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BREAKING-IN
You need to break in new tires for approximately 300 miles
(480 kilometers). During this time, your vehicle may exhibit some unique
driving characteristics. Avoid driving too fast during the first 1000 miles
(1600 kilometers). Vary your speed frequently and change up through
the gears early. Do not labor the engine. Do not tow during the first
1000 miles (1600 kilometers).
ECONOMICAL DRIVING
Fuel economy is affected by several things, such as how you drive, the
conditions you drive under and how you maintain your vehicle.
There are some things to keep in mind that may improve your fuel economy:
•Accelerate and slow down in a smooth, moderate fashion.
•Drive at steady speeds without stopping.
•Anticipate stops; slowing down may eliminate the need to stop.
•Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
•Close the windows for high-speed driving.
•Drive at reasonable speeds (traveling at 55 mph [88 km/h] uses 15%
less fuel than traveling at 65 mph [105 km/h]).
•Keep the tires properly inflated and use only the recommended size.
•Use the recommended engine oil.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance.
There are also some things you may not want to do because they may
reduce your fuel economy:
•Sudden or hard accelerations.
•Rev the engine before turning it off.
•Idle for periods longer than one minute.
•Warm up your vehicle on cold mornings.
•Use the air conditioner or front defroster.
•Use the speed control in hilly terrain.
•Rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving.
•Drive a heavily loaded vehicle or tow a trailer.
•Carry unnecessary weight (approximately 1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for
every 400 pounds [180 kilograms] of weight carried).
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Fuse or relay
numberFuse amp
ratingProtected components
61 — Not used
62 10A* A/C clutch
63 15A* Trailer tow stop/turn lamps
64 15A* Rear wipers
65 — Not used
66 — Powertrain control module –
vehicle power relay
67 20A* Vehicle power #2 – Oxygen
sensor heater, Mass airflow
sensor, Variable camshaft timing
solenoid, Canister vent solenoid,
Canister purge solenoid
68 20A* Vehicle power #4 (ignition coils)
69 20A* Vehicle power #1 (PCM)
70 15A* Vehicle power #3 (coil) – A/C
clutch relay, Fan control relays,
Variable air conditioning
compressor, Auxiliary
transmission warmup, Turbo
charge waste-gate control,
Electronic compressor bypass
valve (for turbo charger),
All-wheel drive module, Positive
crackcase ventilation heater
71 — Not used
72 — Not used
73 — Not used
74 — Not used
75 — Not used
76 — Not used
77 — Trailer tow park lamps relay
288Fuses
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Fuse or relay
numberFuse amp
ratingProtected components
78 20A* Right high-intensity discharge
headlamps
79 10A* Adaptive cruise control
80 — Not used
81 — Not used
82 15A* Rear washer
83 — Not used
84 20A* Trailer tow park lamps
85 — Not used
86 5A* Powertrain control module —
keep-alive power, Powertrain
control module relay, Canister
vent solenoid (non-EcoBoost
engines)
87 5A* Run/start
88 — Run/start relay
89 10A* Anti–lock brake system module
90 10A* Powertrain control module
run/start
91 10A* Adaptive cruise control
92 5A* Front blower relay coil, Power
steering module
93 5A* Auxiliary blower, Rear defroster,
Battery charge relays
94 30A** Body control module run/start
95 5A* Front passenger window switch
96 — Not used
97 — Not used
98 — A/C clutch relay
*Mini Fuses **Cartridge Fuses
Fuses289
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UNDER HOOD OVERVIEW
3.5L V6 engine
A. Engine coolant reservoir
B. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
C. Brake fluid reservoir
D. Battery
E. Power distribution box
F. Air filter assembly
G. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
H. Engine oil dipstick
I. Engine oil filler cap
A
IHGF
BCDE
Maintenance295
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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
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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.
298Maintenance
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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
2015 Flex(471)
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