2018 FORD FLEX cooling

•
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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Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201801, Second Printing Vehicle Care

Touch the power icon to switch
the rear climate control
functions off and on.
Touch Rear Control to allow
the rear seat passengers to
adjust the rear climate settings.
Touch it again to prevent the rear
seat passengers from adjusting
the settings. Rear Control
automatically turns off when you
use the touchscreen to adjust
the rear climate settings.
If your vehicle has automatic
climate controls, select
Auto to
connect the rear climate settings
to the Auto settings of the driver.
Touch the up and down arrows
to adjust the temperature.
Manual airflow distribution
controls:
Select these controls
individually or together to direct
the air flow to the desired area.
K
Panel:
Distributes air through
the instrument panel vents.
Floor: Distributes air through the
demister vents, floor vents and
rear seat floor vents.
A/C:
A pop-up appears on the
screen to display the air
conditioning options.
L
MAX A/C:
Touch to cool your
vehicle with recirculated air.
Touch again for normal A/C
operation. MAX A/C distributes
air through instrument panel
vents and may help reduce odors
from entering your vehicle. MAX
A/C is more economical and
efficient than normal A/C mode. A/C:
Touch to switch the air
conditioning on or off. Use A/C
with recirculated air to improve
cooling performance and
efficiency. A/C engages
automatically in MAX A/C,
defrost and footwell/defrost.
Recirculated air:
Touch to
switch the recirculated air on or
off which may reduce the
amount of time needed to cool
down the interior and help
reduce odors from reaching the
interior. Recirculated air also
engages automatically when you
select MAX A/C. You can engage
this manually in any airflow
mode except defrost. It may also
turn off in all airflow modes
except MAX A/C to reduce fog
potential.
Driver heated and climate
controlled seats:
M
Touch the heated seat icon to
adjust the heated seat off and
on (if equipped).
Touch the climate-controlled
seat icon to adjust the
climate-controlled seat off and
on (if equipped).
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Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201801, Second Printing SYNC™ 3

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

When to Expect the OIL CHANGE REQUIRED Message
Vehicle Use and Example
Interval
Normal
7,500– 10,000 mi
(12,000– 16,000 km) Normal commuting with highway driving
No, or moderate, load or towing
Flat to moderately hilly roads
No extended idling
Severe
5,000– 7,500 mi
(8,000– 12,000 km) Moderate to heavy load or towing
Mountainous or off-road conditions
Extended idling
Extended hot or cold operation
Extreme
3,000–5,000 mi
(5,000–8,000 km) Maximum load or towing
Extreme hot or cold operation
Normal Maintenance Intervals At Every Oil Change Interval as Indicated by the Information Display
1
Change engine oil and filter. 2
Rotate the tires.
Perform a multi-point inspection recommended.
Inspect the automatic transmission fluid level. Consult your dealer for requirements.
Inspect the brake pads, rotors, hoses and parking brake.
Inspect the engine cooling system strength and hoses.
Inspect the exhaust system and heat shields.
Inspect the rear axle and U-joints all wheel drive only.
Inspect the half-shaft boots.
Inspect the steering linkage, ball joints, suspension, tire-rod ends, driveshaft and U-
joints.
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Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201801, Second Printing Scheduled Maintenance

