2019 FORD FLEX steering

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
Cruise control lets you maintain a set
speed without keeping your foot on the
accelerator pedal. You can use cruise
control when your vehicle speed is greater
than 20 mph (30 km/h).
USING CRUISE CONTROL WARNING: Do not use cruise control
on winding roads, in heavy traffic or when
the road surface is slippery. This could
result in loss of vehicle control, serious
injury or death. WARNING:
When you are going
downhill, your vehicle speed could increase
above the set speed. The system does not
apply the brakes.
To help the system to maintain the set
speed when going downhill, downshift to
a lower gear.
Your vehicle speed could decrease below
the set speed when driving uphill.
Note: The system cancels if your vehicle
speed drops below 10 mph (16 km/h) under
the set speed when driving uphill. The cruise controls are on the steering
wheel. See
Using Cruise Control (page
187).
Switching Cruise Control On Press the toggle button upward.
The indicator appears in the
information display.
Setting the Cruise Speed
Drive to the desired speed. Press the toggle button upward
or downward to set the current
speed.
Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
Note: The indicator changes color.
Changing the Set Speed Press the toggle button upward
or downward to increase or
decrease the set speed in small
increments.
Press and hold up or down to accelerate
or decelerate, respectively. Release the
button when you reach the desired speed.
Press the accelerator or brake pedal until
you reach the desired speed. Press the
toggle button either direction.
Note: If you accelerate by pressing only the
accelerator pedal, the set speed does not
change. When you release the accelerator
pedal, your vehicle returns to the speed that
you previously set.
Canceling the Set Speed Press and release the button, or
tap the brake pedal to cancel the
set speed.
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Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Second-Printing Cruise ControlE265860 E265296 E71340 E265306 E265306 E265298

The adaptive cruise controls are on the
steering wheel.
Switching Adaptive Cruise Control
On
Press and release the button.
The indicator, current gap setting
and set speed appear in the
information display.
Setting the Adaptive Cruise Speed
Drive to your preferred speed.
Press the toggle button upward
or downward to set the current
speed.
Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
The indicator, current gap setting and set
speed appear in the information display. Note:
When adaptive cruise control is
active, the speedometer may vary slightly
from the set speed displayed in the
information display.
Following a Vehicle WARNING: When following a
vehicle, your vehicle does not always
decelerate quickly enough to avoid a crash
without driver intervention. Always apply
the brakes when necessary. Failing to do
so may result in a crash, serious injury or
death. WARNING:
Adaptive cruise control
only warns of vehicles detected by the
radar sensor. In some cases there may be
no warning or a delayed warning. You
should always apply the brakes when
necessary. Failure to do so may result in a
crash, serious injury or death.
When a vehicle ahead of you enters the
same lane or a slower vehicle is ahead in
the same lane, the vehicle speed adjusts
to maintain a preset gap distance. A
vehicle graphic appears in the information
display.
Note: When you are following a vehicle and
you switch on a direction indicator, adaptive
cruise control may provide a small
temporary acceleration to help you pass.
Note: The brakes may emit noise when
applied by the system.
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Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Second-Printing Cruise ControlE265860 E265296 E144529 E164805 E265306 E164805

STEERING
Electric Power Steering
WARNING: The electric power
steering system has diagnostic checks that
continuously monitor the system. If a fault
is detected, a message displays in the
information display. Stop your vehicle as
soon as it is safe to do so. Switch the
ignition off. After at least 10 seconds,
switch the ignition on and watch the
information display for a steering system
warning message. If a steering system
warning message returns, have the system
checked by an authorized dealer. WARNING: If the system detects an
error, you may not feel a difference in the
steering, however a serious condition may
exist. Obtain immediate service from an
authorized dealer, failure to do so may
result in loss of steering control.
Your vehicle has an electric power steering
system. There is no fluid reservoir. No
maintenance is required.
If your vehicle loses electrical power while
you are driving, electric power steering
assistance is lost. The steering system still
operates and you can steer your vehicle
manually. Manually steering your vehicle
requires more effort.
Extreme continuous steering may increase
the effort required for you to steer your
vehicle. This increased effort prevents
overheating and permanent damage to
the steering system. You do not lose the
ability to steer your vehicle manually.
Typical steering and driving maneuvers
allow the system to cool and return to
normal operation. Steering Tips
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•
Correct tire pressures.
• Uneven tire wear.
• Loose or worn suspension
components.
• Loose or worn steering components.
• Improper vehicle alignment.
Note: A high crown in the road or high
crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander or pull.
Adaptive Learning
The electronic power steering system
adaptive learning helps correct road
irregularities and improves overall handling
and steering feel. It communicates with
the brake system to help operate
advanced stability control and accident
avoidance systems. Additionally, whenever
the battery is disconnected or a new
battery installed, you must drive your
vehicle a short distance before the system
relearns the strategy and reactivates all
systems.
COLLISION WARNING SYSTEM
(If Equipped)
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION WARNING: This system is designed
to be a supplementary driving aid. It is not
intended to replace the driver ’s attention,
and judgment, or the need to apply the
brakes. This system does NOT activate the
brakes automatically. Failure to press the
brake pedal to activate the brakes may
result in a collision.
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Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Second-Printing Driving Aids

