2018 FORD FLEX coolant level

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 stop your vehicle. You can
continue to drive.
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. Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe
to do so. Fully apply the parking brake,
shift into park (P) or neutral (N).
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.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHECK
Do not use supplemental transmission
fluid additives because they are
unnecessary and could lead to
transmission damage that may not be
covered by the vehicle Warranty.
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.
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•
Cover interior trim to prevent fading.
• Keep all rubber parts free from oil and
solvents.
Engine
• Change the engine oil and filter prior to
storage because used engine oil
contains contaminates which may
cause engine damage.
• Start the engine every 15 days for a
minimum of 15 minutes. Run at fast idle
with the climate controls set to defrost
until the engine reaches normal
operating temperature.
• With your foot on the brake, shift
through all the gears while the engine
is running.
• We recommend that you change the
engine oil before you use your vehicle
again.
Fuel system
• Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fuel
until the first automatic shutoff of the
fuel pump nozzle.
Cooling system
• Protect against freezing temperatures.
• When removing your vehicle from
storage, check coolant fluid level.
Confirm that there are no cooling
system leaks and that fluid is at the
recommended level.
Battery
• Check and recharge as necessary. Keep
connections clean.
• If storing your vehicle for more than 30
days without recharging the battery,
we recommend that you disconnect
the battery cables to maintain battery
charge for quick starting. Note:
It is necessary to reset memory
features if battery cables are disconnected.
Brakes
• Make sure the brakes and parking brake
release fully.
Tires
• Maintain recommended air pressure.
Miscellaneous
• Make sure all linkages, cables, levers
and pins under your vehicle are covered
with grease to prevent rust.
• Move vehicles at least 25 ft (7.5 m)
every 15 days to lubricate working parts
and prevent corrosion.
Removing Vehicle From Storage
When your vehicle is ready to come out of
storage, do the following:
• Wash your vehicle to remove any dirt
or grease film build-up on window
surfaces.
• Check windshield wipers for any
deterioration.
• Check under the hood for any foreign
material that may have collected
during storage such as mice or squirrel
nests.
• Check the exhaust for any foreign
material that may have collected
during storage.
• Check tire pressures and set tire
inflation per the Tire Label.
• Check brake pedal operation. Drive
your vehicle
15 ft (4.5 m) back and
forth to remove rust build-up.
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•
Check fluid levels (including coolant,
oil and gas) to make sure there are no
leaks, and fluids are at recommended
levels.
• If you remove the battery, clean the
battery cable ends and check for
damage.
Contact an authorized dealer if you have
any concerns or issues.
BODY STYLING KITS
The distance between the underside of
your vehicle and the ground is less than
that of other models. Drive with extreme
care to avoid damage to your vehicle.
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Check Every Month
Engine oil level.
Function of all interior and exterior lights.
Tires (including spare) for wear and proper pressure. Windshield washer fluid level.
Fuel and water separator. Drain if necessary (or if indicated by the information display). Holes and slots in the tail pipe to make sure they are functional and clear of debris. Check Every Six Months
Battery connections. Clean if necessary.
Body and door drain holes for obstructions. Clean if necessary. Cooling system fluid level and coolant strength.
Door weatherstrips for wear. Lubricate if necessary.
Hinges, latches and outside locks for proper operation. Lubricate if necessary. Parking brake for proper operation.
Safety belts and seat latches for wear and function.
Safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, airbag and safety belt) for operation.
Washer spray and wiper operation. Clean or replace blades as necessary.
Multi-Point Inspection
In order to keep your vehicle running right,
it is important to have the systems on your
vehicle checked regularly. This can help
identify potential issues and prevent major
problems. We recommend having the
following multi-point inspection performed
at every scheduled maintenance interval
to help make sure your vehicle keeps
running great.
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Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201801, Second 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 properpressure2
Fluid levels 1
; fill if necessary
Windshield for cracks, chips or pits
For oil and fluid leaks
Washer spray and wiper operation
Half-shaft dust boots
1 Brake, coolant recovery reservoir, automatic transmission and window washer
2 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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System Settings.................................................
354
What's Playing?................................................. 349
Using SYNC™ With Your Phone.............331 Accessing Features Through the Phone
Menu.................................................................. 335
Accessing Your Phone Settings................... 339
Making a Call....................................................... 334
Pairing a Cell Phone for the First Time.................................................................... 331
Pairing Subsequent Cell Phones.................332
Phone Options during an Active Call.........334
Phone Voice Commands................................ 332
Receiving Calls.................................................... 334
System Settings.................................................. 341
Text Messaging................................................... 337
Using Traction Control.................................177 Switching the System Off................................ 177
System Indicator Lights and Messages........................................................... 177
Using a Switch...................................................... 177
Using the Information Display Controls.............................................................. 177
Using Voice Recognition...........................328 Audio Voice Commands................................. 380
Climate Voice Commands.............................. 381
Initiating a Voice Session................................ 328
Mobile App Voice Commands...................... 384
Navigation Voice Commands....................... 383
Phone Voice Commands................................. 381
SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link Voice Commands..................................................... 384
System Interaction and Feedback..............329
Voice Settings Commands............................ 385
Utilizing the Mediation/Arbitration Program (Canada Only)........................230
V
Vehicle Care...................................................268 General Information......................................... 268
Vehicle Certification Label.......................307
Vehicle Identification Number
...............306
Vehicle Storage.............................................273
Battery.................................................................... 274
Body........................................................................\
273
Brakes..................................................................... 274
Cooling system.................................................... 274
Engine..................................................................... 274Fuel system..........................................................
274
General................................................................... 273
Miscellaneous...................................................... 274
Removing Vehicle From Storage.................. 274
Tires........................................................................\
. 274
Ventilation See: Climate Control.......................................... 114
VIN See: Vehicle Identification Number...........306
Voice Control
....................................................77
W
Warning Lamps and Indicators.................93 Adaptive Cruise Control..................................... 93
Airbag Readiness................................................. 94
Anti-Lock Braking System................................ 94
Battery ...................................................................... 94
Brake System......................................................... 94
Charging System.................................................. 94
Cruise Control........................................................ 94
Directional Indicator........................................... 94
Door Ajar................................................................. 94
Engine Coolant Temperature.......................... 94
Engine Oil................................................................ 95
Fasten Seatbelt Warning Lamp..................... 95
Front Airbag........................................................... 95
Front Fog Lamps.................................................. 95
Head Up Display................................................... 95
High Beam.............................................................. 95
Liftgate Ajar............................................................ 95
Low Fuel Level....................................................... 95
Low Tire Pressure Warning............................... 95
Low Washer Fluid................................................. 95
Parking Lamps...................................................... 95
Powertrain Malfunction/Reduced Power.................................................................. 96
Service Engine Soon........................................... 96
Stability Control................................................... 96
Stability Control Off............................................ 96
Washer Fluid Check.....................................257
Washers See: Cleaning the Exterior.............................. 268
See: Wipers and Washers................................. 80
Waxing.............................................................270
Wheel Nuts See: Changing a Road Wheel....................... 296
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Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201801, Second Printing Index