2015 FORD FLEX cooling

3. Turn the engine off and wait for it to cool before checking the coolant
level.
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
4. If the coolant level is normal, you may restart your engine and
continue on.
5. If the coolant is low, add coolant, restart the engine and take your
vehicle to an authorized dealer. SeeAdding engine coolantin this
chapter for more information.
Refer to fail-safe cooling for additional information.
What You Should Know About Fail-Safe Cooling
If the engine coolant supply is depleted, this feature allows the vehicle to
be driven temporarily before incremental component damage is incurred.
The fail-safe distance depends on ambient temperatures, vehicle load and
terrain.
How Fail-Safe Cooling Works
If the engine begins to overheat, the engine coolant temperature gauge
will move to the red (hot) area and:
The coolant temperature warning light will illuminate.
The service engine soon indicator will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine
will automatically switch to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled
cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However:
•The engine power will be limited.
•The air conditioning system will be disabled.
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature and the engine
will completely shut down, causing steering and braking effort to increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be restarted. Take
your vehicle to an authorized dealer as soon as possible to minimize
engine damage.
302Maintenance
2015 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, October 2014
USA(fus)

TRANSMISSION FLUID CHECK
6F50/6F55 Transmission
WARNING:The dipstick cap and surrounding components may
be hot; gloves are recommended.
WARNING:Use gloves when moving the air filter assembly;
components will be hot.
Note:Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up (approximately
20 miles [30 km]). If your vehicle has been operated for an extended
period at high speeds, in city traffic during hot weather or pulling a trailer,
the vehicle should be turned off until normal operating temperatures are
reached to allow the fluid to cool before checking. Depending on vehicle
use, cooling times could take up to 30 minutes or longer.
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not
consume fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the
transmission is not working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or
shifts slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 km) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow a minimum of 10 seconds for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever inP(Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lintfree rag. If
necessary, refer toUnder hood overviewin this chapter for the location
of the dipstick. (For vehicles with the EcoBoost engine, move the air
filter assembly aside to access the transmission dipstick. SeeMoving the
Air Filter Assembly (EcoBoost engine)for more information.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube by
turning it to the locked position.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated areas for normal operating temperature.
304Maintenance
2015 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, October 2014
USA(fus)

High fluid level
If the fluid level is above the MAX
range of the dipstick, remove fluid to
reach the hashmark level.Note:
Fluid level above the MAX level may
cause shift and/or engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition. If your
vehicle has been operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city
traffic during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off until normal operating temperatures are reached. Depending
on vehicle use, cooling times could take up to 30 minutes or longer.
Adjusting Automatic Transmission Fluid Levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in theTechnical
specificationssection in this chapter.
Note:Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 1/2 pint
(250 ml) increments through the
filler tube until the level is correct.
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by an authorized
dealer.
Note:An overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
Do not use supplemental transmission fluid additives, treatments or
cleaning agents. The use of these materials may affect transmission
operation and result in damage to internal transmission components.
For vehicles equipped with the EcoBoost engine, reinstall the air filter
assembly.
After the fluid level has been checked and adjusted as necessary, do the
following:
1. Shut the engine off.
2. Loosen the clamp holding the air filter assembly to the rubber hose.
3. Rotate the air filter assembly 90 degrees clockwise without
disconnecting the sensor.
MAX MIN
MAX MIN
Maintenance307
2015 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, October 2014
USA(fus)

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.
328Vehicle Care
2015 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, October 2014
USA(fus)

