2013 FORD FLEX brakes

Brakes 223
Brakes.............................................223
Hints on driving with anti-lock brakes......................224
Parking brake........................................224
Traction Control 225
TractionControl™ ....................................225
Stability Control 226
AdvanceTrac........................................227
Parking Aids 228
Sensing system.......................................228
Active park assist.....................................230
Rear-view camera system...............................234
Cruise Control 239
Using cruise control...................................239
Using Adaptive Cruise Control............................240
Driving Aids 249
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert
(CTA) .............................................249
Collision warning system................................254
Steering............................................258
Load Carrying 260
Cargo net...........................................260
Roof racks and load carriers.............................261
Vehicle loading.......................................261
Towing 269
Trailertowing........................................269
Wrecker towing.......................................274
Recreational towing....................................275
Table of Contents5
2013 Flex(471)
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Pregnant women should always
wear their safety belt. The lap belt
portion of a combination lap and
shoulder belt should be positioned
low across the hips below the belly
and worn as tight as comfort will
allow. The shoulder belt should be
positioned to cross the middle of
the shoulder and the center of the
chest.
Safety Belt Locking Modes
WARNING:After any vehicle collision, the safety belt system at
all passenger seating positions must be checked by an authorized
dealer to verify that the automatic locking retractor feature for child
seats is still functioning properly. In addition, all safety belts should be
checked for proper function.
WARNING:BELT AND RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY MUST BE
REPLACED if the safety belt assembly automatic locking
retractor feature or any other safety belt function is not operating
properly when checked by an authorized dealer. Failure to replace the
belt and retractor assembly could increase the risk of injury in
collisions.
All safety restraints in the vehicle are combination lap and shoulder belts.
The driver safety belt has the first locking mode and the front outboard
passenger and rear seat safety belts have both types of locking modes
described as follows:
Vehicle sensitive mode:This is the normal retractor mode, which
allows free shoulder or lap belt length adjustment to your movements
and locking in response to vehicle movement. For example, if the driver
brakes suddenly or turns a corner sharply, or the vehicle receives an
impact of approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) or more, the combination safety
belts will lock to help reduce forward movement of the driver and
passengers.
In addition, the retractor(s) is designed to lock if the webbing is pulled
out too quickly. If this occurs, let the belt retract slightly and pull
webbing out again in a slow and controlled manner.
Safety Belts39
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IGNITION SWITCH (IF EQUIPPED)
A. Off – The ignition is off.Note:In
order to switch off the engine while
the vehicle is in motion, shift to
neutral and use the brakes to bring
the vehicle to a safe stop. After the
vehicle has stopped, turn the engine
off and shift into park. Then, turn
the key to the accessory or off
position.
B. Accessory – Allows some electrical accessories to operate while the
engine is not running.
C. On – All electrical circuits operational. Warning lamps and indicators
are illuminated. This is the key position when driving.
D. Start – Cranks the engine. The engine may continue cranking for up
to 10 seconds or until the vehicle starts. Release the key as soon as the
engine starts.
Note:Do not store the key in the ignition after the vehicle is turned off
and you have left the vehicle. This could cause a drain on the battery.
KEYLESS STARTING (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:The keyless starting system may not function if the
key is close to metal objects or electronic devices such as mobile
phones.
Note:A valid key must be located inside the vehicle to switch the
ignition on and start the engine.
To turn the ignition on, press the start button once. It
is located on the instrument panel to the right of the
steering wheel. All electrical circuits and accessories are
operational, and warning lamps and indicators will
illuminate.
To start the vehicle, do the following:
1. Make sure the transmission is in P (Park).
2. Fully press the brake pedal.
C
D
B
A
START
STOP ENGINE
196Starting and Stopping the Engine
2013 Flex(471)
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3. Press the start button. The engine may continue cranking for up to
10 seconds or until the vehicle starts.
To turn the ignition off, press the start button when the vehicle is on or
the engine is running.
The system will not function if:
•the key frequencies are jammed.
•the key battery is dead.
If you are unable to start your vehicle, do the following.
1. Insert the key into the key holder
located in the center console utility
compartment. Insert the key into the slot
with the buttons facing out and with key
ring up.
2. With the key in this position, you can
use the start button to switch the ignition
on and start your vehicle.
To stop the engine with the vehicle stationary, do the following:
1. Move the gearshift lever to P (Park).
2. Press the start button.
Note:The ignition, all electrical circuits, warning lamps and indicators
will be switched off.
To stop the engine when the vehicle is moving, do the following:
1. Press and hold the start button for at least one second or press the
start button three times within two seconds.
2. Shift to neutral and use the brakes to bring the vehicle to a safe stop.
3. After the vehicle has stopped, turn the engine off and shift into park.
WARNING:Switching off the engine when the vehicle is still
moving will result in a loss of brake and steering assistance. The
steering will not be locked, but higher effort will be required. When the
ignition is switched off, some electrical circuits, warning lamps and
indicators may also be off.
Starting and Stopping the Engine197
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Brake-shift interlock
WARNING:Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the
brakelamps are working.
WARNING:When doing this procedure, you will be taking the
vehicle out of park which means the vehicle can roll freely. To
avoid unwanted vehicle movement, always fully set the parking brake
prior to doing this procedure. Use wheel chocks if appropriate.
