CHANGING A BULB
Lamp assembly condensation
Exterior lamps are vented to accommodate normal changes in pressure.
Condensation can be a natural by-product of this design. When moist air
enters the lamp assembly through the vents, there is a possibility that
condensation can occur when the temperature is cold. When normal
condensation occurs, a thin film of mist can form on the interior of the
lens. The thin mist eventually clears and exits through the vents during
normal operation. Clearing time may take as long as 48 hours under dry
weather conditions.
Examples of acceptable condensation are:
•Presence of thin mist (no streaks, drip marks or droplets)
•Fine mist covers less than 50% of the lens
Examples of unacceptable moisture (usually caused by a lamp water
leak) are:
•Water puddle inside the lamp
•Large water droplets, drip marks or streaks present on the interior of
the lens
Take your vehicle to a dealer for service if any of the above conditions of
unacceptable moisture are present.
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2013 Flex(471)
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USA(fus)

Replacing headlamp bulbs
WARNING:Handle a halogen headlamp bulb carefully and keep
out of children’s reach. Grasp the bulb only by its plastic base and
do not touch the glass. The oil from your hand could cause the bulb to
break the next time the headlamps are operated.
Note:If the bulb is accidentally touched, it should be cleaned with
rubbing alcohol before being used.
1. Make sure headlamp switch is in the off position, then open the hood.
2. Reach in behind the headlamp assembly to access the bulb sockets
and connectors.
3. Locate the high beam/low beam headlamp bulb electrical connector
and remove it by squeezing the locking tab and pulling it straight out.
4. Remove the bulb socket by
turning it counterclockwise and
pulling it straight out.
Install the new bulb(s) in reverse order.
Replacing HID headlamp bulbs (if equipped)
The headlamps on your vehicle use a “high intensity discharge” source.
These lamps operate at a high voltage. When the bulb is burned out, the
bulb and starter capsule assembly must be replaced by your authorized
dealer.
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2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Replacing front parking lamp/turn signal bulbs
1. Make sure headlamp switch is in the off position, then open the hood.
2. Reach behind the headlamp assembly to access the bulb sockets .
3. Remove the bulb socket by
turning it counterclockwise and
pulling it straight out.
4. To remove the bulb, pull it
straight out of the bulb socket.
Install the new bulb(s) in reverse
order.
Replacing fog lamp bulbs
1. Make sure the fog lamp switch is in the off position.
2. From underneath the vehicle,
partially remove the tire splash
shield by removing four drive screws
from the lower flap.
The splash shield flap can now be
repositioned to allow access to the
front fog lamp bulb and electrical
wire harness.
3. Carefully disconnect the wire
harness connector from the bulb by
releasing the two snap clips.
4. Rotate the bulb counterclockwise
to remove from the fog lamp.
Install the new bulb in reverse order.
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2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Replacing rear stop/tail/turn/backup and side marker lamp bulbs
The stop/tail/turn/backup and side marker lamp bulbs are located in the
tail lamp assembly.
Note:Your vehicle may be equipped with a stop/tail/turn and side
marker lamp assemblies containing integral multiple light emitting diodes
(LED). If replacement is required, see your authorized dealer.
A.Backup lamp
B.Stop/tail/turn signal lamp
C.Side marker lamp
D.Supplemental taillamp
1. Make sure the headlamp switch is
in the off position and open the
liftgate.
2. Remove the hex screws in the liftgate opening, then pull the lamp
assembly away from the vehicle. This will disengage two snap
attachments along the side of the vehicle.
3. Remove the bulb socket by rotating it counterclockwise, then pulling it
out of the lamp assembly.
4. Pull the bulb straight from the socket.
Install new bulb(s) in reverse order.
Replacing high-mount brake lamp bulbs
Your vehicle is equipped with an LED high-mount brake lamp. It is
designed to last the life of the vehicle. If replacement is required, it is
recommended that you see your authorized dealer.
Replacing license plate lamp bulbs
1. Make sure the headlamp switch is in the off position.
2. Remove the two screws and the
license plate lamp assembly from the
liftgate.
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USA(fus)

3. Carefully pull the bulb straight out
from the lamp assembly.
Install new bulb(s) in reverse order.
BULB SPECIFICATION CHART
Replacement bulbs are specified in the chart below. Headlamp bulbs must
be marked with an authorized “D.O.T.” for North America and an “E” for
Europe to ensure lamp performance, light brightness and pattern and safe
visibility. The correct bulbs will not damage the lamp assembly or void the
lamp assembly warranty and will provide quality bulb burn time.
Function Number of bulbsTrade
number
Headlamp2 9008 H13
2D3 HID
(optional)
Front park/turn lamp 4 3157NA
*Front sidemarker lamp N/A LED
Fog lamp 2 H11
Map lamp 2 12V6W
Dome/reading lamps 6 578
Tail/brake/turn signal lamp2 3157K
N/A*LED
(optional)
Supplemental taillamp 2 194
Rear sidemarker2 194
N/A*LED
(optional)
Backup lamp 2 921
License plate lamp 2 C5WL
*High-mount brake lamp N/A LED
To replace all instrument panel lights - see your authorized dealer.
*To replace these lamps - see your authorized dealer.
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•Some automatic car washes may cause damage to the finish on your
wheel rims or covers. Industrial-strength (heavy-duty) cleaners, or
cleaning chemicals, in combination with brush agitation to remove
brake dust and dirt, could wear away the clear coat finish over time.
•Do not use hydrofluoric acid-based or high caustic-based wheel
cleaners, steel wool, fuels or strong household detergent.
•To remove tar and grease, use MotorcraftBug and Tar Remover.
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you plan on storing your vehicle for an extended period of time
(30 days or more), read the following maintenance recommendations to
make sure your vehicle stays in good operating condition.
All motor vehicles and their components were engineered and tested for
reliable, regular driving. Long term storage under various conditions may
lead to component degradation or failure unless specific precautions are
taken to preserve the components.
General
•Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated place.
•Protect from sunlight, if possible.
•If vehicles are stored outside, they require regular maintenance to
protect against rust and damage.
Body
•Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt, grease, oil, tar or mud from
exterior surfaces, rear-wheel housing and underside of front fenders.
•Periodically wash vehicles stored in exposed locations.
•Touch-up raw or primed metal to prevent rust.
•Cover chrome and stainless steel parts with a thick coat of auto wax to
prevent discoloration. Re-wax as necessary when the vehicle is
washed.
•Lubricate all hood, door and trunk lid hinges, and latches with a light
grade oil.
•Cover interior trim to prevent fading.
•Keep all rubber parts free from oil and solvents.
Engine
•The engine oil and filter should be changed prior to storage, as used
engine oil contain contaminates that may cause engine damage.
336Vehicle Care
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)