2016 FORD FLEX brakes

RV & Trailer Towing Guide Online
http://www.fleet.ford.com/towing-guides/
Website
TRAILER SWAY CONTROL (If
Equipped) WARNING
Turning off trailer sway control
increases the risk of loss of vehicle
control, serious injury or death. Ford
does not recommend disabling this feature
except in situations where speed reduction
may be detrimental (such as hill climbing),
the driver has significant trailer towing
experience, and can control trailer sway
and maintain safe operation. Note:
This feature does not prevent trailer
sway, but reduces it when it begins.
Note: This feature cannot stop all trailers
from swaying.
Note: In some cases, if your vehicle speed
is too high, the system may turn on multiple
times, gradually reducing your vehicle speed.
The system applies the brakes to the
individual wheels and reduces engine
torque to aid vehicle stability. If the trailer
begins to sway, the stability control
warning lamp flashes and a message
appears in the information display. See
Information Messages (page 105). Slow
your vehicle down, pull safely to the side
of the road and check for correct load
distribution. See
Load Carrying (page
201).
You can switch this feature off in the
information display. When you switch the
ignition on, the system automatically turns
on. RECOMMENDED TOWING
WEIGHTS
Note:
Do not exceed the trailer
weight for your vehicle
configuration listed in the chart
below.
Note: Make sure to take into
consideration trailer frontal area.
Do not exceed 20 feet² (1.86
meters²) if your vehicle can tow a
class I trailer or 40 feet² (3.72
meters²) if your vehicle can tow a
class III trailer.
Note: For high altitude operation,
reduce the gross combined weight
by 2% per 1000 feet (300 meters)
starting at the 1000 foot (300
meter) elevation point.
Note: Certain states require
electric trailer brakes for trailers
over a specified weight. Check
state regulations for this specified
weight. The maximum trailer
weights listed may be limited to
this specified weight, as the
vehicle ’s electrical system may not
include the wiring connector
needed to use electric trailer
brakes.
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ESSENTIAL TOWING CHECKS
Follow these guidelines for safe towing:
•
Do not tow a trailer until you drive your
vehicle at least 1000 miles (1600
kilometers).
• Consult your local motor vehicle laws
for towing a trailer.
• See the instructions included with
towing accessories for the proper
installation and adjustment
specifications.
• Service your vehicle more frequently if
you tow a trailer. See your scheduled
maintenance information.
• If you use a rental trailer, follow the
instructions the rental agency gives
you.
You can find information on load
specification terms found on the tire label
and Safety Compliance label as well as
instructions on calculating your vehicle's
load in the Load Carrying chapter. See
Load Limit (page 201).
Remember to account for the trailer
tongue weight as part of your vehicle load
when calculating the total vehicle weight. Trailer Towing Connector
(Vehicles with a Trailer Towing
Package and 7
–Pin Connector) When attaching the trailer wiring connector
to your vehicle, only use a proper fitting
connector that works with the vehicle and
trailer functions. Some seven-position
connectors may have the SAE J2863 logo,
which confirms that it is the proper wiring
connector and works correctly with your
vehicle.
Function
Color
Left turn signal and stop lamp
Yellow
Ground (-)
White
Electric brakes
Blue
Right turn signal and stop
lamp
Green
Battery (+)
Orange
Running lights
Brown
Reverse lights
Grey
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Hitches
Do not use a hitch that either clamps onto
the bumper or attaches to the axle.
Distribute the trailer load so 10-15% of the
total trailer weight is on the tongue.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
WARNING
Do not adjust a weight-distributing
hitch to any position where the rear
bumper of the vehicle is higher than
it was before attaching the trailer. Doing
so will defeat the function of the
weight-distributing hitch, which may cause
unpredictable handling, and could result
in serious personal injury. When hooking-up a trailer using a
weight-distributing hitch, always use the
following procedure:
1. Park your vehicle, without the trailer,
on a level surface.
2. Measure the height of the top of your vehicle ’s front wheel opening on the
fender. This is H1.
