
WARNING:When possible, all children 12 years old and under
should be properly restrained in a rear seating position. Failure
to follow this could seriously increase the risk of injury or death.
WARNING:Safety belts and seats can become hot in a vehicle
that has been closed up in sunny weather; they could burn a
small child. Check seat covers and buckles before you place a child
anywhere near them.
WARNING:Front and rear seat occupants, including pregnant
women, should wear safety belts for optimum protection in an
accident.
All seating positions in this vehicle have lap and shoulder safety belts. All
occupants of the vehicle should always properly wear their safety belts,
even when an airbag supplemental restraint system is provided.
The safety belt system consists of:
•Lap and shoulder safety belts.
•Shoulder safety belt with automatic locking mode (except driver and
rear inflatable safety belt).
•Height adjuster at the front outboard seating positions.
•Safety belt pretensioner at the front outboard seating positions.
•Belt tension sensor at the front outboard passenger seating position.
•Safety belt warning light and chime. SeeSafety Belt
Warning Light and Indicator Chimelater in this chapter.
•Crash sensors and monitoring system with readiness
indicator. SeeCrash Sensors and Airbag Indicatorin the
Supplemental Restraint Systemchapter.
The safety belt pretensioners and rear inflatable safety belts are designed
to activate in frontal, near-frontal and side crashes, and in rollovers. The
safety belt pretensioners at the front seating positions are designed to
tighten the safety belts firmly against the occupant’s body when
activated. This helps increase the effectiveness of the safety belts. In
frontal crashes, the safety belt pretensioners can be activated alone or, if
the crash is of sufficient severity, together with the front airbags.
Safety Belts39
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Pregnant women should always
wear their safety belts. The lap belt
portion of a combination lap and
shoulder belt should be positioned
low across the hips below the belly
and worn as tight as comfort will
allow. The shoulder belt should be
positioned to cross the middle of
the shoulder and the center of the
chest.
Safety Belt Locking Modes
WARNING:After any vehicle crash, the safety belt system at all
passenger seating positions must be checked by an authorized
dealer to verify that the automatic locking retractor feature for child
seats is still functioning properly. In addition, all safety belts should be
checked for proper function.
WARNING:The belt and retractor assembly must be replaced if
the safety belt assembly automatic locking retractor feature or
any other safety belt function is not operating properly when checked
by an authorized dealer. Failure to replace the belt and retractor
assembly could increase the risk of injury in crashes.
All safety restraints in the vehicle are combination lap and shoulder
belts. The driver safety belt has the first locking mode. The front
outboard passenger and rear seat safety belts have both types of locking
modes described as follows:
Vehicle Sensitive Mode
This is the normal retractor mode, which allows free shoulder or lap belt
length adjustment to your movements and locking in response to vehicle
movement. For example, if the driver brakes suddenly or turns a corner
sharply, or the vehicle receives an impact of about 5 mph (8 km/h) or
more, the combination safety belts will lock to help reduce forward
movement of the driver and passengers.
In addition, the retractor(s) is designed to lock if the webbing is pulled
out too quickly. If this occurs, let the belt retract slightly and pull
webbing out again in a slow and controlled manner.
Safety Belts41
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Automatic Locking Mode
In this mode, the shoulder belt or lap belt is automatically pre-locked.
The belt will still retract to remove any slack in the shoulder or lap belt.
The automatic locking mode is not available on the driver safety belt.
When to Use the Automatic Locking Mode
This mode should be used any time a child safety seat, except a booster,
is installed in passenger front or rear seating positions. Children 12 years
old and under should be properly restrained in a rear seating position
whenever possible.
How to use the automatic locking mode
Non-inflatable safety belts
1. Buckle the combination lap and shoulder
belt.
2. Grasp the shoulder portion of the belt and
pull downward until the entire belt is pulled
out.
3. Allow the belt to retract. As the belt
retracts, you will hear a clicking sound. This
indicates the safety belt is now in the
automatic locking mode.
Rear outboard inflatable safety belts (second row only–if equipped)
1. Buckle the combination lap and shoulder
belt.
2. Grasp the lap portion of the belt and pull
upward until the entire belt is pulled out.
3. Allow the belt to retract. As the belt
retracts, you will hear a clicking sound. This
indicates the safety belt is now in the
automatic locking mode.
