2015 FORD FLEX brake light

Note:The system does not detect, warn or respond to potential
collisions with vehicles to the rear or sides of the vehicle.
Note:The collision warning system is active at speeds above
approximately 5 mph (8 km/h).
This system is designed to alert the
driver of certain collision risks. A
radar detects if your vehicle is
rapidly approaching another vehicle
traveling in the same direction as yours.
If it is, a red warning light
illuminates and an audible warning
chime sounds.
The brake support system assists the driver in reducing the collision speed
by charging the brakes. If the risk of collision further increases after the
warning light illuminates, the brake support prepares the brake system for
rapid braking. This may be apparent to the driver. The system does not
automatically activate the brakes but, if the brake pedal is pressed, full
force braking is applied even if the brake pedal is lightly pressed.
Using the Collision Warning System
WARNING:The collision warning system’s brake support can
only help reduce the speed at which a collision occurs if the
driver applies the vehicle’s brakes. The brake pedal must be pressed
just like any typical braking situation.
The warning system sensitivity can be adjusted to one of three possible
settings by using the information display control. Refer to the
Information Displayschapter.
Note:If collision warnings are perceived as being too frequent or
disturbing then the warning sensitivity can be reduced, though the
manufacturer recommends using the highest sensitivity setting where
possible. Setting lower sensitivity would lead to fewer and later system
warnings. Refer to theInformation Displayschapter for instructions on
reducing the sensitivity.
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2015 Flex(471)
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USA(fus)

TOWING A TRAILER
WARNING:Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on
the certification label.
WARNING:Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended
gross trailer weight exceeds the limit of your vehicle and could
result in engine damage, transmission damage, structural damage, loss
of vehicle control, vehicle rollover and personal injury.
Note:For information on electrical items such as fuses or relays, see the
Fuseschapter.
The load capacity of your vehicle is designated by weight not volume.
You may not necessarily be able to use all available space when loading
your vehicle or trailer.
Towing a trailer places extra load on the engine, transmission, axle,
brakes, tires, and suspension. Inspect these components before, during
and after towing.
Load Placement
To help minimize how trailer movement affects your vehicle when
driving:
•Load the heaviest items closest to the trailer floor.
•Load the heaviest items centered between the left and right side
trailer tires.
•Load the heaviest items above the trailer axles or just slightly forward
toward the trailer tongue. Do not allow the final trailer tongue weight
to go above or below 10–15% of the loaded trailer weight.
•Select a tow bar with the correct rise or drop. When both the loaded
vehicle and trailer are connected, the trailer frame should be level, or
slightly angled down toward your vehicle, when viewed from the side.
When driving with a trailer or payload, a slight takeoff vibration or
shudder may be present due to the increased payload weight. You can
find more information about proper trailer loading and setting your
vehicle up for towing underLoad limitin theLoad Carryingchapter.
You can also find information in theRV and Trailer Towing Guide
available at your authorized dealer, or online at
http://www.fleet.ford.com/towing-guides.
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TRAILER SWAY CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:Turning off trailer sway control increases the risk of
loss of vehicle control, serious injury or death. Ford does not
recommend disabling this feature except in situations where speed
reduction may be detrimental (such as hill climbing), the driver has
significant trailer towing experience, and can control trailer sway and
maintain safe operation.
Note:This feature does not prevent trailer sway, but reduces it once it
begins.
Note:This feature cannot stop all trailers from swaying.
Note:In some cases, if vehicle speed is too high, the system may turn
on multiple times, gradually reducing vehicle speed.
This feature applies your vehicle brakes at individual wheels and, if
necessary, reduces engine power. If the trailer begins to sway, the
stability control light flashes. The first thing to do is slow your vehicle
down, then pull safely to the side of the road and check for proper
tongue load and trailer load distribution. See theLoad Carryingchapter
for specific loading information.
RECOMMENDED TOWING WEIGHTS
Note:Do not exceed the trailer weight for your vehicle configuration
listed in the chart below.
Note:Make sure to take into consideration trailer frontal area. Do not
exceed:
•20 feet
2(1.86 meters2) trailer frontal area if your vehicle can tow a
Class I trailer.
•40 feet
2(3.72 meters2) trailer frontal area if your vehicle can tow a
Class III trailer.
Note:For high altitude operation, reduce the gross combined weight by
2% per 1000 feet (300 meters) starting at the 1000 foot (300 meter)
elevation point.
Note:Certain states require electric trailer brakes for trailers over a
specified weight. Be sure to check state regulations for this specified
weight. The maximum trailer weights listed may be limited to this
specified weight, as your vehicle’s electrical system may not include the
wiring connector needed to use electric trailer brakes.
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ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Follow these guidelines for safe towing:
•Do not tow a trailer until you drive your vehicle at least 1000 miles
(1600 kilometers).
•Consult your local motor vehicle laws for towing a trailer.
•See the instructions included with towing accessories for the proper
installation and adjustment specifications.
•Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. See your
scheduled maintenance information.
•If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions the rental agency
gives you.
For load specification terms found on the tire label and Safety
Compliance label and for instructions on calculating your vehicle’s load,
refer toLoad limitin theLoad Carryingchapter.
Remember to account for the trailer tongue weight as part of your
vehicle load when calculating the total vehicle weight.
Trailer Towing Connector (Vehicles with a Trailer Towing Package
and 7–Pin Connector)
When attaching the trailer wiring connector to
your vehicle, only use a proper fitting connector
that works with the vehicle and trailer functions. If
your vehicle has a trailer towing package, it may
have a 7–pin connector. Some connectors may
have the SAE J2863 logo, which confirms that it is
the proper wiring connector and works correctly
with your vehicle.
Color Function
1. Yellow Left turn signal and stop lamp
2. White Ground (-)
3. Blue Electric brakes
4. Green Right turn signal and stop lamp
5. Orange Battery (+)
6. Brown Running lights
7. Grey Reverse lights
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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
2015 Flex(471)
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USA(fus)

