2013 FORD FLEX checking oil

Driving Hints 277
Economical driving....................................277
Floormats..........................................279
Roadside Emergencies 281
Getting roadside assistance..............................281
Hazard warning flashers................................282
Fuel cut-off switch....................................283
Jump-starting the vehicle...............................283
Customer Assistance 286
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only)........................293
Reporting safety defects (Canada only).....................293
Fuses 294
Changing a fuse......................................294
Fuse specification chart.................................295
Maintenance 303
General information...................................303
Opening and closing the hood............................304
Under hood overview..................................305
Engine oil dipstick....................................307
Engine oil check......................................307
Engine coolant check..................................308
Automatic transmission fluid check........................313
Brake fluid check.....................................317
Power steering fluid check..............................317
Fuel filter...........................................317
Washer fluid check....................................318
Battery.............................................318
Checking the wiper blades...............................320
Changing the wiper blades...............................320
Air filter(s)..........................................321
6Table of Contents
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

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)

Items CapacityFord Part Name or
equivalentFord Part Number /
Ford Specification
3Automatic transmissions that require MERCONLV should only use MERCONLV fluid. Refer
toscheduled maintenance informationto determine the correct service interval. Use of any
fluid other than the recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.4See your authorized dealer for fluid level checking or filling.5Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine oil need only meet the
requirements of Ford specification WSS-M2C945-A (3.5L V6 engine) or WSS-M2C946-A (3.5L V6
EcoBoost engine) and display the API Certification mark.6Your engine has been designed to be used with Ford engine oil, which gives a fuel economy
benefit while maintaining the durability of your engine.
Using oils other than the one specified can result in longer engine cranking periods, reduced
engine performance, reduced fuel economy and increased emission levels.7Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.
374Capacities and Specifications
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

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)