2014 FORD FLEX check engine

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.
Maintenance297
2014 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)

TRANSMISSION FLUID CHECK
6F50/6F55 Transmission
WARNING:The dipstick cap and surrounding components may
be hot; gloves are recommended.
WARNING:Use gloves when moving the air filter assembly;
components will be hot.
Note:
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up (approximately
20 miles [30 km]). 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 to allow the fluid to cool before checking. Depending on vehicle
use, cooling times could take up to 30 minutes or longer.
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not
consume fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the
transmission is not working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or
shifts slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 km) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow a minimum of 10 seconds for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever inP(Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lintfree rag. If
necessary, refer toUnder hood overviewin this chapter for the location
of the dipstick. (For vehicles with the EcoBoost engine, move the air
filter assembly aside to access the transmission dipstick. SeeMoving the
Air Filter Assembly (EcoBoost engine)for more information.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube by
turning it to the locked position.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated areas for normal operating temperature.
298Maintenance
2014 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)

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

3. The wiper arm has a snap
retention feature to receive a cross
pin from the wiper blade structure.
Grip tightly and press on the
arm/blade joint from beneath and
separate the blade from the arm.
Avoid rotating the wiper blade structure and trapping your left hand
between the arm and blade.
4. Attach the new wiper to the wiper arm and press it into place until a
click is heard.
If you find this procedure too difficult, please see your dealer.
AIR FILTER CHECK
WARNING:To reduce the risk of vehicle damage and/or personal
burn injuries, do not start your engine with the air cleaner
removed and do not remove it while the engine is running.
When changing the air filter element, use only the air filter element
listed. Refer toMotorcraft® Part Numbersin theCapacities and
Specificationschapter.
For EcoBoostequipped vehicles: When servicing the air cleaner, it is
important that no foreign material enter the air induction system. The
engine and turbocharger are susceptible to damage from even small
particles.
Refer toScheduled Maintenancefor the appropriate intervals for
changing the air filter element.
Note:Failure to use the correct air filter element may result in severe
engine damage. The customer warranty may be void for any damage to
the engine if the correct air filter element is not used.
306Maintenance
2014 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)

2. Lift the passenger’s side of the cover and push
the cover toward the passenger’s side. Release the
three tabs on the cover from the three slots in the
driver’s side of the housing.
3. Carefully separate the cover from the housing.
4. Remove the air filter element from the housing.
5. Wipe the cover and the housing clean to remove
any dirt or debris and to make sure the cover seals
to the housing.
6. Install a new air filter element. Be careful not to crimp the filter
element edges between the housing and the cover. This could cause filter
damage and allow unfiltered air to enter the engine if not properly
seated.
7. Lower the driver’s side of the cover and slide the three tabs on the
cover into the three slots in the housing.
8. Lower the passenger’s side of the cover. Engage the two clamps to
secure the cover to the housing.
ADJUSTING THE HEADLAMPS
The headlamps on your vehicle are properly aimed at the assembly plant.
If your vehicle has been in an accident, the alignment of your headlamps
should be checked by your authorized dealer.
Vertical Aim Adjustment
1. Park the vehicle directly in front of a wall or screen on a level surface,
approximately 25 feet (7.6 meters) away.
308Maintenance
2014 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)

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)

Items CapacityFord Part Name or
equivalentFord Part Number /
Ford Specification
A/C Refrigerant
Compressor Oil
8
3.5L GTDI
7.9 oz (0.23 L)
3.5LTiVCT
8.9 oz (0.26 L)Motorcraft PAG
Refrigerant Compressor
OilYN-12–D
WSH-M1C231–B
1Use only Motorcraft™ DOT 4 LV High Performance Brake Fluid or equivalent meeting
WSS-M6C65-A2 and ISO 4925 Class 6. Use of any fluid other than the recommended fluid may
cause brake system damage.2Approximate dry fill capacity. Actual amount may vary during fluid changes.3Automatic transmissions that require MERCON™ LV should only use MERCON™ LV fluid. Refer
toscheduled maintenance informationto determine the correct service interval. Use of any
fluid other than the recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.4See your authorized dealer for fluid level checking or filling.5Your engine has been designed to use engine oil that meets Ford specification or an equivalent
engine oil of the recommended viscosity grade that displays the API Certification Mark for
gasoline engines.6Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.7Warning: The A/C refrigerant system contains refrigerant R134A under high pressure. Opening
the A/C refrigerant system can cause personal injury. A/C refrigerant system is to be serviced
only by qualified personnel.
358Capacities and Specifications
2014 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) contains the following
information:
A. World manufacturer identifier
B. Brake system / Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) / Restraint
Devices and their location
C. Make, vehicle line, series, body
type
D. Engine type
E. Check digit
F. Model year
G. Assembly plant
H. Production sequence number.
VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL
The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration Regulations require
that a Safety Compliance Certification
Label be affixed to a vehicle and
prescribe where the Safety
Compliance Certification Label may be
located. The Safety Compliance
Certification Label shall be affixed to
either the door hinge pillar, the door
latch post, or the edge of the door
near the door latch, next to the
driver’s seating position.
360Capacities and Specifications
2014 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)