2014 FORD FLEX roof rack

Hints on driving with anti-lock brakes......................208
Parking brake........................................208
Traction Control 209
TractionControl™ ....................................209
Stability Control 210
AdvanceTrac®.......................................211
Parking Aids 212
Sensing system.......................................212
Active park assist.....................................213
Rear-view camera system...............................218
Cruise Control 223
Using cruise control...................................223
Using Adaptive Cruise Control............................224
Driving Aids 232
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert
(CTA) .............................................232
Collision warning system................................237
Steering............................................240
Load Carrying 242
Cargo net...........................................242
Roof racks and load carriers.............................242
Vehicle loading.......................................243
Towing 251
Trailertowing........................................251
Wrecker towing......................................258
Recreational towing...................................259
Driving Hints 261
Economical driving....................................261
Driving through water..................................262
Floormats..........................................263
Table of Contents5
2014 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)

PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
WARNING:Vehicle modifications involving braking system,
aftermarket roof racks, suspension, steering system, tire
construction and wheel or tire size may change the handling
characteristics of the vehicle and may adversely affect the performance
of the AdvanceTrac® system. In addition, installing any stereo
loudspeakers may interfere with and adversely affect the AdvanceTrac®
system. Install any aftermarket stereo loudspeaker as far as possible
from the front center console, the tunnel, and the front seats in order
to minimize the risk of interfering with the AdvanceTrac® sensors.
Reducing the effectiveness of the AdvanceTrac® system could lead to
an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.
WARNING:Remember that even advanced technology cannot
defy the laws of physics. It is always possible to lose control of a
vehicle due to inappropriate driver input for the conditions. Aggressive
driving on any road condition can cause you to lose control of your
vehicle increasing the risk of personal injury or property damage.
Activation of the AdvanceTrac® system is an indication that at least
some of the tires have exceeded their ability to grip the road; this could
reduce the operator’s ability to control the vehicle potentially resulting
in a loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
If your AdvanceTrac® system activates, SLOW DOWN.
The AdvanceTrac® system helps you keep control of your vehicle when
on a slippery surface. The electronic stability control portion of the
system helps avoid skids and lateral slides and the traction control
system helps avoid drive wheel spin and loss of traction. See the
Traction Controlchapter for details on traction control system
operation.
210Stability Control
2014 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)

The system detects an available parallel parking space and automatically
steers the vehicle into the space (hands-free) while you control the
accelerator, gearshift and brakes. The system visually and/or audibly
instructs the driver to park the vehicle.
The system may not function correctly if something passes between the
front bumper and the parking space (i.e. a pedestrian or cyclist) or if the
edge of the neighboring parked vehicle is high from the ground (i.e. a
bus, tow truck or flatbed truck).
Note:The sensors may not detect objects in heavy rain or other
conditions that cause disruptive reflections.
Note:The sensors may not detect objects with surfaces that absorb
ultrasonic waves.
Note:After a tire change the system will go through a relearning
procedure. During this time the system performance may deteriorate.
The system should not be used if:
•a foreign object (i.e. bike rack or trailer) is attached to the front or
rear of the vehicle or at another location close to the sensors.
•an overhanging object (i.e. surfboard) is attached to the roof.
•the front bumper or side sensors are damaged (i.e. in a collision) or
obstructed by a foreign object (i.e. front bumper cover).
•a mini-spare tire is in use.
Using Active Park Assist
Press the button; the touch screen
displays a message and a
corresponding graphic to indicate
it’s searching for a parking space.
Use the turn signal to indicate
which side of the vehicle you want
the system to search on.
Note:If the turn signal is not on, the system automatically searches on
the vehicle’s passenger side.
AUTO
P
214Parking Aids
2014 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)

CARGO NET (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:The cargo net is not designed to restrain objects
during a collision or heavy braking.
The cargo net secures lightweight
objects in the cargo area. Attach
the net to the anchors provided.
Do not put more than 50 pounds
(22 kilograms) in the net.
ROOF RACKS AND LOAD CARRIERS (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:When loading the roof rail crossbars, it is
recommended to evenly distribute the load, as well as maintain a
low center of gravity. Loaded vehicles, with higher centers of gravity,
may handle differently than unloaded vehicles. Extra precautions, such
as slower speeds and increased stopping distance, should be taken
when driving a heavily loaded vehicle.
Note:The maximum recommended load is 100 pounds (45 kilograms),
evenly distributed on the crossbars.
Note:Loads should never be placed directly on the roof panel. The roof
panel is not designed to directly carry a load.
242Load Carrying
2014 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)

For proper function of the roof rack system, loads must be placed
directly on crossbars affixed to the roof rack side rails. Your vehicle may
be equipped with factory-installed crossbars. Ford Genuine Accessory
crossbars, designed specifically for your vehicle, are also recommended
for use with your roof rack system.
Make sure that the load is securely fastened. Check the tightness of the
load before driving and at each fuel stop.
LOAD LIMIT
Vehicle Loading – With and Without a Trailer
This section will guide you in the proper loading of your vehicle and/or
trailer, to keep your loaded vehicle weight within its design rating
capability, with or without a trailer. Properly loading your vehicle will
provide maximum return of vehicle design performance. Before loading
your vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms for determining
your vehicle’s weight ratings, with or without a trailer, from the vehicle’s
Tire Label or Safety Compliance Certification Label:
Base Curb Weight– is the weight of the vehicle including a full tank of
fuel and all standard equipment. It does not include passengers, cargo, or
optional equipment.
Vehicle Curb Weight– is the weight of your new vehicle when you
picked it up from your authorized dealer plus any aftermarket
equipment.
Load Carrying243
2014 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)