If a message regarding a blocked sensor
appears in the information display, the
radar signals from the sensor have been
obstructed. The sensors are located behind
a fascia cover near the driver side of the
lower grille. When the sensors are
obstructed, a vehicle ahead cannot be
detected and the collision warning system
does not function. The following table lists
possible causes and actions for this
message being displayed. Action
Cause
Clean the grille surface in front of the radaror remove the object causing the obstruc- tion
The surface of the radar in the grille is dirty
or obstructed in some way
Wait a short time. It may take several
minutes for the radar to detect that it is no longer obstructed
The surface of the radar in the grille is clean
but the message remains in the display
The collision warning system is temporarily
disabled. Collision warning should automat-ically reactivate a short time after the weather conditions improve
Heavy rain, spray, snow, or fog is interfering
with the radar signals
The collision warning system is temporarily
disabled. Collision warning should automat-ically reactivate a short time after the weather conditions improve
Swirling water, or snow or ice on the surface
of the road may interfere with the radar signals
System Limitations WARNING: The collision warning
system ’s brake support can only help
reduce the speed at which a collision
occurs if the driver applies the vehicle ’s
brakes. The brake pedal must be pressed
just like any typical braking situation.
Due to the nature of radar technology,
there may be certain instances where
vehicles do not provide a collision warning.
These include:
• Stationary vehicles or vehicles moving
below 6 mph (10 km/h).
• Pedestrians or objects in the roadway.
• Oncoming vehicles in the same lane. •
Severe weather conditions (see
blocked sensor section).
• Debris build-up on the grille near the
headlamps (see blocked sensor
section).
• Small distance to vehicle ahead.
• Steering wheel and pedal movements
are large (very active driving style).
If the front end of the vehicle is hit or
damaged, the radar sensing zone may be
altered causing missed or false collision
warnings. See your authorized dealer to
have your collision warning radar checked
for proper coverage and operation.
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Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Second-Printing Driving Aids