3. Attach the trailer to your vehicle without the weight-distributing bars
connected.
4. Measure the height of the top of your vehicle ’s front wheel opening on the
fender a second time. This is H2.
5. Install and adjust the tension in the weight distributing bars so that the
height of the front fender is
approximately halfway between H1 and
H2.
6. Check that the trailer is level. If not level, adjust the ball height accordingly
and repeat Steps 3–6.
Safety Chains
Note: Never attach safety chains to the
bumper. Always connect the safety chains to the
hook retainers of your vehicle hitch.
To connect the safety chains, cross them
under the trailer tongue and allow enough
slack for turning tight corners. Do not allow
the chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
WARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic
brake system directly to your
vehicle's brake system. Your vehicle
may not have enough braking power and
your chances of having a collision greatly
increase. Electric brakes and manual, automatic or
surge-type trailer brakes are safe if you
install them properly and adjust them to
the manufacturer's specifications. The
trailer brakes must meet local and federal
regulations.
The rating for the tow vehicle's braking
system operation is at the gross vehicle
weight rating, not the gross combined
weight rating.
Separate functioning brake systems
are required for safe control of towed
vehicles and trailers weighing more
than 1500 pounds (680 kilograms)
when loaded.
Trailer Brake Controller Connector
(If Equipped)
The connector is located under the
instrument panel above the brake pedal.
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Trailer Lamps
WARNING
Never connect any trailer lamp wiring
to the vehicle's tail lamp wiring; this
may damage the electrical system
resulting in fire. Contact your authorized
dealer as soon as possible for assistance
in proper trailer tow wiring installation.
Additional electrical equipment may be
required. Trailer lamps are required on most towed
vehicles. Make sure all running lights, brake
lights, turn signals and hazard lights are
working. Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing up
to get the feel of your vehicle-trailer
combination before starting on a trip.
When turning, make wider turns so the
trailer wheels clear curbs and other
obstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
•
Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113
km/h) during the first 500 miles (800
kilometers).
• Do not make full-throttle starts.
• Check your hitch, electrical connections
and trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughly
after you have traveled 50 miles (80
kilometers).
• When stopped in congested or heavy
traffic during hot weather, place the
gearshift in position P to aid engine and
transmission cooling and to help A/C
performance.
• Turn off the speed control with heavy
loads or in hilly terrain. The speed
control may turn off automatically
when you are towing on long, steep
grades.
• Shift to a lower gear when driving down
a long or steep hill. Do not apply the
brakes continuously, as they may
overheat and become less effective.
• If your transmission is equipped with a
Grade Assist or Tow/Haul feature, use
this feature when towing. This provides
engine braking and helps eliminate
excessive transmission shifting for
optimum fuel economy and
transmission cooling.
• Allow more distance for stopping with
a trailer attached. Anticipate stops and
brake gradually.
• Avoid parking on a grade. However, if
you must park on a grade:
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•
Transmissions give their best fuel
economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure
on the gas pedal.
• Four-wheel-drive operation (if
equipped) is less fuel efficient than
two-wheel-drive operation.
• Close the windows for high-speed
driving.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER WARNING
Do not drive through flowing or deep
water as you may lose control of your
vehicle.
Note:
Driving through standing water can
cause vehicle damage.
Note: Engine damage can occur if water
enters the air filter.
Before driving through standing water,
check the depth. Never drive through water
that is higher than the bottom of the front
rocker area of your vehicle. When driving through standing water, drive
very slowly and do not stop your vehicle.
Your brake performance and traction may
be limited. After driving through water and
as soon as it is safe to do so: •
Lightly press the brake pedal to dry the
brakes and to check that they work.
• Check that the horn works.
• Check that the exterior lights work.
• Turn the steering wheel to check that
the steering power assist works.
