Page 255 of 417

5. If the coolant is low, add coolant, and
restart the engine. See Adding Engine
Coolant or How Fail-Safe Cooling
Works in this chapter for more
information.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHECK WARNING
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. The transmission does not consume fluid.
However, if the transmission slips or shifts
slowly you should check the fluid level. If
you notice a sign of leaking fluid, contact
an authorized dealer.
Checking the Transmission Fluid
Level
WARNING
The dipstick and surrounding
components are hot. Use gloves
when moving components and
checking the transmission fluid level.
Failure to follow this warning could result
in serious personal injury. Only check the transmission fluid level
when the engine is at normal operating
temperature 179°F (82°C)-199°F (93°C).
Normal operating temperature is reached
after driving approximately 20 mi (30 km). Minimum.
A
Maximum.
B
Note: Check the fluid level with the engine
running and the transmission in park (P).
1. Make sure that your vehicle is on level ground.
2. Rotate the automatic transmission fluid cap in a counterclockwise
direction. See
Under Hood Overview
(page 246).
3. Remove the cap and dipstick and wipe
it with a clean, lint-free cloth. Replace
the cap and dipstick and remove it
again to check the fluid level.
4. Make sure that the fluid level is between the MIN and the MAX marks.
If the fluid level is at the MIN mark, add
fluid immediately. See
Adding
Transmission Fluid.
5. Replace the automatic transmission fluid cap and dipstick. Turn it clockwise
until you feel a strong resistance.
Low Fluid Level
If the fluid level is within the minimum
range (below point A) add the correct
specification fluid to be within the hash
mark area. See
Capacities and
Specifications (page 302).
Note: If the fluid level is below the
minimum range do not drive your vehicle. A
low fluid level can damage the transmission.
252
Flex (), enUSA, First Printing MaintenanceE190273
AB
Page 273 of 417

•
With your foot on the brake, shift
through all the gears while the engine
is running.
• We recommend that you change the
engine oil before you use your vehicle
again.
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 your vehicle from
storage, check coolant fluid level.
Confirm that there are no cooling
system leaks and that 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,
we recommend that you disconnect
the battery cables to maintain battery
charge for quick starting.
Note: It is necessary to reset memory
features if battery cables are disconnected.
Brakes
• Make sure the brakes and parking brake
release fully.
Tires
• Maintain recommended air pressure. Miscellaneous
•
Make sure all linkages, cables, levers
and pins under your vehicle are covered
with grease to prevent rust.
• Move vehicles at least 25 ft (7.5 m)
every 15 days to lubricate working parts
and prevent corrosion.
Removing Vehicle From Storage
When your vehicle is ready to come out of
storage, do the following:
• Wash your vehicle to remove any dirt
or grease film build-up on window
surfaces.
• Check windshield wipers for any
deterioration.
• Check under the hood for any foreign
material that may have collected
during storage such as mice or squirrel
nests.
• Check the exhaust for any foreign
material that may have collected
during storage.
• Check tire pressures and set tire
inflation per the Tire Label.
• Check brake pedal operation. Drive
your vehicle
15 ft (4.5 m) back and
forth to remove rust build-up.
• Check fluid levels (including coolant,
oil and gas) to make sure there are no
leaks, and fluids are at recommended
levels.
• If you remove the battery, clean the
battery cable ends and check for
damage.
Contact an authorized dealer if you have
any concerns or issues.
270
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Page 417 of 417

Vehicle Storage............................................269
Battery................................................................... 270
Body....................................................................... 269
Brakes..................................................................... 270
Cooling system................................................... 270
Engine.................................................................... 269
Fuel system.......................................................... 270
General.................................................................. 269
Miscellaneous..................................................... 270
Removing Vehicle From Storage.................. 270
Tires........................................................................\
. 270
Ventilation See: Climate Control.......................................... 114
VIN See: Vehicle Identification Number...........300
Voice Control
....................................................74
W
Warning Lamps and Indicators
.................92
Adaptive Cruise Control..................................... 92
Airbag Readiness................................................. 93
Anti-Lock Braking System................................ 93
Battery...................................................................... 93
Brake System......................................................... 93
Charging System.................................................. 93
Cruise Control........................................................ 93
Directional Indicator............................................ 95
Door Ajar.................................................................. 93
Engine Coolant Temperature.......................... 93
Engine Oil................................................................ 94
Fasten Seatbelt.................................................... 94
Front Airbag........................................................... 94
Front Fog Lamps.................................................. 94
Head Up Display................................................... 94
High Beam.............................................................. 94
Liftgate Ajar............................................................ 94
Low Fuel Level...................................................... 94
Low Tire Pressure Warning............................... 94
Low Washer Fluid................................................. 94
Parking Lamps...................................................... 94
Powertrain Malfunction/Reduced Power................................................................... 95
Service Engine Soon........................................... 95
Stability Control.................................................... 95
Stability Control Off............................................ 95
Washer Fluid Check....................................254 Washers
See: Cleaning the Exterior.............................. 264
See: Wipers and Washers................................. 76
Waxing
.............................................................265
Wheel Nuts See: Changing a Road Wheel........................ 291
Wheels and Tires...........................................271 General Information........................................... 271
Technical Specifications................................. 296
Windows and Mirrors
...................................86
Windshield Washers......................................77
Windshield Wipers.........................................76 Speed Dependent Wipers................................. 76
Wiper Blades See: Checking the Wiper Blades.................. 256
Wipers and Washers.....................................76
Wrecker Towing See: Transporting the Vehicle........................ 215
414
Flex (), enUSA, First Printing Index