2018 FORD FLEX child seat

After all occupants have adjusted their
seats and put on seatbelts, it is very
important that they continue to sit
properly. A properly seated occupant sits
upright, leaning against the seatback, and
centered on the seat cushion, with their
feet comfortably extended on the floor.
Sitting improperly can increase the chance
of injury in a crash event. For example, if
an occupant slouches, lies down, turns
sideways, sits forward, leans forward or
sideways, or puts one or both feet up, the
chance of injury during a crash is greatly
increased.
Children and Airbags
WARNING
Airbags can kill or injure a child in a
child restraint. Never place a
rear-facing child restraint in front of
an active airbag. If you must use a
forward-facing child restraint in the front
seat, move the seat upon which the child
restraint is installed all the way back. Children must always be properly
restrained. Accident statistics suggest that
children are safer when properly restrained
in the rear seating positions than in the
front seating position. Failure to follow
these instructions may increase the risk of
injury in a crash. FRONT PASSENGER SENSING
SYSTEM WARNINGS
Even with advanced restraints
systems, properly restrain children
12 and under in a rear seating
position. Failure to follow this could
seriously increase the risk of injury or death. Sitting improperly, out of position or
with the seatback reclined too far
can take weight off the seat cushion
and affect the decision of the passenger
sensing system, resulting in serious injury
or death in the event of a crash. Always sit
upright against your seat back, with your
feet on the floor. Any alteration or modification to the
front passenger seat may affect the
performance of the front passenger
sensing system. This could seriously
increase the risk of injury or death. This system works with sensors that are
part of the front passenger seat and
seatbelt to detect the presence of a
properly-seated occupant and determine
if the front passenger frontal airbag should
be enabled (may inflate) or not.
The front passenger sensing system uses
a passenger airbag status indicator that
illuminates indicating that the front
passenger frontal airbag is either on
(enabled) or off (disabled).
46
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201801, Second Printing Supplementary Restraints SystemE142846 E253275

The indicator lamp is in the center stack of
the instrument panel.
Note:
The passenger airbag status indicator
off and on indicator lamps illuminate for a
short period of time when you first switch
the ignition on to confirm it is functional.
The front passenger sensing system is
designed to disable (will not inflate) the
front passenger frontal airbag when the
front passenger seat is unoccupied, or a
rear facing infant seat, a forward-facing
child restraint, or a booster seat is
detected. Even with this technology,
parents are strongly encouraged to
always properly restrain children in the rear
seat. The sensor also turns off the
passenger front airbag and seat-mounted
side airbag when the passenger seat is
empty.
• When the front passenger sensing
system disables (will not inflate) the
front passenger frontal airbag, the
passenger airbag status indicator
illuminates the off lamp and stays lit
to remind you that the front passenger
frontal airbag is disabled.
• If you have installed the child restraint
and the passenger airbag status
indicator illuminates the on lamp, then
switch the vehicle off, remove the child
restraint from the vehicle and reinstall
the restraint following the child
restraint manufacturer's instructions. The front passenger sensing system is
designed to enable (may inflate) the front
passenger frontal airbag anytime the
system senses that a person of adult size
is sitting properly in the front passenger
seat.
•
When the front passenger sensing
system enables the front passenger
frontal airbag (may inflate), the
passenger airbag status indicator
illuminates the on lamp and remains
illuminated.
If a person of adult size is sitting in the front
passenger seat, but the airbag off indicator
lamp is lit, it is possible that the person is
not sitting properly in the seat. If this
happens:
• Switch the vehicle off and ask the
person to place the seatback in the full
upright position.
• Have the person sit upright in the seat,
centered on the seat cushion, with the
person ’s legs comfortably extended.
• Restart the vehicle and have the person
remain in this position for about two
minutes. This allows the system to
detect that person and enable the
passenger frontal airbag.
• If the indicator off lamp remains lit
even after this, advise the person to
ride in the rear seat. Passenger airbag
Passenger airbag status
indicator
Occupant
Disabled
OFF: Lit
Empty
ON: Unlit Disabled
OFF: Lit
Child
47
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201801, Second Printing Supplementary Restraints System

