2017 FORD FLEX service schedule

When the oil change message appears in
the information display, it is time for an oil
change. Make sure you perform the oil
change within two weeks or 500 miles
(800 kilometers) of the message
appearing. Make sure you reset the
Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor after each oil
change. See Oil Change Indicator Reset
(page 249).
If your information display resets
prematurely or becomes inoperative, you
should perform the oil change interval at
six months or 5000 miles (8000
kilometers) from your last oil change.
Never exceed one year or 10000 miles
(16000 kilometers) between oil change
intervals.
Your vehicle is very sophisticated and built
with multiple, complex, performance
systems. Every manufacturer develops
these systems using different
specifications and performance features.
That is why it is important to rely upon your
dealership to properly diagnose and repair
your vehicle.
Ford Motor Company has recommended
maintenance intervals for various parts
and component systems based upon
engineering testing. Ford Motor Company
relies upon this testing to determine the
most appropriate mileage for replacement
of oils and fluids to protect your vehicle at
the lowest overall cost to you and
recommends against maintenance
schedules that deviate from the scheduled
maintenance information.
We strongly recommend the use of only
genuine Ford, Motorcraft or
Ford-authorized re-manufactured
replacement parts engineered for your
vehicle. Additives and Chemicals
This owner's manual and the Ford
Workshop Manual list the recommended
additives and chemicals for your vehicle.
We do not recommend using chemicals or
additives not approved by us as part of
your vehicle
’s normal maintenance. Please
consult your warranty information.
Oils, Fluids and Flushing
In many cases, fluid discoloration is a
normal operating characteristic and, by
itself, does not necessarily indicate a
concern or that the fluid needs to be
changed. However, a qualified expert, such
as the factory-trained technicians at your
dealership, should inspect discolored fluids
that also show signs of overheating or
foreign material contamination
immediately.
Make sure to change your vehicle ’s oils and
fluids at the specified intervals or in
conjunction with a repair. Flushing is a
viable way to change fluid for many vehicle
sub-systems during scheduled
maintenance. It is critical that systems are
flushed only with new fluid that is the same
as that required to fill and operate the
system or using a Ford-approved flushing
chemical.
Owner Checks and Services
Make sure you perform the following basic
maintenance checks and inspections every
month or at six-month intervals.
440
Flex (), enUSA, First Printing Scheduled Maintenance

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.
442
Flex (), enUSA, First Printing Scheduled Maintenance

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 Oil Change
Indicator Reset (page 249). 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).
444
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. 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)
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.
Change automatic transmission fluid.
Every 30000 miles (48000
km)
Replace spark plugs.
Every 60000 miles (96000
km) Extended Hot and Cold climate operation
Change engine oil and filter. *
Every 5000 miles (8000
km)
* Hot Climates only
445
Flex (), enUSA, First Printing Scheduled Maintenance

Operating in off-road (unpaved, sandy, dusty) and Mountainous conditions
Replace cabin air filter.
Inspect frequently, service
as required
Replace engine air filter.
Inspect the wheels and related components for abnormal
noise, wear, looseness or drag.
Every 5000 miles (8000
km)
Rotate tires, inspect tires for wear and measure tread
depth.
Change engine oil and filter.*
Every 5000 miles (8000
km) or six months
Perform multi-point inspection.
Change automatic transmission fluid.
Every 30000 miles (48000
km)
* Reset your Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor after engine oil and filter changes. See Oil Change
Indicator Reset (page 249). Exclusive use of E85 (flex fuel vehicles only)
If ran exclusively on E85, fill the fuel tank full with regular
unleaded fuel.
Every oil change
Exceptions
There are several exceptions to the Normal
Schedule:
Axle and PTU maintenance
: The Power
Transfer Unit (PTU) and rear axle (AWD
only) in your vehicle does not require any
normal scheduled maintenance. Taurus
SHO vehicles are electronically monitored
and notify the driver required by service by
displaying a message in the information
display. The PTU lubricant will be more
likely to require a fluid change if the vehicle
has extended periods of extreme or severe
duty cycle driving. Changing or checking the PTU lubricant is not necessary unless
the unit has been submerged in water,
shows sign of leakage or (Taurus SHO
only) a message indicating required service
is displayed. Contact your authorized
dealer for service.
California fuel filter replacement: If you
register your vehicle in California, the
California Air Resources Board has
determined that the failure to perform this
maintenance item does not nullify the
emission warranty or limit recall liability
before the completion of your vehicle's
useful life. Ford Motor Company, however,
urges you to have all recommended
maintenance services performed at the
specified intervals and to record all vehicle
service.
446
Flex (), enUSA, First Printing Scheduled Maintenance

Running Out of Fuel....................................156
Adding Fuel From a Portable Fuel
Container........................................................... 157
Filling a Portable Fuel Container................... 157
S
Safety Canopy ™............................................49
Safety Precautions.......................................155
Scheduled Maintenance Record............447
Scheduled Maintenance..........................439
Seatbelt Extension.........................................41
Seatbelt Height Adjustment
......................38
Seatbelt Reminder........................................39 Belt-Minder™........................................................ 39
Seatbelts...........................................................34 Principle of Operation........................................ 34
Seatbelt Warning Lamp and Indicator Chime
..............................................................39
Conditions of operation..................................... 39
Seats..................................................................125
Security...............................................................73
Settings............................................................410 911 Assist................................................................ 415
Ambient Lighting............................................... 420
Bluetooth............................................................... 412
Clock........................................................................\
. 411
Display.................................................................... 421
General................................................................... 419
Media Player.......................................................... 411
Mobile Apps......................................................... 418
Navigation............................................................. 416
Phone...................................................................... 412
Radio....................................................................... 415
Sound..................................................................... 410
Valet Mode........................................................... 422
Vehicle................................................................... 420
Voice Control....................................................... 422
Wi-Fi....................................................................... 420
Side Airbags
.....................................................48
Sitting in the Correct Position..................125
Snow Chains See: Using Snow Chains................................. 289
Special Notices................................................12 New Vehicle Limited Warranty......................... 12
On Board Diagnostics Data Link Connector............................................................ 13
Special Instructions.............................................. 12Special Operating Conditions Scheduled
Maintenance..............................................445
Exceptions........................................................... 446
Speed Control See: Cruise Control............................................ 188
Stability Control
............................................178
Principle of Operation....................................... 178
Starter Switch See: Ignition Switch........................................... 149
Starting a Gasoline Engine.......................150 Automatic Engine Shutdown......................... 152
Failure to Start..................................................... 152
Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes................153
Important Ventilating Information...............153
Stopping the Engine When Your Vehicle is Moving................................................................ 153
Stopping the Engine When Your Vehicle is Stationary......................................................... 152
Vehicles with an Ignition Key......................... 150
Vehicles with Keyless Start.............................. 151
Starting and Stopping the Engine
.........149
General Information.......................................... 149
Steering..........................................................200 Electric Power Steering................................... 200
Steering Wheel................................................75
Storage Compartments
.............................147
Sunroof See: Moonroof........................................................ 91
Sun Visors
..........................................................91
Illuminated Vanity Mirror.................................... 91
Supplementary Restraints System.........44 Principle of Operation........................................ 44
Symbols Glossary
.............................................7
SYNC™ 3.......................................................360
General Information......................................... 360
SYNC™ 3 Troubleshooting......................422
SYNC™ Applications and Services........................................................339
911 Assist............................................................... 339
SYNC™ AppLink ™
......................................341
SYNC Mobile Apps............................................. 341
SYNC™.............................................................321 General Information........................................... 321
SYNC™ Troubleshooting
..........................352
490
Flex (), enUSA, First Printing Index