2014 FORD FLEX service

Anti-Lock Brake System
This system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops
by keeping the brakes from locking.
The anti-lock brake system lamp momentarily illuminates when
the ignition is turned on. If the light does not illuminate during
start-up, remains on or flashes, the anti-lock brake system may
be disabled and may need to be serviced.
If the anti-lock brake system is disabled, normal braking is still
effective. If the brake warning lamp illuminates with the parking
brake released, have your brake system serviced immediately.
HINTS ON DRIVING WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKES
When the system is operating, the brake pedal will pulse and may travel
further. Maintain pressure on the brake pedal. You may also hear a noise
from the system. This is normal.
The anti-lock braking system will not eliminate the dangers inherent
when:
•you drive too closely to the vehicle in front of you.
•your vehicle is hydroplaning.
•you take corners too fast.
•the road surface is poor.
PARKING BRAKE
WARNING:If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake
warning lamp remains illuminated, then driving the vehicle could
result in reduced braking ability, increased stopping distances and
potential loss of brakes. See your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the transmission selector lever is securely latched in position
P.Failure to set the parking brake and engage park could result in
vehicle roll-away, property damage or bodily injury.
To set the parking brake, press the parking brake pedal down to its
fullest extent.
To release the parking brake, press the parking brake pedal down again.
208Brakes
2014 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)

PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
The traction control system helps avoid drive wheel spin and loss of
traction.
If your vehicle begins to slide, the system applies the brakes to individual
wheels and, when needed, reduces engine power at the same time. If the
wheels spin when accelerating on slippery or loose surfaces, the system
reduces engine power in order to increase traction.
USING TRACTION CONTROL
Note:If your vehicle is equipped with MyKey®, it is possible to prevent
turning the traction control system off. See theMyKeychapter.
In certain situations (for example, stuck in snow or mud), turning the
traction control off may be beneficial as this allows the wheels to spin
with full engine power. Turn the traction control system off through the
information display. See theInformation Displayschapter.
System Indicator Lights and Messages
WARNING:If a failure has been detected within the Traction
Control System, the stability control light will illuminate steadily.
Verify that the Traction Control System was not manually disabled
using the information display control. If the stability control light still
illuminates steadily, have the system serviced by an authorized dealer
immediately. Operating your vehicle with Traction Control disabled
could lead to an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle
rollover, personal injury and death.
The stability control light temporarily illuminates on engine
start-up and flashes when a driving condition activates the
stability system.
The stability control off light temporarily illuminates on engine
start-up and stays on when the traction control system is
turned off or if a problem occurs in the stability system.
When the traction control system is turned off or on, a message appears
in the information display showing system status.
Traction Control209
2014 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)

Deactivating the Park Assist Feature
The system can be deactivated manually by:
•pressing the active park assist button
•grabbing the steering wheel
•driving above approximately 20 mph (35 km/h) for 30 seconds during
an active park search
•driving above 6 mph (10 km/h) during automatic steering
•turning off the traction control system.
Certain vehicle conditions can also deactivate the system:
•Traction control has activated on a slippery or loose surface.
•Anti-lock brake system activation or failure.
•Any door (except the driver’s) opens.
•Something touches the steering wheel.
If a problem occurs with the system, a warning message is displayed,
followed by a chime. Occasional active park assist messages may occur in
normal operation. For recurring or frequent active park assist faults,
contact an authorized dealer to have your vehicle serviced.
Troubleshooting the System
The system does not look for a space
The traction control system may be off
Any door (except the driver’s) may not be completely closed
The system does not offer a particular space
Something may be contacting the front bumper or side sensors
There is not enough room on both sides of the vehicle in order to park
There is not enough space for the parking maneuver on the opposite
side of the parking space
The vehicle is farther than 5 ft (1.5 m) from the parking space
The vehicle is closer than 16 in. (40 cm) from neighboring parked
vehicles
The transmission is in R (Reverse); the vehicle must be moving
forward to detect a parking space
Parking Aids217
2014 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)

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.
Driving Aids241
2014 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)

Powertrain and
towing classMaximum GCWR -
lb. (kg)Maximum trailer
weight - lb. (kg)
3.5L TiVCT front-wheel
drive, Class I6900 (3131) 2000 (907)
3.5L TiVCT all-wheel
drive, Class I7050 (3199) 2000 (907)
3.5L GTDI all-wheel
drive, Class I7072 (3209) 2000 (907)
3.5L TiVCT front-wheel
drive, Class III9357 (4245) 4500 (2042)
*
3.5L TiVCT all-wheel
drive, Class III9521 (4320) 4500 (2042)**
3.5L GTDI all-wheel
drive, Class III9622 (4366) 4500 (2042)**
*
For towing trailers up to 3500 pounds (1588 kilograms), use a
weight-carrying hitch and ball, which uniformly spreads the trailer
tongue loads through your vehicle’s underbody structure. For towing
trailers over 3500 pounds (1588 kilograms), up to 4500 pounds
(2042 kilograms), we recommend you use a weight-distributing hitch to
increase front axle load while towing.
**For towing trailers up to 4500 pounds (2042 kilograms), use a
weight-carrying hitch and ball, which uniformly spreads the trailer
tongue loads through your vehicle’s underbody structure.
ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Follow these guidelines for safe towing:
•Do not tow a trailer until you drive your vehicle at least 1000 miles
(1600 kilometers).
•Consult your local motor vehicle laws for towing a trailer.
•See the instructions included with towing accessories for the proper
installation and adjustment specifications.
•Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. See your
scheduled maintenance information.
•If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions the rental agency
gives you.
For load specification terms found on the tire label and Safety
Compliance label and for instructions on calculating your vehicle’s load,
refer toLoad limitin theLoad Carryingchapter.
Towing253
2014 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)