Cleaning the Instrument Panel and
Instrument Cluster Lens..........................271
Cleaning the Interior.....................................271
Cleaning the Wheels
...................................273
Cleaning the Windows and Wiper Blades...........................................................270
Clearing All MyKeys
.......................................59
Climate............................................................396
Climate Control
..............................................114
Climate Controlled Seats...........................137 Cooled Seats......................................................... 137
Heated Seats........................................................ 137
Collision Warning System.........................201 PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION........................... 201
Coolant Check See: Engine Coolant Check........................... 250
Crash Sensors and Airbag Indicator
.......50
Creating a MyKey...........................................58
Programming/Changing Configurable
Settings............................................................... 58
Cross Traffic Alert.........................................198 False Alerts.......................................................... 200
Switching the System Off and On..............200
System Errors..................................................... 200
System Lights, Messages and Audible Alerts.................................................................. 199
System Limitations.......................................... 200
Using the System............................................... 198
Cruise Control
...................................................77
Principle of Operation...................................... 189
Cruise control See: Using Cruise Control................................ 189
Customer Assistance
..................................227
D
Data Recording
..................................................9
Event Data Recording.......................................... 10
Service Data Recording........................................ 9
Daytime Running Lamps............................84
Direction Indicators
.......................................85
Doors and Locks.............................................63
Driver and Passenger Airbags...................45 Children and Airbags.......................................... 46
Proper Driver and Front Passenger Seating Adjustment........................................................ 45
Driving Aids
.....................................................196
Driving Hints...................................................218 Driving Through Water
................................219
DRL See: Daytime Running Lamps......................... 84
E
Economical Driving
......................................218
Electromagnetic Compatibility..............465
Emission Law.................................................160 Noise Emissions Warranty, Prohibited
Tampering Acts and Maintenance...........161
Tampering With a Noise Control System.............................................................. 160
End User License Agreement..................467 VEHICLE SOFTWARE END USER LICENSE
AGREEMENT (EULA) ................................. 467
Engine Block Heater
.....................................151
Using the Engine Block Heater...................... 152
Engine Coolant Check...............................250 Adding Coolant.................................................... 251
Coolant Change.................................................. 253
Engine Coolant Temperature Management.................................................. 254
Fail-Safe Cooling............................................... 253
Recycled Coolant............................................... 252
Severe Climates.................................................. 252
Engine Emission Control...........................160
Engine Immobilizer See: Passive Anti-Theft System..................... 73
Engine Oil Check..........................................249 Adding Engine Oil.............................................. 249
Engine Oil Dipstick
......................................249
Engine Specifications - 3.5L Duratec
.........................................................302
Drivebelt Routing............................................... 302
Engine Specifications - 3.5L Ecoboost™.................................................302
Drivebelt Routing............................................... 303
Entertainment..............................................386 AM/FM Radio...................................................... 387
Apps....................................................................... 395
Bluetooth Stereo or USB................................ 394
CD (If equipped)................................................ 393
HD Radio ™ Information (If
Available)........................................................ 390
SiriusXM® Satellite Radio (If Activated)....................................................... 388
Sources.................................................................. 387
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Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201801, Second Printing Index

Headlamp Adjusting
See: Adjusting the Headlamps.................... 260
Headlamp Exit Delay....................................84
Headlamp Removal See: Removing a Headlamp........................... 261
Headrest See: Head Restraints......................................... 123
Head Restraints.............................................123
Adjusting the Head Restraint......................... 124
Tilting Head Restraints .................................... 125
Heated Seats.................................................136 Front Seats............................................................ 136
Second Row Heated Seats............................. 136
Heated Steering Wheel
................................77
Heated Windows and Mirrors....................121
Heated Exterior Mirrors...................................... 121
Heated Rear Window......................................... 121
Heating See: Climate Control.......................................... 114
Hints on Controlling the Interior Climate...........................................................118
Defogging the Side Windows in Cold Weather............................................................. 120
General Hints........................................................ 118
Quickly Cooling the Interior............................. 119
Quickly Heating the Interior............................. 119
Recommended Settings for Cooling...........120
Recommended Settings for Heating...........119
Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes.............................................................176
Home Screen
.................................................377
Hood Lock See: Opening and Closing the Hood..........245
I
Ignition Switch...............................................147
In California (U.S. Only).............................228
Information Display Control........................77
Information Displays.....................................97 General Information............................................ 97
Information Messages
................................105
Adaptive Cruise Control.................................. 106
AdvanceTrac ™.................................................... 106
Alarm...................................................................... 106
Automatic Engine Shutdown........................ 106
AWD........................................................................\
. 107
Battery and Charging System........................ 107Blind Spot Information and Cross Traffic
Alert System................................................... 108
Brake System....................................................... 108
Collision Warning System............................... 109
Doors and Locks................................................. 109
Fuel........................................................................\
.. 109
Keys and Intelligent Access............................. 110
Maintenance......................................................... 110
MyKey........................................................................\
111
Park Aid..................................................................... 111
Power Steering...................................................... 112
Seats........................................................................\
. 112
Tire Pressure Monitoring System................... 112
Towing...................................................................... 113
Traction Control.................................................... 113
Transmission......................................................... 113
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............................................. 27
Instrument Cluster
.........................................92
Instrument Lighting Dimmer.....................84
Instrument Panel Overview........................16
Interior Lamps
.................................................85
Second Row Reading Lamps.......................... 85
Third Row Dome Lamps................................... 86
Interior Mirror...................................................90 Auto-Dimming Mirror......................................... 90
Introduction.........................................................7
J
Jump Starting the Vehicle.........................223 Connecting the Jumper Cables.................... 223
Jump Starting...................................................... 224
Preparing Your Vehicle..................................... 223
Removing the Jumper Cables....................... 224
K
Keyless Entry...................................................66 SECURICODE™ Keyless Entry
Keypad................................................................ 66
Keyless Starting
.............................................147
Ignition Modes..................................................... 148
Keys and Remote Controls.........................52
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Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201801, Second Printing Index

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