2018 FORD FLEX service indicator

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 mi
(800 km) of the message appearing. Make
sure you reset the Intelligent Oil-Life
Monitor after each oil change. See
Oil
Change Indicator Reset (page 250).
If your information display resets
prematurely or becomes inoperative, you
should perform the oil change interval at
six months or
5,000 mi (8,000 km) from
your last oil change. Never exceed one year
or
10,000 mi (16,000 km) 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.
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Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201801, Second Printing Scheduled Maintenance

At Every Oil Change Interval as Indicated by the Information Display
1
Inspect the tires, tire wear and measure the tread depth.
Inspect the wheels and related components for abnormal noise, wear, looseness or
drag.
1 Do not exceed one year or 10,000 mi (16,000 km) between service intervals.
2 Reset the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor after engine oil and filter changes. See Oil Change
Indicator Reset
(page 250). Other Maintenance Items
1
Replace cabin air filter.
Every
20,000 mi
(32,000 km)
Replace engine air filter.
Every
30,000 mi
(48,000 km)
Change engine coolant.2
At
100,000 mi
(160,000 km)
Replace spark plugs.
Every
100,000 mi
(160,000 km) Inspect accessory drive belt(s). 3
Change automatic transmission fluid.
Every
150,000 mi
(240,000 km) Replace accessory drive belt(s). 4
1 Perform these maintenance items within 3,000 mi (4,800 km) of the last engine oil and
filter change. Do not exceed the designated distance for the interval.
2 Initial replacement at six years or
100,000 mi (160,000 km), then every three years or
50,000 mi (80,000 km).
3 After initial inspection, inspect every other oil change until replaced.
4 If not replaced within the last
100,000 mi (160,000 km).
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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.
5,000 mi (8,000 km)
Rotate tires, inspect tires for wear and measure tread
depth.
Change engine oil and filter.*
Every 5,000 mi (8,000 km)
or six months
Perform multi-point inspection.
Change automatic transmission fluid.
30,000 mi (48,000 km)
* Reset your Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor after engine oil and filter changes. See Oil Change
Indicator Reset
(page 250). 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. 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 or shows
signs of leakage. 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.
Hot climate oil change intervals
:
Vehicles operating in the Middle East,
North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa or
locations with similar climates using an
American Petroleum Institute (API)
Certified for Gasoline Engines (Certification
mark) oil of SM or SN quality, the normal
oil change interval is 5,000 mi (8,000 km)
.
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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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Supported Media Players, Formats and
Metadata Information................................ 395
USB Ports............................................................. 395
Environment......................................................15
Essential Towing Checks...........................213 Before Towing a Trailer..................................... 215
Hitches.................................................................... 214
Launching or Retrieving a Boat or Personal Watercraft (PWC)......................................... 216
Safety Chains....................................................... 214
Trailer Brake Controller Connector...............214
Trailer Brakes........................................................ 214
Trailer Lamps........................................................ 215
Trailer Towing Connector (Vehicles with a Trailer Towing Package and 7 –Pin
Connector)....................................................... 213
When Towing a Trailer...................................... 215
Event Data Recording See: Data Recording.............................................. 9
Export Unique Options..................................13
Exterior Mirrors
................................................88
Blind Spot Information System...................... 89
Direction Indicator Mirrors................................ 89
Fold-Away Exterior Mirrors............................... 88
Heated Exterior Mirrors ..................................... 89
Integrated Blind Spot Mirror............................ 89
Memory Mirrors .................................................... 89
Power Exterior Mirrors........................................ 88
Power-Folding Mirrors....................................... 88
Puddle Lamps....................................................... 89
F
Fastening the Seatbelts...............................35 Rear Inflatable Seatbelt..................................... 37
Seatbelt Locking Modes.................................... 36
Using Seatbelts During Pregnancy................35
Flat Tire See: Changing a Road Wheel....................... 296
Floor Mats
........................................................219
Fog Lamps - Front See: Front Fog Lamps........................................ 85
Foot Pedals See: Adjusting the Pedals................................. 79
Ford Credit
..........................................................11
US Only...................................................................... 11Ford Protect...................................................445
Ford Protect Extended Service Plan
(CANADA ONLY).......................................... 446
Ford Protect Extended Service Plans (U.S. Only).................................................................. 445
Front Fog Lamps
............................................85
Front Passenger Sensing System............46
Fuel and Refueling.......................................153
Fuel Consumption
.......................................158
Advertised Capacity.......................................... 158
Fuel Economy...................................................... 158
Fuel Filler Funnel Location........................154
Fuel Quality
.....................................................153
Choosing the Right Fuel................................... 153
Fuel Shutoff
...................................................222
Fuses................................................................234
Fuse Specification Chart..........................234 Passenger Compartment Fuse
Panel.................................................................. 239
Power Distribution Box.................................... 234
G
Garage Door Opener See: Universal Garage Door Opener...........138
Gauges...............................................................92
Gearbox See: Transmission.............................................. 164
General Information on Radio Frequencies...................................................52
Intelligent Access................................................. 52
General Maintenance Information
........447
Multi-Point Inspection..................................... 449
Owner Checks and Services......................... 448
Protecting Your Investment........................... 447
Why Maintain Your Vehicle?.......................... 447
Why Maintain Your Vehicle at Your Dealership?..................................................... 447
Getting Assistance Outside the U.S. and Canada.........................................................230
Getting the Services You Need...............227 Away From Home.............................................. 227
H
Handbrake See: Parking Brake.............................................. 176
Hazard Flashers
............................................222
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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