It is acceptable to have your front-wheel
drive vehicle towed from the front if using
proper wheel lift equipment to raise the
front wheels off the ground. When towing
in this manner, the rear wheels can remain
on the ground.
Front-wheel drive vehicles must have the
front wheels placed on a tow dolly when
towing your vehicle from the rear using
wheel lift equipment. This prevents
damage to the transmission.
Towing an all-wheel drive vehicle requires
that all wheels be off the ground, such as
using a wheel lift and dollies or flatbed
equipment. This prevents damage to the
transmission, all-wheel drive system and
vehicle.
TOWING THE VEHICLE ON
FOUR WHEELS
Emergency Towing
If your vehicle becomes inoperable
(without access to wheel dollies or vehicle
transport trailer), it can be flat-towed (all
wheels on the ground, regardless of the
powertrain and transmission
configuration) under the following
conditions:
•
Your vehicle is facing forward for
towing in a forward direction.
• Shift into neutral (N). If you cannot
shift into neutral (N), you may need to
override it. See Transmission (page
161).
• Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
• Maximum distance is
50 mi (80 km). WARNING
If your vehicle has a steering wheel
lock make sure the ignition is in the
accessory or on position when being
towed. Recreational Towing
Note:
Put your climate control system in
recirculated air mode to prevent exhaust
fumes from entering the vehicle. See
Climate Control
(page 114).
Follow these guidelines if you have a need
for recreational (RV) towing. An example
of recreational towing would be towing
your vehicle behind a motorhome. We
designed these guidelines to prevent
damage to your transmission.
You can tow your 3.5L EcoBoost or 3.5L
Duratec equipped vehicle with all four
wheels on the ground.
If you tow your vehicle with all four wheels
on the ground:
• Tow only in the forward direction.
• Release the parking brake.
Vehicles with Keyless Start
1. Start the vehicle by pressing the brake pedal, and then pressing the keyless
start button until the vehicle starts.
2. Press the brake pedal and shift the gearshift into neutral (N).
3. Turn the vehicle off by pressing the keyless start button once.
4. Disconnect the negative (black) cable from the battery. You need the door
key to lock and unlock doors when the
battery cable is disconnected. See
Changing the 12V Battery (page 254).
Note: The anti-theft system does not work
until you reconnect the battery cable.
Start the engine within 15 minutes of
reconnecting the battery cable.
Vehicles with an Ignition Key
1. Start the vehicle by pressing the brake pedal, and then turning the ignition key
until the vehicle starts.
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Flex (), enUSA, First Printing Towing
Protected components
Fuse amp rating
Fuse or relay number
Front climate controlled seats.
30A **
28
Front heated seats.
20A **
29
Rear heated seats.
20A **
30
Electric fan relay 3.
25A **
31
Auxiliary blower motor relay.
Relay
32
Cooling fan #1 relay.
Relay
33
Front blower motor relay.
Relay
34
Cooling fan (series) relay.
Relay
35
Not used.
-
36
Trailer tow right-hand stop/turn lamps
relay.
Relay
37
Trailer tow reverse lamps relay.
Relay
38
Auxiliary blower motor.
30A **
39
Not used.
-
40
Not used.
-
41
Passenger power seat.
30A **
42
Anti-lock brake system valves.
20A **
43
Windshield washer relay.
Relay
44
Rain sensor.
5A *
45
Canister vent solenoid (EcoBoost engines).
5A *
46
Washer pump.
15A *
47
Front park lamps.
10A *
48
Not used.
-
49
Heated mirrors.
10A *
50
235
Flex (), enUSA, First Printing Fuses
Protected components
Fuse amp rating
Fuse or relay number
Intelligent access module power.
20A
27
Not used (spare).
15A
28
Radio.
20A
29
Global positioning system module.
Front park lamps.
15A
30
Trailer tow relay for park lamps.
Front side markers.
Trailer tow brake controller.
5A
31
Smart window motors.
15A
32
Master window and mirror switch.
Lock switch illumination.
Moonroof.
110V AC power point.
Interior rearview mirror.
Not used (spare).
10A
33
Reverse park aid module.
10A
34
Rear heated seat module.
Blind spot monitor module.
Rear video camera.
Interior mirror.
Climate control humidity sensor.
5A
35
Heads-up display.
Heated steering wheel.
10A
36
Refrigerator.
10A
37
Front passenger window switch.
10A
38
High beams.
15A
39
Rear park lamps.
10A
40
License plate lamps.
Occupant classification sensor.
7.5A
41
Restraint control module.
Not used (spare).
5A
42
Not used (spare).
10A
43
Not used (spare).
10A
44
241
Flex (), enUSA, First Printing Fuses
Protected components
Fuse amp rating
Fuse or relay number
Not used (spare).
5A
45
Climate control module.
