2015 FORD FLEX engine

Console Refrigerator and Freezer (If Equipped)
This feature will operate when the vehicle is on or in accessory mode.
Limit the time of use when the vehicle is in accessory mode to avoid
draining the vehicle’s battery. Ford recommends only using this feature
when the engine is running.
Flip the console lid forward, then
lift off the cover to open the cooling
compartment. Make sure to replace
the cover after you using it. This
helps maintain a more consistent
cooling temperature.
Refrigerator:Briefly press and
holdCOOL. The indicator light on
the cool side of the switch will
illuminate and the indicator light on
the freeze side will glow when the
refrigerator is active. The
temperature will cool to
approximately 41°F (5°C). Briefly
press and holdCOOLagain to turn
off the refrigerator. Briefly press
and holdFREEZEto change to
freezer mode.
Freezer:Briefly press and hold
FREEZE. Both indicator lights will
illuminate when the freezer is
active. The temperature will cool to
approximately 23°F (-5°C). Press
FREEZEagain to turn off the
freezer. PressCOOLto change to
refrigerator mode.
This feature turns off when you switch the vehicle off. It turns back on
to the last mode when you restart the vehicle.
FREEZE
COOL
Storage Compartments179
2015 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, October 2014
USA(fus)

GENERAL INFORMATION
WARNING:Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce
very high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system,
creating the risk of fire or other damage.
WARNING:Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle on dry grass
or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the
engine compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
WARNING:Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in
other enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open
the garage door before you start the engine.
WARNING:If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have
your vehicle checked by an authorized dealer immediately. Do
not drive if you smell exhaust fumes.
If you disconnect the battery, your vehicle may exhibit some unusual
driving characteristics for approximately 5 miles (8 kilometers) after you
connect it. This is because the engine management system must realign
itself with the engine. You may disregard any unusual driving
characteristics during this period.
The powertrain control system meets all Canadian interference-causing
equipment standard requirements regulating the impulse electrical field
or radio noise.
Do not press the accelerator pedal while starting the engine. If you have
difficulty starting the engine, seeFailure to startlater in this section.
Starting and Stopping the Engine181
2015 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, October 2014
USA(fus)

IGNITION SWITCH (IF EQUIPPED)
A.Off:The ignition is off.
Note:When you switch the ignition off and leave your vehicle, do not
leave your key in the ignition. This could cause your vehicle battery to
lose charge.
B.Accessory:Allows the electrical accessories, such as the radio, to
operate while the engine is not running.
Note:Do not leave the ignition key in this position for too long. This
could cause your vehicle battery to lose charge.
C.On:All electrical circuits are operational and the warning lamps and
indicators illuminate.
D.Start:Cranks the engine.
KEYLESS STARTING (IF EQUIPPED)
Note:The keyless starting system may not function if the key is close to
metal objects or electronic devices such as cellular phones.
Note:A valid key must be located inside your vehicle to switch the
ignition on and start the engine.
Note:When locking your vehicle, any remote controls left inside the
vehicle may become disabled. A message may appear in the information
display indicating that there is no key detected if you try to start the
engine. Press the unlock button on the remote control to enable it, and
then start the engine.
C
D
B
A
182Starting and Stopping the Engine
2015 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, October 2014
USA(fus)

Ignition Modes
Off:Turns the ignition off.
•Without applying the brake pedal, press and release the button once
when the ignition is in the on mode, or when the engine is running
but the vehicle is not in motion.
Accessory:Allows some electrical accessories to operate while the
engine is not running.
•Without applying the brake pedal, press and release the button twice.
On:All electrical circuits are operational. Warning lamps and indicators
are illuminated.
•Without applying the brake pedal, press and release the button once
from accessory mode.
•Without applying the brake pedal, press and release the button twice
from off mode.
Start:Starts the engine.
•Press the brake pedal, and then press the button for any length of
time. An indicator light on the button illuminates when then ignition
is on and when the engine starts.
STARTING A GASOLINE ENGINE
When you start the engine, the idle speed increases, this helps to warm
up the engine. If the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically,
have your vehicle checked by an authorized dealer.
Note:You can crank the engine for a total of 60 seconds (without the
engine starting) before the starting system temporarily disables. The
60 seconds does not have to be all at once. For example, if you crank the
engine three times for 20 seconds each time, without the engine starting,
you reached the 60-second time limit. A message appears in the
information display alerting you that you exceeded the cranking time. You
cannot attempt to start the engine for at least 15 minutes. After
15 minutes, you are limited to a 15-second engine cranking time. You need
to wait 60 minutes before you can crank the engine for 60 seconds again.
START
STOP ENGINE
Starting and Stopping the Engine183
2015 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, October 2014
USA(fus)

Before starting the engine check the following:
•Make sure all occupants have fastened their safety belts.
•Make sure the headlamps and electrical accessories are off.
•Make sure the parking brake is on.
•Make sure the gearshift is in positionP.
•Turn the ignition key to the on position. If your vehicle is equipped
with a keyless ignition, see the following instructions.
Vehicles with an Ignition Key
Note:Do not touch the accelerator pedal.
1. Fully press the brake pedal.
2. Turn the key to the start position. Release the key when the engine
starts.
Note:The engine may continue cranking for up to 15 seconds or until it
starts.
Note:If you cannot start the engine on the first try, wait for a short
period and try again.
Vehicles with Keyless Start
Note:Do not touch the accelerator pedal.
1. Fully press the brake pedal.
2. Press the button.
The system does not function if:
•The key frequencies are jammed.
•The key battery has no charge.
If you are unable to start your vehicle, do the following:
1. Locate the key backup slot in the
center console utility
compartment.
2. With the buttons facing the front
passenger and the key ring at the
rear of the console, place the key
into backup slot.
3. With the key in this position,
press the brake pedal, then the
button to switch the ignition on
and start your vehicle.
184Starting and Stopping the Engine
2015 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, October 2014
USA(fus)