WARNING:If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake
warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working
properly. See your authorized dealer.
Note:See your authorized dealer as soon as possible if this procedure is
used.
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is
on unless the brake pedal is pressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with the ignition
on and the brake pedal pressed, it is possible that a fuse has blown or
the vehicle’s brake lamps are not operating properly. Refer to theFuses
chapter.
If the fuse is not blown and the brake lamps are working properly, the
following procedure will allow you to move the gearshift lever from P
(Park):
1. Apply the parking brake, turn the
ignition off, and remove the key.
2. Using a screwdriver (or similar
tool), carefully pry off and remove
the chrome trim ring (A) from the
shifter base.
3. Open the storage compartment
lid and carefully pry the trim panel
(B) up from rear attachments on
the storage compartment and
disconnect it from the console.
A
B
214Transmission
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Driving In Special Conditions With All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
AWD vehicles are equipped for driving on sand, snow, mud and rough
roads and have operating characteristics that are somewhat different
from conventional vehicles, both on and off the highway.
When driving at slow speeds in deep sand under high outside
temperatures, use a low gear when possible. Lower gear operation will
maximize the engine and transmission cooling capability.
Under severe operating conditions, the A/C may cycle on and off to
protect overheating of the engine.
Basic operating principles in special conditions
•Drive slower in strong crosswinds which can affect the normal steering
characteristics of your vehicle.
•Be extremely careful when driving on pavement made slippery by
loose sand, water, gravel, snow or ice.
If Your Vehicle Goes Off the Edge of the Pavement
•If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement, slow down, but
avoid severe brake application, ease the vehicle back onto the
pavement only after reducing your speed. Do not turn the steering
wheel too sharply while returning to the road surface.
•It may be safer to stay on the apron or shoulder of the road and slow
down gradually before returning to the pavement. You may lose
control if you do not slow down or if you turn the steering wheel too
sharply or abruptly.
•It often may be less risky to strike small objects, such as highway
reflectors, with minor damage to your vehicle rather than attempt a
sudden return to the pavement which could cause the vehicle to slide
sideways out of control or rollover. Remember, your safety and the
safety of others should be your primary concern.
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the
gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the lock
position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
WARNING:If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake
warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working
properly. See your authorized dealer.
All-Wheel Drive217
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Do not drive your AWD vehicle in deep sand for an extended period of
time. This will cause the AWD system to overheat. After the system has
cooled down, normal AWD function will return. When driving at slow
speeds in deep sand under high outside temperatures, use L (Low) gear
when possible. L (Low) gear operation will maximize the engine and
transmission cooling capability.
Under severe operating conditions, the A/C may cycle on and off to
protect overheating of the engine.
Avoid excessive speed because vehicle momentum can work against you
and cause the vehicle to become stuck to the point that assistance may
be required from another vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back
out the way you came if you proceed with caution.
Mud and Water
If you must drive through high water, drive slowly. Traction or brake
capability may be limited.
When driving through water, determine the depth; avoid water higher
than the bottom of the wheel rims (for cars) or the bottom of the hubs
(for trucks) (if possible) and proceed slowly. If the ignition system gets
wet, the vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the
vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you
are driving in mud. Even AWD vehicles can lose traction in slick mud. As
when you are driving over sand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does slide, steer in the direction of
the slide until you regain control of the vehicle.
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts
and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts causes an
imbalance that could damage drive components.
Note:Driving through deep water may damage the transmission.
If the front or rear axle is submerged in water, the axle lubricant and
PTU (power transfer unit) lubricant should be checked and changed if
necessary.
All-Wheel Drive219
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“Tread Lightly” is an educational
program designed to increase public
awareness of land-use regulations
and responsibilities in our nations
wilderness areas. Ford Motor
Company joins the U.S. Forest
Service and the Bureau of Land Management in encouraging you to help
preserve our national forest and other public and private lands by
“treading lightly.”
Driving on Hilly or Sloping Terrain
Note:Avoid driving crosswise or turning on steep slopes or hills. A danger
lies in losing traction, slipping sideways and possibly rolling over. Whenever
driving on a hill, determine beforehand the route you will use. Do not drive
over the crest of a hill without seeing what conditions are on the other side.
Do not drive in reverse over a hill without the aid of an observer.
Although natural obstacles may make it necessary to travel diagonally up
or down a hill or steep incline, you should always try to drive straight up
or straight down.
When climbing a steep slope or hill, start in a lower gear rather than
downshifting to a lower gear from a higher gear once the ascent has
started. This reduces strain on the engine and the possibility of stalling.
If you do stall out, do not try to turnaround because you might roll over.
It is better to back down to a safe location.
Apply just enough power to the wheels to climb the hill. Too much power
will cause the tires to slip, spin or lose traction, resulting in loss of
vehicle control.
Descend a hill in the same gear you
would use to climb up the hill to
avoid excessive brake application
and brake overheating. Do not
descend in neutral; instead,
disengage overdrive or manually
shift to a lower gear. When
descending a steep hill, avoid
sudden hard braking as you could
lose control. The front wheels have
to be turning in order to steer the
vehicle.
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, therefore apply the brakes steadily. Do
not “pump” the brakes.
220All-Wheel Drive
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