ACCESSORIES
For a complete listing of the accessories that are available for your
vehicle, please contact your dealer or visit our online store at:
Accessories.Ford.com(U.S. only).
Ford Custom Accessories are available for your vehicle through your
local Ford or Ford of Canada dealer. Ford Motor Company will repair or
replace any properly dealer-installed Ford Custom Accessories found to
be defective in factory-supplied materials or workmanship during the
warranty period, as well as any component damaged by the defective
accessories. The accessories will be warranted for whichever provides
you the greatest benefit:
•12 months or 12000 miles (20000 kilometers) (whichever occurs first),
or
•the remainder of your new vehicle limited warranty.
Contact your dealer for details and a copy of the warranty.
Exterior style
•Bug shield•Splash guards
•Deflectors•Graphics
•Spoiler
Interior style
•Ambient lighting•Rear seat entertainment*
•Door sill plates with logo•Backlit door sill plates
•Floor mats
Lifestyle
•Ash cup / coin holder•Roof racks and carriers*
•Cargo organization and
management•Cargo net
•SUV camping tent*•Conversation mirror
•Trailer hitches, wiring harnesses
and accessorices•Roof rails
362Accessories
2014 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)

Map updates ..............................507
Media Bluetooth menu options
(adding, connecting, deleting,
turning on/off) ..........................423
Message center .........................117
warning messages ...........121, 127
Mirrors ...............................105, 107
fold away .................................105
programmable memory ............66
side view mirrors (power) .....105
Moon roof ..................................109
Motorcraft® parts .............315, 359
MyFord Touch™ system ..........433
MyKey ..........................................71
N
Navigation features ...................498
Navigation voice commands ....507
Notifications ..............................479
O
Octane rating ............................187
P
Pairing other phones ........391, 466
Pairing your phone ...................466
Pairing your phone for the first
time ....................................390, 466
Parental MyKey programming ...71
Park Assist ................................213
Parking brake ............................208
Parts
(see Motorcraft® parts) ..........359Passenger Occupant
Classification Sensor ...................53
Phone Bluetooth menu options
(adding, connecting, deleting,
turning on/off) ..........................402
Phone redial ..............................396
Phone settings ..................470, 491
Phone voice commands ............471
Playing music (by artist,
album, genre, playlist, tracks,
similar) ......................................420
POI categories ...........................500
Point of Interest (POI) .............500
Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................279
Power door locks ........................75
Power liftgate ..............................79
Power mirrors ...........................105
Powerpoint ................................172
Power steering ..........................240
fluid, refill capacity ................356
fluid, specifications .................356
Power Windows .........................104
Privacy information ..........387, 438
Push button start system .........179
Putting a call on/off hold .........394
Q
Quick touch buttons .................506
R
Radio ..........................369, 374–375
AM/FM .....................................446
Single CD ................369, 374–375
550Index
2014 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)

Radio reception .........................367
Radio voice commands .............451
Rear heated seats .....................154
Rear view camera
display ................................218, 487
Rear window
defroster ....................135, 137–138
Receiving a text
message .............................398, 470
Recommendations for
attaching safety restraints for
children ........................................24
Refrigerator ...............................176
Relays ................................278–279
Remote entry system
illuminated entry ......................78
locking/unlocking doors ...........75
replacing the batteries .............65
Reverse sensing system ...........213
Roadside assistance ..................265
Roof rack ...................................242
Route preferences ....................502
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ............48
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..............................39, 42
Safety defects, reporting ..........277
Safety information ............386, 437
Safety restraints ..............39–40, 42
Belt-Minder® ............................42
extension assembly ..................42
for adults .............................39–40
for children ...............................24
inflatable safety belt .................46Occupant Classification
Sensor ........................................53
safety belt maintenance ...........48
seat belt maintenance ..............48
warning light and chime ....42–43
Safety restraints - LATCH
anchors ........................................30
Safety seats for children ............24
Safety Compliance
Certification Label ....................360
Satellite Radio ...................369, 452
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
Normal Scheduled
Maintenance and Log .............534
SD card ......................384, 458, 498
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............39
Seats ..........................................157
child safety seats ......................24
climate control ........................156
easy access/easyout feature ..152
front seats ...............148, 150, 155
heated ..............................153–154
memory seat .....................66, 151
second row seats ............157, 161
third row seats ........161, 163–164
Second-row power fold seat ....158
SecuriCode keyless entry
system ..........................................82
SecuriLock passive anti-theft
system ..........................................86
Selecting your media source
(USB, Line in, BT audio) .........417
Sending new text messages .....469
Setting a destination ................498
Setting a destination by
voice ...........................................499
Index551
2014 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)