2017 FORD FLEX roof rack

Starting and Stopping the
Engine
General Information....................................149
Ignition Switch
...............................................149
Keyless Starting............................................149
Starting a Gasoline Engine.......................150
Engine Block Heater....................................153
Fuel and Refueling
Safety Precautions
.......................................155
Fuel Quality
....................................................156
Fuel Filler Funnel Location........................156
Running Out of Fuel....................................156
Refueling..........................................................157
Fuel Consumption
.......................................160
Emission Control System...........................161
Transmission
Automatic Transmission
...........................164
All-Wheel Drive
Using All-Wheel Drive................................168
Brakes
General Information
.....................................175
Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes............................................................175
Parking Brake
.................................................176
Traction Control
Principle of Operation..................................177
Using Traction Control
.................................177
Stability Control
Principle of Operation.................................178
Using Stability Control
................................179
Parking Aids
Principle of Operation
................................180 Rear Parking Aid...........................................180
Active Park Assist..........................................181
Rear View Camera
.......................................185
Cruise Control
Principle of Operation................................188
Using Cruise Control...................................188
Using Adaptive Cruise Control................189
Driving Aids
Blind Spot Information System..............195
Cross Traffic Alert.........................................197
Steering..........................................................200
Collision Warning System........................200
Load Carrying
Cargo Nets
.....................................................203
Roof Racks and Load Carriers................203
Load Limit
......................................................203
Towing
Towing a Trailer............................................209
Trailer Sway Control
....................................210
Recommended Towing Weights............210
Essential Towing Checks...........................212
Towing the Vehicle on Four Wheels
......215
Driving Hints
Breaking-In......................................................217
Economical Driving.......................................217
Driving Through Water................................218
Floor Mats........................................................218
Roadside Emergencies
Roadside Assistance..................................220
Hazard Warning Flashers
...........................221
Fuel Shutoff
....................................................221
Jump Starting the Vehicle
.........................222
Post-Crash Alert System..........................224
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Flex (), enUSA, First Printing Table of Contents

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNINGS
Vehicle modifications involving
braking system, aftermarket roof
racks, suspension, steering system,
tire construction and wheel and tire size
may change the handling characteristics
of your vehicle and may adversely affect
the performance of the electronic stability
control system. In addition, installing any
stereo loudspeakers may interfere with
and adversely affect the electronic stability
control system. Install any aftermarket
stereo loudspeaker as far as possible from
the front center console, the tunnel, and
the front seats in order to minimize the risk
of interfering with the electronic stability
control sensors. Reducing the
effectiveness of the electronic stability
control system could lead to an increased
risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle
rollover, personal injury and death. Remember that even advanced
technology cannot defy the laws of
physics. It’
s always possible to lose
control of a vehicle due to inappropriate
driver input for the conditions. Aggressive
driving on any road condition can cause
you to lose control of your vehicle
increasing the risk of personal injury or
property damage. Activation of the
electronic stability control system is an
indication that at least some of the tires
have exceeded their ability to grip the road;
this could reduce the operator ’s ability to
control the vehicle potentially resulting in
a loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,
personal injury and death. If your electronic
stability control system activates, SLOW
DOWN. The system automatically turns on each
time you switch the ignition on. If a fault occurs in either the stability
control or the traction control system, you
may experience the following conditions:
•
The stability and traction control light
illuminates steadily.
• The stability control and traction
control systems do not enhance your
vehicle's ability to maintain traction of
the wheels.
If a driving condition activates either the
stability control or the traction control
system you may experience the following
conditions:
• The stability and traction control light
flashes.
• Your vehicle slows down.
• Reduced engine power.
• A vibration in the brake pedal.
• The brake pedal is stiffer than usual.
• If the driving condition is severe and
your foot is not on the brake, the brake
pedal may move as the system applies
higher brake force.
The stability control system has several
features built into it to help you maintain
control of your vehicle:
Electronic Stability Control
The system enhances your vehicle ’s ability
to prevent skids or lateral slides by
applying brakes to one or more of the
wheels individually and, if necessary,
reducing engine power.
Roll Stability Control
The system enhances your vehicle ’s ability
to prevent rollovers by detecting your
vehicle ’s roll motion and the rate at which
it changes by applying the brakes to one
or more wheels individually.
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Flex (), enUSA, First Printing Stability Control