Trailer Lamps
WARNING: Never connect any trailer
lamp wiring to the vehicle's tail lamp
wiring; this may damage the electrical
system resulting in fire. Contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible for
assistance in proper trailer tow wiring
installation. Additional electrical
equipment may be required.
Trailer lamps are required on most towed
vehicles. Make sure all running lights, brake
lights, turn signals and hazard lights are
working. Before Towing a Trailer
Practice turning, stopping and backing up
to get the feel of your vehicle-trailer
combination before starting on a trip.
When turning, make wider turns so the
trailer wheels clear curbs and other
obstacles.
When Towing a Trailer
•
Do not drive faster than 70 mph
(113 km/h) during the first 500 mi
(800 km).
• Do not make full-throttle starts.
• Check your hitch, electrical connections
and trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughly
after you have traveled 50 mi (80 km).
• When stopped in congested or heavy
traffic during hot weather, place the
gearshift in park (P) to aid engine and
transmission cooling and to help A/C
performance.
• Turn off the speed control with heavy
loads or in hilly terrain. The speed
control may turn off automatically
when you are towing on long, steep
grades.
• Shift to a lower gear when driving down
a long or steep hill. Do not apply the
brakes continuously, as they may
overheat and become less effective.
• If your transmission is equipped with a
Grade Assist or Tow/Haul feature, use
this feature when towing. This provides
engine braking and helps eliminate
excessive transmission shifting for
optimum fuel economy and
transmission cooling.
• Allow more distance for stopping with
a trailer attached. Anticipate stops and
brake gradually.
• Avoid parking on a grade. However, if
you must park on a grade:
1. Turn the steering wheel to point your vehicle tires away from traffic flow.
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•
Transmissions give their best fuel
economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure
on the gas pedal.
• Four-wheel-drive operation (if
equipped) is less fuel efficient than
two-wheel-drive operation.
• Close the windows for high-speed
driving.
DRIVING THROUGH WATER WARNING: Do not drive through
flowing or deep water as you may lose
control of your vehicle.
Note: Driving through standing water can
cause vehicle damage.
Note: Engine damage can occur if water
enters the air filter.
Before driving through standing water,
check the depth. Never drive through water
that is higher than the bottom of the front
rocker area of your vehicle. When driving through standing water, drive
very slowly and do not stop your vehicle.
Your brake performance and traction may
be limited. After driving through water and
as soon as it is safe to do so: •
Lightly press the brake pedal to dry the
brakes and to check that they work.
• Check that the horn works.
• Check that the exterior lights work.
• Turn the steering wheel to check that
the steering power assist works.
FLOOR MATS WARNING: Use a floor mat designed
to fit the footwell of your vehicle that does
not obstruct the pedal area. Failure to
follow this instruction could result in the
loss of control of your vehicle, personal
injury or death. WARNING:
Pedals that cannot
move freely can cause loss of vehicle
control and increase the risk of serious
personal injury. WARNING:
Secure the floor mat to
both retention devices so that it cannot
slip out of position and interfere with the
pedals. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in the loss of control of your
vehicle, personal injury or death. WARNING:
Do not place additional
floor mats or any other covering on top of
the original floor mats. This could result in
the floor mat interfering with the operation
of the pedals. Failure to follow this
instruction could result in the loss of
control of your vehicle, personal injury or
death. WARNING:
Always make sure that
objects cannot fall into the driver foot well
while your vehicle is moving. Objects that
are loose can become trapped under the
pedals causing a loss of vehicle control.
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Protected Components
Fuse Amp Rating
Fuse or Relay
Number
Canister vent solenoid (non-EcoBoost
engines).
Run/start relay.
5A 2
87
Run/start relay.
Relay
88
Anti–lock brake system module.
10A 2
89
Powertrain control module run/start.
10A 2
90
Adaptive cruise control module.
10A 2
91
Front blower relay coil.
5A 2
92
Power steering module.
Auxiliary blower motor.
5A 2
93
Rear window defroster relay power.
Battery charge relay.
Body control module run/start.
30A 1
94
Front passenger window switch.
5A 2
95
Not used.
-
96
Not used.
-
97
A/C clutch relay.
Relay
98
1 J Case Low Profile fuse.
2 Mini fuse.
Passenger Compartment Fuse
Panel
The fuse panel is under the instrument
panel to the left of the steering wheel. You
may need to remove a trim panel to access
it.
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Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Second-Printing Fuses

Protected Components
Fuse Amp Rating
Fuse or Relay
Number
SYNC module.
10A
9
Electronic finish panel.
Radio frequency transceiver module.
Run accessory relay.
10A
10
Front wiper motor relay.
Intelligent access module logic.
10A
11
Heads-up display.
Puddle lamp.
15A
12
Backlighting LED.
Interior lighting.
Right-hand direction indicators.
15A
13
Left-hand direction indicators.
15A
14
Center high mounted stop lamp.
15A
15
Backup lamp.
Right low beam headlamp.
10A
16
Left low beam headlamp.
10A
17
Third row power seats.
10A
18
Start button.
Keypad illumination.
Brake-shift interlock.
Powertrain control module wake-up.
Anti-theft system.
Not used (spare).
20A
19
Locks.
20A
20
Extended power module.
10A
21
Horn relay.
20A
22
Steering wheel control module logic.
15A
23
Instrument cluster.
Steering wheel control module.
15A
24
Datalink.
Liftgate release.
15A
25
Ignition switch.
5A
26
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Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Second-Printing Fuses