2016 FORD FLEX towing

When to expect the OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message
Vehicle use and example
Interval
Normal
7500-10000 miles
(12000-16000 km) Normal commuting with highway driving
No, or moderate, load or towing
Flat to moderately hilly roads
No extended idling
Severe
5000-7499 miles
(8000-11999 km) Moderate to heavy load or towing
Mountainous or off-road conditions
Extended idling
Extended hot or cold operation
Extreme
3000-4999 miles
(4800-7999 km) Maximum load or towing
Extreme hot or cold operation
Normal Maintenance Intervals At every oil change interval as indicated by the information display
*
Change engine oil and filter. **
Rotate the tires.
Perform a multi-point inspection (recommended).
Inspect the automatic transmission fluid level. Consult your dealer for requirements.
Inspect the brake pads, rotors, hoses and parking brake.
Inspect the engine cooling system strength and hoses.
Inspect the exhaust system and heat shields.
Inspect the rear axle and U-joints (AWD only).
Inspect the half-shaft boots.
Inspect the steering linkage, ball joints, suspension, tire-rod ends, driveshaft and U-
joints.
373
Flex (), enUSA, First Printing Scheduled Maintenance

SPECIAL OPERATING
CONDITIONS SCHEDULED
MAINTENANCE
If you operate your vehicle primarily in any
of the following conditions, you need to
perform extra maintenance as indicated.
If you operate your vehicle
occasionally
under any of these conditions, it is not
necessary to perform the extra
maintenance. For specific
recommendations, see your dealership
service advisor or technician. Perform the services shown in the
following tables when specified or within
3000 miles (4800 kilometers) of the
message appearing in your information
display prompting you to change your oil.
•
Example 1: The message comes on at
28751 miles (46270 kilometers).
Perform the 30000-mile
(48000-kilometer) automatic
transmission fluid replacement.
• Example 2
: The message has not
come on, but the odometer reads
30000 miles (48000 kilometers) (for
example, the Intelligent Oil-Life
Monitor was reset at 25000 miles
[40000 kilometers]). Perform the
engine air filter replacement. Towing a trailer or using a car-top carrier
Change engine oil and filter as indicated by the information
display and perform services listed in the Normal Sched-
uled Maintenance chart.
As required
Inspect rear axle and U-joints (AWD only).
Inspect frequently, service
as required
Inspect half-shaft boots.
See axle maintenance items under
Exceptions.
Change automatic transmission fluid.
Every 30000 miles (48000
km)
Change PTU and rear axle fluid (AWD only). See axle
maintenance items under
Exceptions.
Replace spark plugs.
Every 60000 miles (96000
km) Extensive idling or low-speed driving for long distances, as in heavy commercial use
Change engine oil and filter as indicated by the information
display and perform services listed in the Normal Sched-
uled Maintenance chart.
As required
Replace cabin air filter.*
Inspect frequently, service
as required
Replace engine air filter.
375
Flex (), enUSA, First Printing Scheduled Maintenance

