2017 FORD FLEX trailer

2. If you are a member of a roadside
assistance program, we recommend
that you contact your roadside
assistance service provider.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level. If the coolant level is at or below the minimum mark,
add prediluted coolant immediately.
5. When the engine temperature cools, you can re-start the engine. Have your
vehicle checked as soon as possible to
minimize engine damage.
Note: Driving your vehicle without repair
increases the chance of engine damage.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Management (If Equipped) WARNING
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 coolant temperature reduces. If you tow a trailer with your vehicle, the
engine may temporarily reach a higher
temperature during severe operating
conditions, for example ascending a long
or steep grade in high ambient
temperatures.
At this time, you may notice the coolant
temperature gauge moves toward the red
zone and a 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 coolant
temperature. Your vehicle may enter this
mode if certain high-temperature and
high-load conditions take place. The
amount of speed reduction depends on
vehicle loading, grade and ambient
temperature. If this occurs, there is no need
to pull off the road. You can continue to
drive your vehicle.
The air conditioning may automatically
turn on and off during severe operating
conditions to protect the engine from
overheating. When the coolant
temperature decreases to the normal
operating temperature, the air conditioning
turns on.
If the coolant temperature gauge moves
fully into the red zone, or if the coolant
temperature warning or service engine
soon messages appear in your information
display, do the following:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely
possible and shift the transmission into
park
(P).
2. Leave the engine running until the coolant temperature gauge needle
returns to the normal position. After
several minutes, if the temperature
does not drop, follow the remaining
steps.
3. Switch the engine off and wait for it to
cool. Check the coolant level.
4. If the coolant level is at or below the minimum mark, add prediluted coolant
immediately.
5. If the coolant level is normal, restart the engine and continue.
253
Flex (), enUSA, First Printing Maintenance

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 304). 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. 255
Flex (), enUSA, First Printing Maintenance

1.
T-type mini-spare: This spare tire
begins with the letter T for tire size and
may have Temporary Use Only molded in
the sidewall.
2. Full-size dissimilar spare with label
on wheel:
This spare tire has a label on
the wheel that states: THIS WHEEL AND
TIRE ASSEMBLY FOR TEMPORARY USE
ONLY.
When driving with one of the dissimilar
spare tires listed above, do not:
• Exceed
50 mph (80 km/h).
• Load the vehicle beyond maximum
vehicle load rating listed on the Safety
Compliance Label.
• Tow a trailer.
• Use snow chains on the end of the
vehicle with the dissimilar spare tire.
• Use more than one dissimilar spare tire
at a time.
• Use commercial car washing
equipment.
• Try to repair the dissimilar spare tire.
Use of one of the dissimilar spare tires
listed above at any one wheel location can
lead to impairment of the following:
• Handling, stability and braking
performance.
• Comfort and noise.
• Ground clearance and parking at curbs.
• Winter weather driving capability.
• Wet weather driving capability.
• All-wheel driving capability.
3. Full-size dissimilar spare without
label on wheel
When driving with the full-size dissimilar
spare wheel and tire assembly, do not:
• Exceed
70 mph (113 km/h).
• Use more than one dissimilar spare
wheel and tire assembly at a time. •
Use commercial car washing
equipment.
• Use snow chains on the end of the
vehicle with the dissimilar spare wheel
and tire assembly.
The usage of a full-size dissimilar spare
wheel and tire assembly can lead to
impairment of the following:
• Handling, stability and braking
performance.
• Comfort and noise.
• Ground clearance and parking at curbs.
• Winter weather driving capability.
• Wet weather driving capability.
• All-wheel driving capability.
When driving with the full-size dissimilar
spare wheel and tire assembly additional
caution should be given to:
• Towing a trailer.
• Driving vehicles equipped with a
camper body.
• Driving vehicles with a load on the
cargo rack.
Drive cautiously when using a full-size
dissimilar spare wheel and tire assembly
and seek service as soon as possible.
Tire Change Procedure WARNINGS
When one of the front wheels is off
the ground, the transmission alone
will not prevent your vehicle from
moving or slipping off the jack, even if the
transmission is in park (P) or neutral (N). To help prevent your vehicle from
moving when you change a tire, be
sure to place the transmission in park
(P) or neutral (N), set the parking brake,
and block (in both directions) the wheel
that is diagonally opposite (other side and
end of your vehicle) to the tire being
changed.
294
Flex (), enUSA, First Printing Wheels and Tires