E.Recirculated air:Touch to turn the recirculated air on or off which:
•May reduce the amount of time needed to cool down the interior.
•May help reduce odors from reaching the interior.
•Engages automatically when MAX A/C is selected.
•May be engaged manually in any airflow mode except defrost.
•May turn off in all airflow modes except MAX A/C to reduce fog
potential.
F.MAX A/C:Touch to cool your vehicle with recirculated air. Touch
again for normal A/C operation. MAX A/C:
•Distributes air through instrument panel vents.
•Is more economical and efficient than normal A/C mode.
•May help reduce odors from entering your vehicle.
G.A/C:Touch to turn the air conditioning on or off.
•Use with recirculated air to improve cooling performance and
efficiency.
•Engages automatically in MAX A/C, defrost and floor/defrost.
H.AUTO:
Touch to engage automatic operation, then set the temperature
using the temperature control. The system automatically controls:
•Fan speed
•Airflow distribution
•A/Conoroff
•Outside or recirculated air.
I.Rear defroster:Touch to turn the rear window defroster and heated
mirrors on.
J.Defrost:Touch to clear the windshield of fog and thin ice. Touch
again to return to the previous airflow selection. When on, defrost:
•Provides outside air to reduce window fogging.
•Distributes air through the windshield defroster vents and demister
vents.
K.Manual controls:Select any of the following airflow distribution
modes:
•Floor and Defrost:Distributes air through the windshield defroster
vents, demister vents, floor vents and rear seat floor vents, and
provides outside air to reduce window fogging.
•Panel:Distributes air through the instrument panel vents.
•Panel and Floor:Distributes air through the instrument panel vents,
demister vents, floor vents and rear seat floor vents.
•Floor:Distributes air through the demister vents, floor vents and
rear seat floor vents.
508MyFord Touch® (If Equipped)
2015 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, October 2014
USA(fus)

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
2015 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, October 2014
USA(fus)

Normal scheduled maintenance*
At every oil change
interval as indicated by
the information displayChange engine oil and filter.**
Rotate tires, inspect tire wear and measure
tread depth.
Perform multi-point inspection
(recommended).
Inspect automatic transmission fluid level (if
equipped with dipstick). Consult dealer for
requirements.
Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums,
brake linings, hoses and parking brake.
Inspect engine cooling system strength and
hoses.
Inspect exhaust system and heat shields.
Inspect rear axle and U-joints. Lubricate if
equipped with grease fittings (All-wheel drive
vehicles).
Inspect half-shaft boots (if equipped).
Inspect steering linkage, ball joints,
suspension, tie-rod ends, driveshaft and
U-joints. Lubricate if equipped with grease
fittings.
Inspect wheels and related components for
abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag.
*Do not exceed one year or 10000 miles (16000 kilometers) between
service intervals.
**Reset your Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor after each engine oil and filter
change. See theInstrument Clusterchapter.
552Scheduled Maintenance
2015 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, October 2014
USA(fus)

Display settings .........................496
Drivebelt ....................................361
Driving under special
conditions ..................203, 205, 208
sand .........................................207
snow and ice ...........................209
through water .................207, 268
Dual automatic temperature
control (DATC) .................140, 142
E
Electronic message center .......120
Electronic stability control ......215
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................273
running out of fuel .................191
Emergency brake
(see Parking brake) ..................212
Emission control system ..........196
End user license agreement ....528
Engine ........................................361
cleaning ...................................322
coolant .....................................298
fail-safe cooling .......................302
idle speed control ...................309
lubrication specifications .......362
refill capacities ........................362
service points ..........................296
Engine block heater .................187
Engine oil
checking and adding ..............297
dipstick ....................................297
filter, specifications ................366
refill capacities ........................362
specifications ..........................362
Event data recording ..................13
Exhaust fumes ..........................187F
Fail safe cooling ........................302
Fleet MyKey programming ........70
Floor mats .................................268
Fluid capacities .........................362
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
driving off road .......................205
Freezer ......................................179
Fuel
cap ...........................................194
capacity ...................................362
choosing the right fuel ...........190
filler funnel .............................191
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................................194
filter, specifications ........308, 366
fuel pump shut-off ..................272
octane rating ...................191, 361
quality ......................................190
running out of fuel .................191
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................189
Fuel and distance computer ....123
outside temperature
indicator ..................................123
to empty indicator ..................123
trip distance ............................123
trip/reset button .....................123
Fuses ..................................284–285
G
Garage door opener ..................170
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............194
Gauges ...............................112–113
odometer .................................123
trip odometer ..........................123
Index565
2015 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, October 2014
USA(fus)