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

Power Liftgate.................................................64
Hands-Free Feature............................................ 67
Obstacle Detection............................................. 66
Opening and Closing the Liftgate.................. 65
Setting the Liftgate Open Height.................. 66
Stopping the Liftgate Movement.................. 66
Power Seats
....................................................127
Power Lumbar..................................................... 128
Power Steering Fluid Check.....................254
Power Windows
.............................................86
Accessory Delay................................................... 86
Bounce-Back......................................................... 86
One-Touch Down................................................ 86
One-Touch Up...................................................... 86
Window Lock......................................................... 86
Protecting the Environment........................14
R
Rear Parking Aid
.............................................177
Rear Passenger Climate Controls............121
Rear Seats
.......................................................129
Adjusting the Rear Seats................................. 129
Rear View Camera
.......................................182
Using the Rear View Camera System.........182
Rear View Camera See: Rear View Camera.................................... 182
Rear Window Wiper and Washers............77 Rear Camera Washer.......................................... 78
Rear Window Washer......................................... 78
Rear Window Wiper............................................. 77
Recommended Towing Weights............210
Refueling..........................................................155
Remote Control
..............................................49
Car Finder................................................................. 51
Integrated Keyhead Transmitter.................... 49
Intelligent Access Key........................................ 50
Memory Feature................................................... 53
Remote Start......................................................... 52
Replacing the Battery......................................... 50
Sounding the Panic Alarm................................ 52
Remote Start
..................................................122
Automatic Settings............................................ 122
Removing a Headlamp.............................258
Repairing Minor Paint Damage..............268 Replacement Parts
Recommendation.........................................11
Collision Repairs..................................................... 11
Scheduled Maintenance and Mechanical Repairs................................................................... 11
Warranty on Replacement Parts..................... 12
Replacing a Lost Key or Remote Control.............................................................53
Reporting Safety Defects (Canada Only)...............................................................231
Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Only)...............................................................231
Roadside Assistance
...................................221
Vehicles Sold in Canada: Getting Roadside
Assistance......................................................... 221
Vehicles Sold in Canada: Roadside Assistance Program Coverage.................222
Vehicles Sold in Canada: Using Roadside Assistance........................................................ 222
Vehicles Sold in the United States: Getting Roadside Assistance.................................... 221
Vehicles Sold in the United States: Using Roadside Assistance.................................... 221
Roadside Emergencies...............................221
Roof Racks and Load Carriers.................201
Running-In See: Breaking-In.................................................. 218
Running Out of Fuel....................................154 Adding Fuel From a Portable Fuel
Container.......................................................... 155
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.................. 155
S
Safety Canopy ™
............................................46
Safety Precautions.......................................153
Scheduled Maintenance Record............377
Scheduled Maintenance..........................369
Seatbelt Height Adjustment......................36
Seatbelt Reminder.........................................37 Belt-Minder™......................................................... 37
Seatbelts............................................................31 Principle of Operation.......................................... 31
Seatbelt Warning Lamp and Indicator Chime..............................................................36
Conditions of operation..................................... 37
Seats
..................................................................123
Security..............................................................70
411
Flex (), enUSA, First Printing Index

Side Airbags.....................................................45
Sitting in the Correct Position..................123
Snow Chains See: Using Snow Chains................................. 287
Special Notices................................................12 New Vehicle Limited Warranty......................... 12
On-board Diagnostics (OBD-II)....................... 12
Special Instructions.............................................. 12
Special Operating Conditions Scheduled Maintenance...............................................375
Exceptions............................................................ 376
Speed Control See: Cruise Control............................................ 185
Stability Control
.............................................175
Principle of Operation....................................... 175
Starter Switch See: Ignition Switch............................................ 147
Starting a Gasoline Engine.......................148 Automatic Engine Shutdown........................ 150
Failure to Start..................................................... 150
Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes.................151
Important Ventilating Information................151
Stopping the Engine When Your Vehicle is Moving................................................................. 151
Stopping the Engine When Your Vehicle is Stationary......................................................... 150
Vehicles with an Ignition Key......................... 148
Vehicles with Keyless Start............................. 149
Starting and Stopping the Engine..........147 General Information........................................... 147
Steering............................................................197 Electric Power Steering..................................... 197
Steering Wheel
................................................72
Storage Compartments.............................145
Sunroof See: Moonroof...................................................... 89
Sun Visors.........................................................89 Illuminated Vanity Mirror................................... 89
Supplementary Restraints System..........41 Principle of Operation......................................... 41
Symbols Glossary
.............................................7 SYNC™ Applications and
Services........................................................336
911 Assist............................................................... 336
SYNC Services: Traffic, Directions & Information (TDI) (If Equipped, United
States Only)................................................... 340
Vehicle Health Report (If Equipped, United States Only).................................................... 338
SYNC™ AppLink ™
.....................................344
SYNC Mobile Apps............................................ 344
SYNC™............................................................318 General Information.......................................... 318
SYNC™ Troubleshooting
.........................356
T
Tailgate See: Manual Liftgate........................................... 63
See: Power Liftgate............................................. 64
Technical Specifications See: Capacities and Specifications............297
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Auto Line Program (U.S. Only)
.......................228
Tire Care...........................................................273 Glossary of Tire Terminology......................... 275
Information About Uniform Tire Quality Grading.............................................................. 273
Information Contained on the Tire Sidewall............................................................ 276
Temperature A B C............................................. 274
Traction AA A B C............................................... 274
Treadwear............................................................. 274
Tire Pressure Monitoring System..........288 Changing Tires With a Tire Pressure
Monitoring System....................................... 289
Understanding Your Tire Pressure Monitoring System ...................................... 289
Tires See: Wheels and Tires....................................... 271
Towing a Trailer
............................................209
Load Placement................................................ 209
Towing the Vehicle on Four Wheels...........................................................216
Emergency Towing............................................. 216
Recreational Towing.......................................... 216
Towing.............................................................209
Traction Control.............................................174 Principle of Operation....................................... 174
412
Flex (), enUSA, First Printing Index

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