For a complete listing of the accessories
that are available for your vehicle, please
contact your authorized dealer or visit the
online store web site:
Web Address (United States)
www.Accessories.Ford.com Web Address (Canada)
www.Accessories.Ford.ca
Ford Accessories are available for your
vehicle through an authorized Ford dealer.
Ford Motor Company will repair or replace
any properly authorized dealer-installed
Ford Original Accessory found to be
defective in factory-supplied materials or
workmanship during the warranty period,
as well as any component damaged by the
defective accessories.
Ford Motor Company will warrant your
Ford Original Accessory through the
warranty that provides the greatest
benefit:
• 24 months, unlimited mileage.
• The remainder of your new vehicle
limited warranty.
Contact an authorized dealer for details
and a copy of the warranty.
Exterior Style
• Hood deflectors.
• Graphics.
• Side-window deflectors.
• Splash guards.
• Spoiler.
Interior Style
• Ambient lighting.
• Door sill plates with logo.
• Floor mats. •
Illuminated door sill plate.
• Rear seat entertainment*.
Lifestyle
• Ash cup or coin holder.
• Camping tent*.
• Cargo area protector.
• Cargo net.
• Cargo organization and management.
• Conversation mirror.
• Roof racks and carriers*.
• Roof rails.
• Seat covers*.
• Trailer hitches, wiring harnesses and
accessories.
Peace of Mind
• Full vehicle covers*.
• Locking fuel plug.
• Remote start.
• Roadside assistance kits*.
• Vehicle security systems.
• Wheel locks.
*Ford Licensed Accessories. The accessory
manufacturer designs, develops and
therefore warrants Ford Licensed
Accessories, and does not design or test
these accessories to Ford Motor Company
engineering requirements. Contact an
authorized Ford dealer for the
manufacturer ’s limited warranty details,
and request a copy of the Ford Licensed
Accessories product limited warranty from
the accessory manufacturer.
435
Flex (), enUSA, First Printing Accessories

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

Environment......................................................15
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
Exterior Mirrors
................................................89
Blind Spot Information System...................... 90
Fold-Away Exterior Mirrors............................... 89
Heated Exterior Mirrors ..................................... 90
Integrated Blind Spot Mirror............................ 90
Memory Mirrors ................................................... 90
Power Exterior Mirrors........................................ 89
Power-Folding Mirrors....................................... 89
Puddle Lamps....................................................... 90
F
Fastening the Seatbelts...............................35 Rear Inflatable Seatbelt..................................... 37
Seatbelt Locking Modes.................................... 36
Using Seatbelts During Pregnancy................35
Floor Mats........................................................218
Fog Lamps - Front See: Front Fog Lamps........................................ 85
Foot Pedals See: Adjusting the Pedals................................. 78
Ford Credit
..........................................................11
US Only...................................................................... 11
Ford Protect
...................................................437
Ford Protect Extended Service Plan
(CANADA ONLY).......................................... 438
Ford Protect Extended Service Plans (U.S. Only).................................................................. 437
Front Fog Lamps
............................................85
Front Passenger Sensing System............46
Fuel and Refueling.......................................155 Fuel Consumption.......................................160
Calculating Fuel Economy.............................. 160
Filling the Fuel Tank.......................................... 160
Fuel Filler Funnel Location........................156
Fuel Quality
....................................................156
Choosing the Right Fuel................................... 156
Fuel Shutoff
....................................................221
Fuses.................................................................233
Fuse Specification Chart...........................233 Passenger Compartment Fuse
Panel.................................................................. 238
Power Distribution Box.................................... 233
G
Garage Door Opener See: Universal Garage Door Opener...........140
Gauges...............................................................93
General Information on Radio Frequencies...................................................52
Intelligent Access................................................. 52
General Maintenance Information.......439 Multi-Point Inspection...................................... 441
Owner Checks and Services......................... 440
Protecting Your Investment........................... 439
Why Maintain Your Vehicle?......................... 439
Why Maintain Your Vehicle at Your Dealership?..................................................... 439
Getting Assistance Outside the U.S. and Canada.........................................................229
Getting the Services You Need...............226 Away From Home.............................................. 226
H
Handbrake See: Parking Brake.............................................. 176
Hazard Warning Flashers
...........................221
Headlamp Adjusting See: Adjusting the Headlamps..................... 259
Headlamp Exit Delay....................................84
Headlamp Removal See: Removing a Headlamp......................... 260
Head Restraints
.............................................125
Adjusting the Head Restraint......................... 126
Tilting Head Restraints ..................................... 127
Heated Seats
.................................................138
Front Seats............................................................ 138
486
Flex (), enUSA, First Printing Index

