2019 FORD FLEX fuel filter

Roadside Emergencies
Roadside Assistance
..................................219
Hazard Flashers ..........................................
220
Fuel Shutoff ..................................................
220
Jump Starting the Vehicle .........................
221
Post-Crash Alert System ..........................
223
Transporting the Vehicle ..........................
223
Customer Assistance
Getting the Services You Need ..............
225
In California (U.S. Only) ............................
226
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Auto Line Program (U.S. Only) .....................
227
Utilizing the Mediation/Arbitration Program (Canada Only) ......................
228
Getting Assistance Outside the U.S. and Canada .......................................................
228
Ordering Additional Owner's Literature ........................................................................\
230
Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Only) ........................................................................\
230
Reporting Safety Defects (Canada Only) ........................................................................\
230
Fuses
Fuse Specification Chart ..........................
232
Changing a Fuse ...........................................
241
Maintenance
General Information ..................................
243
Opening and Closing the Hood .............
243
Under Hood Overview - 3.5L Duratec ........................................................................\
244
Under Hood Overview - 3.5L Ecoboost™ ........................................................................\
245
Engine Oil Dipstick ......................................
247
Engine Oil Check .........................................
247
Oil Change Indicator Reset .....................
248
Engine Coolant Check ..............................
249
Automatic Transmission Fluid Check ........................................................................\
253 Brake Fluid Check
.......................................
255
Power Steering Fluid Check ....................
255
Washer Fluid Check ...................................
255
Changing the 12V Battery ........................
256
Checking the Wiper Blades .....................
257
Changing the Wiper Blades ....................
258
Adjusting the Headlamps .......................
259
Removing a Headlamp ............................
260
Changing a Bulb .........................................
260
Changing the Engine Air Filter ...............
263
Vehicle Care
General Information ..................................
265
Cleaning Products ......................................
265
Cleaning the Exterior .................................
265
Waxing ............................................................
267
Cleaning the Engine ...................................
267
Cleaning the Windows and Wiper Blades ........................................................................\
267
Cleaning the Interior ..................................
268
Cleaning the Instrument Panel and Instrument Cluster Lens ......................
268
Cleaning Leather Seats ............................
269
Repairing Minor Paint Damage ..............
270
Cleaning the Wheels .................................
270
Vehicle Storage ............................................
270
Body Styling Kits ..........................................
272
Wheels and Tires
General Information ...................................
273
Tire Care .........................................................
275
Using Snow Chains ....................................
288
Tire Pressure Monitoring System .........
289
Changing a Road Wheel ..........................
293
Technical Specifications .........................
298
Capacities and Specifications
Engine Specifications - 3.5L Duratec ........................................................................\
299
4
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, 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
Note operating instructions
8
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Second-Printing IntroductionE270480 E71340 E71880 E231160 E67017 E161353

EMISSION LAW
WARNING: Do not remove or alter
the original equipment floor covering or
insulation between it and the metal floor
of the vehicle. The floor covering and
insulation protect occupants of the vehicle
from the engine and exhaust system heat
and noise. On vehicles with no original
equipment floor covering insulation, do not
carry passengers in a manner that permits
prolonged skin contact with the metal
floor. Failure to follow these instructions
may result in fire or personal injury.
U.S. federal laws and certain state laws
prohibit removing or rendering inoperative
emission control system components.
Similar federal or provincial laws may
apply in Canada. We do not approve of any
vehicle modification without first
determining applicable laws. Tampering with emissions
control systems including
related sensors or the Diesel
Exhaust Fluid system can result in reduced
engine power and the illumination of the
service engine soon light. Tampering With a Noise Control
System
Federal laws prohibit the following acts:
•
Removal or rendering inoperative by
any person other than for purposes of
maintenance.
• Repair or replacement of any device or
element of the design incorporated into
a new vehicle for the purpose of noise
control prior to its sale or delivery to
the ultimate purchaser or while it is in
use.
• The use of the vehicle after any person
removes or renders inoperative any
device or element of the design.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
may presume to constitute tampering as
follows:
• Removal of hood blanket, fender apron
absorbers, fender apron barriers,
underbody noise shields or acoustically
absorptive material.
• Tampering or rendering inoperative the
engine speed governor, to allow engine
speed to exceed manufacturer
specifications.
If the engine does not start, runs rough,
experiences a decrease in engine
performance, experiences excess fuel
consumption or produces excessive
exhaust smoke, check for the following:
• A plugged or disconnected air inlet
system hose.
• A plugged engine air filter element.
• Water in the fuel filter and water
separator.
• A clogged fuel filter.
• Contaminated fuel.
• Air in the fuel system, due to loose
connections.
• An open or pinched sensor hose.
• Incorrect engine oil level.
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Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Second-Printing Engine Emission Control

