2015 FORD FLEX engine oil

Engine shield
Some vehicles may be equipped with an aero-shield under the engine.
This shield needs to be removed for service, including oil and filter
changes. It is secured with four quick release fasteners.
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
3.5L and 3.5L EcoBoost
A. MIN
B. MAX
ENGINE OIL CHECK
Note:Check the level before starting the engine.
Note:Make sure that the level is between the MIN and MAX marks.
1. Make sure that your vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 10 minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Remove the dipstick and wipe it with a clean, lint-free cloth. Replace
the dipstick and remove it again to check the oil level.
If the level is at the MIN mark, add oil immediately.
AB
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Adding Engine Oil
Note:Do not remove the filler cap when the engine is running.
Note:Do not add engine oil further than the MAX mark. Oil levels above
the MAX mark may cause engine damage.
Only use oils certified for gasoline engines by the
American Petroleum Institute (API). An oil with this
trademark symbol conforms to the current engine and
emission system protection standards and fuel
economy requirements of the International Lubricants
Specification Advisory Council (ILSAC), comprised of
U.S. and Japanese automobile manufacturers.
1. Remove the filler cap.
2. Add engine oil that meets Ford specifications. SeeCapacities and
Specificationsfor more information.
3. Wipe off any spilled oil.
4. Replace the filler cap. Turn it until you feel a strong resistance.
ENGINE COOLANT CHECK
Checking the Engine Coolant
The concentration and level of engine coolant should be checked at the
intervals listed inScheduled Maintenance Information.
Note:Make sure that the level is between the MIN and MAX marks on
the coolant reservoir.
Note:Coolant expands when it is hot. The level may extend beyond the
MAX mark.
If the level is at the MIN mark, below the MIN mark, or empty, add
coolant immediately. SeeAdding Engine Coolantin this chapter.
The coolant concentration should be maintained within 48% to 50%, which
equates to a freeze point between -30°F (-34°C) and -34°F (-37°C).
Note:For best results, coolant concentration should be tested with a
refractometer such as Robinair Coolant and Battery Refractometer
75240. We do not recommend the use of hydrometers or coolant test
strips for measuring coolant concentrations.
Note:Automotive fluids are not interchangeable; do not use engine
coolant/antifreeze or windshield washer fluid outside of its specified
function and vehicle location.
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•Spray Motorcraft Engine Shampoo and Degreaser on all parts that
require cleaning and pressure rinse clean. In Canada, use Motorcraft
Engine Shampoo.
•Never wash or rinse the engine while it is hot or running; water in the
running engine may cause internal damage.
•Never wash or rinse any ignition coil, spark plug wire or spark plug
well, or the area in and around these locations.
•Cover the battery, power distribution box, and air filter assembly to
prevent water damage when cleaning the engine.
CLEANING THE WINDOWS AND WIPER BLADES
The windows and wiper blades should be cleaned regularly. If the wipers
do not wipe properly, substances on the vehicle’s glass or the wiper
blades may cause squeaking or chatter noise from the blades, and
streaking and smearing of the windshield. To clean these items, follow
these tips:
•The windows may be cleaned with a non-abrasive cleaner such as
Motorcraft® Ultra-Clear Spray Glass Cleaner (U.S.) or Motorcraft
Premium Glass Cleaner (Canada).
•The wiper blades can be cleaned with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
Motorcraft Premium Windshield Washer Concentrates in the U.S., or
Motorcraft Premium Quality Windshield Washer Fluid in Canada.
Replace your wiper blades when they appear worn or do not function
properly.
•Do not use abrasive materials, as they may cause scratches.
•Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean any parts.
If you cannot remove those streaks after cleaning with the glass cleaner
or if the wipers chatter and move in a jerky motion, clean the outer
surface of the windshield and the wiper blades using a sponge or soft
cloth with a neutral detergent or mild-abrasive cleaning solution. After
cleaning, rinse the windshield and wiper blades with clean water. The
windshield is clean if beads do not form when you rinse the windshield
with water.
Note:Do not use sharp objects, such as a razor blade, to clean the
inside of the rear window or to remove decals, as it may cause damage
to the rear window defroster’s heated grid lines.
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•Do not use hydrofluoric acid-based or high caustic-based wheel
cleaners, steel wool, fuels or strong household detergent.
•If you intend on parking your vehicle for an extended period after
cleaning the wheels with a wheel cleaner, drive your vehicle for a few
minutes before doing so. This reduces the risk of increased corrosion
of the brake discs.
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you plan on storing your vehicle for an extended period of time
(30 days or more), read the following maintenance recommendations to
make sure your vehicle stays in good operating condition.
All motor vehicles and their components were engineered and tested for
reliable, regular driving. Long-term storage under various conditions may
lead to component degradation or failure unless specific precautions are
taken to preserve the components.
General
•Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated place.
•Protect from sunlight, if possible.
•If vehicles are stored outside, they require regular maintenance to
protect against rust and damage.
Body
•Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt, grease, oil, tar or mud from
exterior surfaces, rear-wheel housing and underside of front fenders.
•Periodically wash vehicles stored in exposed locations.
•Touch up raw or primed metal to prevent rust.
•Cover chrome and stainless steel parts with a thick coat of auto wax
to prevent discoloration. Re-wax as necessary when the vehicle is
washed.
