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Engine shield
Some vehicles may be equipped with an aero-shield under the engine.
This shield needs to be removed for service, including oil and filter
changes. It is secured with four quick release fasteners.
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
A.–MIN
B. – MAX
ENGINE OIL CHECK
Note:Check the level before starting the engine.
Note:Make sure that the level is between the MIN and MAX marks.
1. Make sure that your vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 10 minutes for the oil to drain into the oil
pan.
3. Remove the dipstick and wipe it with a clean, lint-free cloth. Replace
the dipstick and remove it again to check the oil level.
If the level is at the MIN mark, add oil immediately.
Adding engine oil
Note:Do not remove the filler cap when the engine is running.
Note:Do not add engine oil further than the MAX mark. Oil levels above
the MAX mark may cause engine damage.
Maintenance307
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Only use oils certified for gasoline engines by the
American Petroleum Institute (API). An oil with this
trademark symbol conforms to the current engine and
emission system protection standards and fuel
economy requirements of the International Lubricant
Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC),
comprised of U.S. and Japanese automobile
manufacturers.
1. Remove the filler cap.
2. Add engine oil that meets Ford specifications. SeeCapacities and
Specificationsfor more information.
3. Replace the filler cap. Turn it until you feel a strong resistance.
ENGINE COOLANT CHECK
Checking the coolant level
The concentration and level of engine coolant should be checked at the
intervals listed inscheduled maintenance information.
Note:Make sure that the level is at the FULL COLD level or within the
COLD FILL RANGE in the coolant reservoir.
Note:For best results, coolant concentration should be tested with a
refractometer such as Rotunda tool 300-ROB75240E available from your
dealer. Ford does not recommend the use of hydrometers or coolant test
strips for measuring coolant concentrations.
Note:Coolant expands when it is hot. The level may extend beyond the
COLD FILL RANGE.
If the level is below the COLD FILL RANGE, add coolant immediately.
Note:Automotive fluids are not interchangeable; do not use engine
coolant/antifreeze or windshield washer fluid outside of its specified
function and vehicle location.
Adding Engine Coolant
WARNING:Do not add engine coolant when the engine is hot.
Steam and scalding liquids released from a hot cooling system can
burn you badly. Also, you can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine
parts.
WARNING:Do not put engine coolant in the windshield washer
fluid container. If sprayed on the windshield, engine coolant could
make it difficult to see through the windshield.
308Maintenance
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 553 of 558

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