2015 FORD FLEX warning lights

PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
The traction control system helps avoid drive wheel spin and loss of
traction.
If your vehicle begins to slide, the system applies the brakes to individual
wheels and, when needed, reduces engine power at the same time. If the
wheels spin when accelerating on slippery or loose surfaces, the system
reduces engine power in order to increase traction.
USING TRACTION CONTROL
Note:If your vehicle is equipped with MyKey™, it is possible to prevent
turning the traction control system off. See theMyKeychapter.
In certain situations (for example, stuck in snow or mud), turning the
traction control off may be beneficial as this allows the wheels to spin
with full engine power. Turn the traction control system off through the
information display. See theInformation Displayschapter.
System Indicator Lights and Messages
WARNING:If a failure has been detected within the Traction
Control System, the stability control light will illuminate steadily.
Verify that the Traction Control System was not manually disabled
using the information display control. If the stability control light still
illuminates steadily, have the system serviced by an authorized dealer
immediately. Operating your vehicle with Traction Control disabled
could lead to an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle
rollover, personal injury and death.
The stability control light temporarily illuminates on engine
start-up and flashes when a driving condition activates the
stability system.
The stability control off light temporarily illuminates on engine
start-up and stays on when the traction control system is
turned off or if a problem occurs in the stability system.
When the traction control system is turned off or on, a message appears
in the information display showing system status.
Traction Control213
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System Lights and Messages
The BLIS® and CTA systems
illuminate a yellow alert indicator in
the outside mirror on the side of
the vehicle the approaching vehicle
is coming from.
Note:The alert indicator dims when nighttime darkness is detected.
CTA also sounds an audible alarm and a message appears in the
information display indicating a vehicle is coming from the right or left.
CTA works with the reverse sensing system which sounds its own
audible alarm; see theParking Aidschapter.
System Sensors
WARNING:Just prior to the system recognizing a blocked
condition and alerting the driver, the number of missed objects
will increase. To help avoid injuries, NEVER use the BLIS® as a
replacement for using the side and rear view mirrors and looking over
your shoulder before changing lanes. BLIS® is not a replacement for
careful driving.
Note:It is possible to get a blockage warning with no blockage present;
this is rare and known as a false blockage warning. A false blocked
condition either self-corrects or clears after a key cycle.
The system uses radar sensors
which are located behind the
bumper fascia on each side of the
vehicle. Do not allow these areas to
become obstructed by mud, snow or
bumper stickers, as this can cause
degraded system performance.
Driving Aids239
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Trailer Lamps
WARNING:Never connect any trailer lamp wiring to the
vehicle’s tail lamp wiring; this may damage the electrical system
resulting in a fire. Contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible for
assistance in proper trailer tow wiring installation. Additional electrical
equipment may be required.
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working.
Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing up to get the feel of your
vehicle-trailer combination before starting on a trip. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels clear curbs and other obstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
•Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113 km/h) during the first 500 miles
(800 kilometers).
•Do not make full-throttle starts.
•Check your hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts
thoroughly after you have traveled 50 miles (80 kilometers).
•When stopped in congested or heavy traffic during hot weather, place
the gearshift in positionPto aid engine and transmission cooling and
to help air conditioning performance.
•Turn off the speed control with heavy loads or in hilly terrain. The
speed control may turn off automatically when you are towing on
long, steep grades.
•Shift to a lower gear when driving down a long or steep hill. Do not
apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become less
effective.
•If your transmission is equipped with a Grade Assist or Tow/Haul
feature, use this feature when towing. This provides engine braking
and helps eliminate excessive transmission shifting for optimum fuel
economy and transmission cooling.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached. Anticipate
stops and brake gradually.
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•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
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Low tire
pressure
warning lightPossible cause Customer action required
Flashing
warning lightSpare tire in use Repair the damaged road wheel
and tire assembly and reinstall it on
the vehicle to restore system
function. For a description on how
the system functions, seeWhen
Your Temporary Spare Tire is
Installedin this section.
TPMS
malfunctionIf the tires are properly inflated
and the spare tire is not in use but
the light remains on, contact your
authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
When Inflating Your Tires
When putting air into your tires (such as at a gas station or in your
garage), the tire pressure monitoring system may not respond
immediately to the air added to your tires.
It may take up to two minutes of driving over 20 mph (32 km/h) for the
light to turn off after you have filled your tires to the recommended
inflation pressure.
How Temperature Affects Your Tire Pressure
The tire pressure monitoring system monitors tire pressure in each
pneumatic tire. While driving in a normal manner, a typical passenger
tire inflation pressure may increase about 2 to 4 psi (14 to 28 kPa) from
a cold start situation. If the vehicle is stationary overnight with the
outside temperature significantly lower than the daytime temperature,
the tire pressure may decrease approximately 3 psi (21 kPa) for a drop
of 30°F (17°C) in ambient temperature. This lower pressure value may
be detected by the tire pressure monitoring system as being significantly
lower than the recommended inflation pressure and activate the system
warning light for low tire pressure. If the low tire pressure warning light
is on, visually check each tire to verify that no tire is flat. If one or more
tires are flat, repair as necessary. Check the air pressure in the road
tires. If any tire is under-inflated, carefully drive the vehicle to the
nearest location where air can be added to the tires. Inflate all the tires
to the recommended inflation pressure.
352Wheels and Tires
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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
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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
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Towing .......................256, 264–265
recreational towing .................265
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated ..............261
trailer towing ..........................256
wrecker ....................................264
Traction control ........................213
Traffic, Directions and
Information ................................417
Traffic preferences ...................514
Trailer Brake
Controller-Integrated ................261
Trailer sway control ..................257
Transaxle
fluid, refill capacities ..............362
lubricant specifications ..........362
Transmission
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....202
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................304
Turn signal ................................103
U
USB port ............................391, 469
Using privacy mode ..................401V
Vehicle health report ........415, 493
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................367
Vehicle loading ..........................248
Ventilating your vehicle ...........187
Voice commands in media
mode ..........................................421
Voice commands in phone
mode ..........................................398
Voice recognition ......................450
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .....114
Washer fluid ......................308–309
Water, Driving through .............268
Windows
power .......................................105
rear wiper/washer .....................97
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................96
checking and adding
fluid ..................................308–309
replacing wiper blades ...........311
Wrecker towing .........................264
570Index
2015 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, October 2014
USA(fus)