2015 FORD FLEX check oil

Maintenance 293
General information...................................293
Opening and closing the hood............................294
Under hood overview..................................295
Engine oil dipstick....................................297
Engine oil check......................................297
Engine coolant check..................................298
Automatic transmission fluid check........................304
Brake fluid check.....................................308
Fuel filter...........................................308
Washer fluid check....................................309
Battery ............................................309
Checking the wiper blades..............................311
Changing the wiper blades..............................311
Air filter(s).........................................312
Adjusting the headlamps................................314
Changing a bulb......................................315
Vehicle Care 320
Cleaning products.....................................320
Cleaning the exterior..................................320
Waxing.............................................322
Repairing minor paint damage............................322
Cleaning the engine...................................322
Cleaning the windows and wiper blades.....................323
Cleaning the interior...................................324
Cleaning the instrument panel and instrument cluster lens.......324
Cleaning leather seats..................................325
Cleaning the alloy wheels...............................326
Vehiclestorage.......................................327
Table of Contents7
2015 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, October 2014
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SYMBOL GLOSSARY
These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.
Symbol Description Symbol Description Symbol Description
Safety alertSee Owner’s
ManualAnti-lock
braking
system
Avoid
smoking,
flames, or
sparksBatteryBattery acid
Brake fluid –
non
petroleum
baseBrake systemCabin air
filter
Check fuel
capChild Safety
Door Lock
and UnlockChild seat
lower anchor
Child seat
tether anchorCruise
controlDo not open
when hot
Engine air
filterEngine
coolantEngine
coolant
temperature
Engine oilExplosive gasFan warning
Fasten safety
beltFront airbagFront fog
lamps
Fuel pump
resetFuse
compartmentHazard
warning
flasher
Heated rear
windowInterior
luggage
compartment
releaseJack
Introduction11
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Settings
Display Language Select your applicable language
Units Distance Miles and Gallons or km/L
or L/100km
Temperature Fahrenheit (°F) or Celsius
(°C)
Convenience Autolamp
DelayOff or number of seconds
Compass Display
Calibrate (if
equipped)Hold OK to Calibrate
Zone (1–15)
DTE
CalculationNormal or Towing
Easy Entry/Exit — check enabled / uncheck disabled
Locks Autolock
Autounlock
Remote
UnlockAll Doors or Driver First
Oil life Reset Set XXX%
Power
LiftgateSwitch Enabled or Disabled
Remote Start Climate
ControlAuto or Last Settings
Seats and
Wheel or
SeatsAutoorOff
Duration (5, 10 or 15 minutes)
System
Windows Remote Open
Wipers Courtesy Wipe
Rain Sensing
122Information Displays
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Settings
Vehicle DTE Calculation Normal / Towing
Easy Entry/Exit — check enabled / uncheck
disabled
Lighting Autolamp Delay Off or number
of seconds
Locks Autolock On / Off
Autounlock On / Off
Remote
UnlockingAll doors /
Driver’s door
Oil Life Reset Remaining Life XXX %
Power Liftgate Enable / Disable
Remote StartClimate Control
(using this
feature allows
you to select
different climate
control modes
when the
vehicle is
started using
the remote start
feature)Auto / Last
Settings
Front Seats Auto / Off
Duration 5 / 10
/15 minutes
System — check enabled
(default) / uncheck disabled
Windows Remote Open or Remote Close
WipersCourtesy Wipe — check enabled
(default) / uncheck disabled
Rain Sensing On / Off
128Information Displays
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Keys and Intelligent
Access MessagesAction / Description
Max Number of Keys
LearnedDisplayed during spare key programming when
the maximum number of keys have been
programmed.
Press Brake to Start Displayed when the start/stop button is
pressed without the brake pedal being applied.
This is a reminder that the brake pedal must
be applied when the start/stop button is
pressed in order to start the engine.
Restart Now or Key is
NeededDisplayed when the start/stop button is
pressed to shut off the engine and a Intelligent
Access Key is not detected inside the vehicle.
Accessory Power is
ActiveDisplayed when the vehicle is in the accessory
ignition state.
Starting System Fault This message is displayed when there is a
problem with your vehicle’s starting system.
See your authorized dealer for service.
Maintenance
MessagesAction / Description
LOW Engine Oil
PressureStop the vehicle as soon as safely possible,
turn off the engine. Check the oil level. If the
warning stays on or continues to come on with
your engine running, contact your authorized
dealer as soon as possible.
Change Engine Oil
SoonDisplayed when the engine oil life remaining is
10% or less.
Oil Change Required Displayed when the oil life left reaches 0%.
Engine Coolant
OvertemperatureDisplayed when the engine coolant
temperature is excessively high.
Washer Fluid Level
LOWIndicates the washer fluid reservoir is less than
one quarter full. Check the washer fluid level.
Steering Malfunction
Service NowDisplays when the steering system needs
service. See your authorized dealer.
Information Displays135
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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
Maintenance297
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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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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)