The Safety Canopy will deploy during
significant side crashes or when a certain
likelihood of a rollover event is detected
by the rollover sensor. The Safety Canopy
is mounted to the roof side-rail sheet
metal, behind the headliner, above each
row of seats. In certain sideways crashes
or rollover events, the Safety Canopy will
be activated, regardless of which seats are
occupied. The Safety Canopy is designed
to inflate between the side window area
and occupants to further enhance
protection provided in side impact crashes
and rollover events.
The system consists of the following:
•
Safety canopy curtain airbags above
the trim panels over the front and rear
side windows identified by a label or
wording on the headliner or roof-pillar
trim.
• A flexible headliner which opens above
the side doors to allow air curtain
deployment · Crash sensors and monitoring
system with readiness indicator.
See Crash Sensors and Airbag
Indicator (page 50). Always properly restrain children 12 years
old and under in the rear seats. The Safety
Canopy will not interfere with children
restrained using a properly installed child
or booster seat because it is designed to
inflate downward from the headliner above
the doors along the side window opening.
The design and development of the Safety
Canopy included recommended testing
procedures that were developed by a
group of automotive safety experts known
as the Side Airbag Technical Working
Group. These recommended testing
procedures help reduce the risk of injuries
related to the deployment of side airbags
(including the Safety Canopy).
CRASH SENSORS AND
AIRBAG INDICATOR
WARNING
Modifying or adding equipment to
the front end of the vehicle (including
frame, bumper, front end body
structure and tow hooks) may affect the
performance of the airbag system,
increasing the risk of injury. Do not modify
the front end of the vehicle. Your vehicle has a collection of crash and
occupant sensors which provide
information to the restraints control
module. The restraints control module
deploys (activates) the front safety belt
pretensioners, driver airbag, passenger
airbag, seat mounted side airbags, the
Safety Canopy and rear inflatable safety
belts. Based on the type of crash, the
restraints control module will deploy the
appropriate safety devices.
50
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201801, Second Printing Supplementary Restraints SystemE75004 E67017

POWER LIFTGATE (If Equipped)
WARNINGS
It is extremely dangerous to ride in a
cargo area, inside or outside of a
vehicle. In a crash, people riding in
these areas are more likely to be seriously
injured or killed. Do not allow people to ride
in any area of your vehicle that is not
equipped with seats and seatbelts. Make
sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat
and properly using a seatbelt. Failure to
follow this warning could result in serious
personal injury or death. Make sure that you fully close the
liftgate to prevent exhaust fumes
from entering your vehicle. If you are
unable to fully close the liftgate, open the
air vents or the windows to allow fresh air
to enter your vehicle. Failure to follow this
instruction could result in personal injury
or death. Keep keys out of reach of children.
Do not allow children to operate or
play near an open or moving power
liftgate. You should supervise the
operation of the power liftgate at all times. Note:
Make sure that you close the liftgate
before operating or moving your vehicle,
especially in an enclosure, like a garage or
a parking structure. This could damage the
liftgate and its components.
Note: Do not hang anything, for example
a bike rack, from the glass or liftgate. This
could damage the liftgate and its
components.
The liftgate only operates with the
transmission in park (P).
If there is a problem with the open or close
request, a tone sounds for one of the
following reasons: •
The ignition is on and the transmission
is not in park (P).
• The battery voltage is below the
minimum operating voltage.
• The liftgate is not fully closed and your
vehicle speed is at or above
3 mph
(5 km/h).
If the liftgate starts to close after it has
fully opened, this indicates there may be
excessive weight on the liftgate or a
possible strut failure. A repetitive tone
sounds and the liftgate closes under
control. Remove any excessive weight from
the liftgate. If the liftgate continues to
close after opening, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer.
Opening and Closing the Liftgate WARNING
Make sure all persons are clear of the
power liftgate area before using the
power liftgate control.
Note:
Make sure the area behind your
vehicle is free from obstruction and that
there is enough room for you to operate the
liftgate. Objects too close to your vehicle,
for example a wall, garage door or another
vehicle may come into contact with the
moving liftgate. This could damage the
liftgate and its components.
Note: Be careful when opening or closing
the liftgate in a garage or other enclosed
area to avoid damaging the liftgate.
Note: Do not leave the liftgate open when
you are driving. This could damage the
liftgate and its components.
From the Instrument Panel With the transmission in park
(P), press the button on the
instrument panel.
70
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201801, Second Printing LiftgateE138633

