2018 FORD FLEX automatic transmission fluid

Roadside Emergencies
Roadside Assistance
..................................221
Hazard Flashers ...........................................
222
Fuel Shutoff ..................................................
222
Jump Starting the Vehicle ........................
223
Post-Crash Alert System .........................
225
Transporting the Vehicle ..........................
225
Customer Assistance
Getting the Services You Need ..............
227
In California (U.S. Only) ............................
228
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Auto Line Program (U.S. Only) .....................
229
Utilizing the Mediation/Arbitration Program (Canada Only) ......................
230
Getting Assistance Outside the U.S. and Canada .......................................................
230
Ordering Additional Owner's Literature ........................................................................\
232
Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Only) ........................................................................\
232
Reporting Safety Defects (Canada Only) ........................................................................\
232
Fuses
Fuse Specification Chart .........................
234
Changing a Fuse ..........................................
243
Maintenance
General Information ..................................
245
Opening and Closing the Hood .............
245
Under Hood Overview - 3.5L Duratec ........................................................................\
246
Under Hood Overview - 3.5L Ecoboost™ ........................................................................\
247
Engine Oil Dipstick .....................................
249
Engine Oil Check .........................................
249
Oil Change Indicator Reset .....................
250
Engine Coolant Check ..............................
250
Automatic Transmission Fluid Check ........................................................................\
254 Brake Fluid Check
.......................................
256
Power Steering Fluid Check ....................
257
Washer Fluid Check ....................................
257
Changing the 12V Battery .........................
257
Checking the Wiper Blades ....................
259
Changing the Wiper Blades ....................
259
Adjusting the Headlamps .......................
260
Removing a Headlamp ..............................
261
Changing a Bulb ...........................................
261
Bulb Specification Chart .........................
265
Changing the Engine Air Filter ................
267
Vehicle Care
General Information ..................................
268
Cleaning Products ......................................
268
Cleaning the Exterior .................................
268
Waxing ............................................................
270
Cleaning the Engine ...................................
270
Cleaning the Windows and Wiper Blades ........................................................................\
270
Cleaning the Interior ....................................
271
Cleaning the Instrument Panel and Instrument Cluster Lens ........................
271
Cleaning Leather Seats .............................
272
Repairing Minor Paint Damage ..............
273
Cleaning the Wheels ..................................
273
Vehicle Storage ............................................
273
Body Styling Kits .........................................
275
Wheels and Tires
General Information ..................................
276
Tire Care .........................................................
278
Using Snow Chains ....................................
292
Tire Pressure Monitoring System ..........
293
Changing a Road Wheel ..........................
296
Technical Specifications .........................
300
4
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201801, Second Printing Table of Contents

Engine coolant reservoir. See
Engine Coolant Check (page
250).
A
Windshield washer fluid
reservoir. See
Washer Fluid
Check (page 257).
B
Brake fluid reservoir. See
Brake
Fluid Check (page 256).
C
Battery. See
Changing the 12V
Battery (page 257).
D
Engine compartment fuse box.
See
Fuse Specification Chart
(page 234).
E Air filter assembly. See
Changing the Engine Air Filter
(page
267).
F
Automatic transmission fluid
dipstick. See
Automatic
Transmission Fluid Check
(page
254).
G
Engine oil dipstick. See
Engine
Oil Dipstick (page 249).
H
Engine oil filler cap. See Engine
Oil Check
(page 249).
I
UNDER HOOD OVERVIEW - 3.5L ECOBOOST™ 247
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201801, Second Printing MaintenanceE253238

Engine coolant reservoir. See
Engine Coolant Check (page
250).
A.
Engine oil filler cap. See Engine
Oil Check
(page 249).
B.
Engine oil dipstick. See
Engine
Oil Dipstick (page 249).
C.
Brake fluid reservoir. See
Brake
Fluid Check (page 256).
D.
Battery. See
Changing the 12V
Battery (page 257).
E.
Engine compartment fuse box.
See
Fuses (page 234).
F.
Air filter assembly. See
Changing the Engine Air Filter
(page
267).
G. Automatic transmission dipstick.
See
Automatic Transmission
Fluid Check (page 254).
H.
Washer fluid reservoir. See
Washer Fluid Check (page 257).
I.
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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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Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201801, Second Printing Maintenance

Checking the Transmission Fluid
Level
WARNING
The dipstick and surrounding
components are hot. Use gloves
when moving components and
checking the transmission fluid level.
Failure to follow this warning could result
in serious personal injury. Only check the transmission fluid level
when the engine is at normal operating
temperature 179°F (82°C)-199°F (93°C).
Normal operating temperature is reached
after driving approximately 20 mi (30 km).
Minimum.
A
Maximum.
B
Note: Check the fluid level with the engine
running and the transmission in park (P).
1. Make sure that your vehicle is on level ground.
2. Rotate the automatic transmission fluid cap in a counterclockwise
direction. See Under Hood Overview
(page 247).
3. Remove the cap and dipstick and wipe
it with a clean, lint-free cloth. Replace
the cap and dipstick and remove it
again to check the fluid level. 4. Make sure that the fluid level is
between the MIN and the MAX marks.
If the fluid level is at the MIN mark, add
fluid immediately. See
Adding
Transmission Fluid.
5. Replace the automatic transmission fluid cap and dipstick. Turn it clockwise
until you feel a strong resistance.
Low Fluid Level
If the fluid level is within the minimum
range (below point A) add the correct
specification fluid to be within the hash
mark area. See
Capacities and
Specifications (page 308).
Note: If the fluid level is below the
minimum range do not drive your vehicle. A
low fluid level can damage the transmission.
Correct Fluid Level
If the fluid level is within the hash mark
area (between points A and B) do not add
any fluid.
High Fluid Level
If the fluid level is above the maximum
range (above point B) fluid may need to
be removed. High fluid levels may be
caused by a overheating condition. If you
have operated your vehicle at high speeds,
towing a trailer or in city traffic during hot
weather, allow your vehicle to cool for a
minimum of 30 minutes before rechecking
the level.
Note: An overfill condition can damage the
transmission.
Adding Transmission Fluid *
1. Rotate the automatic transmission fluid cap in a counterclockwise
direction.
2. Remove the cap and dipstick and wipe
it with a clean, lint-free cloth.
255
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201801, Second Printing MaintenanceE190273
AB

