2015 FORD FLEX air filter

3.5L V6 EcoBoost® Engine
A. Engine coolant reservoir
B. Brake fluid reservoir
C. Battery
D. Power distribution box
E. Air filter assembly
F. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick (out of view)
G. Engine oil dipstick
H. Engine oil filler cap
I. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
ABCD
EFGHI
296Maintenance
2015 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, October 2014
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.
304Maintenance
2015 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, October 2014
USA(fus)

Moving the Air Filter Assembly (EcoBoost engine)
WARNING:Do not run engine with the air filter disconnected.
1. Shut the engine off.
2. Clean the area around the clamp
that connects the air filter assembly
to the rubber hose (1).
3. Remove the bolt cover (if
equipped).
4. Remove two bolts that attach the air filter assembly to the front of the
vehicle (2).
5. Loosen the clamp holding the air filter assembly to the rubber hose (1).
6. Remove the harness retaining clip by pulling up (3). Do not
disconnect the sensor (4).
Maintenance305
2015 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, October 2014
USA(fus)

7. Without disconnecting the sensor (4), pull the air filter assembly up to
disconnect the air filter assembly from the seated grommets located
underneath the air filter assembly.
8. Rotate the air filter assembly 90
degrees counterclockwise and
reinstall into the rubber hose.
9. Tighten the clamp (1).
10. The transmission fluid level indicator can now be accessed.
Low fluid level
If the fluid level is below the MIN
range of the dipstick, add fluid to
reach the hash mark level.Note:If
the fluid level is below the MIN level,
do not drive the vehicle. An underfill condition may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperature 180°F-200°F (82°C-93°C) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 20 miles
(30 km) of driving.
The transmission fluid level should be
targeted within the cross-hatch area
if at normal operating temperature
180°F-200°F (82°C-93°C).
MAX MIN
306Maintenance
2015 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, October 2014
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
Maintenance307
2015 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, October 2014
USA(fus)

4. Seat the air filter assembly back into the grommets by pushing down
on the air filter assembly.
5. Tighten the clamp.
6. Install and tighten two bolts that attach air filter assembly to the front
of the vehicle.
7. Install the bolt cover (if equipped).
8. Reinstall the harness retaining clip into the front of the air filter assembly.
BRAKE FLUID CHECK
Fluid levels between the MIN and MAX lines are within the normal
operating range; there is no need to add fluid. If the fluid levels are outside
of the normal operating range, the performance of the system could be
compromised; seek service from your authorized dealer immediately.
POWER STEERING FLUID CHECK
Your vehicle is equipped with an electric power steering (EPS) system.
There is no fluid reservoir to check or fill. For additional information on
the electric power steering (EPS) system, Refer toDriving Aids.
FUEL FILTER
Your vehicle is equipped with a lifetime fuel filter that is integrated with
the fuel tank. Regular maintenance or replacement is not needed.
WASHER FLUID CHECK
WARNING:If you operate your vehicle in temperatures below 40°F
(5°C), use washer fluid with antifreeze protection. Failure to use
washer fluid with antifreeze protection in cold weather could result in
impaired windshield vision and increase the risk of injury or accident.
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the level is low. Only use a washer fluid
that meets Ford specifications. See the technical specifications chart in
theCapacities and Specificationschapter.
Note:The front and rear washer systems are supplied from the same
reservoir.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
308Maintenance
2015 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, October 2014
USA(fus)

2. Grab the primary structure of the blade with the other hand close to
the arm/blade joint.
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 EcoBoost equipped 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.
312Maintenance
2015 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, October 2014
USA(fus)

Changing the air filter element
3.5L V6 engine
3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine
1. On the passenger’s side of the air filter housing, release the two
clamps from the air filter housing cover.
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.
Maintenance313
2015 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, October 2014
USA(fus)