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 187).
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 260).
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 249).
92
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Second-Printing Instrument ClusterE67017 E144522 E71340
AWD
Action
Message
Displays if the AWD system disables to protect itself. Thismay occur if you operate the vehicle after installing the
compact spare tire, if the system is overheating or if there is
an issue with another vehicle system that prevents the AWD system from operating. The AWD system resumes normal
operation and clears this message after you install the road
tire and you switch the ignition on and off, or after you allow
the system to cool. If this message remains on, have a quali- fied technician service your vehicle to repair other vehicle systems.
AWD OFF
The all-wheel drive system is not operating properly and the
powertrain fault indicator is illuminated. See Warning Lamps and Indicators (page 91). If the warning stays illuminated
or continues to illuminate, contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Check AWD
Battery and Charging System Action
Message
The charging system needs servicing. If the warning stays on
or continues to come on, contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Check Charging System
The battery management system determines that the batteryis at a low state of charge. Turn the ignition off as soon as
possible to protect the battery. This message will clear once the vehicle has been started and the battery state of charge has recovered. Turning off unnecessary electrical loads will allow faster battery state-of-charge recovery.
Turn Power Off To Save
Battery
105
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Second-Printing Information Displays
Illumination of the service engine soon
indicator, charging system warning light or
the temperature warning light, fluid leaks,
strange odors, smoke or loss of engine
power could indicate that the emission
control system is not working properly.
An improperly operating or damaged
exhaust system may allow exhaust to
enter the vehicle. Have a damaged or
improperly operating exhaust system
inspected and repaired immediately.
Do not make any unauthorized changes to
your vehicle or engine. By law, vehicle
owners and anyone who manufactures,
repairs, services, sells, leases, trades
vehicles, or supervises a fleet of vehicles
are not permitted to intentionally remove
an emission control device or prevent it
from working. Information about your
vehicle
’s emission system is on the Vehicle
Emission Control Information Decal
located on or near the engine. This decal
also lists engine displacement.
Please consult your warranty information
for complete details.
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II)
Your vehicle has a computer known as the
on-board diagnostics system (OBD-II) that
monitors the engine ’s emission control
system. The system protects the
environment by making sure that your
vehicle continues to meet government
emission standards. The OBD-II system
also assists a service technician in properly
servicing your vehicle. When the service engine soon
indicator illuminates, the OBD-II
system has detected a
malfunction. Temporary malfunctions may
cause the service engine soon indicator to
illuminate. Examples are: 1. Your vehicle has run out of fuel
—the
engine may misfire or run poorly.
2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel —the engine may misfire or run
poorly.
3. The fuel fill inlet may not have closed properly. See Refueling (page 154).
4. Driving through deep water —the
electrical system may be wet.
You can correct these temporary
malfunctions by filling the fuel tank with
good quality fuel, properly closing the fuel
fill inlet or letting the electrical system dry
out. After three driving cycles without these
or any other temporary malfunctions
present, the service engine soon indicator
should stay off the next time you start the
engine. A driving cycle consists of a cold
engine startup followed by mixed city and
highway driving. No additional vehicle
service is required.
If the service engine soon indicator remains
on, have your vehicle serviced at the first
available opportunity. Although some
malfunctions detected by the OBD-II may
not have symptoms that are apparent,
continued driving with the service engine
soon indicator on can result in increased
emissions, lower fuel economy, reduced
engine and transmission smoothness and
lead to more costly repairs.
Readiness for Inspection and
Maintenance (I/M) Testing
Some state and provincial and local
governments may have
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) programs
to inspect the emission control equipment
on your vehicle. Failure to pass this
inspection could prevent you from getting
a vehicle registration. If the service engine soon
indicator is on or the bulb does
not work, your vehicle may need
service. See On-Board Diagnostics.
160
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Second-Printing Engine Emission Control
WARNING: The collision warning
system with brake support cannot help
prevent all collisions. Do not rely on this
system to replace driver judgment and the
need to maintain distance and speed.
Note: The system does not detect, warn or
respond to potential collisions with vehicles
to the rear or sides of the vehicle.
Note: The collision warning system is active
at speeds above approximately
5 mph
(8 km/h). This system is designed to alert the driver
of certain collision risks. A radar detects if
your vehicle is rapidly approaching another
vehicle traveling in the same direction as
yours.
If it is, a red warning light illuminates and
an audible warning chime sounds. The brake support system assists the driver
in reducing the collision speed by charging
the brakes. If the risk of collision further
increases after the warning light
illuminates, the brake support prepares
the brake system for rapid braking. This
may be apparent to the driver. The system
does not automatically activate the brakes
but, if the brake pedal is pressed, full force
braking is applied even if the brake pedal
is lightly pressed.