The system may not operate correctly in
any of the following conditions:
•
You use a spare tire or a tire
significantly worn more than the other
tires.
• One or more tires are improperly
inflated.
• You try to park on a tight curve.
Do not use the system if:
• You have attached a bike rack, trailer
or other object near the sensors on the
front or rear of your vehicle.
• You have attached an overhanging
object (surfboard) to the roof.
• The front bumper or side sensors are
damaged or obstructed (front bumper
cover).
• The correct tire size is not in use on your
vehicle (for example, a mini-spare tire). Using Active Park Assist Press the button to turn the
system on or off.
When driving at a speed less than 22 mph
(35 km/h), the system automatically scans
both sides of your vehicle for an available
parking space. The system displays a
message and a corresponding graphic to
indicate it is searching for a parking space.
Use the direction indicator to select
searching either to the left hand side or
right hand side of your vehicle. If the
direction indicator is not used, the system
defaults to the passenger side of your
vehicle. When the system finds a suitable space it
displays a message and a tone sounds.
Stop your vehicle and follow the
instructions on the display screen. If your
vehicle is moving very slowly, you may
need to pull forward a short distance
before the system is ready to park.
Note:
You can also activate the system
after you have already driven partially or
completely past the parking space. To do
so, press the active park assist button and
the system will inform you if you have
recently past a suitable parking space.
Note: You must observe that the selected
space remains clear of obstructions at all
times in the maneuver.
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Flex (), enUSA, First Printing Parking AidsE146186 E130107

CARGO NETS (If Equipped)
WARNING
This net is not designed to restrain
objects during a collision or heavy
braking.
The cargo net secures lightweight objects
in the cargo area. Attach the net to the
provided anchors. Do not put more than
50 lb (22 kg)
in the net. ROOF RACKS AND LOAD
CARRIERS WARNING
When loading the roof racks, we
recommend you evenly distribute the
load, as well as maintain a low
center of gravity. Loaded vehicles, with
higher centers of gravity, may handle
differently than unloaded vehicles. Take
extra precautions, such as slower speeds
and increased stopping distance, when
driving a heavily loaded vehicle. The maximum recommended load, evenly
distributed on the roof rack, is
100 lb
(45 kg).
Note: Never place loads directly on the roof
panel. The roof panel is not designed to
directly carry a load.
You must place loads directly on the
crossbars fitted to the roof rack side rails.
When using the roof rack system, we
recommend that you use genuine Ford
accessory crossbars specifically designed
for your vehicle.
Make sure that you securely fasten the
load. Check the tightness of the load
before driving and at each fuel stop.
LOAD LIMIT
Vehicle Loading - with and
without a Trailer
This section guides you in the
proper loading of your vehicle,
trailer, or both. Keep your loaded
vehicle weight within its design
rating capability, with or without
a trailer. Properly loading your
vehicle provides maximum return
of vehicle design performance.
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Flex (), enUSA, First Printing Load CarryingE210596

- 1200 = - 240 pounds. No, you do
not have enough cargo capacity
to carry that much weight. In
metric units, the calculation would
be: 635 kilograms - (2 x 99
kilograms) - (12 x 45 kilograms) =
635 - 198 - 540 = -103 kilograms.
You will need to reduce the load
weight by at least 240 pounds
(104 kilograms). If you remove
three 100-pound (45-kilogram)
cement bags, then the load
calculation would be:1400 - (2 x
220) - (9 x 100) = 1400 - 440 -
900 = 60 pounds. Now you have
the load capacity to transport the
cement and your friend home. In
metric units, the calculation would
be: 635 kilograms - (2 x 99
kilograms) - (9 x 45 kilograms) =
635 - 198 - 405 = 32 kilograms.
The above calculations also
assume that the loads are
positioned in your vehicle in a
manner that does not overload
the front or the rear gross axle
weight rating specified for your
vehicle on the Safety Compliance
Certification label.
Special Loading Instructions
for Owners of Pick-up Trucks
and Utility-type Vehicles WARNING
When loading the roof racks,
we recommend you evenly
distribute the load, as well as
maintain a low center of gravity.
Loaded vehicles, with higher
centers of gravity, may handle
differently than unloaded vehicles.
Take extra precautions, such as
slower speeds and increased
stopping distance, when driving a
heavily loaded vehicle. 208
Flex (), enUSA, First Printing Load Carrying

