Body
•Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt, grease, oil, tar or mud from
exterior surfaces, rear-wheel housing and underside of front fenders.
•Periodically wash vehicles stored in exposed locations.
•Touch up raw or primed metal to prevent rust.
•Cover chrome and stainless steel parts with a thick coat of auto wax
to prevent discoloration. Re-wax as necessary when the vehicle is
washed.
•Lubricate hood latch, all door latches and trunk lid hinges with a light
grade oil.
•Cover interior trim to prevent fading.
•Keep all rubber parts free from oil and solvents.
Engine
•The engine oil and filter should be changed prior to storage, as used
engine oil contains contaminates that may cause engine damage.
•Start the engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle until it reaches normal
operating temperature.
•With your foot on the brake, shift through all the gears while the
engine is running.
Fuel system
•Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fuel until the first automatic shutoff
of the fuel pump nozzle.
Note:During extended periods of vehicle storage (30 days or more),
fuel may deteriorate due to oxidation. Add a quality gas stabilizer
product to the vehicle fuel system whenever actual or expected storage
periods exceed 30 days. Follow the instructions on the additive label.
The vehicle should then be operated at idle speed to circulate the
additive throughout the fuel system.
Cooling system
•Protect against freezing temperatures.
•When removing vehicle from storage, check coolant fluid level.
Confirm there are no cooling system leaks, and fluid is at the
recommended level.
322Vehicle Care
2014 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)
Display settings .........................485
Drivebelt ....................................355
Driving under special
conditions ..................199, 201, 204
sand .........................................202
snow and ice ...........................205
through water .................203, 262
Dual automatic temperature
control (DATC) .................137–138
E
Electronic message center .......117
Electronic stability control ......211
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................267
running out of fuel .................188
Emergency brake
(see Parking brake) ..................208
Emission control system ..........192
End user license agreement ....510
Engine ........................................355
cleaning ...................................317
coolant .....................................292
fail-safe cooling .......................296
idle speed control ...................303
lubrication specifications .......356
refill capacities ........................356
service points ..........................290
Engine block heater .................184
Engine oil
checking and adding ..............291
dipstick ....................................291
filter, specifications ................359
refill capacities ........................356
specifications ..........................356
Event data recording ..................12
Exhaust fumes ..........................183F
Fail safe cooling ........................296
Fleet MyKey programming ........71
Floor mats .................................263
Fluid capacities .........................356
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
driving off road .......................200
Freezer ......................................176
Fuel
cap ...........................................190
capacity ...................................356
choosing the right fuel ...........187
filler funnel .............................188
filling your vehicle with fuel ..190
filter, specifications ........302, 359
fuel pump shut-off ..................266
octane rating ...................187, 355
quality ......................................187
running out of fuel .................188
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................186
Fuel and distance computer ....120
outside temperature
indicator ..................................120
to empty indicator ..................120
trip distance ............................120
trip/reset button .....................120
Fuses ..................................278–279
G
Garage door opener ..................167
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............190
Gauges ...............................110–111
odometer .................................120
trip odometer ..........................120
H
Hazard flashers .........................266
548Index
2014 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)
