2015 FORD FLEX service indicator

WARNING:Do not attempt to service, repair, or modify the
airbag, its fuses or the seat cover on a seat containing an airbag,
as you could be seriously injured or killed. Contact your authorized
dealer as soon as possible.
WARNING:If the side airbag has deployed, the airbag will not
function again. The side airbag system (including the seat) must
be inspected and serviced by an authorized dealer. If the airbag is not
replaced, the unrepaired area will increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The side airbags are located on the outboard side of the seat backs of
the front seats. In certain sideways crashes, the airbag on the side
affected by the crash will be inflated. The airbag was designed to inflate
between the door panel and occupant to further enhance the protection
provided occupants in side impact crashes.
The system consists of the
following:
•A tag on the seatback indicating
that side airbags are found on
your vehicle.
•Side airbags located inside the
seatback of the driver and front
passenger seats.
•Front passenger sensing system.
•Crash sensors and monitoring system with readiness
indicator. SeeCrash Sensors and Airbag Indicatorlater in
this chapter.
Note:The passenger sensing system will deactivate the passenger
seat-mounted side airbag if it detects an empty passenger seat.
The design and development of the side airbag system included
recommended testing procedures that were developed by a group of
automotive safety experts known as the Side Airbag Technical Working
Group. These recommended testing procedures help reduce the risk of
injuries related to the deployment of side airbags.
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CRASH SENSORS AND AIRBAG INDICATOR
WARNING:Modifying or adding equipment to the front end of
your vehicle (including frame, bumper, front end body structure
and tow hooks) may affect the performance of the airbag system,
increasing the risk of injury. Do not modify the front end of your
vehicle.
Your vehicle has a collection of crash and occupant sensors which
provide information to the restraints control module. The restraints
control module deploys (activates) the front safety belt pretensioners,
rear inflatable safety belts, driver airbag, passenger airbag, seat mounted
side airbags, and the Safety Canopy. Based on the type of accident
(frontal impact, side impact or rollover) the restraints control module
will deploy the appropriate safety devices.
The restraints control module also monitors the readiness of the above
safety devices plus the crash and occupant sensors. The readiness of the
safety system is indicated by a warning indicator light in the instrument
cluster or by a backup tone if the warning light is not working. See the
Instrument Clusterchapter. Routine maintenance of the airbag is not
required.
A difficulty with the system is indicated by one or more of the following:
•The readiness light will either flash or stay lit.
•The readiness light will not illuminate immediately after the
ignition is turned on.
•A series of five beeps will be heard. The tone pattern will repeat
periodically until the problem or light is repaired.
If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have the supplemental
restraint system serviced at an authorized dealer immediately. Unless
serviced, the system may not function properly in the event of a crash.
The safety belt pretensioners, rear inflatable safety belts and the airbag
supplemental restraint system are designed to activate when the vehicle
sustains frontal or sideways deceleration sufficient to cause the restraints
control module to deploy a safety device or when a certain likelihood of
a rollover event is detected by the rollover sensor.
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WARNING LAMPS AND INDICATORS
There indicators can alert you to a vehicle condition that may become
serious enough to cause expensive repairs. Many lights will illuminate
when you start your vehicle to make sure they work. If any light remains
on after starting the vehicle, refer to the respective system warning light
for additional information.
Note:Some warning indicators are reconfigurable telltales (RTT). These
indicators appear in the information display and function the same as a
warning light, but do not display on startup.
Adaptive cruise control (if equipped) (RTT)
The speed control system indicator light changes color to indicate what
mode the system is in:
•On (white light): Illuminates when the adaptive cruise control system
is turned on. Turns off when the speed control system is turned off.
•Engaged (green light): Illuminates when the adaptive cruise control
system is engaged. Turns off when the speed control system is
disengaged.
Stability Control System
Displays when the AdvanceTrac®/Traction control is active. If
the light remains on, have the system serviced immediately.
