2018 FORD FLEX check engine

Storage Compartments
Center Console
.............................................145
Overhead Console ......................................
146
Starting and Stopping the Engine
General Information ...................................
147
Ignition Switch ..............................................
147
Keyless Starting ............................................
147
Starting a Gasoline Engine ......................
148
Engine Block Heater ....................................
151
Fuel and Refueling
Safety Precautions ......................................
153
Fuel Quality ....................................................
153
Fuel Filler Funnel Location .......................
154
Running Out of Fuel ...................................
154
Refueling .........................................................
156
Fuel Consumption ......................................
158
Engine Emission Control
Emission Law ................................................
160
Catalytic Converter ......................................
161
Transmission
Automatic Transmission ..........................
164
All-Wheel Drive
Using All-Wheel Drive ...............................
168
Brakes
General Information ....................................
175
Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes ........................................................................\
.
176
Parking Brake .................................................
176
Traction Control
Principle of Operation .................................
177
Using Traction Control ................................
177Stability Control
Principle of Operation
................................
178
Using Stability Control ...............................
179
Parking Aids
Principle of Operation ...............................
180
Rear Parking Aid ..........................................
180
Active Park Assist .........................................
181
Rear View Camera ......................................
185
Cruise Control
Principle of Operation ...............................
189
Using Cruise Control ..................................
189
Using Adaptive Cruise Control ...............
190
Driving Aids
Blind Spot Information System .............
196
Cross Traffic Alert ........................................
198
Steering ...........................................................
201
Collision Warning System ........................
201
Load Carrying
Cargo Nets ....................................................
204
Roof Racks and Load Carriers ...............
204
Load Limit .....................................................
204
Towing
Towing a Trailer ............................................
210
Trailer Sway Control .....................................
211
Recommended Towing Weights .............
211
Essential Towing Checks ..........................
213
Towing the Vehicle on Four Wheels ......
216
Driving Hints
Breaking-In .....................................................
218
Economical Driving .....................................
218
Driving Through Water ...............................
219
Floor Mats .......................................................
219
3
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201801, Second Printing Table of Contents

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

Brake system
Cabin air filter
Check fuel cap
Child safety door lock or unlock
Child seat lower anchor
Child seat tether anchor
Cruise control
Do not open when hot
Engine air filter
Engine coolant
Engine coolant temperature
Engine oil
Explosive gas
Fan warning Fasten seatbelt
Flammable
Front airbag
Front fog lamps
Fuel pump reset
Fuse compartment
Hazard flashers
Heated rear window
Windshield defrosting system
Interior luggage compartment
release
Jack
Keep out of reach of children
Lighting control
Low tire pressure warning
Maintain correct fluid level
8
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201801, Second Printing Introduction E270480 E71340 E71880 E231160 E67017 E161353

5. Reinstall the battery housing cover
onto the transmitter and install the key
blade.
Car Finder Press the button twice within
three seconds.
The horn sounds and the direction
indicators flash. We recommend you use
this method to locate your vehicle, rather
than using the panic alarm.
Note: If any door or the liftgate is open, or
if the hood is open on vehicles with an
anti-theft alarm or remote start, the horn
will sound twice and the direction indicators
will not flash.
Sounding the Panic Alarm Press the button to sound the
panic alarm. Press the button
again or switch the ignition on to
turn it off.
Note: The panic alarm only operates when
the ignition is off.
Remote Start (If Equipped) WARNING
To avoid exhaust fumes, do not use
remote start if your vehicle is parked
indoors or in areas that are not well
ventilated. Note:
Do not use remote start if your fuel
level is low. The remote start button is on the
transmitter.
This feature allows you to start your
vehicle from the outside. The transmitter
has an extended operating range. Vehicles with automatic climate control
can be configured to operate when the
vehicle is remote started. See Automatic
Climate Control
(page 115).
Many states and provinces have
restrictions for the use of remote start.
Check your local and state or provincial
laws for specific requirements regarding
remote start systems.
The remote start system does not work if
any of the following occur:
• The ignition is on.
• The anti-theft alarm triggers.
• You switch off the feature.
• The hood is open.
• The transmission is not in park (P).
• The battery voltage is below the
minimum operating voltage.
• The service engine soon indicator was
on the last time your vehicle was
driven.
Remote Starting Your Vehicle
Note: You must press each button within
three seconds of each other. If you do not
follow this sequence, your vehicle does not
start remotely, the direction indicators do
not flash twice and the horn does not sound. The label on your transmitter details the
starting procedure.
To start your vehicle remotely:
1. Press the lock button to lock all the
doors.
55
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201801, Second Printing Keys and Remote ControlsE138623 E138624 E138625 E138626

