2014 FORD FLEX towing

SPECIAL OPERATING CONDITIONS
If you operate your vehicleprimarilyin any of the following conditions,
you need to perform additional maintenance as indicated. If you
occasionallyoperate your vehicle under any of these conditions, it is
not necessary to perform the additional maintenance. For specific
recommendations, see your dealership service advisor or technician.
Perform the services shown in the following tables when specified or
within 3000 miles (4800 kilometers) of the OIL CHANGE REQUIRED
message appearing in the information display.
Example #1:The OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message comes on at
28751 miles (46270 kilometers); perform the 30000 mile (48000
kilometer) automatic transmission fluid replacement.
Example #2:The OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message hasnotcome on,
but the odometer reads 30000 miles (48000 kilometers); perform the
engine air filter replacement. (For example, the Intelligent Oil-Life
Monitor was reset at 25000 miles [40000 kilometers].)
Towing a trailer or using a camper or car-top carrier
As required Change engine oil and filter as indicated by
the information display and perform services
listed in the Normal Scheduled Maintenance
chart.
Inspect frequently,
service as requiredInspect and lubricate U-joints.
See axle maintenance items under
Exceptions.
Every 30000 miles
(48000 km)Change automatic transmission fluid.
540Scheduled Maintenance
2014 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)

EXCEPTIONS
There are several exceptions to the Normal Schedule. They are listed below:
Normal vehicle axle maintenance:Rear axles and power take-off
units with synthetic fluid and light-duty trucks equipped with
Ford-design axles are lubricated for life; do not check or change fluid
unless a leak is suspected, service is required or the assembly has been
submerged in water. During long periods of trailer towing with outside
temperatures above 70°F (21°C) and at wide-open throttle for long
periods above 45 mph (72 km/h), non-synthetic rear axle fluids should
be changed every 3000 miles (4800 kilometers) or three months,
whichever comes first. This interval can be waived if the axle is filled
with 75W140 synthetic gear fluid meeting Ford specification
WSL-M2C192-A, part number F1TZ-19580-B or equivalent. Add friction
modifier XL-3 (EST-M2C118-A) or equivalent for complete refill of
Traction-Lok rear axles (seeTechnical specificationsin theCapacities
and Specificationschapter for details).
Police, Taxi and Livery vehicle axle maintenance:Change rear axle
fluid every 100000 miles (160000 kilometers). Rear axle fluid change
may be waived if the axle was filled with 75W140 synthetic gear fluid
meeting Ford specification WSL-M2C192-A, part number FITZ-19580-B
or equivalent. Add four ounces (118 mL) of additive friction modifier
XL-3 (EST-M2C118-A) or equivalent for complete refill of Traction-Lok
rear axles. The axle fluid should be changed anytime the axle has been
submerged in water.
California fuel filter replacement:If the vehicle is registered in
California, the California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify the emission
warranty or limit recall liability prior to the completion of the vehicle’s
useful life. Ford Motor Company, however, urges you to have all
recommended maintenance services performed at the specified intervals
and to record all vehicle service.
Hot climate oil change intervals:Vehicles operating in the Middle
East, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa or locations with similar climates
using an American Petroleum Institute (API) Certified for Gasoline
Engines (Certification mark) oil of SM or SN quality, the normal oil
change interval is 5000 miles (8000 kilometers).
If the available API SM or SN oils are not available, then the oil change
service interval is 3000 miles (4800 kilometers).
Engine air filter & cabin air filter replacement:Engine air filter and
cabin air filter life is dependent on exposure to dusty and dirty
conditions. Vehicles operated in these conditions require frequent
inspection and replacement of the engine air filter and cabin air filter.
544Scheduled Maintenance
2014 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)

Settings ......................................484
Setting the clock ...............369, 484
Side air curtain ...........................59
Side-curtain airbags system .......59
SIRIUS® satellite radio ....369, 452
SIRIUS satellite radio voice
commands .................................453
SIRIUS Travel Link ...................476
SIRIUS Travel Link voice
commands .................................477
SOS Post Crash Alert .................51
Spare tire
(see Changing the Tire) ...........349
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................355, 359
Specification chart,
lubricants ...................................356
Stability system .........................211
Starting your vehicle ................180
jump starting ..........................267
push button start system .......179
Steering wheel ............................91
controls ......................................93
tilting .........................................91
Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS) (see airbags) ....................52
Supported media file types ......461
Supported player, media
formats and metadata
information ................................461
SYNC® customer support ........386
SYNC® Services ................410, 473
System settings .........................487T
Temperature control
(see Climate
control) ..............135, 137–138, 495
Text messaging .................397, 468
Text messaging (sending,
downloading, deleting) .....398, 400
Third-row power fold seat .......164
Tilt steering wheel ......................91
Tires ...................................326, 347
alignment ................................340
care ..........................................326
changing ..........................347, 349
checking the pressure ............336
inflating ...................................334
label .........................................333
replacing ..................................338
rotating ....................................340
safety practices .......................339
sidewall information ...............328
snow tires and chains ............341
spare tire .................................347
terminology .............................327
tire grades ...............................327
treadwear ........................326, 336
Touchscreen features
(climate) ....................................495
Towing .......................251, 258–259
recreational towing .................259
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated ..............256
trailer towing ..........................251
wrecker ....................................258
Traction control ........................209
Traffic, Directions and
Information ................................410
Traffic preferences ...................502
552Index
2014 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)

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)