TRANSPORTING THE VEHICLE
If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact a professional towing
service or, if you are a member of a roadside assistance program, your
roadside assistance service provider.
We recommend the use of a wheel lift and dollies or flatbed equipment
to tow your vehicle. Do not tow with a slingbelt. Ford Motor Company
has not approved a slingbelt towing procedure. Vehicle damage may
occur if towed incorrectly, or by any other means.
Ford Motor Company produces a towing manual for all authorized tow
truck operators. Have your tow truck operator refer to this manual for
proper hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle.
It is acceptable to have your front-wheel drive vehicle towed from the
front if using proper wheel lift equipment to raise the front wheels off
the ground. When towing in this manner, the rear wheels can remain on
the ground.
Front-wheel drive vehicles must have the front wheels placed on a tow
dolly when towing your vehicle from the rear using wheel lift equipment.
This prevents damage to the transmission.
258Towing
2014 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)

ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
Vehicles Sold in the U.S.: Getting Roadside Assistance
To fully assist you should you have a vehicle concern, Ford Motor
Company offers a complimentary roadside assistance program. This
program is separate from the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The service
is available:
•24 hours a day, seven days a week
•for the coverage period listed on the Roadside Assistance Card
included in your owner’s manual portfolio.
Roadside assistance will cover:
•a flat tire change with a good spare (except vehicles that have been
supplied with a tire inflation kit).
•battery jump start.
•lock-out assistance (key replacement cost is the customer’s
responsibility).
•fuel delivery – Independent Service Contractors, if not prohibited by
state, local or municipal law, shall deliver up to 2.0 gallons (7.5 liters)
of gasoline or 5.0 gallons (18.9 liters) of diesel fuel to a disabled
vehicle. Fuel delivery service is limited to two no-charge occurrences
within a 12-month period.
•winch out – available within 100 feet (30.5 meters) of a paved or
county maintained road, no recoveries.
•towing – Ford and Lincoln eligible vehicles towed to an authorized
dealer within 35 miles (56 kilometers) of the disablement location or
to the nearest authorized dealer. If a member requests to be towed to
an authorized dealer more than 35 miles (56 kilometers) from the
disablement location, the member shall be responsible for any mileage
costs in excess of 35 miles (56 kilometers).
Trailers shall be covered up to $200 if the disabled eligible vehicle
requires service at the nearest authorized dealer. If the trailer is disabled,
but the towing vehicle is operational, the trailer does not qualify for any
roadside services.
Vehicles Sold in the U.S.: Using Roadside Assistance
Complete the roadside assistance identification card and place it in your
wallet for quick reference. This card is found in the owner’s manual
portfolio in the glove compartment.
Roadside Emergencies265
2014 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)

GETTING THE SERVICES YOU NEED
Warranty repairs to your vehicle must be performed by an authorized
dealer. While any authorized dealer handling your vehicle line will
provide warranty service, we recommend you return to your selling
authorized dealer who wants to ensure your continued satisfaction.
Please note that certain warranty repairs require special training,
equipment or both, so not all authorized dealers are authorized to
perform all warranty repairs. This means that, depending on the
warranty repair needed, you may have to take your vehicle to another
authorized dealer.
A reasonable time must be allowed to perform a repair after taking your
vehicle to the authorized dealer. Repairs will be made using Ford or
Motorcraft parts, or remanufactured or other parts that are authorized by
Ford.
Away from Home
If you are away from home when your vehicle needs service, contact the
Ford Customer Relationship Center or use the online resources listed
below to find the nearest authorized dealer.
In the United States:
Mailing Address
Ford Motor Company
Customer Relationship Center
P.O. Box 6248
Dearborn, MI 48121
Telephone
1-800-392-3673 (FORD)
(TDD for the hearing impaired: 1-800-232-5952)
Online
Additional information and resources are available online at
www.fordowner.com.
These are some of the items that can be found online:
•U.S. Dealer Locator by Dealer Name, City/State, or Zip Code
•Owner Manuals
•Maintenance Schedules
•Recalls
•Ford Extended Service Plans
270Customer Assistance
2014 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)