2016 FORD FLEX check transmission fluid

Post-Crash Alert System..........................225
Customer Assistance
Getting the Services You Need...............226
In California (U.S. Only).............................227
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Auto
Line Program (U.S. Only)......................228
Utilizing the Mediation/Arbitration Program (Canada Only).......................229
Getting Assistance Outside the U.S. and Canada........................................................229
Ordering Additional Owner's Literature....................................................230
Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Only)..............................................................231
Reporting Safety Defects (Canada Only)..............................................................231
Fuses
Fuse Specification Chart...........................233
Changing a Fuse...........................................242
Maintenance
General Information
...................................243
Opening and Closing the Hood..............243
Under Hood Overview - 3.5L Duratec........................................................245
Under Hood Overview - 3.5L Ecoboost™................................................246
Engine Oil Dipstick.......................................247
Engine Oil Check..........................................247
Oil Change Indicator Reset.......................247
Engine Coolant Check
...............................248
Automatic Transmission Fluid Check ............................................................
252
Brake Fluid Check........................................253
Power Steering Fluid Check.....................254
Washer Fluid Check....................................254
Changing the 12V Battery.........................254
Checking the Wiper Blades.....................256
Changing the Wiper Blades.....................256 Adjusting the Headlamps.........................257
Removing a Headlamp.............................258
Changing a Bulb...........................................258
Bulb Specification Chart
............................261
Changing the Engine Air Filter................263
Vehicle Care
General Information
...................................264
Cleaning Products
.......................................264
Cleaning the Exterior..................................264
Waxing.............................................................265
Cleaning the Engine
...................................266
Cleaning the Windows and Wiper Blades..........................................................266
Cleaning the Interior...................................267
Cleaning the Instrument Panel and Instrument Cluster Lens........................267
Cleaning Leather Seats.............................268
Repairing Minor Paint Damage..............268
Cleaning the Alloy Wheels
.......................268
Vehicle Storage
............................................269
Wheels and Tires
General Information.....................................271
Tire Care
...........................................................273
Using Snow Chains.....................................287
Tire Pressure Monitoring System..........288
Changing a Road Wheel
............................291
Technical Specifications..........................296
Capacities and Specific- ations
Engine Specifications - 3.5L Duratec........................................................297
Engine Specifications - 3.5L Ecoboost™................................................297
Motorcraft Parts - 3.5L Duratec.............298
Motorcraft Parts - 3.5L Ecoboost™......299
Vehicle Identification Number...............300
Vehicle Certification Label........................301
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UNDER HOOD OVERVIEW - 3.5L DURATEC
Engine coolant reservoir. See Engine Coolant Check (page 248).
A
Brake fluid reservoir. See
Brake Fluid Check (page 253).
B
Battery. See
Changing the 12V Battery (page 254).
C
Engine compartment fusebox. See
Fuse Specification Chart (page 233).
D
Air filter assembly. See
Changing the Engine Air Filter (page 263).
E
Automatic transmission fluid dipstick. See
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Check (page 252).
F
Engine oil dipstick. See
Engine Oil Dipstick (page 247).
G
Engine oil filler cap. See
Engine Oil Check (page 247).
H
Windshield washer fluid reservoir. See
Washer Fluid Check (page 254).
I
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ABCD
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UNDER HOOD OVERVIEW - 3.5L ECOBOOST™
Engine coolant reservoir. See Engine Coolant Check (page 248).
A.
Engine oil filler cap. See
Engine Oil Check (page 247).
B.
Engine oil dipstick. See
Engine Oil Dipstick (page 247).
C.
Brake fluid reservoir. See
Brake Fluid Check (page 253).
D.
Battery. See
Changing the 12V Battery (page 254).
E.
Power distribution box. See
Fuses (page 233).
F.
Air filter assembly. See
Changing the Engine Air Filter (page 263).
G.
Automatic transmission dipstick (under air filter assembly). See
Automatic
Transmission Fluid Check (page 252).
H.
Windshield washer fluid reservoir. See
Washer Fluid Check (page 254).
I.
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You have limited engine power when in the
fail-safe mode, so drive your vehicle with
caution. Your vehicle will not maintain
high-speed operation and the engine will
operate poorly.
Remember that the engine is capable of
automatically shutting down to prevent
engine damage. In this situation:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely
possible and switch off the engine.