Stability Control System Off
Illuminates when AdvanceTrac®/Traction control has been
disabled by the driver.
Airbag readiness
If this light fails to illuminate when the ignition is turned on,
continues to flash or remains on, contact your authorized dealer
as soon as possible. A chime will sound when there is a
malfunction in the indicator light.
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Service engine soon
Theservice engine soonindicator light illuminates when the
ignition is first turned to the on position to check the bulb and
to indicate whether the vehicle is ready for
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing. Normally, the service engine soon
light will stay on until the engine is cranked, then turn itself off if no
malfunctions are present. However, if after 15 seconds the service engine
soon light blinks eight times, it means that the vehicle is not ready for
I/M testing. See theReadiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testingin theFuel and Refuelingchapter.
Solid illumination after the engine is started indicates the on-board
diagnostics system (OBD-II) has detected a malfunction. Refer to
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II)in theFuel and Refuelingchapter. If
the light is blinking, engine misfire is occurring which could damage your
catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration
and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced immediately by an
authorized dealer.
WARNING:Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust
temperatures could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel
system, interior floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly
causing a fire. Have an authorized dealer service your vehicle
immediately.
Speed control (if equipped) (RTT)
The speed control system indicator light changes color to
indicate what mode the system is in:
•On (gray light-type 1, white light-type 2): Illuminates when the speed
control system is turned on. Turns off when the speed control system
is turned off.
•Engaged (white light-type 1, green light-type 2): Illuminates when the
speed control system is engaged. Turns off when the speed control
system is disengaged.
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INFORMATION MESSAGES
Note:Depending on the vehicle options equipped with your vehicle, not
all of the messages will display or be available. Certain messages may be
abbreviated or shortened depending upon which cluster type you have.
Press the OK button to
acknowledge and remove some
messages from the information
display. Other messages will be
removed automatically after a short
time. When a warning message
appears, you must wait two seconds
before being able to clear it. Certain
messages need to be confirmed before you can access the menus.
Message indicators:Some messages will be supplemented by a system
specific symbol.
Adaptive Cruise
Control MessagesAction / Description
Adaptive Cruise
MalfunctionDisplayed when a radar malfunction is
preventing the ACC from engaging.
Adaptive Cruise Not
AvailableDisplayed when conditions exist such that the
adaptive cruise cannot function properly.
Adaptive Cruise Not
Available Sensor
BlockedDisplayed when the radar is blocked because
of poor radar visibility due to bad weather or
ice/mud/water in front of radar. Driver can
typically clean the sensor to resolve.
AdvanceTrac® /
Traction Control
MessagesAction / Description
Service AdvanceTrac Displayed when the AdvanceTrac® system has
detected a condition that requires service.
Contact your authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
Traction control off Displayed when the traction control has been
disabled by the driver.
Trailer Sway Reduce
SpeedDisplayed when the trailer sway control has
detected trailer sway.
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•Leaded-fuel (The use of leaded fuel is prohibited by law).
Note:Use of any fuel other than recommended fuel can cause
powertrain damage, impair the emission control system or cause loss of
vehicle performance. Any damage to vehicle that is caused by use of fuel
not recommended will not be covered under warranty.
Octane Recommendations
3.5L V6 TiVCT Engines
We recommend regular unleaded gasoline with a pump (R+M)/2 octane
rating of 87. Some stations offer fuels posted as regular with an octane
rating below 87, particularly in high altitude areas. We do not
recommend fuels with octane levels below 87.
3.5L V6 EcoBoost Engines
We recommend regular unleaded gasoline with a pump (R+M)/2 octane
rating of 87. Some stations offer fuels posted as regular with an octane
rating below 87, particularly in high altitude areas. We do not
recommend fuels with octane levels below 87. To provide improved
performance, we recommend premium fuel for severe duty usage such as
trailer tow.
Do not be concerned if your engine sometimes knocks lightly. However, if
it knocks heavily while you are using fuel with the recommended octane
rating, contact an authorized dealer to prevent any engine damage.