10A
46
Fog lamp relay.
15A
47
Front direction indicators.
Front passenger power window.
30A Circuit breaker
48
Rear power windows.
Delayed accessory relay.
Relay
49
Body control module.
CHANGING A FUSE
Fuses WARNING
You must replace a failed fuse with
one that has the specified amperage
rating. If you use a fuse with a higher
amperage rating, you may cause severe
wire damage and may start a fire. A fuse may fail if electrical components in
the vehicle are not properly working. A
broken wire inside the fuse indicates a
failed fuse. Check the appropriate fuses
before replacing any electrical
components.
242
Flex (), enUSA, First Printing FusesE142430
Note:
Industrial-strength or heavy-duty
cleaners in combination with brush agitation
to remove brake dust and dirt, could wear
away the clear coat finish over a period time.
Note: Do not use hydrofluoric acid-based
or high caustic-based wheel cleaners, steel
wool, fuels or strong household detergents.
Note: If you intend parking your vehicle for
an extended period after cleaning the
wheels with a wheel cleaner, drive your
vehicle for a few minutes before doing so.
This will reduce the risk of increased
corrosion of the brake discs.
Alloy wheels and wheel covers are coated
with a clear coat paint finish. To maintain
their condition we recommend that you:
• Clean the wheels weekly using
Motorcraft Wheel and Tire Cleaner.
Apply using manufacturer's
instructions.
• Use a sponge to remove heavy
deposits of dirt and brake dust
accumulation.
• Rinse thoroughly with a strong stream
of water when you have completed the
cleaning process.
• To remove tar and grease, use
Motorcraft Bug and Tar Remover.
VEHICLE STORAGE
If you plan on storing your vehicle for 30
days or more, read the following
maintenance recommendations to make
sure your vehicle stays in good operating
condition.
We engineer and test all motor vehicles
and their components for reliable, regular
driving. Under various conditions,
long-term storage may lead to degraded
engine performance or failure unless you
use specific precautions to preserve engine
components. General
•
Store all vehicles in a dry, ventilated
place.
• Protect from sunlight, if possible.
• If vehicles are stored outside, they
require regular maintenance to protect
against rust and damage.
Body
• Wash your vehicle thoroughly to
remove dirt, grease, oil, tar or mud from
exterior surfaces, rear-wheel housing
and the underside of front fenders.
• Periodically wash your vehicle if it is
stored in exposed locations.
• Touch-up exposed or primed metal to
prevent rust.
• Cover chrome and stainless steel parts
with a thick coat of auto wax to prevent
discoloration. Re-wax as necessary
when you wash your vehicle.
• Lubricate all hood, door and luggage
compartment hinges and latches with
a light grade oil.
• Cover interior trim to prevent fading.
• Keep all rubber parts free from oil and
solvents.
Engine
• Change the engine oil and filter prior to
storage because used engine oil
contains contaminates which may
cause engine damage.
• Start the engine every 15 days for a
minimum of 15 minutes. Run at fast idle
with the climate controls set to defrost
until the engine reaches normal
operating temperature.
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Flex (), enUSA, First Printing Vehicle Care
U.S. Department of
Transportation Tire quality
grades: The U.S. Department of
Transportation requires Ford
Motor Company to give you the
following information about tire
grades exactly as the government
has written it.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a
comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150
would wear 1½ times as well on
the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative
performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their
use, however, and may depart
significantly from the norm due to
variations in driving habits, service
practices, and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction AA A B C WARNING
The traction grade assigned
to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning or peak traction
characteristics. The traction grades, from highest
to lowest are AA, A, B, and C. The
grades represent the tire
’s ability
to stop on wet pavement as
measured under controlled
conditions on specified
government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction
performance.
Temperature A B C WARNING
The temperature grade for
this tire is established for a
tire that is properly inflated and
not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure. The temperature grades are A
(the highest), B and C,
representing the tire
’s resistance
to the generation of heat and its
ability to dissipate heat when
tested under controlled conditions
on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high
temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate
and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden
tire failure. The grade C
corresponds to a level of
performance which all passenger
car tires must meet under the
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Flex (), enUSA, First Printing Wheels and Tires
USING SNOW CHAINS
WARNING
Snow tires must be the same size,
load index, and speed rating as those
originally provided by Ford. Use of
any tire or wheel not recommended by
Ford can affect the safety and
performance of your vehicle, which could
result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover, personal injury,
and death. Additionally, the use of
non-recommended tires and wheels could
cause steering, suspension, axle, transfer
case, or power transfer unit failure. It is also
strongly advised to follow the Ford
recommended tire inflation pressure found
on the Safety Compliance Certification
Label (affixed to either the door hinge
pillar, door-latch post, or the door edge
that meets the door-latch post, next to the
driver ’s seating position), or Tire Label
which is located on the B-Pillar or the edge
of the driver door. Failure to follow the tire
pressure recommendations can cause
uneven treadwear patterns and adversely
affect the way your vehicle handles. Note:
The suspension insulation and
bumpers will help prevent vehicle damage.
