Children must always be properly
restrained. Accident statistics suggest that
children are safer when properly restrained
in the rear seating positions than in the
front seating position. Failure to follow
these instructions may increase the risk of
injury in a crash.
FRONT PASSENGER SENSING
SYSTEM
WARNINGS
Even with Advanced Restraints
Systems, children 12 and under
should be properly restrained in a
rear seating position. Failure to follow this
could seriously increase the risk of injury or
death. Sitting improperly out of position or
with the seatback reclined too far
can take off weight from the seat
cushion and affect the decision of the front
passenger sensing system, resulting in
serious injury or death in a crash. Always
sit upright against your seatback, with your
feet on the floor. Any alteration or modification to the
front passenger seat may affect the
performance of the front passenger
sensing system which could seriously
increase the risk of injury or death. This system works with sensors that are
part of the front passenger seat and
seatbelt to detect the presence of a
properly-seated occupant and determine
if the front passenger frontal airbag should
be enabled (may inflate) or not.
The front passenger sensing system uses
a passenger airbag status indicator that
will illuminate indicating that the front
passenger frontal airbag is either ON
(enabled) or OFF (disabled).
The indicator lamp is located in the center
stack of the instrument panel.
Note:
The passenger airbag status indicator
OFF and ON indicator lamps will illuminate
for a short period of time when the ignition
is first turned on to confirm it is functional.
The front passenger sensing system is
designed to disable (will not inflate) the
front passenger's frontal airbag when the
front passenger seat is unoccupied, or a
rear facing infant seat, a forward-facing
child restraint, or a booster seat is
detected. Even with this technology,
parents are strongly encouraged to
always properly restrain children in the rear
seat. The sensor also turns off the
passenger front airbag and seat-mounted
side airbag when the passenger seat is
empty.
43
Flex (), enUSA, First Printing Supplementary Restraints SystemE142846 E224572
•
When the front passenger sensing
system disables (will not inflate) the
front passenger frontal airbag, the
passenger airbag status indicator will
illuminate the OFF lamp and stay lit to
remind you that the front passenger
frontal airbag is disabled.
• If the child restraint has been installed
and the passenger airbag status
indicator illuminates the ON lamp, then
turn the vehicle off, remove the child
restraint from the vehicle and reinstall
the restraint following the child
restraint manufacturer's instructions.
The front passenger sensing system is
designed to enable (may inflate) the front
passenger's frontal airbag anytime the
system senses that a person of adult size
is sitting properly in the front passenger
seat. •
When the front passenger sensing
system enables the front passenger
frontal airbag (may inflate), the
passenger airbag status indicator will
illuminate the ON lamp and remain
illuminated.
If a person of adult size is sitting in the front
passenger seat, but the airbag OFF
indicator lamp is lit, it is possible that the
person is not sitting properly in the seat. If
this happens:
• Turn the vehicle off and ask the person
to place the seatback in the full upright
position.
• Have the person sit upright in the seat,
centered on the seat cushion, with the
person ’s legs comfortably extended.
• Restart the vehicle and have the person
remain in this position for about two
minutes. This will allow the system to
detect that person and enable the
passenger frontal airbag.
• If the indicator OFF lamp remains lit
even after this, the person should be
advised to ride in the rear seat. Passenger airbag
Passenger airbag status
indicator
Occupant
Disabled
OFF: Lit
Empty
ON: Unlit Disabled
OFF: Lit
Child
ON: Unlit Enabled
OFF: Unlit
Adult
ON: Lit
Note: When the passenger airbag status
indicator OFF light is illuminated, the
passenger (seat mounted) side airbag may
be disabled to avoid the risk of airbag
deployment injuries. After all occupants have adjusted their
seats and put on seatbelts, it is very
important that they continue to sit
properly. A properly seated occupant sits
upright, leaning against the seatback, and
centered on the seat cushion, with their
44
Flex (), enUSA, First Printing Supplementary Restraints System
The system consists of the following:
•
Safety canopy curtain airbags located
above the trim panels over the front
and rear side windows identified by a
label or wording on the headliner or
roof-pillar trim.
• A flexible headliner which opens above
the side doors to allow air curtain
deployment · Crash sensors and monitoring
system with readiness indicator.
See Crash Sensors and Airbag
Indicator (page 47).
Children 12 years old and under should
always be properly restrained in the rear
seats. The Safety Canopy will not interfere
with children restrained using a properly
installed child or booster seat because it
is designed to inflate downward from the
headliner above the doors along the side
window opening.
The design and development of the Safety
Canopy 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
(including the Safety Canopy). CRASH SENSORS AND
AIRBAG INDICATOR WARNING
Modifying or adding equipment to
the front end of the 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 the 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, driver airbag, passenger
airbag, seat mounted side airbags, the
Safety Canopy and rear inflatable safety
belts. Based on the type of crash, 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. 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 not
illuminate immediately after the
ignition is turned on.