2. Tow your vehicle to an authorized dealer.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and add if low.
5. Re-start the engine and drive your vehicle to an authorized dealer.
Note: Driving your vehicle without repair
increases the chance of engine damage.
Contact an authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
Engine Fluid Temperature
Management (If Equipped) WARNINGS
To reduce the risk of crash and injury,
be prepared that the vehicle speed
may reduce and the vehicle may not
be able to accelerate with full power until
the fluid temperatures reduce. Never remove the coolant reservoir
cap while the engine is running or hot.
Your vehicle can pull a trailer, but because
of the added load, your vehicle
’s engine
may temporarily reach higher
temperatures during severe operating
conditions such as ascending a long or
steep grade while pulling a trailer in high
temperatures. At this time, you may notice your engine
coolant temperature gauge needle move
toward the H and the POWER REDUCED
TO LOWER TEMP message may appear
in the information display.
You may notice a reduction in vehicle
speed caused by reduced engine power.
In order to manage the engine fluid
temperatures, your vehicle may enter this
mode if certain high-temperature and
high-load conditions take place. The
amount of speed reduction depends on
many factors such as vehicle loading,
towing, grade and ambient temperature.
If this occurs, there is no need to pull off
the road. You can continue to drive your
vehicle while this message is active.
The air conditioning may also cycle on and
off during severe operating conditions to
protect overheating of the engine. When
the engine coolant temperature decreases
to a normal operating temperature, the air
conditioning will turn on once again.
If the engine coolant temperature gauge
moves fully into the red (hot) area, or if the
coolant temperature warning or service
engine soon messages appear in your
information display:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and shift the transmission into
P
.
2. Leave the engine running until the coolant temperature gauge needle
moves away from the red (hot) area.
After several minutes, if the
temperature does not drop, follow the
remaining steps.
3. Switch the engine off and wait for it to
cool before checking the coolant level.
4. If the coolant level is normal, restart your engine and continue.
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5. If the coolant is low, add coolant, and
restart the engine. See Adding Engine
Coolant or How Fail-Safe Cooling
Works in this chapter for more
information.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHECK WARNING
Do not use supplemental
transmission fluid additives,
treatments or cleaning agents. The
use of these materials may affect
transmission operation and result in
damage to internal transmission
components. The transmission does not consume fluid.
However, if the transmission slips or shifts
slowly you should check the fluid level. If
you notice a sign of leaking fluid, contact
an authorized dealer.
Checking the Transmission Fluid
Level
WARNING
The dipstick and surrounding
components are hot. Use gloves
when moving components and
checking the transmission fluid level.
Failure to follow this warning could result
in serious personal injury. Only check the transmission fluid level
when the engine is at normal operating
temperature 179°F (82°C)-199°F (93°C).
Normal operating temperature is reached
after driving approximately 20 mi (30 km). Minimum.
A
Maximum.
B
Note: Check the fluid level with the engine
running and the transmission in park (P).
1. Make sure that your vehicle is on level ground.
2. Rotate the automatic transmission fluid cap in a counterclockwise
direction. See
Under Hood Overview
(page 246).
3. Remove the cap and dipstick and wipe
it with a clean, lint-free cloth. Replace
the cap and dipstick and remove it
again to check the fluid level.
4. Make sure that the fluid level is between the MIN and the MAX marks.
If the fluid level is at the MIN mark, add
fluid immediately. See
Adding
Transmission Fluid.
5. Replace the automatic transmission fluid cap and dipstick. Turn it clockwise
until you feel a strong resistance.
Low Fluid Level
If the fluid level is within the minimum
range (below point A) add the correct
specification fluid to be within the hash
mark area. See
Capacities and
Specifications (page 302).
Note: If the fluid level is below the
minimum range do not drive your vehicle. A
low fluid level can damage the transmission.
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AB

Correct Fluid Level
If the fluid level is within the hash mark
area (between points A and B) do not add
any fluid.
High Fluid Level
If the fluid level is above the maximum
range (above point B) fluid may need to
be removed. High fluid levels may be
caused by a overheating condition. If you
have operated your vehicle at high speeds,
towing a trailer or in city traffic during hot
weather, allow your vehicle to cool for a
minimum of 30 minutes before rechecking
the level.
Note:
An overfill condition can damage the
transmission.
Adding Transmission Fluid *
1. Rotate the automatic transmission fluid cap in a counterclockwise
direction.
2. Remove the cap and dipstick and wipe
it with a clean, lint-free cloth.