FLOOR MATS WARNINGS
Always use floor mats that are
designed to fit the foot well of your
vehicle. Only use floor mats that
leave the pedal area unobstructed. Only
use floor mats that are firmly secured to
retention posts so that they cannot slip out
of position and interfere with the pedals
or impair safe operation of your vehicle in
other ways. Pedals that cannot move freely can
cause loss of vehicle control and
increase the risk of serious personal
injury. Always make sure that the floor
mats are properly attached to the
retention posts in the carpet that are
supplied with your vehicle. Floor mats must
be properly secured to both retention posts
to make sure mats do not shift out of
position. Never place floor mats or any other
covering in the vehicle foot well that
cannot be properly secured to
prevent them from moving and interfering
with the pedals or the ability to control the
vehicle. Never place floor mats or any other
covering on top of already installed
floor mats. Floor mats should always
rest on top of vehicle carpeting surface and
not another floor mat or other covering.
Additional floor mats or any other covering
will reduce the pedal clearance and
potentially interfere with pedal operation.
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•
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.
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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
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Automatic Transmission Fluid
Check.............................................................252
Adding Transmission Fluid ............................ 253
Checking the Transmission Fluid Level................................................................... 252
Autowipers........................................................76
Auxiliary Power Points................................143 110 Volt AC Power Point................................... 143
12 Volt DC Power Point..................................... 143
Locations............................................................... 143
AWD See: All-Wheel Drive......................................... 165
B
Battery See: Changing the 12V Battery..................... 254
Blind Spot Information System...............192
Switching the System Off and On...............194
System Errors....................................................... 193
Using the System................................................ 192
Bonnet Lock See: Opening and Closing the Hood..........243
Booster Seats..................................................25 Types of Booster Seats...................................... 26
Brake Fluid Check........................................253
Brakes................................................................172 General Information........................................... 172
Breaking-In......................................................218
Bulb Specification Chart............................261
C
Cabin Air Filter
................................................122
California Proposition 65..............................11
Capacities and Specifications - 3.5L Duratec
.........................................................302
Specifications..................................................... 302
Capacities and Specifications - 3.5L Ecoboost™.................................................305
Specifications..................................................... 306
Capacities and Specifications
................297
Cargo Nets......................................................201
Car Wash See: Cleaning the Exterior.............................. 264
Center Console..............................................145 Console Refrigerator and Freezer.................145
Second Row Center Console......................... 145Changing a Bulb...........................................258
Brake and Rear Lamps, Rear Direction
Indicator and Reversing Lamp................260
Front Direction Indicator and Front Parking Lamp................................................................. 259
Front Fog Lamp................................................. 260
Headlamp............................................................. 259
Headlamp Low Beam and Headlamp High Beam................................................................. 259
LED Lamps............................................................ 261
License Plate Lamp........................................... 261
Changing a Fuse...........................................242 Fuses....................................................................... 242
Changing a Road Wheel............................291 Dissimilar Spare Wheel and Tire Assembly
Information...................................................... 291
Tire Change Procedure.................................... 292
Changing the 12V Battery.........................254
Changing the Engine Air Filter................263
Changing the Wiper Blades.....................256 Front Wiper Blades........................................... 256
Rear Wiper Blade............................................... 256
Checking MyKey System Status
...............57
Checking the Wiper Blades.....................256
Child Restraint and Seatbelt Maintenance.................................................39
Child Restraint Positioning
..........................27
Child Safety.......................................................15
General Information............................................. 15
Child Safety Locks
.........................................29
Left-Hand Side..................................................... 30
Right-Hand Side................................................... 30
Cleaning Leather Seats.............................268
Cleaning Products
.......................................264
Cleaning the Alloy Wheels.......................268
Cleaning the Engine...................................266
Cleaning the Exterior..................................264 Exterior Chrome Parts...................................... 265
Exterior Plastic Parts........................................ 265
Stripes or Graphics............................................ 265
Underbody........................................................... 265
Cleaning the Instrument Panel and Instrument Cluster Lens
.........................267
Cleaning the Interior....................................267
Cleaning the Windows and Wiper Blades...........................................................266
Clearing All MyKeys
.......................................56
Climate Control..............................................114
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