• The readiness light will either flash or
stay lit.
• A series of five beeps will be heard. The
tone pattern will repeat periodically
until the problem, the light or both are
repaired.
47
Flex (), enUSA, First Printing Supplementary Restraints SystemE75004
Opening the Liftgate
Manually
Press the button located in the top of the
liftgate pull cup handle to unlatch the
liftgate, and then pull on the outside
handle.
With the Remote Control
Press the button twice within
three seconds.
Closing the Liftgate A handle is located inside the liftgate to
help with closing. POWER LIFTGATE (If Equipped) WARNINGS
It is extremely dangerous to ride in a
cargo area, inside or outside of a
vehicle. In a crash, people riding in
these areas are more likely to be seriously
injured or killed. Do not allow people to ride
in any area of your vehicle that is not
equipped with seats and seatbelts. Make
sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat
and properly using a seatbelt. Failure to
follow this warning could result in serious
personal injury or death. Make sure to close and latch the
liftgate to prevent drawing exhaust
fumes into your vehicle. This will also
prevent passengers and cargo from falling
out. If you must drive with the liftgate open,
keep the vents or windows open so outside
air comes into your vehicle. Failure to
follow this warning could result in serious
personal injury. Keep keys out of reach of children.
Do not allow children to operate or
play near an open or moving power
liftgate. You should supervise the
operation of the power liftgate at all times. Note:
Make sure that you close the liftgate
before operating or moving your vehicle,
especially in an enclosure, like a garage or
a parking structure. This could damage the
liftgate and its components.
Note: Do not hang anything, for example
a bike rack, from the glass or liftgate. This
could damage the liftgate and its
components.
The liftgate only operates with the
transmission in park (P).
If there is a problem with the open or close
request, a tone will sound for one of the
following reasons:
64
Flex (), enUSA, First Printing LocksE138632 E138630 E155976
GENERAL INFORMATION
Use only approved wheel and tire sizes,
using other sizes could damage your
vehicle. If you change the diameter of the
tires from that fitted at the factory, the
speedometer may not display the correct
speed. Take your vehicle to an authorized
Ford dealer to have the system
reprogrammed. If you intend to change the
size of the wheels from that fitted by the
manufacturer, you can check the suitability
with an authorized dealer.
Additional information related to the
functionality and maintenance of your tires
can be found later in this chapter. See Tire
Care (page 273).
The Ford recommended tire inflation
pressures can be found on the Tire Label,
which is located on the B-pillar or the edge
of the driver's door. This information can
also be 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 last post;
next to the driver ’s seating position).
Ford strongly recommends maintaining
these tire pressures at all times. Failure to
follow the tire pressure recommendations
can cause uneven treadwear patterns,
reduced fuel economy, and adversely
affect the way your vehicle handles.
Note: Check and set the tire pressure at the
ambient temperature in which you are
intending to drive your vehicle and when the
tires are cold.
Note: Check your tire pressures at least
once per month.
Set the pressure for your spare tire to the
highest value given for your vehicle and tire
size combination (if equipped). Notice to utility vehicle and truck
owners WARNINGS
Utility vehicles have a significantly
higher rollover rate than other types
of vehicles. To reduce the risk of
serious injury or death from a rollover or
other crash you must avoid sharp turns and
abrupt maneuvers, drive at safe speeds for
the conditions, keep tires inflated to Ford
recommended pressures, never overload
or improperly load your vehicle, and make
sure every passenger is properly restrained. In a rollover crash, an unbelted
person is significantly more likely to
die than a person wearing a seat belt.
All occupants must wear seat belts and
children/infants must use appropriate
restraints to minimize the risk of injury or
ejection. Do not become overconfident in the
ability of four-wheel drive vehicles.