3. Add fluid that meets the Ford specifications. See Capacities and
Specifications (page 302). Pour the
fluid directly into the automatic
transmission fluid cap and dipstick
hole.
4. Replace the cap and dipstick and remove it again to check the fluid level.
5. Make sure that the fluid level is between the MIN and the MAX marks.
6. Replace the automatic transmission fluid cap and dipstick. Turn it clockwise
until you feel a strong resistance.
* Vehicles With EcoBoost Engine WARNING
Do not run the engine with the air
filter disconnected. 1. Loosen the clamp holding the air filter
assembly to the rubber hose.
2. Remove the air filter assembly securing
bolts.
3. Lift the air filter assembly to disengage
the locating pins.
4. Rotate the air filter assembly slightly in a counterclockwise direction.
5. Check the transmission fluid level.
6. Install the air filter assembly in reverse
order. Tighten the air filter assembly
securing bolts until you feel a strong
resistance.
BRAKE FLUID CHECK WARNINGS
Do not use any fluid other than the
recommended brake fluid as this will
reduce brake efficiency. Use of
incorrect fluid could result in the loss of
vehicle control, serious personal injury or
death. Only use brake fluid from a sealed
container. Contamination with dirt,
water, petroleum products or other
materials may result in brake system
damage or failure. Failure to adhere to this
warning could result in the loss of vehicle
control, serious personal injury or death. Do not allow the fluid to touch your
skin or eyes. If this happens, rinse the
affected areas immediately with
plenty of water and contact your physician. A fluid level between the
MAX and
MIN lines is within the normal
operating range and there is no need
to add fluid. A fluid level not in the normal
operating range could compromise the
performance of the system. Have your
vehicle checked immediately. 253
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Multi-Point inspection
Hazard warning system operation
Accessory drive belt(s)
Horn operation
Battery performance
Radiator, cooler, heater and air conditioninghoses
Engine air filter
Suspension components for leaks ordamage
Exhaust system
Steering and linkage
Exterior lamps operation
Tires (including spare) for wear and properpressure**
Fluid levels *
; fill if necessary
Windshield for cracks, chips or pits
For oil and fluid leaks
Washer spray and wiper operation
Half-shaft dust boots
* Brake, coolant recovery reservoir, automatic transmission and window washer
** If your vehicle is equipped with a temporary mobility kit, check the tire sealant expiration
Use By date on the canister. Replace as needed.
Be sure to ask your dealership service
advisor or technician about the multi-point
vehicle inspection. It is a comprehensive
way to perform a thorough inspection of
your vehicle. Your checklist gives you
immediate feedback on the overall
condition of your vehicle.
NORMAL SCHEDULED
MAINTENANCE
Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor™
Your vehicle is equipped with an Intelligent
Oil-Life Monitor that determines when you
should change the engine oil based on how
your vehicle is used. By using several
important factors in its calculations, the
monitor helps reduce the cost of owning
your vehicle and reduces environmental
waste at the same time. This means you do not have to remember
to change the oil on a mileage-based
schedule. Your vehicle lets you know when
an oil change is due by displaying a
message in the information display.
The following table provides examples of
vehicle use and its impact on oil change
intervals. It is a guideline only. Actual oil
change intervals depend on several factors
and generally decrease with severity of
use.
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At every oil change interval as indicated by the information display
*
Inspect the tires, tire wear and measure the tread depth.
Inspect the wheels and related components for abnormal noise, wear, looseness or
drag.
* Do not exceed one year or 10000 miles (16000 kilometers) between service intervals.
** Reset the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor after engine oil and filter changes. See Engine
Oil Check (page 247). Other maintenance items
1
Replace cabin air filter.
Every 20000 miles (32000
km)
Replace engine air filter.
Every 30000 miles (48000
km)
Change engine coolant.2
At 100000 miles (160000
km)
Replace spark plugs.
Every 100000 miles
(160000 km) Inspect accessory drive belt(s). 3
Change automatic transmission fluid.
Every 150000 miles
(240000 km)
Replace accessory drive belt(s). 4
1 Perform these maintenance items within 3000 miles (4800 kilometers) of the last
engine oil and filter change. Do not exceed the designated distance for the interval.
2 Initial replacement at six years or 100000 miles (160000 kilometers), then every three
years or 50000 miles (80000 kilometers).
3 After initial inspection, inspect every other oil change until replaced.
4 If not replaced within the last 100000 miles (160000 kilometers).
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