Do not remove these components from your
vehicle when using snow tires and chains.
The tires on your vehicle have all-weather
treads to provide traction in rain and snow.
However, in some climates, you may need
to use snow tires and cables. If you need
to use cables, it is recommended that steel
wheels (of the same size and
specifications) be used, as cables may chip
aluminum wheels. Follow these guidelines when using snow
tires and chains:
•
If possible, avoid fully loading your
vehicle.
• Use only SAE Class S snow chains,
snow cables or equivalent on the front
axle for P235/60R17, P235/60R18, and
P235/55R19 equipped vehicles. The
use of snow chains, snow cables or
other traction assist devices that are
larger than SAE Class S may cause
damage to your vehicle ’s wheel house,
suspension and/or body.
• Do not install tire chains, cables, or
optional traction devices on the rear
tires. This could cause damage to the
vehicle ’s wheel house or body.
• Do not use tire chains, cables, or
optional traction devices with
255/45R20 tires.
• Install cable chains securely, verifying
that the cables do not touch any wiring,
brake lines or fuel lines.
• Do not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h) with
tire cables on your vehicle.
• Drive cautiously. If you hear the cables
rub or bang against your vehicle, stop
and retighten the cables. If this does
not work, remove the cables to prevent
damage to your vehicle.
• Remove the tire cables when they are
no longer needed. Do not use tire
cables on dry roads.
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Flex (), enUSA, First Printing Wheels and Tires
A
A/C
See: Climate Control.......................................... 114
About This Manual...........................................7
ABS See: Brakes............................................................ 172
ABS driving hints See: Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock
Brakes................................................................. 172
Accessories....................................................365 Exterior Style....................................................... 365
Interior Style........................................................ 365
Lifestyle................................................................. 365
Peace of Mind..................................................... 365
Accessories See: Replacement Parts
Recommendation............................................. 11
ACC See: Using Adaptive Cruise Control............186
Active Park Assist
.........................................178
Automatic Steering into Parking
Space................................................................. 180
Deactivating the Park Assist Feature.........180
Troubleshooting the System........................... 181
Using Active Park Assist................................... 179
Adaptive Headlamps
....................................83
Adjusting the Headlamps.........................257
Horizontal Aim Adjustment........................... 258
Vertical Aim.......................................................... 257
Adjusting the Pedals
.....................................75
Adjusting the Steering Wheel - Vehicles With: Manual Adjustable Steering
Column
............................................................72
Adjusting the Steering Wheel - Vehicles With: Power Adjustable Steering
Column
............................................................72
Easy Entry and Exit Feature.............................. 73
End of Travel Position......................................... 73
Memory Feature.................................................... 73
AFS See: Adaptive Headlamps................................ 83
Airbag Disposal..............................................48
Air Conditioning See: Climate Control.......................................... 114
Air Filter See: Changing the Engine Air Filter.............263 Alarm
See: Anti-Theft Alarm.......................................... 71
All-Wheel Drive.............................................165
Ambient Lighting...........................................85
Anti-Theft Alarm.............................................71 Arming the Alarm.................................................. 71
Disarming the Alarm............................................ 71
Appendices....................................................388
Audible Warnings and Indicators.............95 Headlamps On Warning Chime..................... 96
Key in Ignition Warning Chime........................ 95
Keyless Warning Alert........................................ 96
Parking Brake On Warning Chime.................96
Audio Control
...................................................73
MEDIA....................................................................... 73
Seek, Next or Previous........................................ 73
Audio System.................................................310 General Information.......................................... 310
Audio Unit - Vehicles With: AM/FM/CD/ SYNC/Satellite Radio
................................311
Menu Structure.................................................... 313
Audio Unit - Vehicles With: Premium AM/FM/CD...................................................315
Audio Unit - Vehicles With: Sony AM/ FM/CD............................................................316
Autolamps.......................................................80 Windshield Wiper Activated
Headlamps........................................................80
Automatic Climate Control - Vehicles With: Premium AM/FM/CD....................115
Automatic Climate Control - Vehicles With: Sony Audio System........................117
Automatic High Beam Control..................82 Activating the System........................................ 83
Manually Overriding the System.................... 83
Automatic Transmission
.............................161
Automatic Transmission Adaptive
Learning............................................................ 164
Brake-Shift Interlock......................................... 163
If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck In Mud or Snow.................................................................. 164
SelectShift Automatic ™
Transmission.................................................... 161
Understanding the Positions of Your Automatic Transmission.............................. 161
405
Flex (), enUSA, First Printing Index