2013 FORD FLEX windshield wipers

MyKey 70
Settings, MyKey.......................................70
Creating.............................................71
Clearing.............................................72
System status.........................................72
Remote start, MyKey...................................72
Troubleshooting, MyKey.................................74
Locks 76
Locking and unlocking..................................76
SecuriCode™ keyless entry keypad.........................83
Security 86
SecuriLockpassive anti-theft system.......................86
Anti-theft alarm.......................................89
Steering Wheel 90
Adjusting the steering wheel..............................90
Steering wheel controls..................................92
Pedals 95
Adjustable pedals......................................95
Wipers and Washers 96
Windshield wipers......................................96
Rain-sensing wipers....................................96
Windshield washers.....................................97
Rear-window wiper and washer............................97
Lighting 98
Lighting control.......................................98
Autolamps...........................................99
Instrument lighting dimmer...............................99
Headlamp exit delay...................................100
Daytime running lamps.................................101
2Table of Contents
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

WINDSHIELD WIPERS
Note:Fully defrost the windshield in icy conditions before turning on
the windshield wipers.
Rotate the end of the control away
from you to increase the speed of
the wipers. Rotate toward you to
decrease the speed of the wipers.
Speed Dependent Wipers (If Equipped)
The wiper speed will adjust with the vehicle speed when intermittent
wipe is selected. A faster vehicle speed will result in a shorter time
between wipes.
RAIN-SENSING WIPERS (IF EQUIPPED)
Note:Wet road conditions may result in inconsistent or unexpected
wiping or smearing. Lower the sensitivity, switch to normal or high-speed
wiping or turn the wipers off to reduce smearing.
Note:Turn off the wipers before entering a car wash.
Use the rotary control to adjust the
sensitivity to one of the interval
moisture settings. The wipers will
not cycle until moisture is detected
on the windshield. The wiper speed
will vary based on the amount of
moisture detected on the windshield
and the sensitivity setting. The
wipers will continue to wipe as long as moisture is detected.
Keep the outside of the windshield clean, especially the area around the
interior mirror where the sensor is located, or sensor performance may
be affected.
A
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96Wipers and Washers
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

WINDSHIELD WASHERS
Note:Do not operate the wipers on a dry windshield. This may scratch
the glass, damage the wiper blades or cause the wiper motor to burn out.
Always use the windshield washer before wiping a dry windshield.
Note:Do not operate the washer when the washer reservoir is empty.
This may cause the washer pump to overheat.
Press the end of the stalk to
activate the washer.
•A brief press causes a single wipe without washer fluid.
•A quick press and hold causes the wipers to swipe three times with
washer fluid.
•A long press and hold will activate the wipers and washer fluid for up
to 10 seconds.
A wipe will occur a few seconds after washing to clear any remaining
washer fluid.
REAR-WINDOW WIPER AND WASHERS
Rotate the control to select:
2 — Intermittent operation
(shortest pause between wipes).
1 — Intermittent operation (longest
pause between wipes).
0 — Off.
Rotate and hold the control to
either the top or bottom position to activate the rear washer. The control
will return to the 2 or 0 position when you release it.
The rear wiper will automatically turn on to intermittent when you shift
into R (Reverse) if the front wipers are activated. This feature may be
enabled or disabled in the information display.
Wipers and Washers97
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

AUTOLAMPS (If equipped)
WARNING:In severe weather conditions, it may be necessary to
switch your headlamps on manually.
Note:If the vehicle is equipped with autolamps, it will have the
windshield wiper rainlamp feature.When the windshield wipers are
turned to low- or high-speed wiping during daylight, and the headlamp
control is in the autolamp position, the exterior lamps will turn on after a
brief delay and will remain on until the wipers are turned off.
The autolamp system provides light
sensitive automatic on-off control of
the exterior lights normally
controlled by the headlamp control.
The headlamps will remain on for a
period of time after you switch the
ignition off. You can adjust the time
delay using the display controls in
the instrument cluster. See the
Information Displayschapter.
INSTRUMENT LIGHTING DIMMER
•Press repeatedly or press and hold at the first position
until the desired level is reached.
•Fully press and hold the top of the control to activate
the “dome on” feature. This will turn on the interior
courtesy lights. Fully press and hold the bottom of the
control to turn off the interior courtesy lights.
A
Lighting99
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