Fuse or relay
numberFuse amp
ratingProtected components
9 10A SYNC, Electronic finish panel, Radio
transceiver module
10 10A Run/accessory relay, Front wiper motor
relay
11 10A Intelligent access module, Heads-up
display
12 15A Interior lighting, Puddle lamps,
Backlighting
13 15A Right turn signals
14 15A Left turn signals
15 15A Center high mounted stop lamp,
Backup lamp
16 10A Low beam headlamps (right)
17 10A Low beam headlamps (left)
18 10A Third row power seats, Start button run
indicator, Keypad illumination, Brake
shift interlock, Powertrain control
module wake-up, Anti-theft system
19 20A Not used (spare)
20 20A Locks
21 10A Not used (spare)
22 20A Horn relay
23 15A Steering wheel control module,
Instrument cluster
24 15A Datalink connector, Steering wheel
control module
25 15A Liftgate release
26 5A Ignition switch, Push button start
switch
27 20A Intelligent access module
28 15A Not used (spare)
29 20A Radio, Global positioning system module
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Replacing rear stop/tail/turn/backup and side marker lamp bulbs
The stop/tail/turn/backup and side marker lamp bulbs are located in the
tail lamp assembly.
Note:Your vehicle may be equipped with a stop/tail/turn and side
marker lamp assemblies containing integral multiple light emitting diodes
(LED). If replacement is required, see your authorized dealer.
A.Backup lamp
B.Stop/tail/turn signal lamp
C.Side marker lamp
D.Supplemental taillamp
1. Make sure the headlamp switch is
in the off position and open the
liftgate.
2. Remove the hex screws in the
liftgate opening, then pull the lamp
assembly away from the vehicle. This will disengage two snap
attachments along the side of the vehicle.
3. Remove the bulb socket by rotating it counterclockwise, then pulling it
out of the lamp assembly.
4. Pull the bulb straight from the socket.
Install new bulb(s) in reverse order.
Replacing high-mount brake lamp bulbs
Your vehicle is equipped with an LED high-mount brake lamp. It is
designed to last the life of the vehicle. If replacement is required, it is
recommended that you see your authorized dealer.
Replacing license plate lamp bulbs
1. Make sure the headlamp switch is in the off position.
2. Remove the two screws and the
license plate lamp assembly from the
liftgate.
318Maintenance
2015 Flex(471)
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USA(fus)