12 Volt DC Power Point.....................................
143
Locations............................................................... 143
AWD See: All-Wheel Drive......................................... 168
B
Battery See: Changing the 12V Battery...................... 257
Blind Spot Information System..............196 Switching the System Off and On................197
System Errors....................................................... 197
System Limitations............................................ 197
Using the System............................................... 196
BLIS See: Blind Spot Information System..........196
Body Styling Kits..........................................275
Bonnet Lock See: Opening and Closing the Hood..........245
Booster Seats
..................................................29
Types of Booster Seats...................................... 30
Brake Fluid Check
........................................256
Brakes................................................................175 General Information........................................... 175
Breaking-In......................................................218
Bulb Specification Chart
...........................265
C
Cabin Air Filter
................................................122
California Proposition 65..............................11
Capacities and Specifications - 3.5L Duratec
.........................................................308
Alternative Engine Oil for Extremely Cold
Climates............................................................. 311
Specifications..................................................... 309
Capacities and Specifications - 3.5L Ecoboost™..................................................312
Alternative Engine Oil for Extremely Cold Climates............................................................ 315
Specifications....................................................... 313
Capacities and Specifications................302
Cargo Nets
.....................................................204
Car Wash See: Cleaning the Exterior.............................. 268
Catalytic Converter
.......................................161
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II).................... 162Readiness for Inspection and Maintenance
(I/M) Testing.................................................... 162
Center Console..............................................145 Console Refrigerator and Freezer.................145
Second Row Center Console......................... 145
Changing a Bulb............................................261 Brake and Rear Lamps, Rear Direction
Indicator and Reversing Lamp.................264
Front Direction Indicator and Front Parking Lamp................................................................. 262
Front Fog Lamp.................................................. 263
Headlamp............................................................. 262
Headlamp Low Beam and Headlamp High Beam................................................................. 262
LED Lamps........................................................... 264
License Plate Lamp.......................................... 265
Changing a Fuse
...........................................243
Fuses....................................................................... 243
Changing a Road Wheel...........................296 Dissimilar Spare Wheel and Tire Assembly
Information..................................................... 296
Tire Change Procedure.................................... 297
Changing the 12V Battery..........................257
Changing the Engine Air Filter.................267
Changing the Wiper Blades.....................259 Front Wiper Blades........................................... 259
Rear Window Wiper Blade............................ 260
Checking MyKey System Status..............60
Checking the Wiper Blades.....................259
Child Restraint and Seatbelt Maintenance..................................................41
Child Restraint Positioning
..........................31
Child Safety.......................................................18
General Information............................................. 18
Child Safety Locks..........................................32 Left-Hand Side...................................................... 33
Right-Hand Side................................................... 33
Cleaning Leather Seats..............................272
Cleaning Products.......................................268 Materials............................................................... 268
Cleaning the Engine....................................270
Cleaning the Exterior..................................268 Cleaning the Headlamps................................ 269
Exterior Chrome Parts..................................... 269
Exterior Plastic Parts........................................ 269
Stripes or Graphics........................................... 269
Underbody........................................................... 269
Under Hood......................................................... 269
496
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201801, Second Printing Index

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
497
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
499
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201801, Second Printing Index