2014 FORD FLEX cooling

High fluid level
If the fluid level is above the MAX
range of the dipstick, remove fluid to
reach the hashmark level.Note:
Fluid level above the MAX level may
cause shift and/or engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition. If your
vehicle has been operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city
traffic during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off until normal operating temperatures are reached. Depending
on vehicle use, cooling times could take up to 30 minutes or longer.
Adjusting Automatic Transmission Fluid Levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in theTechnical
specificationssection in this chapter.
Note:Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 1/2 pint
(250 ml) increments through the
filler tube until the level is correct.
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by an authorized
dealer.
Note:An overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
For vehicles equipped with the EcoBoost engine, reinstall the air filter
assembly.
After the fluid level has been checked and adjusted as necessary, do the
following:
1. Shut the engine off.
2. Loosen the clamp holding the air filter assembly to the rubber hose.
3. Rotate the air filter assembly 90 degrees clockwise without
disconnecting the sensor.
MAX MIN
MAX MIN
Maintenance301
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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
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•Touch+or–to adjust the temperature.
•To adjust fan speed, touch+or–next to the fan icon.
•TouchRearagain to close the rear controls. Closing the rear climate
control functions does not affect their current settings.
E.Recirculated air:Touch to turn the recirculated air on or off which:
•May reduce the amount of time needed to cool down the interior.
•May help reduce odors from reaching the interior.
•Engages automatically when MAX A/C is selected.
•May be engaged manually in any airflow mode except defrost.
•May turn off in all airflow modes except MAX A/C to reduce fog
potential.
F.MAX A/C:Touch to cool your vehicle with recirculated air. Touch
again for normal A/C operation. MAX A/C:
•Distributes air through instrument panel vents.
•Is more economical and efficient than normal A/C mode.
•May help reduce odors from entering your vehicle.
G.A/C:Touch to turn the air conditioning on or off.
•Use with recirculated air to improve cooling performance and
efficiency.
•Engages automatically in MAX A/C, defrost and floor/defrost.
H.AUTO:Touch to engage automatic operation, then set the
temperature using the temperature control. The system automatically
controls:
•Fan speed
•Airflow distribution
•A/Conoroff
•Outside or recirculated air.
I.Rear defroster:Touch to turn the rear window defroster and heated
mirrors on.
J.Defrost:Touch to clear the windshield of fog and thin ice. Touch
again to return to the previous airflow selection. When on, defrost:
•Provides outside air to reduce window fogging.
•Distributes air through the windshield defroster vents and demister
vents.
K.Manual controls:Select any of the following airflow distribution
modes:
•Floor and Defrost:Distributes air through the windshield defroster
vents, demister vents, floor vents and rear seat floor vents, and
provides outside air to reduce window fogging.
•Panel:Distributes air through the instrument panel vents.
496MyFord Touch® (If Equipped)
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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
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Normal scheduled maintenance*
At every oil change
interval as indicated by
the information displayChange engine oil and filter.**
Rotate tires, inspect tire wear and measure
tread depth.
Perform multi-point inspection
(recommended).
Inspect automatic transmission fluid level (if
equipped with dipstick). Consult dealer for
requirements.
Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums,
brake linings, hoses and parking brake.
Inspect cabin air filter (if equipped).
Inspect engine cooling system strength and
hoses.
Inspect exhaust system and heat shields.
Inspect rear axle and U-joints. Lubricate if
equipped with grease fittings (All-wheel drive
vehicles).
Inspect half-shaft boots (if equipped).
Inspect steering linkage, ball joints,
suspension, tie-rod ends, driveshaft and
U-joints. Lubricate if equipped with grease
fittings.
Inspect wheels and related components for
abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag.
*Do not exceed one year or 10000 miles (16000 kilometers) between
service intervals.
**Reset your Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor after each engine oil and filter
change. See theInstrument Clusterchapter.
Scheduled Maintenance535
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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)