Using the Collision Warning System 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.
The warning system sensitivity can be
adjusted to one of three possible settings
by using the information display control.
See
General Information (page 95).
Note: If collision warnings are perceived as
being too frequent or disturbing then the
warning sensitivity can be reduced, though
the manufacturer recommends using the
highest sensitivity setting where possible.
Setting lower sensitivity would lead to fewer
and later system warnings. See
General
Information (page 95).
Blocked Sensors 200
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Second-Printing Driving AidsE156130 E156131 E145632
•
Cover interior trim to prevent fading.
• Keep all rubber parts free from oil and
solvents.
Engine
• Change the engine oil and filter prior to
storage because used engine oil
contains contaminates which may
cause engine damage.
• Start the engine every 15 days for a
minimum of 15 minutes. Run at fast idle
with the climate controls set to defrost
until the engine reaches normal
operating temperature.
• With your foot on the brake, shift
through all the gears while the engine
is running.
• We recommend that you change the
engine oil before you use your vehicle
again.
Fuel system
• Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fuel
until the first automatic shutoff of the
fuel pump nozzle.
Cooling system
• Protect against freezing temperatures.
• When removing your vehicle from
storage, check coolant fluid level.
Confirm that there are no cooling
system leaks and that fluid is at the
recommended level.
Battery
• Check and recharge as necessary. Keep
connections clean.
• If storing your vehicle for more than 30
days without recharging the battery,
we recommend that you disconnect
the battery cables to maintain battery
charge for quick starting. Note:
It is necessary to reset memory
features if battery cables are disconnected.
Brakes
• Make sure the brakes and parking brake
release fully.
Tires
• Maintain recommended air pressure.
Miscellaneous
• Make sure all linkages, cables, levers
and pins under your vehicle are covered
with grease to prevent rust.
• Move vehicles at least 25 ft (7.5 m)
every 15 days to lubricate working parts
and prevent corrosion.
Removing Vehicle From Storage
When your vehicle is ready to come out of
storage, do the following:
• Wash your vehicle to remove any dirt
or grease film build-up on window
surfaces.
• Check windshield wipers for any
deterioration.
• Check under the hood for any foreign
material that may have collected
during storage such as mice or squirrel
nests.
• Check the exhaust for any foreign
material that may have collected
during storage.
• Check tire pressures and set tire
inflation per the Tire Label.
• Check brake pedal operation. Drive
your vehicle
15 ft (4.5 m) back and
forth to remove rust build-up.
271
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Second-Printing Vehicle Care
Malaysia
South Africa
United Arab Emirates Vietnam
Radio Frequency Certification
Logos for Wireless Charging
United Arab Emirates
South Korea
496
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Second-Printing AppendicesE269697 E269696 E269694 E269693 E272903 E273475
Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock
Brakes.............................................................174
Home Screen.................................................374
Hood Lock See: Opening and Closing the Hood..........243
I
Ignition Switch
...............................................145
In California (U.S. Only).............................226
Information Display Control.......................75
Information Displays.....................................95
General Information............................................ 95
Information Messages
................................103
Adaptive Cruise Control................................... 104
AdvanceTrac ™.................................................... 104
Alarm...................................................................... 104
Automatic Engine Shutdown........................ 104
AWD
........................................................................\
105
Battery and Charging System........................ 105
Blind Spot Information and Cross Traffic Alert System.................................................... 106
Brake System....................................................... 106
Collision Warning System................................ 107
Doors and Locks.................................................. 107
Fuel........................................................................\
... 107
Keys and Intelligent Access............................ 108
Maintenance........................................................ 108
MyKey..................................................................... 109
Park Aid.................................................................. 109
Power Steering..................................................... 110
Seats........................................................................\
110
Tire Pressure Monitoring System.................. 110
Towing....................................................................... 111
Traction Control..................................................... 111
Transmission.......................................................... 111
Installing Child Restraints
............................18
Child Restraints...................................................... 18
Using Lap and Shoulder Belts.......................... 19
Using Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH)........................................... 24
Using Tether Straps............................................. 26
Instrument Cluster
........................................90
Instrument Lighting Dimmer.....................82
Instrument Panel Overview
.........................15
Interior Lamps.................................................83
Second Row Reading Lamps.......................... 83
Third Row Dome Lamps................................... 84Interior Mirror...................................................88
Auto-Dimming Mirror......................................... 88
Introduction.........................................................7
J
Jump Starting the Vehicle..........................221 Connecting the Jumper Cables..................... 221
Jump Starting...................................................... 222
Preparing Your Vehicle...................................... 221
Removing the Jumper Cables....................... 222
K
Keyless Entry
...................................................64
SECURICODE™ Keyless Entry
Keypad................................................................ 64
