2014 FORD FLEX maintenance

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)

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)

Scheduled Maintenance533
2014 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)

NORMAL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE AND LOG
Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor®
Your vehicle is equipped with an Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor® that
determines when the engine oil needs to be changed based on how your
vehicle is used. By using several important factors in its calculations, the
monitor helps reduce the cost of owning your vehicle and reduce
environmental waste at the same time. This means you won’t have to
remember to change the oil on a mileage-based schedule; the vehicle lets
you know when an oil change is due by displaying ENGINE OIL
CHANGE DUE or OIL CHANGE REQUIRED in the information display.
The following table is intended to provide examples of vehicle use and
its impact on engine oil change intervals; it is provided as a guideline
only. Actual engine oil change intervals depend on several factors and
generally decrease with severity of use.
When to expect the OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message
Miles (km) Vehicle use and examples
7500-10000
(12000-16000)Normal
– Normal commuting with highway driving
– No, or moderate, load or towing
– Flat to moderately hilly roads
– No extended idling
5000-7499
(8000-11999)Severe
– Moderate to heavy load or towing
– Mountainous or off-road conditions
– Extended idling
– Extended hot or cold operation
3000-4999
(4000-7999)Extreme
– Maximum load or towing
– Extreme hot or cold operation
534Scheduled Maintenance
2014 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)

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

Other maintenance items1
Every 20000 miles
(32000 km)Replace cabin air filter (if equipped).
Every 30000 miles
(48000 km)Replace climate-controlled (heated and
cooled) seat filter (if equipped).
Replace engine air filter.
At 100000 miles
(160000 km)Change engine coolant.
2
Every 100000 miles
(160000 km)Replace spark plugs.
Inspect accessory drive belt(s).3
Every 150000 miles
(240000 km)Change automatic transmission fluid.
Replace accessory drive belt(s) if not replaced
within the last 100000 miles (160000 km).
1These maintenance items can be performed within 3000 miles
(4800 kilometers) of the last oil change. Do not exceed the designated
distance for the interval.
2Initial replacement at six years or 100000 miles (160000 kilometers),
then every three years or 50000 miles (80000 kilometers).
3After initial inspection, inspect every other oil change until replaced.
536Scheduled Maintenance
2014 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)

Maintenance Schedule Log
DEALERVALIDATION:
P&A C
ODE:
RO#: HOURS:
DAT E:MILEAGE:D
EALERVALIDATION:
P&A C
ODE:
RO#: HOURS:
DAT E:MILEAGE:
D
EALERVALIDATION:
P&A C
ODE:
RO#: HOURS:
DAT E:MILEAGE:D
EALERVALIDATION:
P&A C
ODE:
RO#: HOURS:
DAT E:MILEAGE:
D
EALERVALIDATION:
P&A C
ODE:
RO#: HOURS:
DAT E:MILEAGE:D
EALERVALIDATION:
P&A C
ODE:
RO#: HOURS:
DAT E:MILEAGE:
D
EALERVALIDATION:
P&A C
ODE:
RO#: HOURS:
DAT E:MILEAGE:D
EALERVALIDATION:
P&A C
ODE:
RO#: HOURS:
DAT E:MILEAGE:
D
EALERVALIDATION:
P&A C
ODE:
RO#: HOURS:
DAT E:MILEAGE:D
EALERVALIDATION:
P&A C
ODE:
RO#: HOURS:
DAT E:MILEAGE:
Scheduled Maintenance537
2014 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)

DEALERVALIDATION:
P&A C
ODE:
RO#: HOURS:
DAT E:MILEAGE:D
EALERVALIDATION:
P&A C
ODE:
RO#: HOURS:
DAT E:MILEAGE:
D
EALERVALIDATION:
P&A C
ODE:
RO#: HOURS:
DAT E:MILEAGE:D
EALERVALIDATION:
P&A C
ODE:
RO#: HOURS:
DAT E:MILEAGE:
D
EALERVALIDATION:
P&A C
ODE:
RO#: HOURS:
DAT E:MILEAGE:D
EALERVALIDATION:
P&A C
ODE:
RO#: HOURS:
DAT E:MILEAGE:
D
EALERVALIDATION:
P&A C
ODE:
RO#: HOURS:
DAT E:MILEAGE:D
EALERVALIDATION:
P&A C
ODE:
RO#: HOURS:
DAT E:MILEAGE:
D
EALERVALIDATION:
P&A C
ODE:
RO#: HOURS:
DAT E:MILEAGE:D
EALERVALIDATION:
P&A C
ODE:
RO#: HOURS:
DAT E:MILEAGE:
538Scheduled Maintenance
2014 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)