Airbag Readiness
If this light fails to illuminate
when you switch the ignition on,
continues to flash or remains on,
it indicates a malfunction. Have the system
checked by your authorized dealer. A tone
sounds when there is a malfunction.
Anti-Lock Braking System If it illuminates when you are
driving, this indicates a
malfunction. You will continue
to have the normal braking system
(without ABS) unless the brake system
warning lamp is also illuminated. Have the
system checked by your authorized dealer.
Battery If it illuminates while driving, it
indicates a malfunction. Switch
off all unnecessary electrical
equipment and have the system checked
by your authorized dealer immediately.
Brake System WARNING
Driving your vehicle with the warning
lamp on is dangerous. A significant
decrease in braking performance
may occur. It may take you longer to stop
your vehicle. Have your vehicle checked as
soon as possible. Driving extended
distances with the parking brake engaged
can cause brake failure and the risk of
personal injury. It illuminates when you engage
the parking brake and the
ignition is on. If it illuminates when your vehicle is
moving, make sure the parking brake is
disengaged. If the parking brake is
disengaged, this indicates low brake fluid
level or a brake system fault. Have your
vehicle checked immediately.
Charging System It illuminates when the battery
is not charging properly.
If it stays on while the engine is
running , there may be a malfunction with
the charging system. Contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible. This
indicates a problem with the electrical
system or a related component.
Cruise Control (If Equipped) It illuminates when you switch
the system on.
See
Using Cruise Control
(page 189).
Directional Indicator Illuminates when you switch on
the left or right or the hazard
warning flasher. If the indicators
stay on or flash faster, check for a burned
out bulb. See Changing a Bulb (page 261).
Door Ajar Displays when the ignition is on
and any door is not completely
closed.
Engine Coolant Temperature Illuminates when the engine
coolant temperature is high.
Stop the vehicle as soon as
possible, switch off the engine and let cool.
See
Engine Coolant Check (page 250).
94
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201801, Second Printing Instrument ClusterE67017 E144522 E71340

Engine Oil
It illuminates when you switch
the ignition on.
If it illuminates when the engine
is running this indicates a malfunction.
Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to
do so and switch the engine off. Check the
engine oil level. If the oil level is sufficient,
this indicates a system malfunction. Have
your vehicle checked immediately.
See Engine Oil Check (page 249).
Fasten Seatbelt Warning Lamp It illuminates and a chime
sounds until you fasten the
seatbelts.
Front Airbag If it fails to illuminate when you
start your vehicle, continues to
flash or remains on, it indicates
a malfunction. Have the system checked
by your authorized dealer.
Front Fog Lamps
(If Equipped) Lights when you switch the front
fog lamps on.
Head Up Display
(If Equipped) A red beam of lights will
illuminate on the windshield in
certain instances when using
adaptive cruise control and/or the collision
warning system. It will also illuminate
momentarily when you start your vehicle
to make sure the display works. High Beam It will illuminate when you switch
the high beam headlamps on. It
will flash when you use the
headlamp flasher.
Liftgate Ajar Illuminates when you do not
completely close the liftgate.
Low Fuel Level It will illuminate when the fuel
level is low or the fuel tank is
nearly empty. Refuel as soon as
possible.
Low Tire Pressure Warning It illuminates if the tire pressure
in one or more tires is below the
correct tire pressure.
It also illuminates momentarily when you
switch the ignition on to confirm the lamp
is functional. If it does not illuminate when
you switch the ignition on, or begins to
flash at any time, have the system checked
by your authorized dealer.
Low Washer Fluid It will illuminate when the
windshield washer fluid is low.
Parking Lamps It will illuminate when you switch
the parking lamps on.
95
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201801, Second Printing Instrument Cluster E71880 E67017 E156133 E162453 E132353