Load Limit......................................................203
Special Loading Instructions for Owners of
Pick-up Trucks and Utility-type
Vehicles............................................................ 208
Vehicle Loading - with and without a Trailer................................................................. 203
Locking and Unlocking.................................63 Activating Intelligent Access........................... 64
Autolock.................................................................. 65
Autounlock ............................................................ 65
Battery Saver......................................................... 66
Enabling or Disabling Autolock and Autounlock........................................................ 65
Illuminated Entry.................................................. 66
Illuminated Exit..................................................... 66
Locking and Unlocking the Doors with the Key Blade............................................................ 63
Opening a Rear Door From the Inside..........64
Power Door Locks................................................ 63
Remote Control.................................................... 63
Smart Unlocks for Integrated Keyhead Transmitter........................................................ 64
Smart Unlocks for Intelligent Access Keys...................................................................... 64
Lug Nuts See: Changing a Road Wheel....................... 293
M
Maintenance.................................................244 General Information......................................... 244
Manual Climate Control..............................116
Manual Liftgate
..............................................66
Closing the Liftgate.............................................. 67
Opening the Liftgate........................................... 67
Manual Seats.................................................128 Lumbar Adjustment.......................................... 129
Moving the Seat Backward and Forward............................................................. 128
Recline Adjustment........................................... 128
Media Hub
......................................................320
Memory Function.........................................130 Easy Entry and Exit Feature............................. 131
Linking a PreSet Position to your Remote Control or Intelligent Access Key Fob
........................................................................\
....... 131
Saving a PreSet Position................................. 130Message Center
See: Information Displays................................. 99
Mirrors See: Heated Windows and Mirrors...............123
See: Windows and Mirrors............................... 88
Mobile Communications Equipment.......13
Moonroof............................................................91 Bounce-Back......................................................... 92
Opening and Closing the Moonroof..............92
Venting the Moonroof........................................ 92
Motorcraft Parts - 3.5L Duratec............300
Motorcraft Parts - 3.5L Ecoboost™..................................................301
MyKey Troubleshooting
................................61
MyKey ™.............................................................57
Principle of Operation......................................... 57
N
Navigation......................................................399 cityseeker............................................................. 406
Destination Mode............................................... 401
Map Mode............................................................ 399
Navigation Map Updates................................ 407
Navigation Menu............................................... 404
SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link................... 407
Waypoints............................................................ 405
Normal Scheduled Maintenance..........442 Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor™........................ 442
Normal Maintenance Intervals..................... 443
O
Oil Change Indicator Reset
......................249
Oil Check See: Engine Oil Check...................................... 248
Opening and Closing the Hood..............244 Closing the Hood............................................... 245
Opening the Hood............................................. 244
Ordering Additional Owner's Literature
.....................................................230
Obtaining a French Owner ’s Manual...........231
Overhead Console
.......................................148
P
Parking Aids
...................................................180
Principle of Operation...................................... 180
488
Flex (), enUSA, First Printing Index

T
Tailgate
See: Manual Liftgate.......................................... 66
See: Power Liftgate.............................................. 67
Technical Specifications See: Capacities and Specifications............299
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Auto Line Program (U.S. Only).......................228
Tire Care...........................................................275 Glossary of Tire Terminology.......................... 277
Information About Uniform Tire Quality Grading.............................................................. 275
Information Contained on the Tire Sidewall............................................................ 278
Temperature A B C............................................ 276
Traction AA A B C............................................... 276
Treadwear............................................................. 276
Tire Pressure Monitoring System..........290 Changing Tires With a Tire Pressure
Monitoring System........................................ 291
Understanding Your Tire Pressure Monitoring System ....................................... 291
Tires See: Wheels and Tires...................................... 273
Towing a Trailer
............................................209
Load Placement................................................ 209
Towing the Vehicle on Four Wheels...........................................................215
Emergency Towing............................................. 215
Recreational Towing.......................................... 215
Towing.............................................................209
Traction Control
.............................................177
Principle of Operation........................................ 177
Trailer Sway Control
....................................210
Transmission Code Designation............303
Transmission..................................................164
Transmission See: Transmission.............................................. 164
Transporting the Vehicle...........................224
U
Under Hood Overview - 3.5L Duratec.........................................................246
Under Hood Overview - 3.5L Ecoboost™..................................................247 Universal Garage Door Opener
...............140
HomeLink Wireless Control System...........140
USB Port.........................................................320
Using Adaptive Cruise Control................189 Automatic Cancellation................................... 192
Blocked Sensor................................................... 193
Canceling the Set Speed.................................. 191
Changing the Set Speed.................................. 192
Detection Issues.................................................. 193
Following a Vehicle............................................ 190
Hilly Condition Usage........................................ 192
Overriding the System...................................... 192
Resuming the Set Speed................................. 192
Setting the Adaptive Cruise Speed.............190
Setting the Gap Distance................................. 191
Switching Adaptive Cruise Control Off........................................................................\
192
Switching Adaptive Cruise Control On........................................................................\
189
Switching to Normal Cruise Control...........194
System Not Available....................................... 193
Using All-Wheel Drive................................168 Driving In Special Conditions With
All-Wheel Drive (AWD)............................... 170
Operating AWD Vehicles With Mismatched Tires.................................................................... 169
Operating AWD Vehicles With Spare Tires.................................................................... 169
Using Cruise Control...................................188 Switching Cruise Control Off......................... 189
Switching Cruise Control On.......................... 188
Using MyKey With Remote Start Systems...........................................................61
Using Snow Chains.....................................289
Using Stability Control
................................179
Using SYNC™ With Your Media Player.............................................................342
Accessing Your Play Menu.............................. 347
Connecting Your Digital Media Player to the USB Port........................................................... 342
Media Menu Features...................................... 345
Media Voice Commands................................ 344
System Settings................................................. 349
What's Playing?................................................. 344
Using SYNC™ With Your Phone............326 Accessing Features Through the Phone
Menu.................................................................. 330
Accessing Your Phone Settings.................... 334
491
Flex (), enUSA, First Printing Index