RUNNING OUT OF FUEL
Avoid running out of fuel because this situation may have an adverse
effect on powertrain components.
If you have run out of fuel:
•You may need to cycle the ignition from off to on several times after
refueling to allow the fuel system to pump the fuel from the tank to
the engine. On restarting, crank time will be a few seconds longer
than normal. With keyless ignition, just start the engine. Crank time
will be longer than usual.
•Normally, adding 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of fuel is enough to restart the
engine. If the vehicle is out of fuel and on a steep grade, more than
1 gallon (3.8 liters) may be required.
•The service engine soon indicator may come on. For more information
on the service engine soon indicator, seeWarning Lamps and
Indicatorsin theInstrument Clusterchapter.
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EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
WARNING:Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass
or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the
engine compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
WARNING:Exhaust leaks may result in entry of harmful and
potentially lethal fumes into the passenger compartment. If you
smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have your dealer inspect your
vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell exhaust fumes.
Your vehicle is equipped with various emission control components and a
catalytic converter which will enable your vehicle to comply with applicable
exhaust emission standards. To make sure that the catalytic converter and
other emission control components continue to work properly:
•Use only the specified fuel listed.
•Avoid running out of fuel.
•Do not turn off the ignition while your vehicle is moving, especially at
high speeds.
•Have the items listed inScheduled Maintenance Information
performed according to the specified schedule.
The scheduled maintenance items listed inScheduled Maintenance
Informationare essential to the life and performance of your vehicle
and to its emissions system.
If other than Ford, Motorcraft® or Ford-authorized parts are used for
maintenance replacements or for service of components affecting
emission control, such non-Ford parts should be equivalent to genuine
Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability.
Illumination of the service engine soon indicator, charging system
warning light or the temperature warning light, fluid leaks, strange odors,
smoke or loss of engine power could indicate that the emission control
system is not working properly.
An improperly operating or damaged exhaust system may allow exhaust
to enter the vehicle. Have a damaged or improperly operating exhaust
system inspected and repaired immediately.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to your vehicle or engine. By
law, vehicle owners and anyone who manufactures, repairs, services,
sells, leases, trades vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles are not
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permitted to intentionally remove an emission control device or prevent
it from working. Information about your vehicle’s emission system is on
the Vehicle Emission Control Information Decal located on or near the
engine. This decal also lists engine displacement.
Please consult your warranty information for complete emission warranty
information.
On-board Diagnostics (OBD-II)
Your vehicle is equipped with a computer that monitors the engine’s
emission control system. This system is commonly known as the
on-board diagnostics system (OBD-II). The OBD-II system protects the
environment by ensuring that your vehicle continues to meet
government emission standards. The OBD-II system also assists your
authorized dealer in properly servicing your vehicle.
When the service engine soon indicator illuminates, the OBD-II
system has detected a malfunction. Temporary malfunctions
may cause the service engine soon indicator to illuminate.
Examples are:
1. The vehicle has run out of fuel—the engine may misfire or run poorly.
2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel—the engine may misfire or run
poorly.
3. The fuel fill inlet may not have been properly closed. SeeEasy Fuel®
No Cap Fuel Systemin this chapter.
4. Driving through deep water—the electrical system may be wet.
These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with good quality fuel, properly closing the fuel fill inlet or letting the
electrical system dry out. After three driving cycles without these or any
other temporary malfunctions present, the service engine soon indicator
should stay off the next time the engine is started. A driving cycle
consists of a cold engine start-up followed by mixed city or highway
driving. No additional vehicle service is required.
If the service engine soon indicator remains on, have your vehicle
serviced at the first available opportunity. Although some malfunctions
detected by the OBD-II may not have symptoms that are apparent,
continued driving with the service engine soon indicator on can result in
increased emissions, lower fuel economy, reduced engine and
transmission smoothness, and can lead to more costly repairs.
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