2013 FORD FLEX park assist

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)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
MyKeyallows you to program keys with restricted driving modes to
promote good driving habits. All but one of the keys programmed to the
vehicle can be activated with these restricted modes. Any keys that have
not been programmed are referred to as an “administrator key” or
“admin key” which can be used to:
•create a restricted key
•program optional key settings
•clear the key feature altogether.
Once a key has been programmed you can access the following
information using the information display control:
•How many admin keys and MyKeys are programmed to the vehicle.
•The total distance the vehicle has been driven with a MyKey.
When both a MyKey and an Admin Intelligent Access keys (fob) are
present, the admin fob will be recognized by the vehicle to start the
engine.
Standard Settings
These settings cannot be changed.
•Belt-Minder. This cannot be disabled and the five– minute timer does
not expire. The audio system is muted when MyKey Belt-Minder is
activated.
•Early low fuel. Warnings are displayed in the information display
control followed by an audible tone when the fuel tank is at 1/8 tank
or less.
•Driver assist features, if equipped on your vehicle, are forced on: Rear
parking aid, Blind spot information system (BLIS) with cross traffic
alert, Lane departure warning, Satellite radio adult content restriction,
and Forward collision warning system.
Optional Settings
These settings can be configured right after a MyKey is first created or
changed afterword with an admin key.
•Vehicle speed limit of 65, 70, 75 and 80 mph (105, 113, 121 and
130 km/h). Visual warnings are displayed followed by an audible tone
when vehicle speed has reached the selected top speed.
•Vehicle speed minder of 45, 55 or 65 mph (75, 90, or 105 km/h).
Visual warnings are displayed followed by an audible tone when the
preselected vehicle speed is exceeded.
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2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

WARNING:Driving a vehicle with the brake system warning light
on is dangerous. A significant decrease in braking performance may
occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle. Have the vehicle checked
by your authorized dealer as soon as possible. Driving extended distances
with the parking brake engaged can cause brake failure and the risk of
personal injury.
Charging system (RTT)
Illuminates when the battery is not charging properly. If it stays
on while the engine is running, there may be a malfunction with
the charging system. Contact your authorized dealer as soon as
possible. This indicates a problem with the electrical system or a related
component.
Door ajar (RTT)
Displays when the ignition is on and any door is not completely
closed.
Engine oil pressure (RTT)
Illuminates when the oil pressure falls below the normal range.
Engine coolant temperature (RTT)
Illuminates when the engine coolant temperature is high. Stop
the vehicle as soon as possible, switch off the engine and let
cool.
Fog lamps (if equipped)
Illuminates when the fog lamps are turned on.
Overdrive cancel and grade assist (if equipped) (RTT)
Illuminates when grade assist is turned on.
Instrument Cluster11 3
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Settings
Driver Assist Traction Control
Blind Spot
Collision
WarningSensitivity High, Normal or
Low
Chimes (not selectable if using a
MyKey)
Warning (not selectable if using a
MyKey)
Cross Traffic
Cruise Control Adaptive or Normal
Rear Park Aid
Trailer Sway
Display Language Select your applicable language
Units Distance Miles and
Gallons or km/L
or L/100km
Temperature Fahrenheit (°F)
or Celsius (°C)
Information Displays11 9
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USA(fus)

Fuel Economy
Use the left/right arrow buttons to choose the desired fuel
economy display.
Fuel EconomyInst Fuel
EconomyXX. Min Fuel
History
Instantaneous fuel usage X
†Fuel usage over a 5, 10, or
30 minute time spanX
Total odometer (lower left corner)
Press and hold OK to reset the currently displayed fuel usage
information.
†To configure the fuel usage time span, press the right arrow button
when in this screen.
•Inst. Fuel Economy: This display shows a visual graph of your
instantaneous fuel economy.
•XX. Min Fuel History: This display shows a bar chart of your fuel
history.
Settings
In this mode, you can configure different driver setting choices.
Note:Some items are optional and may not appear.
Driver Assist
Traction Control On (default setting) / Off
Blindspot On (default on key cycle) / Off
Collision Warning Sensitivity High / Normal / Low
Chimes On (default on key cycle) / Off
Warn-ON On (default on key cycle) / Off
Cross Traffic On (default on key cycle) / Off
Cruise Control Adaptive or Normal
Driver Alert On (default on key cycle) / Off
Rear Park Aid On (default on key cycle) / Off
Trailer Sway On (default on key cycle) / Off
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2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

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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GENERAL INFORMATION
Note:Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous
grinding or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be
worn-out and should be inspected by an authorized dealer. If the vehicle
has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking,
the vehicle should be inspected by an authorized dealer.
Note:Brake dust may accumulate on the wheels, even under normal
driving conditions. Some dust is inevitable as the brakes wear and does
not contribute to brake noise. Refer to theVehicle Carechapter for
wheel cleaning instructions.
Refer to theInstrument Clusterchapter for information on the
brake system warning light.
Wet brakes result in reduced braking efficiency. Gently press the brake
pedal a few times when driving from a car wash or standing water to dry
the brakes.
Brake Over Accelerator
In the event the accelerator pedal becomes stuck or entrapped, apply
steady and firm pressure to the brake pedal to slow the vehicle and
reduce engine power. If you experience this condition, apply the brakes
and bring your vehicle to a safe stop. Turn the engine off, shift to P
(Park) and apply the parking brake, and then inspect the accelerator
pedal for any interferences. If none are found and the condition persists,
have your vehicle towed to the nearest authorized dealer.
Emergency Brake Assist
Emergency brake assist detects when you brake heavily by measuring the
rate at which you press the brake pedal. It provides maximum braking
efficiency as long as you press the pedal. Emergency brake assist can
reduce stopping distances in critical situations.
Brakes223
2013 Flex(471)
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SENSING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:To help avoid personal injury, please read and
understand the limitations of the system as contained in this
section. Sensing is only an aid for some (generally large and fixed)
objects when moving in reverse on a flat surface at parking speeds.
Traffic control systems, inclement weather, air brakes, and external
motors and fans may also affect the function of the sensing system; this
may include reduced performance or a false activation.
WARNING:To help avoid personal injury, always use caution
when in R (Reverse) and when using the sensing system.
WARNING:This system is not designed to prevent contact with
small or moving objects. The system is designed to provide a
warning to assist the driver in detecting large stationary objects to avoid
damaging the vehicle. The system may not detect smaller objects,
particularly those close to the ground.
WARNING:Certain add-on devices such as large trailer hitches,
bike or surfboard racks and any device that may block the normal
detection zone of the system, may create false beeps.
Note:Keep the sensors (located on the bumper/fascia) free from snow,
ice and large accumulations of dirt. If the sensors are covered, the
system’s accuracy can be affected. Do not clean the sensors with sharp
objects.
Note:If your vehicle sustains damage to the bumper/fascia, leaving it
misaligned or bent, the sensing zone may be altered causing inaccurate
measurement of obstacles or false alarms.
The sensing system warns the driver of obstacles within a certain range
of the bumper area. The system turns on automatically whenever the
ignition is switched on.
When receiving a detection warning, the radio volume is reduced to a
predetermined level. After the warning goes away, the radio volume
returns to the previous level.
228Parking Aids
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)