When the battery is disconnected or a new battery installed, the
transmission must relearn its adaptive strategy. As a result of this, the
transmission may shift firmly. This operation is considered normal and
will not affect function or durability of the transmission. Over time the
adaptive learning process will fully update transmission operation to its
optimum shift feel.
If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,
the clock and the preset radio stations must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.
Always dispose of automotive batteries in a responsible manner. Follow
your local authorized standards for disposal. Call your local authorized
recycling center to find out more about recycling automotive batteries.
CHECKING THE WIPER BLADES
Run the tip of your fingers over the edge of the blade
to check for roughness.
Clean the wiper blades with washer fluid or water
applied with a soft sponge or cloth.
CHANGING THE WIPER BLADES
1. Pull the wiper arm away from the
vehicle. Turn the blade at an angle
from the wiper arm. Press the lock
tab to release the blade and pull the
wiper blade down toward the
windshield to remove it from the arm.
2. Attach the new wiper to the wiper
arm and press it into place until a
click is heard.
Replace wiper blades at least once per year for optimum performance.
Poor wiper quality can be improved by cleaning the wiper blades and the
windshield.
To prolong the life of the wiper blades, it is highly recommended to
scrape off the ice on the windshield before turning on the wipers. The
layer of ice has many sharp edges and can damage the micro edge of the
wiper rubber element.
320Maintenance
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

CLEANING THE WINDOWS AND WIPER BLADES
The windows and wiper blades should be cleaned regularly. If the wipers
do not wipe properly, substances on the vehicle’s glass or the wiper
blades may cause squeaking or chatter noise from the blades, and
streaking and smearing of the windshield. To clean these items, follow
these tips:
•The windows may be cleaned with a non-abrasive cleaner such as
MotorcraftUltra-Clear Spray Glass Cleaner.
•The wiper blades can be cleaned with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
MotorcraftPremium Windshield Washer Concentrate in the U.S., or
Premium Quality Windshield Washer Fluid in Canada. Be sure to
replace wiper blades when they appear worn or do not function
properly.
•Do not use abrasives, as they may cause scratches.
•Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean any parts.
If you cannot remove those streaks after cleaning with the glass cleaner
or if the wipers chatter and move in a jerky motion, clean the outer
surface of the windshield and the wiper blades using a sponge or soft
cloth with a neutral detergent or mild-abrasive cleaning solution. After
cleaning, rinse the windshield and wiper blades with clean water. The
windshield is clean if beads do not form when you rinse the windshield
with water.
Note:Do not use sharp objects, such as a razor blade, to clean the inside
of the rear window or to remove decals, as it may cause damage to the
rear window defroster’s heated grid lines.
CLEANING THE INTERIOR
WARNING:Do not use cleaning solvents, bleach or dye on the
vehicle’s safety belts, as these actions may weaken the belt
webbing.
WARNING:On vehicles equipped with seat-mounted airbags, do
not use chemical solvents or strong detergents. Such products
could contaminate the side airbag system and affect performance of the
side airbag in a collision.
Vehicle Care333
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Removing vehicle from storage
When your vehicle is ready to come out of storage, do the following:
•Wash your vehicle to remove any dirt or grease film build-up on
window surfaces.
•Check windshield wipers for any deterioration.
•Check under the hood for any foreign material that may have collected
during storage (mice/squirrel nests).
•Check the exhaust for any foreign material that may have collected
during storage.
•Check tire pressures and set tire inflation per the Tire Label.
•Check brake pedal operation. Drive the vehicle 15 ft (4.5 meters) back
and forth to remove rust build-up.
•Check fluid levels (including coolant, oil and gas) to make sure there
are no leaks, and fluids are at recommended levels.
•If the battery was removed, clean the battery cable ends and inspect.
Contact your authorized dealer if you have any concerns or issues.
338Vehicle Care
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Towing ....................... 269, 274–275
recreational towing ................. 275
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated .............. 272
trailer towing .......................... 269
wrecker .................................... 274
Traction control ........................ 225
Traffic, Directions and
Information ................................ 429
Traffic preferences ................... 526
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated ................ 272
Trailer sway control .................. 269
Transaxle
fluid, refill capacities .............. 371
lubricant specifications .......... 371
Transmission
brake-shift interlock (BSI) .... 214
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) ............................. 313
Turn signal ................................ 101
U
USB port ............................ 149, 483
Using privacy mode .................. 412V
Vehicle health report ........ 427, 508
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) .......................................... 375
Vehicle loading .......................... 261
Ventilating your vehicle ........... 199
Voice commands in media
mode .......................................... 434
Voice commands in phone
mode .......................................... 410
Voice recognition ...................... 459
W
Warning lights (see Lights) ..... 111
Washer fluid .............................. 318
Water, Driving through ............. 278
Wi-Fi .......................................... 515
Windows
power ....................................... 103
rear wiper/washer ..................... 97
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers .......................................... 96
checking and adding fluid ..... 318
replacing wiper blades ... 320–321
Wrecker towing ......................... 274
558Index
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)