2014 FORD FLEX power steering

System Limitations
WARNING:The collision warning system’s brake support can
only help reduce the speed at which a collision occurs if the
driver applies the vehicle’s brakes. The brake pedal must be pressed
just like any typical braking situation.
Due to the nature of radar technology, there may be certain instances
where vehicles do not provide a collision warning. These include:
•Stationary vehicles or vehicles moving below 6 mph (10 km/h).
•Pedestrians or objects in the roadway.
•Oncoming vehicles in the same lane.
•Severe weather conditions (see blocked sensor section).
•Debris build-up on the grille near the headlamps (see blocked sensor
section).
•Small distance to vehicle ahead.
•Steering wheel and pedal movements are large (very active driving
style).
•High interior temperatures, which may deactivate the illumination or
the warning lamps until the interior temperature reduces (audible
warning still sounds).
Certain conditions may reduce the visibility of the warning lamp;
therefore, it is recommended to keep the audible warning on.
If the front end of the vehicle is hit or damaged, the radar sensing zone
may be altered causing missed or false collision warnings. See your
authorized dealer to have your collision warning radar checked for
proper coverage and operation.
STEERING
Electric Power Steering
WARNING:The electric power steering system has diagnostic
checks that continuously monitor the system to ensure proper
operation. When a system error is detected a steering message will
appear in the information display.
240Driving Aids
2014 Flex(471)
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WARNING:The electric power steering system has diagnostic
checks that continuously monitor the system to ensure proper
operation of the electronic system. When an electronic error is
detected, a message will be displayed in the information display. If this
happens, stop the vehicle in a safe place, and turn off the engine. After
at least 10 seconds, reset the system by restarting the engine, and
watch the information display for a steering message. If a steering
message returns, or returns while driving, take the vehicle to your
dealer to have it checked.
WARNING:Obtain immediate service if a system error is
detected. You may not notice any difference in the feel of your
steering, but a serious condition may exist. Failure to do so may result
in loss of steering control.
Your vehicle is equipped with an electric power-assisted steering system.
There is no fluid reservoir to check or fill.
If your vehicle loses electrical power while you are driving (or if the
ignition is turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more
effort. Extreme continuous steering may increase the effort it takes for you
to steer. This occurs to prevent internal overheating and permanent
damage to your steering system. If this should occur, you will neither lose
the ability to steer the vehicle manually nor will it cause permanent
damage. Typical steering and driving maneuvers will allow the system to
cool and steering assist will return to normal.
When a steering system error is detected, steering messages may appear
in the information display.
Steering Tips
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•an improperly inflated tire
•uneven tire wear
•loose or worn suspension components
•loose or worn steering components
•improper vehicle alignment
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander/pull.
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Fuse or relay
numberFuse amp
ratingProtected components
76 — Not used
77 — Trailer tow park lamps relay
78 20A* Right high-intensity discharge
headlamps
79 10A* Adaptive cruise control
80 — Not used
81 — Not used
82 15A* Rear washer
83 — Not used
84 20A* Trailer tow park lamps
85 — Not used
86 5A* Powertrain control module —
keep-alive power, Powertrain
control module relay, Canister
vent solenoid (non-EcoBoost
engines)
87 5A* Run/start
88 — Run/start relay
89 10A* Anti–lock brake system module
90 10A* Powertrain control module
run/start
91 10A* Adaptive cruise control
92 5A* Front blower relay coil, Power
steering module
93 5A* Auxiliary blower, Rear defroster,
Battery charge relays
94 30A** Body control module run/start
95 5A* Front passenger window switch
96 — Not used
97 — Not used
98 — A/C clutch relay
*Mini Fuses **Cartridge Fuses
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Passenger Compartment Fuse Panel
The fuse panel is located under the instrument panel to the left of the
steering wheel. You may need to remove a trim panel to access it.
The fuses are coded as follows:
Fuse or relay
numberFuse amp
ratingProtected components
1 30A Driver side front window
2 15A Memory seat, Second row seats
3 30A Not used (spare)
4 10A Battery saver relay (interior
demand lamps and seat power)
5 20A Smart amplifier
6 5A Not used (spare)
7 7.5A Power mirror switch, Driver door
module, Driver seat module,
Keypad
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
223341
42
43
44
45
34
35
36
37
23
24
25
26
27
283846
394729
32
40
31
30
48
49
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USA(fus)

Fuse or relay
numberFuse amp
ratingProtected components
8 10A Power liftgate
9 10A SYNC, Electronic finish panel,
Radio transceiver module
10 10A Run/accessory relay, Front wiper
motor relay
11 10A Intelligent access module,
Heads-up display
12 15A Interior lighting, Puddle lamps,
Backlighting
13 15A Right turn signals
14 15A Left turn signals
15 15A Center high mounted stop lamp,
Backup lamp
16 10A Low beam headlamps (right)
17 10A Low beam headlamps (left)
18 10A Third row power seats, Start
button run indicator, Keypad
illumination, Brake shift interlock,
Powertrain control module
wake-up, Anti-theft system
19 20A Not used (spare)
20 20A Locks
21 10A Not used (spare)
22 20A Horn relay
23 15A Steering wheel control module,
Instrument cluster
24 15A Datalink connector, Steering
wheel control module
25 15A Liftgate release
26 5A Ignition switch, Push button start
switch
27 20A Intelligent access module
28 15A Not used (spare)
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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)
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When Fail-Safe Mode is Activated
WARNING:Fail-safe mode is for use during emergencies only.
Operate the vehicle in fail-safe mode only as long as necessary to
bring the vehicle to rest in a safe location and seek immediate repairs.
When in fail-safe mode, the vehicle will have limited power, will not be
able to maintain high-speed operation, and may completely shut down
without warning, potentially losing engine power, power steering assist,
and power brake assist, which may increase the possibility of a crash
resulting in serious injury.
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. The vehicle will not be able to maintain high-speed
operation and the engine will run rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent engine
damage, therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to an authorized dealer.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
5. Restart the engine and take your vehicle to an authorized dealer.
Note:Driving the vehicle without repairing the engine problem increases
the chance of engine damage. Take your vehicle to an authorized dealer
as soon as possible.
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4. Seat the air filter assembly back into the grommets by pushing down
on the air filter assembly.
5. Tighten the clamp.
6. Install and tighten two bolts that attach air filter assembly to the front
of the vehicle.
7. Install the bolt cover (if equipped).
8. Reinstall the harness retaining clip into the front of the air filter
assembly.
BRAKE FLUID CHECK
Fluid levels between the MIN and MAX lines are within the normal
operating range; there is no need to add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating range, the performance of the system
could be compromised; seek service from your authorized dealer
immediately.
POWER STEERING FLUID CHECK
Your vehicle is equipped with an electric power steering system. There is
no fluid reservoir to check or fill.
FUEL FILTER
Your vehicle is equipped with a lifetime fuel filter that is integrated with
the fuel tank. Regular maintenance or replacement is not needed.
WASHER FLUID CHECK
WARNING:If you operate your vehicle in temperatures below
40°F (5°C), use washer fluid with antifreeze protection. Failure
to use washer fluid with antifreeze protection in cold weather could
result in impaired windshield vision and increase the risk of injury or
accident.
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the level is low. Only use a washer fluid
that meets Ford specifications. See the technical specifications chart in
theCapacities and Specificationschapter.
Note:The front and rear washer systems are supplied from the same
reservoir.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
302Maintenance
2014 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)