Although a four-wheel drive vehicle
may accelerate better than a two-wheel
drive vehicle in low traction situations, it
won't stop any faster than two-wheel drive
vehicles. Always drive at a safe speed. 271
Flex (), enUSA, First Printing Wheels and TiresE145298
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
406
Flex (), enUSA, First Printing Index
Climate Controlled Seats...........................137
Cooled Seats......................................................... 137
Heated Seats........................................................ 137
Collision Warning System.........................198 PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION........................... 198
Coolant Check See: Engine Coolant Check........................... 248
Crash Sensors and Airbag Indicator........47
Creating a MyKey............................................55
Programming/Changing Configurable
Settings............................................................... 55
Cross Traffic Alert.........................................194 False Alerts............................................................ 197
Switching the System Off and On................197
System Errors....................................................... 197
System Lights, Messages and Audible Alerts.................................................................. 196
System Limitations............................................ 196
Using the System............................................... 194
Cruise Control
..................................................74
Principle of Operation....................................... 185
Type 1........................................................................\
. 74
Type 2........................................................................\
74
Cruise control See: Using Cruise Control................................ 185
Customer Assistance
.................................226
D
Data Recording
..................................................9
Event Data Recording........................................... 9
Service Data Recording........................................ 9
Daytime Running Lamps
.............................82
Direction Indicators.......................................84 Lane Change.......................................................... 84
Driver and Passenger Airbags....................42 Children and Airbags........................................... 42
Proper Driver and Front Passenger Seating Adjustment........................................................ 42
Driving Aids
.....................................................192
Driving Hints...................................................218
Driving Through Water................................219
DRL See: Daytime Running Lamps......................... 82
E
Economical Driving
......................................218 Emission Control System
..........................158
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II)................... 159
Readiness for Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) Testing................................................... 160
End User License Agreement
.................388
VEHICLE SOFTWARE END USER LICENSE
AGREEMENT (EULA) ................................ 388
Engine Block Heater
.....................................151
Using the Engine Block Heater...................... 152
Engine Coolant Check...............................248 Adding Engine Coolant.................................... 249
Checking the Engine Coolant....................... 248
Recycled Engine Coolant................................ 249
Severe Climates................................................. 250
What You Should Know About Fail-Safe Cooling............................................................. 250
Engine Immobilizer See: Passive Anti-Theft System..................... 70
Engine Oil Check
...........................................247
Adding Engine Oil............................................... 247
Engine Oil Dipstick.......................................247
Engine Specifications - 3.5L Duratec..........................................................297
Drivebelt Routing............................................... 297
Engine Specifications - 3.5L Ecoboost™..................................................297
Drivebelt Routing............................................... 298
Environment......................................................14
Essential Towing Checks...........................212 Before Towing a Trailer..................................... 214
Hitches.................................................................... 213
Launching or Retrieving a Boat or Personal Watercraft (PWC)......................................... 215
Safety Chains....................................................... 213
Trailer Brake Controller Connector...............213
Trailer Brakes........................................................ 213
Trailer Lamps........................................................ 214
Trailer Towing Connector (Vehicles with a Trailer Towing Package and 7 –Pin
Connector)....................................................... 212
When Towing a Trailer...................................... 214
Event Data Recording See: Data Recording.............................................. 9
Export Unique Options..................................13
407
Flex (), enUSA, First Printing Index
Hints on Controlling the Interior
Climate...........................................................118
Cooling the Interior Quickly............................. 119
General Hints........................................................ 118
Heating the Interior Quickly............................. 119
Recommended Settings for Cooling...........120
Recommended Settings for Heating...........119
Side Window Defogging in Cold Weather............................................................. 120
Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes.............................................................172
Hood Lock See: Opening and Closing the Hood..........243
I
Ignition Switch...............................................147
In California (U.S. Only).............................227
Information Display Control.......................74
Information Displays.....................................97 General Information............................................ 97
Information Messages................................105
Adaptive Cruise Control.................................. 106
AdvanceTrac ™.................................................... 106
Alarm...................................................................... 106
Automatic Engine Shutdown......................... 107
AWD........................................................................\
. 107
Battery and Charging System....................... 108
Blind Spot Information and Cross Traffic Alert System................................................... 108
Brake System....................................................... 109
Collision Warning System............................... 109
Doors and Locks................................................. 109
Fuel........................................................................\
... 110
Keys and Intelligent Access............................. 110
Maintenance......................................................... 110
MyKey........................................................................\
111
Park Aid.................................................................... 112
Power Steering...................................................... 112
Seats........................................................................\
. 112
Tire Pressure Monitoring System................... 113
Towing...................................................................... 113
Traction Control.................................................... 113
Transmission......................................................... 113Installing Child Restraints
............................16
Child Seats............................................................... 16
Using Lap and Shoulder Belts.......................... 17
Using Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH)............................................ 22
Using Tether Straps............................................. 23
Instrument Cluster
..........................................91
Instrument Lighting Dimmer......................81
Interior Lamps
.................................................84
Front Row Map Lamps...................................... 85
Second Row Map Lamps.................................. 85
Interior Mirror...................................................89 Auto-Dimming Mirror......................................... 89
Introduction.........................................................7
J
Jump Starting the Vehicle.........................223 Connecting the Jumper Cables.................... 223
Jump Starting...................................................... 224
Preparing Your Vehicle..................................... 223
Removing the Jumper Cables....................... 224
K
Keyless Entry
....................................................67
SECURICODE™ Keyless Entry
Keypad................................................................. 67
Keyless Starting
.............................................147
Ignition Modes..................................................... 148
Keys and Remote Controls.........................49
L
Lighting Control
..............................................79
Headlamp Flasher............................................... 80
High Beams............................................................ 79
Lighting
...............................................................79
General Information............................................ 79
Load Carriers See: Roof Racks and Load Carriers.............201
Load Carrying
.................................................201
Load Limit.......................................................201 Special Loading Instructions for Owners of
Pick-up Trucks and Utility-type
Vehicles............................................................ 208
Vehicle Loading - with and without a Trailer.................................................................. 201
409
Flex (), enUSA, First Printing Index