2015 FORD FLEX check engine light

•Add particular accessories to your vehicle (e.g.; bug deflectors,
rollbars or light bars, running boards, ski racks).
•Drive with the wheels out of alignment.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER
WARNING:Do not drive through flowing or deep water as you
may lose control of your vehicle.
Note:Driving through standing water can cause vehicle damage.
Note:Engine damage can occur if water enters the air filter.
Before driving through standing water, check the depth. Never drive
through water that is higher than the bottom of the front rocker area of
your vehicle.
When driving through standing
water, drive very slowly and do not
stop your vehicle. Your brake
performance and traction may be
limited. After driving through water
and as soon as it is safe to do so:
•Lightly press the brake pedal to
dry the brakes and to check that
they work.
•Check that the horn works.
•Check that the exterior lights work.
•Turn the steering wheel to check that the steering power assist works.
FLOOR MATS
WARNING:Always use floor mats that are designed to fit the
foot well of your vehicle. Only use floor mats that leave the pedal
area unobstructed. Only use floor mats that are firmly secured to
retention posts so that they cannot slip out of position and interfere
with the pedals or impair safe operation of your vehicle in other ways.
WARNING:Pedals that cannot move freely can cause loss of
vehicle control and increase the risk of serious personal injury.
268Driving Hints
2015 Flex(471)
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3. Turn the engine off and wait for it to cool before checking the coolant
level.
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
4. If the coolant level is normal, you may restart your engine and
continue on.
5. If the coolant is low, add coolant, restart the engine and take your
vehicle to an authorized dealer. SeeAdding engine coolantin this
chapter for more information.
Refer to fail-safe cooling for additional information.
What You Should Know About Fail-Safe Cooling
If the engine coolant supply is depleted, this feature allows the vehicle to
be driven temporarily before incremental component damage is incurred.
The fail-safe distance depends on ambient temperatures, vehicle load and
terrain.
How Fail-Safe Cooling Works
If the engine begins to overheat, the engine coolant temperature gauge
will move to the red (hot) area and:
The coolant temperature warning light will illuminate.
The service engine soon indicator will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine
will automatically switch to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled
cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However:
•The engine power will be limited.
•The air conditioning system will be disabled.
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature and the engine
will completely shut down, causing steering and braking effort to increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be restarted. Take
your vehicle to an authorized dealer as soon as possible to minimize
engine damage.
302Maintenance
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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.
548Scheduled Maintenance
2015 Flex(471)
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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).
Scheduled Maintenance561
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911 Assist™ ......................412, 491
A
ABS (see Brakes) .....................212
Accessing and using your
USB port ....................................469
Accessing call history/phone
book during active call .............401
Accessing your calendar ..........490
Accessing your media menu
features ......................................423
Accessing your phone menu
features ......................................402
Accessory delay ........................106
Active call menu options .........401
Active Park Assist .....................218
Adaptive Cruise Control ...........228
Adding (pairing) a phone ........477
Advanced menu options ...410, 430
Advanced menu options
(prompts, languages, defaults,
master reset, installing
applications) ..............................410
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ..........................................52
and child safety seats ..............53
description ................................52
disposal ......................................62
driver airbag ..............................52
passenger airbag .......................52
side airbag ...........................52, 57
Air cleaner filter .......312–313, 366
Air conditioning ........................138
manual heating and air
conditioning system ...............138
Air filter, cabin ..........................147All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................204
Ambient mood/lighting .............497
AM/FM .......................................456
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................298
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................212
Anti-theft system ..................85, 88
arming the system ..............85, 88
disarming a triggered system ..88
Audio system
Single CD ................376, 381–382
Audio system
(see Radio) ................376, 381–382
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .................................199
fluid, adding ............................304
fluid, checking ........................304
fluid, refill capacities ..............362
fluid, specification ..................362
Selectshift (SST) ....................200
Auxiliary Input Jack .................465
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ..390
Auxiliary powerpoint ................175
A/V inputs ..........................391, 473
B
Battery .......................................309
acid, treating emergencies .....309
jumping a disabled battery ....273
maintenance-free ....................309
replacement, specifications ...366
servicing ..................................309
Blind Spot Information
System .......................................237
Index563
2015 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, October 2014
USA(fus)

Booster seats ...............................33
Brakes ........................................211
anti-lock ...................................212
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................212
brake warning light ................212
fluid, checking and adding ....308
fluid, refill capacities ..............362
fluid, specifications .................362
lubricant specifications ..........362
parking ....................................212
shift interlock ..........................202
trailer .......................................261
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....362
Cargo net ...................................247
CD ..............................376, 381–382
CD player ..........................374, 467
CD voice commands .................468
Cell phone use ............................16
Changing a tire .........................353
Child safety restraints ..........26, 28
Child safety seats
automatic locking mode
(retractor) .................................41
LATCH .......................................26
Child safety seats -
booster seats ...............................33
Cleaning the touchscreen ........445
Cleaning your vehicle ...............320
engine compartment ..............322
instrument panel ....................324
interior .....................................324
plastic parts ............................321
washing ....................................320
waxing .....................................322wheels ......................................326
wiper blades ............................323
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ..........138
Climate voice commands .........509
Clock ..................................376, 495
Collision Warning System .........241
Compass Display .......................123
Console ......................................178
overhead ..................................180
rear ..........................................178
Coolant ......................................298
checking and adding ..............298
refill capacities ........................362
specifications ..........................362
Cooler ........................................179
Cross Traffic Alert ....................237
Cruise control ...........................227
Customer Assistance ................270
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................371
Getting roadside assistance ...270
Getting the service you
need .........................................276
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................282
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................280
D
Defrost .......................138, 140, 142
rear window ............................147
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................304
engine oil .................................297
564Index
2015 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, October 2014
USA(fus)