Powertrain Malfunction/Reduced
Power
Illuminates when a powertrain
or an AWD fault has been
detected. Contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Service Engine Soon If it illuminates when the engine
is running this indicates a
malfunction. The On Board
Diagnostics system has detected a
malfunction of the vehicle emission control
system.
If it flashes, engine misfire may be
occurring. Increased exhaust gas
temperatures could damage the catalytic
converter or other vehicle components.
Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy
acceleration and deceleration) and have
your vehicle immediately serviced.
It illuminates when you switch the ignition
on prior to engine start to check the bulb
and to indicate whether your vehicle is
ready for Inspection and Maintenance
(I/M) testing.
Normally, it illuminates until the engine is
cranked and automatically turns off if no
malfunctions are present. However, if after
15 seconds it flashes eight times, this
indicates that your vehicle is not ready for
Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) testing.
See Emission Law (page 160).
Stability Control It will flash when the system is
active. If it remains illuminated
or does not illuminate when you
switch the ignition on, this indicates a
malfunction. During a malfunction the
system will switch off. Have the system
checked by your authorized dealer
immediately. See
Using Stability
Control (page 179). Stability Control Off It illuminates when you switch
the system off.
AUDIBLE WARNINGS AND
INDICATORS
Key in Ignition Warning Chime
Sounds when you open the driver's door
and you have left the key in the ignition.
Keyless Warning Alert
(If Equipped)
Sounds the horn twice when you exit your
vehicle with the intelligent access key, after
the last door is closed and your keyless
vehicle is in RUN, indicating your vehicle is
still on.
Headlamps On Warning Chime
Sounds when you remove the key from the
ignition and open the driver's door and you
have left the headlamps or parking lamps
on.
Parking Brake On Warning Chime
Sounds when you have left the parking
brake on and drive your vehicle. If the
warning chime remains on after you have
released the parking brake, have the
system checked by an authorized dealer
immediately.
96
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201801, Second Printing Instrument Cluster E138639 E130458

Blind Spot Information and Cross Traffic Alert System
Action
Message
A fault with the system has occurred. Contact an authorizeddealer as soon as possible.
Blindspot System Fault
The system sensors are blocked. Contact an authorized dealeras soon as possible. See Blind Spot Information System
(page 196).
Blindspot Not Available
Sensor Blocked See Manual
The system detects a vehicle. See
Blind Spot Information
System (page 196).
Vehicle Coming From X
The blind spot information system and cross traffic alert
system sensors are blocked. See
Blind Spot Information
System (page 196).
Cross Traffic Not Avail-
able Sensor Blocked See Manual
A fault with the system has occurred. Contact an authorizeddealer as soon as possible.
Cross Traffic System
Fault
Brake System Action
Message
The brake fluid level is low and the brake system should be
inspected immediately. See Brake Fluid Check (page 256).
Brake Fluid Level Low
The brake system needs servicing. Stop the vehicle in a safeplace. Contact an authorized dealer.
Check Brake System
The parking brake is set, the engine is running and you drive
your vehicle more than 3 mph (5 km/h). If the warning stays on after the parking brake is released, contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Park Brake Engaged
108
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201801, Second Printing Information Displays