•
Use a quality wax that does not contain
abrasives.
• Follow the manufacturer ’s instructions
to apply and remove the wax.
• Apply a small amount of wax in a
back-and-forth motion, not in circles.
• Do not allow wax to come in contact
with any non-body (low-gloss black)
colored trim. The wax will discolor or
stain the parts over time.
•Roof racks.
• Bumpers.
• Grained door handles.
• Side moldings.
• Mirror housings.
• Windshield cowl area.
• Do not apply wax to glass areas.
• After waxing, your car's paint should
feel smooth, and be free of streaks and
smudges.
CLEANING THE ENGINE
Engines are more efficient when they are
clean because grease and dirt buildup keep
the engine warmer than normal.
When washing:
• Take care when using a power washer
to clean the engine. The high-pressure
fluid could penetrate the sealed parts
and cause damage.
• Do not spray a hot engine with cold
water to avoid cracking the engine
block or other engine components.
• Spray Motorcraft Engine Shampoo and
Degreaser on all parts that require
cleaning and pressure rinse clean. In
Canada, use Motorcraft Engine
Shampoo.
• Never wash or rinse the engine while it
is hot or running; water in the running
engine may cause internal damage. •
Never wash or rinse any ignition coil,
spark plug wire or spark plug well, or
the area in and around these locations.
• Cover the battery, power distribution
box, and air filter assembly to prevent
water damage when cleaning the
engine.
CLEANING THE WINDOWS AND
WIPER BLADES
Car wash chemicals and environmental
fallout can result in windshield and wiper
blade contamination. Dirty windshield and
wipers will result in poor windshield wiper
operation. Keep the windshield and wiper
blades clean to maintain windshield wiper
performance.
To clean the windshield and wiper blades:
• Clean the windshield with a
non-abrasive glass cleaner. When
cleaning the interior of the windshield,
avoid getting any glass cleaner on the
instrument panel or door panels. Wipe
any glass cleaner off these surfaces
immediately.
• For windshields contaminated with
tree sap, chemicals, wax or bugs, clean
the entire windshield using steel wool
(no greater than 0000 grade) in a
circular motion and rinse with water.
• Clean the wiper blades with isopropyl
rubbing alcohol or windshield washer
concentrate.
Note: Do not use razor blades or other
sharp objects to clean or remove decals
from the inside of the heated rear window.
The vehicle warranty does not cover
damage caused to the heated rear window
grid lines.
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Flex (), enUSA, First Printing Vehicle Care

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

Second Row Heated Seats.............................
138
Heated Steering Wheel................................77
Heated Windows and Mirrors...................123
Heated Exterior Mirror....................................... 124
Heated Rear Window........................................ 123
Heating See: Climate Control.......................................... 116
Hints on Controlling the Interior Climate..........................................................120
Cooling the Interior Quickly.............................. 121
General Hints....................................................... 120
Heating the Interior Quickly............................. 121
Recommended Settings for Cooling...........122
Recommended Settings for Heating............121
Side Window Defogging in Cold Weather............................................................. 122
Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes.............................................................175
Home Screen.................................................373
Hood Lock See: Opening and Closing the Hood..........244
I
Ignition Switch
...............................................149
In California (U.S. Only).............................227
Information Display Control........................77
Information Displays....................................99 General Information........................................... 99
Information Messages................................107 Adaptive Cruise Control.................................. 108
AdvanceTrac ™.................................................... 108
Alarm...................................................................... 108
Automatic Engine Shutdown........................ 109
AWD........................................................................\
109
Battery and Charging System......................... 110
Blind Spot Information and Cross Traffic Alert System..................................................... 110
Brake System......................................................... 111
Collision Warning System.................................. 111
Doors and Locks.................................................... 111
Fuel........................................................................\
.... 112
Keys and Intelligent Access............................. 112
Maintenance.......................................................... 112
MyKey....................................................................... 113
Park Aid................................................................... 114
Power Steering..................................................... 114
Seats........................................................................\
. 114Tire Pressure Monitoring System...................
115
Towing...................................................................... 115
Traction Control................................................... 115
Transmission......................................................... 115
Installing Child Restraints............................19 Child Seats............................................................... 19
Using Lap and Shoulder Belts......................... 20
Using Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH)............................................ 25
Using Tether Straps............................................. 26
Instrument Cluster
.........................................93
Instrument Lighting Dimmer.....................84
Instrument Panel Overview........................16
Interior Lamps.................................................86 Front Row Map Lamps...................................... 86
Second Row Map Lamps.................................. 87
Interior Mirror
....................................................91
Auto-Dimming Mirror........................................... 91
Introduction.........................................................7
J
Jump Starting the Vehicle
.........................222
Connecting the Jumper Cables..................... 222
Jump Starting...................................................... 223
Preparing Your Vehicle..................................... 222
Removing the Jumper Cables....................... 223
K
Keyless Entry
....................................................70
SECURICODE™ Keyless Entry
Keypad................................................................. 70
Keyless Starting
............................................149
Ignition Modes..................................................... 150
Keys and Remote Controls.........................52
L
Lighting Control..............................................82 Headlamp Flasher............................................... 83
High Beams............................................................ 82
Lighting
..............................................................82
General Information............................................ 82
Load Carriers See: Roof Racks and Load Carriers............203
Load Carrying
................................................203
487
Flex (), enUSA, First Printing Index