Fast Restart (Vehicles with Keyless Start)
The fast restart feature allows you to restart the engine within
20 seconds of switching it off, even if a valid key is not present.
Within 20 seconds of switching the engine off, press the brake pedal and
press the button. After 20 seconds have expired, you can no longer start
the engine without the key present inside your vehicle.
Once the engine has started, it remains running until you press the button,
even if the system does not detect a valid key. If you open and close a door
while the engine is running, the system searches for a valid key. You cannot
start the engine if the system does not detect a valid key within 20 seconds.
Failure to Start
If you cannot start the engine after three attempts, wait 10 seconds and
follow this procedure:
1. Fully press the brake pedal.
2. Fully press the accelerator pedal and hold it there.
3. Start the engine.
Automatic Engine Shutdown
If your vehicle is equipped with a keyless ignition, it has a feature that
automatically shuts down the engine if it has been idling for an extended
period. The ignition also turns off in order to save battery power. Before
the engine shuts down, a message appears in the information display
showing a timer counting down from 30 seconds. If you do not intervene
within 30 seconds, the engine shuts down. Another message appears in
the information display to inform you that the engine has shut down in
order to save fuel. Start your vehicle as you normally do.
Automatic Engine Shutdown Override
Note:You cannot permanently switch off the automatic engine shutdown
feature. When you switch it off temporarily, it turns on at the next
ignition cycle.
You can stop the engine shutdown, or reset the timer, at any point before
the 30-second countdown has expired by doing any of the following:
•You can reset the timer by interacting with your vehicle (such as
pressing the brake pedal or accelerator pedal).
•You can temporarily switch off the shutdown feature any time the
ignition is on (for the current ignition cycle only). Use the information
display to do so.
•
During the countdown before engine shutdown, you are prompted to
pressOKorRESET(depending on your type of information display) to
temporarily switch the feature off (for the current ignition cycle only).
Starting and Stopping the Engine185
2015 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, October 2014
USA(fus)

Stopping the Engine When Your Vehicle Is Stationary
1. Move the transmission selector lever to positionP.
2. If your vehicle has an ignition key, turn the key to the off position. If
your vehicle has a keyless start system, press the button once.
3. Apply the parking brake.
Note:This switches off the ignition, all electrical circuits, warning lamps
and indicators.
Note:If the engine is idling for 30 minutes, the ignition and engine
automatically shut down.
Stopping the Engine When Your Vehicle Is Moving
WARNING:Switching off the engine when the vehicle is still
moving will result in a loss of brake and steering assistance. The
steering will not lock, but higher effort will be required. When the
ignition is switched off, some electrical circuits, including air bags,
warning lamps and indicators may also be off. If the ignition was turned
off accidentally, you can shift into Neutral and restart the engine.
1.If your vehicle has an ignition key,move the transmission
selector lever to positionNand use the brakes to bring your vehicle
to a safe stop. When your vehicle has stopped, move the transmission
selector lever to positionPand turn the key to the off position.
2.If your vehicle has a keyless start system,press and hold the
button for one second, or press it three times within two seconds.
Move the transmission selector lever to positionNand use the brakes
to bring your vehicle to a safe stop. When your vehicle has stopped,
move the transmission selector lever to positionPand switch the
ignition off.
3. Apply the parking brake.
Your vehicle may have remote start capability. Refer toRemote startin
theKeys and Remote Controlchapter.
186Starting and Stopping the Engine
2015 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, October 2014
USA(fus)

Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes
WARNING:If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have
this checked immediately. Do not drive your vehicle if you smell
exhaust fumes. Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take
precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.
Important Ventilating Information
If you stop your vehicle and leave the engine idling for long periods, we
recommend that you do one of the following:
•Open the windows at least 1 inch (2.5 centimeters).
•Set your climate control to outside air.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:Failure to follow engine block heater instructions
could result in property damage or personal injury.
WARNING:Do not use your heater with ungrounded electrical
systems or two-pronged (cheater) adapters. There is a risk of
electrical shock.
Note:The heater is most effective when outdoor temperatures are below
0°F (-18°C).
The heater acts as a starting aid by warming the engine coolant. This
allows the climate control system to respond quickly. The equipment
includes a heater element (installed in the engine block) and a wire
harness. You can connect the system to a grounded 120–volt A/C
electrical source.
We recommend that you do the following for safe and correct operation:
•Use a 16-gauge outdoor extension cord that is product certified by
Underwriter’s Laboratory or Canadian Standards Association. This
extension cord must be suitable for use outdoors, in cold
temperatures, and be clearly markedSuitable for Use with Outdoor
Appliances.Never use an indoor extension cord outdoors; it could
result in an electric shock or become a fire hazard.
•Use as short an extension cord as possible.
•Do not use multiple extension cords.
Starting and Stopping the Engine187
2015 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, October 2014
USA(fus)