Page 532 of 554

Oils, Fluids and Flushing
In many cases, fluid discoloration is a normal operating characteristic
and, by itself, does not necessarily indicate a concern or that the fluid
needs to be changed. However, discolored fluids that also show signs of
overheating and foreign material contamination should be inspected
immediately by a qualified expert, such as the factory-trained technicians
at your dealership. Your vehicle’s oils and fluids should be changed at the
specified intervals or in conjunction with a repair. Flushing is a viable
way to change fluid for many vehicle sub-systems during scheduled
maintenance. It is critical that systems are flushed only with new fluid
that is the same as that required to fill and operate the system, or using
a Ford-approved flushing chemical.
Owner Checks and Services
Certain basic maintenance checks and inspections should be performed
every month or at six month intervals.
Check every month
Engine oil level.
Function of all interior and exterior lights.
Tires (including spare) for wear and proper pressure.
Windshield washer fluid level.
Check every six months
Battery connections. Clean if necessary.
Body and door drain holes for obstructions. Clean if necessary.
Cooling system fluid level and coolant strength.
Door weatherstrips for wear. Lubricate if necessary.
Hinges, latches and outside locks for proper operation. Lubricate if
necessary.
Parking brake for proper operation.
Safety belts and seat latches for wear and function.
Safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, airbag, safety belt) for operation.
Washer spray and wiper operation. Clean or replace blades as
necessary.
Scheduled Maintenance531
2014 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)
Page 533 of 554

Multi-point Inspection
In order to keep your vehicle running right, it is important to have the
systems on your vehicle checked regularly. This can help identify
potential issues and prevent major problems. Ford Motor Company
recommends the following multi-point inspection be performed at every
scheduled maintenance interval to help make sure your vehicle keeps
running great.
Multi-point inspection
Accessory drive belt(s) Hazard warning system operation
Battery performance Horn operation
Engine air filter Radiator, cooler, heater and A/C hoses
Exhaust system Suspension components for leaks or
damage
Exterior lamps operation Steering and linkage
Fluid levels
*; fill if necessary Tires (including spare) for wear and
proper pressure**
For oil and fluid leaks Windshield for cracks, chips or pits
Half-shaft dust boots Washer spray and wiper operation
*Brake, coolant recovery reservoir, automatic transmission (with an
underhood dipstick) and window washer.
**If your vehicle is equipped with a temporary mobility kit, check the tire
sealant expiration Use By date on the canister. Replace as needed.
Be sure to ask your dealership service advisor or technician about the
multi-point vehicle inspection. It is a comprehensive way to perform a
thorough inspection of your vehicle. It is your checklist that gives you
immediate feedback on the overall condition of your vehicle. You will
know what has been checked, what is okay, as well as those things that
may require future or immediate attention. The multi-point vehicle
inspection is one more way to keep your vehicle running great!
532Scheduled Maintenance
2014 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)
Page 548 of 554

Booster seats ...............................22
Brakes ........................................207
anti-lock ...................................208
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................208
brake warning light ................208
fluid, checking and adding ....302
fluid, refill capacities ..............356
fluid, specifications .................356
lubricant specifications ..........356
parking ....................................208
shift interlock ..........................198
trailer .......................................255
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....356
Cargo net ...................................242
CD ..............................369, 374–375
CD player ..........................367, 457
CD voice commands .................458
Cell phone use ............................15
Changing a tire .........................347
Child safety restraints ..........30, 32
Child safety seats
automatic locking mode
(retractor) .................................40
LATCH .......................................30
Child safety seats - booster
seats .............................................22
Cleaning the touchscreen ........436
Cleaning your vehicle ...............315
engine compartment ..............317
instrument panel ....................319
interior .....................................319
plastic parts ............................316
washing ....................................315
waxing .....................................317wheels ......................................321
wiper blades ............................318
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ..........135
Climate voice commands .........497
Clock ..................................369, 484
Collision Warning System .........237
Compass Display .......................120
Console ......................................175
overhead ..................................177
rear ..........................................175
Coolant ......................................292
checking and adding ..............292
refill capacities ........................356
specifications ..........................356
Cooler ........................................176
Cross Traffic Alert ....................232
Cruise control ...........................223
Customer Assistance ................265
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................364
Getting roadside assistance ...265
Getting the service you
need .........................................270
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................276
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................274
D
Defrost .......................135, 137–138
rear window ............................143
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................298
engine oil .................................291
Index547
2014 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)
Page 554 of 554

Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated ................256
Trailer sway control ..................252
Transaxle
fluid, refill capacities ..............356
lubricant specifications ..........356
Transmission
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....198
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................298
Turn signal ................................102
U
USB port ............................384, 458
Using privacy mode ..................394
V
Vehicle health report ........408, 482
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................359
Vehicle loading ..........................243Ventilating your vehicle ...........184
Voice commands in media
mode ..........................................414
Voice commands in phone
mode ..........................................392
Voice recognition ......................440
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .....111
Washer fluid ......................302–303
Water, Driving through .............262
Windows
power .......................................104
rear wiper/washer .....................98
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................97
checking and adding
fluid ..................................302–303
replacing wiper blades ...........305
Wrecker towing .........................258
Index553
2014 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)