•Lubricate hood latch, all door latches and trunk lid hinges with a light
grade oil.
•Cover interior trim to prevent fading.
•Keep all rubber parts free from oil and solvents.
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Engine
•The engine oil and filter should be changed prior to storage, as used
engine oil contains contaminates that may cause engine damage.
•Start the engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle with the climate
controls set to defrost until it reaches normal operating temperature.
•With your foot on the brake, shift through all the gears while the
engine is running.
Fuel system
•Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fuel until the first automatic shutoff
of the fuel pump nozzle.
Cooling system
•Protect against freezing temperatures.
•When removing vehicle from storage, check coolant fluid level.
Confirm there are no cooling system leaks, and fluid is at the
recommended level.
Battery
•Check and recharge as necessary. Keep connections clean.
•If storing your vehicle for more than 30 days without recharging the
battery, it may be advisable to disconnect the battery cables to ensure
battery charge is maintained for quick starting.
Note:If battery cables are disconnected, it will be necessary to reset
memory features.
Brakes
•Make sure brakes and parking brake are fully released.
Tires
•Maintain recommended air pressure.
Miscellaneous
•Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and pins under vehicle are
covered with grease to prevent rust.
•Move vehicles at least 25 feet (8 meters) every 15 days to lubricate
working parts and prevent corrosion.
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ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS
Engine 3.5L V6 engine 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine
Cubic inches 214 214
FuelSeeOctane
recommendationsin
the Fuel and Refueling
chapter.SeeOctane
recommendationsin the
Fuel and Refueling chapter.
Firing order 1–4–2–5–3–6 1–4–2–5–3–6
Spark plug gap0.049-0.053 inch
(1.25-1.35 mm).0.0295–0.0335 inch
(.75– .85 mm)
Ignition system Coil on plug Coil on plug
Compression
ratio10.8:1 10.0:1
Engine Drivebelt Routing
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Items CapacityFord part name or
equivalentFord part number / Ford
specification
Engine oil
5,6,7
3.5L V6 engine
6.0 qt (5.7L)Motorcraft SAE 5W-20
Synthetic Blend Motor Oil
or Motorcraft SAE 5W-20
Fully Synthetic Motor OilXO–5W20–QSP or
XO-5W20–QFS (U.S.);
CXO-5W20–LSP12 or
CXO-5W20–LFS12 (Canada)
/
WSS-M2C945-A
3.5L V6 EcoBoost
engine
6.0 qt (5.7L)Motorcraft SAE 5W-30
Synthetic Blend Motor Oil
or Motorcraft SAE 5W-30
Fully Synthetic Motor OilXO–5W30–QSP or
XO-5W30–QFS (U.S.);
CXO-5W30–LSP12 or
CXO-5W30–LFS12 (Canada)
/ WSS-M2C946-A
Engine coolant
8
3.5L V6 engine
13.2 quarts (12.5L)
Motorcraft Orange
Antifreeze/Coolant
PredilutedVC-3DIL-B (U.S.)
CVC-3DIL-B (Canada) /
WSS-M97B44-D2 3.5L V6 EcoBoost
engine
13.7 qt (13.0L)
Fuel tank18.6 gal
(70.4L)——
Windshield washer
fluidFill as requiredMotorcraft Premium
Windshield Washer
Concentrate with Bitterant
(U.S.);
Premium Quality Windshield
Washer Fluid (Canada)ZC-32-B2 (U.S.);
CXC-37-(A, B, D, and F)
(Canada) /
WSB-M8B16-A2
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Items CapacityFord part name or
equivalentFord part number / Ford
specification
A/C refrigerant
capacity
9
3.5L EcoBoost engine
2.44 lb (1.11 kg)
3.5L V6
2.31 lb (1.05 kg)Motorcraft R–134a
RefrigerantYN-19 (U.S.);
CYN–16–R (Canada) /
WSH-M17B19–A
A/C refrigerant
compressor oil
9
3.5L EcoBoost engine
7.9 fl oz (0.23 L)
3.5L V6
8.9 fl oz (0.26 L)Motorcraft PAG Refrigerant
Compressor OilYN-12–D /
WSH-M1C231–B
1Ford recommends using Motorcraft (Ford) DOT 4 Low Viscosity High Performance Brake Fluid or
equivalent meeting WSS-M6C65-A2. Use of any fluid other than the recommended fluid may cause
degraded brake performance and not meet the Ford performance standards. Keep brake fluid clean
and dry. Contamination with dirt, water, petroleum products or other materials may result in brake
system damage and possible failure.2Approximate dry fill capacity. Actual amount may vary during fluid changes.3Automatic transmissions that require MERCON LV should only use MERCON LV fluid. Refer to
scheduled maintenance informationto determine the correct service interval. Use of any fluid other
than the recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.4See your authorized dealer for fluid level checking or filling.5Your engine has been designed to use Motorcraft engine oils or equivalent oils that meet Ford
specifications. It is also acceptable to use an engine oil of recommended viscosity grade that meets
API SN requirements and displays the API Certification Mark for gasoline engines.6Do not use supplemental engine oil additives in your engine. They are unnecessary and could lead to
engine damage that is not covered by your Ford warranty.
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