Keyless Starting............................................146 Ignition Modes..................................................... 146
Keys and Remote Controls.........................52
L
Liftgate...............................................................67
Lighting Control
..............................................80
Flashing the Headlamp High Beam...............81
Headlamp High Beam....................................... 80
Lighting
..............................................................80
General Information........................................... 80
Load Carriers See: Roof Racks and Load Carriers.............202
Load Carrying
................................................202
Load Limit.......................................................202
Special Loading Instructions for Owners of
Pick-up Trucks and Utility-type
Vehicles............................................................. 207
Vehicle Loading - with and without a Trailer................................................................. 202
Locking and Unlocking..................................61 Activating Intelligent Access............................ 62
Autolock................................................................... 63
Autounlock ............................................................ 63
Battery Saver......................................................... 64
Enabling or Disabling Autounlock.................63
Illuminated Entry.................................................. 64
Illuminated Exit..................................................... 64
Locking and Unlocking the Doors with the Key Blade............................................................. 61
504
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Second-Printing Index
Supplementary Restraints System.........44
Principle of Operation........................................ 44
Symbols Glossary.............................................7
SYNC™ 3........................................................362 General Information......................................... 362
SYNC™ 3 Troubleshooting......................424
SYNC™ Applications and Services........................................................342
911 Assist............................................................... 342
SYNC™............................................................324 General Information......................................... 324
SYNC™ Troubleshooting.........................354
T
Technical Specifications See: Capacities and Specifications............299
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Auto Line Program (U.S. Only).......................227
Tire Care...........................................................275 Glossary of Tire Terminology.......................... 277
Information About Uniform Tire Quality Grading.............................................................. 275
Information Contained on the Tire Sidewall............................................................ 278
Temperature A B C............................................ 276
Traction AA A B C............................................... 276
Treadwear............................................................. 276
Tire Pressure Monitoring System..........289 Changing Tires With a Tire Pressure
Monitoring System....................................... 290
Understanding Your Tire Pressure Monitoring System ...................................... 290
Tires See: Wheels and Tires...................................... 273
Towing a Trailer............................................208 Load Placement................................................ 208
Towing the Vehicle on Four Wheels...........................................................214
Emergency Towing............................................. 214
Recreational Towing.......................................... 214
Towing.............................................................208
Traction Control.............................................175 Principle of Operation....................................... 175
Trailer Sway Control...................................209
Transmission Code Designation............304
Transmission..................................................162
Transporting the Vehicle
...........................223 Type Approvals
............................................488
Radio Frequency Certification Logos for
Blind Spot Information System..............495
Radio Frequency Certification Logos for Mid Range Radar.................................................. 490
Radio Frequency Certification Logos for Passive Anti-Theft System........................ 491
Radio Frequency Certification Logos for Radio Transceiver Module........................ 494
Radio Frequency Certification Logos for SYNC 3.............................................................. 497
Radio Frequency Certification Logos for Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensor(s)...............488
Radio Frequency Certification Logos for Wireless Charging........................................ 496
U
Under Hood Overview - 3.5L Duratec.........................................................244
Under Hood Overview - 3.5L Ecoboost™.................................................245
Universal Garage Door Opener...............136 HomeLink Wireless Control System............136
USB Port..........................................................323
Using Adaptive Cruise Control................188 Automatic Cancellation.................................... 191
Blocked Sensor.................................................... 192
Canceling the Set Speed.................................. 191
Changing the Set Speed................................... 191
Detection Issues................................................... 191
Following a Vehicle............................................ 189
Hilly Condition Usage......................................... 191
Overriding the Set Speed................................ 190
Resuming the Set Speed.................................. 191
Setting the Adaptive Cruise Speed.............189
Setting the Gap Distance................................ 190
Switching Adaptive Cruise Control Off........................................................................\
191
Switching Adaptive Cruise Control On........................................................................\
189
Switching to Normal Cruise Control............193
System Not Available........................................ 192
Using All-Wheel Drive................................166 Driving In Special Conditions With
All-Wheel Drive (AWD)............................... 168
Operating AWD Vehicles With Mismatched Tires..................................................................... 167
508
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Second-Printing Index