2014 FORD FLEX coolant temperature

SYMBOL GLOSSARY
WARNING:You risk death or serious injury to yourself and
others if you do not follow the instruction highlighted by the
warning symbol.
These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.
Symbol Description Symbol Description Symbol Description
Safety alertSee Owner’s
ManualAnti-lock
braking
system
Avoid
smoking,
flames, or
sparksBatteryBattery acid
Brake fluid –
non
petroleum
baseBrake systemCabin air
filter
Check fuel
capChild Safety
Door Lock
and UnlockChild seat
lower anchor
Child seat
tether anchorCruise
controlDo not open
when hot
Engine air
filterEngine
coolantEngine
coolant
temperature
Engine oilExplosive gasFan warning
Fasten safety
beltFront airbagFront fog
lamps
10Introduction
2014 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
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.
Instrument Cluster11 3
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Fuel Economy
Distance to E
Inst Fuel Econ
Average Fuel
†SeeTrip and fuel economy computerlater in this section for more
information.
Information
MyKey® Distance (if key is programmed) — Distance traveled when a
programmed key is in use.
MyKey® Information — Number of MyKeys and admin keys
programmed)
Coolant Temp. — The engine coolant indicator will change colors
indicating: blue for cool, gray for normal and red for hot. If the engine
coolant temperature exceeds the normal range, stop the vehicle as
soon as safely possible, switch off the engine and let the engine cool.
Settings
Driver Assist Traction Control — check enabled (default) / uncheck
disabled
Blind Spot — check enabled (default) / uncheck
disabled
Collision
WarningSensitivity High, Normal or Low
Chimes (not selectable if using a MyKey)
Warning (not selectable if using a
MyKey)
Cross Traffic — check enabled (default) / uncheck
disabled
Cruise
ControlAdaptive or Normal
Rear Park Aid — check enabled (default) / uncheck
disabled
Trailer Sway — check enabled (default) / uncheck
disabled
11 8Information Displays
2014 Flex(471)
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•Engine coolant temperature gauge: Indicates engine coolant
temperature. At normal operating temperature, the level indicator will
be in the normal range. If the engine coolant temperature exceeds the
normal range, stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible, switch off
the engine and let the engine cool.
Trip1&2
Choose between the standard or enhanced trip display.
Trip1&2
Trip1&2Trip distance
Average fuel economy
Elapsed trip time
Hold OK to Reset
Estimated amount of fuel consumed
Total odometer (lower left corner)
Press and hold OK to reset the currently displayed trip information.
•Trip distance — shows the accumulated trip distance.
•Average fuel economy — shows the average fuel economy for a given
trip.
•Elapsed trip time— timer stops when the vehicle is turned off and
restarts when the vehicle is restarted.
Fuel Economy
Use the left/right arrow buttons to choose the desired fuel economy
display.
Fuel Economy
Fuel EconomyInst Fuel
EconomyXX. Min Fuel
History
Instantaneous fuel usage X
Fuel usage over a 30 minute time
spanX
Average fuel economy Always Present
XXX mi (km) to empty Always Present
Total odometer (lower left corner)
Press and hold OK to reset the currently displayed fuel usage
information.
Information Displays123
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Keys and Intelligent
Access MessagesAction / Description
Max Number of Keys
LearnedDisplayed during spare key programming when
the maximum number of keys have been
programmed.
Press Brake to Start Displayed when the start/stop button is
pressed without the brake pedal being applied.
This is a reminder that the brake pedal must
be applied when the start/stop button is
pressed in order to start the engine.
Restart Now or Key is
NeededDisplayed when the start/stop button is
pressed to shut off the engine and a Intelligent
Access Key is not detected inside the vehicle.
Accessory Power is
ActiveDisplayed when the vehicle is in the accessory
ignition state.
Starting System Fault This message is displayed when there is a
problem with your vehicle’s starting system.
See your authorized dealer for service.
Maintenance
MessagesAction / Description
LOW Engine Oil
PressureStop the vehicle as soon as safely possible,
turn off the engine. Check the oil level. If the
warning stays on or continues to come on with
your engine running, contact your authorized
dealer as soon as possible.
Change Engine Oil
SoonDisplayed when the engine oil life remaining is
10% or less.
Oil Change Required Displayed when the oil life left reaches 0%.
Engine Coolant
OvertemperatureDisplayed when the engine coolant
temperature is excessively high.
Washer Fluid Level
LOWIndicates the washer fluid reservoir is less than
one quarter full. Check the washer fluid level.