3. Add fluid that meets the Ford
specifications. See Capacities and
Specifications (page 308). Pour the
fluid directly into the automatic
transmission fluid cap and dipstick
hole.
4. Replace the cap and dipstick and remove it again to check the fluid level.
5. Make sure that the fluid level is between the MIN and the MAX marks.
6. Replace the automatic transmission fluid cap and dipstick. Turn it clockwise
until you feel a strong resistance.
* Vehicles With Turbocharged Engines WARNING
Do not start the engine with the air
filter removed. This can cause
damage not covered by the vehicle
Warranty and can result in serious injury. 1. Loosen the clamp holding the air filter
assembly to the rubber hose.
2. Remove the air filter assembly securing
bolts.
3. Lift the air filter assembly to disengage
the locating pins.
4. Rotate the air filter assembly slightly in a counterclockwise direction.
5. Check the transmission fluid level.
6. Install the air filter assembly in reverse
order. Tighten the air filter assembly
securing bolts until you feel a strong
resistance. BRAKE FLUID CHECK WARNINGS
Do not use any fluid other than the
recommended brake fluid as this will
reduce brake efficiency. Use of
incorrect fluid could result in the loss of
vehicle control, serious personal injury or
death. Only use brake fluid from a sealed
container. Contamination with dirt,
water, petroleum products or other
materials may result in brake system
damage or failure. Failure to adhere to this
warning could result in the loss of vehicle
control, serious personal injury or death. Do not allow the fluid to touch your
skin or eyes. If this happens, rinse the
affected areas immediately with
plenty of water and contact your physician. A fluid level between the
MAX and
MIN lines is within the normal
operating range and there is no need
to add fluid. A fluid level not in the normal
operating range could compromise the
performance of the system. Have your
vehicle checked immediately. 256
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201801, Second Printing Maintenance

CAPACITIES AND SPECIFICATIONS - 3.5L DURATEC
Capacities
WARNING
The air conditioning refrigerant system contains refrigerant under high pressure.
Only qualified personnel should service the air conditioning refrigerant system.
Opening the air conditioning refrigerant system can cause personal injury.
Capacity
Item
6.0 qt (5.7 L)
Engine oil
13.2 qt (12.5 L)
Engine coolant
Between MIN/MAX on brake fluid reservoir
Brake fluid
10.9 qt (10.3 L)1
Automatic transmission fluid
2.43 pt (1.15 L)
Rear axle fluid (All Wheel Drive)
17.9 fl oz (0.53 L)
Power Transfer Unit (PTU) fluid (All Wheel
Drive)
Fill as required
Windshield washer fluid
18.6 gal (70.4 L)
Fuel tank
2.31 lb (1.05 kg)
A/C refrigerant
8.96 fl oz (265 ml)
A/C refrigerant compressor oil
1 Approximate dry fill capacity. Actual amount may vary during fluid changes.
308
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201801, Second Printing Capacities and Specifications

Specifications
Materials
Specification
Name
WSS-M2C945-B1
Recommended motor oil (U.S.):
Motorcraft® SAE 5W-20 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor
Oil
XO-5W20-QSP
WSS-M2C945-B1
Recommended Motor oil (Canada):
Motorcraft® SAE 5W-20 Super Premium Motor Oil
CXO-5W20-LSP12
WSS-M2C945-B1
Optional motor oil (U.S.):
Motorcraft® SAE 5W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil
XO-5W20-QFS
WSS-M2C945-B1
Optional Motor oil (Canada):
Motorcraft® SAE 5W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil
CXO-5W20-LFS12
WSS-M97B44-D2
Engine coolant (U.S.):
Motorcraft® Orange Prediluted Antifreeze/Coolant
VC-3DIL-B
WSS-M97B44-D2
Engine coolant (Canada):
Motorcraft® Orange Prediluted Antifreeze/Coolant
CVC-3DIL-B
WSS-M6C65-A2
Brake fluid:
Motorcraft® DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) High Performance
Motor Vehicle Brake Fluid
PM-20
WSS-M2C938-A
Automatic transmission fluid (U.S.):
MERCON® LV
Motorcraft® MERCON® LV Automatic Transmission Fluid
XT-10-QLVC
WSS-M2C938-A
Automatic transmission fluid (Canada):
MERCON® LV
Motorcraft® MERCON® LV Automatic Transmission Fluid
CXT-10-LV12
WSP-M2C197-A
Rear axle fluid (U.S.):
Motorcraft® SAE 80W-90 Premium Rear Axle Lubricant
XY-80W90-QL
WSP-M2C197-A
Rear axle fluid (Canada):
Motorcraft® SAE 80W-90 Premium Rear Axle Lubricant
CXY-80W90-1L
309
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201801, Second Printing Capacities and Specifications