How to Disengage the Automatic Locking Mode
Unbuckle the combination lap and shoulder belt and allow it to retract
completely to disengage the automatic locking mode and activate the
vehicle sensitive (emergency) locking mode.
42Safety Belts
2015 Flex(471)
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Power Liftgate (If Equipped)
WARNING:Make sure all persons are clear of the power liftgate
area before using the power liftgate control.
WARNING:Keep keys out of the reach of children. Do not allow
children to operate the power liftgate, or to play near to an open
or moving power liftgate.
Note:Cycling the ignition while the liftgate is power closing and is near
the latch may cause the liftgate to reverse to full open position. Make
sure you close the liftgate before operating or moving the vehicle,
especially in an enclosure, like a garage or a parking structure. You could
damage the liftgate or its components.
Note:Do not drive with the liftgate open without first disabling the
power function and securing the liftgate to the vehicle.
Note:In case of operation in extreme cold -40°F (-40°C), or on extreme
inclines, manual operation of the liftgate is suggested.
You can enable or disable the power liftgate using the information
display. The remote control and instrument panel button will still operate
the liftgate regardless of the setting.
Opening and Closing the Power Liftgate
Note:You can reverse the liftgate movement direction with a second
press of the instrument panel button or the button on the liftgate, or a
second double press of the transmitter button.
The liftgate will only operate with the vehicle inP.
Three tones will sound as the liftgate begins to power close. A single tone
indicates a problem with the close request, caused by any of the following:
•The ignition is on and the transmission is not inP
•The battery voltage is below the minimum operating voltage
•The vehicle speed is at or above 3 mph (5 km/h)
If the liftgate reverses and starts to close after an open request, a fast
continuous tone indicates excessive load on the gate or a possible strut
failure. Have the system checked by an authorized dealer if you still have
a fast tone after removing the load.
80Locks
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Replacing headlamp bulbs
WARNING:Handle a halogen headlamp bulb carefully and keep
out of children’s reach. Grasp the bulb only by its plastic base
and do not touch the glass. The oil from your hand could cause the
bulb to break the next time the headlamps are operated.
Note:If the bulb is accidentally touched, it should be cleaned with
rubbing alcohol before being used.
1. Make sure headlamp switch is in the off position, then open the hood.
2. Reach in behind the headlamp assembly to access the bulb sockets
and connectors.
3. Locate the high beam/low beam headlamp bulb electrical connector
and remove it by squeezing the locking tab and pulling it straight out.
4. Remove the bulb socket by
turning it counterclockwise and
pulling it straight out.
Install the new bulb(s) in reverse order.
Replacing HID headlamp bulbs (if equipped)
The headlamps on your vehicle use a “high intensity discharge” source.
These lamps operate at a high voltage. When the bulb is burned out, the
bulb and starter capsule assembly must be replaced by your authorized
dealer.
316Maintenance
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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
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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)
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H
Hazard flashers .........................272
HD Radio™ ...............................458
Headlamps
aiming ......................................314
bulb specifications ..................319
flash to pass ..............................98
high beam .........................98, 101
replacing bulbs .......................316
Head restraints .........................150
Heated steering wheel ..............507
Heating ......................138, 140, 142
Help ............................................506
Homelink wireless control
system ........................................170
Hood ..........................................294
How to use voice commands ...451
I
Ignition ...............................182, 361
Illuminated visor mirror ...........110
Information displays .................120
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................198
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................324
cluster ......................................114
Intelligent Access Key ................64
J
Jack ............................................353
positioning ...............................353storage .....................................353
Joining two calls
(multiparty/conference call) ....401
Jump-starting your vehicle ......273
K
Keyless entry system
autolock .....................................77
keypad .......................................83
locking and unlocking
doors ..........................................84
programming entry code .........83
Keys .......................................64, 85
positions of the ignition .........182
L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ................319
headlamps, flash to pass ..........98
interior lamps .........................104
replacing bulbs .......................316
LATCH anchors ...........................26
Liftgate ..................................79–80
Lights, warning and
indicator ....................................114
Listening to music ....................454
Load limits .................................248
Locks
autolock .....................................77
childproof ..................................37
doors ..........................................74
Lubricant specifications ...........362
Lug nuts ....................................359
566Index
2015 Flex(471)
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USA(fus)