Steering Malfunction
Service NowDisplays when the steering system needs
service. See your authorized dealer.
132Information Displays
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Important Ventilating Information
If you stop your vehicle and leave the engine idling for long periods of
time, we recommend that you do one of the following:
•Open the windows at least 1 inch (2.5 centimeters).
•Set your climate control to outside air.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:Failure to follow engine block heater instructions
could result in property damage or physical injury.
WARNING:Do not use your heater with ungrounded electrical
systems or two-pronged (cheater) adapters. There is a risk of
electrical shock.
Note:The heater is most effective when outdoor temperatures are below
0°F (-18°C).
The heater acts as a starting aid by warming the engine coolant. This
allows the climate control system to respond quickly. The equipment
includes a heater element (installed in the engine block) and a wire
harness. You can connect the system to a grounded 120–volt A/C
electrical source.
We recommend that you do the following for safe and correct operation:
•Use a 16-gauge outdoor extension cord that is product certified by
Underwriter’s Laboratory or Canadian Standards Association. This
extension cord must be suitable for use outdoors, in cold
temperatures, and be clearly markedSuitable for Use with Outdoor
Appliances.Never use an indoor extension cord outdoors; it could
result in an electric shock or become a fire hazard.
•Use as short an extension cord as possible.
•Do not use multiple extension cords.
•Make sure that when in operation, the extension cord plug and the
heater cord plug connections are free and clear of water. This could
cause an electric shock or fire.
•Make sure your vehicle is parked in a clean area, clear of
combustibles.
•Make sure the heater, heater cord and extension cord are firmly
connected.
•Check for heat anywhere in the electrical hookup once the system has
been operating for approximately 30 minutes.
184Starting and Stopping the Engine
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Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme climates should use
prediluted engine coolant for optimum cooling system and engine
protection.
Engine fluid temperature management (EcoBoost engine only)
WARNING:To reduce the risk of collision and injury, be
prepared that the vehicle speed may reduce and the vehicle may
not be able to accelerate with full power until the fluid temperatures
reduce.
Your vehicle has been designed to pull a trailer, but because of the added
load, the vehicle’s engine may temporarily reach higher temperatures
during severe operating conditions such as ascending a long or steep
grade while pulling a trailer in hot ambient temperatures.
At this time, you may notice your engine coolant temperature gauge
needle move toward the H (hot) and the POWER REDUCED TO LOWER
TEMP message may appear on the message center.
You may notice a reduction in the vehicle’s speed caused by reduced
engine power. Your vehicle has been designed to enter this mode if
certain high temperature/high load conditions take place in order to
manage the engine’s fluid temperatures. The amount of speed reduction
will depend on the vehicle loading, towing, grade, ambient temperature,
and other factors. If this occurs, there is no need to pull off the road.
The vehicle can continue to be driven while this message is active.
The air conditioning may also cycle on and off during severe operating
conditions to protect overheating of the engine. When the engine coolant
temperature decreases to a more normal operating temperature, the air
conditioning will turn on once again.
If you notice any of the following:
•the engine coolant temperature gauge moves fully into the red (hot)
area
•the coolant temperature warning light illuminates
•the service engine soon indicator illuminates
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and place the vehicle in P
(Park).
2. Leave the engine running until the coolant temperature gauge needle
moves away from the H range. After several minutes, if this does not
happen, follow the remaining steps.
Maintenance295
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3. Turn the engine off and wait for it to cool before checking the coolant
level.
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
4. If the coolant level is normal, you may restart your engine and
continue on.
5. If the coolant is low, add coolant, restart the engine and take your
vehicle to an authorized dealer. SeeAdding engine coolantin this
chapter for more information.
Refer to fail-safe cooling for additional information.
What You Should Know About Fail-Safe Cooling
If the engine coolant supply is depleted, this feature allows the vehicle to
be driven temporarily before incremental component damage is incurred.
The fail-safe distance depends on ambient temperatures, vehicle load and
terrain.
How Fail-Safe Cooling Works
If the engine begins to overheat, the engine coolant temperature gauge
will move to the red (hot) area and:
The coolant temperature warning light will illuminate.
The service engine soon indicator will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine
will automatically switch to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled
cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However:
•The engine power will be limited.
•The air conditioning system will be disabled.
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature and the engine
will completely shut down, causing steering and braking effort to
increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be restarted. Take
your vehicle to an authorized dealer as soon as possible to minimize
engine damage.
296Maintenance
2014 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)