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 305).
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. 3. Add fluid that meets the Ford
specifications. See
Capacities and
Specifications (page 305). 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.
254
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Second-Printing Maintenance
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 248).
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.
443
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Second-Printing Scheduled Maintenance
Power Exterior Mirrors........................................
86
Power-Folding Mirrors....................................... 86
Puddle Lamps....................................................... 87
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....................... 293
Floor Mats........................................................217
Fog Lamps - Front See: Front Fog Lamps........................................ 83
Foot Pedals See: Adjusting the Pedals.................................. 77
Ford Credit
..........................................................11
US Only...................................................................... 11
Ford Protect..................................................440 Ford Protect Extended Service Plan
(CANADA ONLY)........................................... 441
Ford Protect Extended Service Plans (U.S. Only)................................................................. 440
Front Fog Lamps............................................83
Front Passenger Sensing System............46
Fuel and Refueling........................................151
Fuel Consumption.......................................156 Advertised Capacity.......................................... 156
Fuel Economy...................................................... 156
Fuel Filler Funnel Location
........................152
Fuel Quality......................................................151 Choosing the Right Fuel.................................... 151
Fuel Shutoff...................................................220
Fuses.................................................................232
Fuse Specification Chart...........................232 Passenger Compartment Fuse Panel........237
Power Distribution Box.................................... 232
G
Garage Door Opener See: Universal Garage Door Opener...........136
Gauges...............................................................90
Gearbox See: Transmission.............................................. 162General Information on Radio
Frequencies...................................................52
Intelligent Access................................................. 52
General Maintenance Information.......442 Multi-Point Inspection..................................... 444
Owner Checks and Services.......................... 443
Protecting Your Investment........................... 442
Why Maintain Your Vehicle?......................... 442
Why Maintain Your Vehicle at Your Dealership?..................................................... 442
Getting Assistance Outside the U.S. and Canada.........................................................228
Getting the Services You Need...............225 Away From Home.............................................. 225
H
Handbrake See: Parking Brake.............................................. 174
Hazard Flashers...........................................220
Headlamp Adjusting See: Adjusting the Headlamps..................... 259
Headlamp Exit Delay
....................................82
Headlamp Removal See: Removing a Headlamp......................... 260
Headrest See: Head Restraints.......................................... 121
Head Restraints
..............................................121
Adjusting the Head Restraint......................... 122
Tilting Head Restraints .................................... 124
Heated Exterior Mirrors
................................119
Heated Rear Window...................................119
Heated Seats
..................................................134
Front Seats............................................................ 134
Second Row Heated Seats............................. 134
Heated Steering Wheel
................................75
Heating See: Climate Control........................................... 112
Hints on Controlling the Interior Climate...........................................................116
Defogging the Side Windows in Cold Weather.............................................................. 118
General Hints........................................................ 116
Quickly Cooling the Interior.............................. 117
Quickly Heating the Interior.............................. 117
Recommended Settings for Cooling............118
Recommended Settings for Heating............117
503
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Second-Printing Index