•
Incorrect fuel for climatic conditions.
• Incorrect engine oil viscosity for
climactic conditions.
Note: Some vehicles have a lifetime fuel
filter that is integrated with the fuel tank.
Regular maintenance or replacement is not
needed.
Note: If these checks do not help you
correct the concern, have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible.
Noise Emissions Warranty,
Prohibited Tampering Acts and
Maintenance
On January 1, 1978, Federal regulation
became effective governing the noise
emission on trucks over 10,000 lb
(4,536 kg) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR). The preceding statements
concerning prohibited tampering acts and
maintenance, and the noise warranty
found in the Warranty Guide, are
applicable to complete chassis cabs over
10,000 lb (4,536 kg)
GVWR.
CATALYTIC CONVERTER WARNING: Do not park, idle or drive
your vehicle on dry grass or other dry
ground cover. The emission system heats
up the engine compartment and exhaust
system, creating the risk of fire. WARNING:
The normal operating
temperature of the exhaust system is very
high. Never work around or attempt to
repair any part of the exhaust system until
it has cooled. Use special care when
working around the catalytic converter.
The catalytic converter heats up to a very
high temperature after only a short period
of engine operation and stays hot after the
engine is switched off. WARNING: Exhaust leaks may result
in entry of harmful and potentially lethal
fumes into the passenger compartment.
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your
vehicle, have your vehicle inspected
immediately. Do not drive if you smell
exhaust fumes.
Your vehicle has various emission control
components and a catalytic converter that
enables it to comply with applicable
exhaust emission standards.
To make sure that the catalytic converter
and other emission control components
continue to work properly:
• Do not crank the engine for more than
10 seconds at a time.
• Do not run the engine with a spark plug
lead disconnected.
• Do not push-start or tow-start your
vehicle. Use booster cables. See Jump
Starting the Vehicle
(page 221).
• Use only the specified fuel listed.
• Do not switch the ignition off when your
vehicle is moving.
• Avoid running out of fuel.
• Have the items listed in scheduled
maintenance information performed
according to the specified schedule.
Note: Resulting component damage may
not be covered by the vehicle Warranty.
The scheduled maintenance items listed
in scheduled maintenance information are
essential to the life and performance of
your vehicle and to its emissions system.
If you use anything other than Ford,
Motorcraft or Ford-authorized parts for
maintenance replacements or for service
of components affecting emission control,
such non-Ford parts should be equivalent
to genuine Ford Motor Company parts in
performance and durability.
159
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Second-Printing Engine Emission Control

•
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.
217
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Second-Printing Driving HintsE266447

•
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

Operating in off-road (unpaved, sandy, dusty) and Mountainous conditions
Replace cabin air filter.
Inspect frequently, service
as required
Replace engine air filter.
Inspect the wheels and related components for abnormal
noise, wear, looseness or drag.
5,000 mi (8,000 km)
Rotate tires, inspect tires for wear and measure tread
depth.
Change engine oil and filter.*
Every 5,000 mi (8,000 km)
or six months
Perform multi-point inspection.
Change automatic transmission fluid.
30,000 mi (48,000 km)
* Reset your Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor after engine oil and filter changes. See Oil Change
Indicator Reset
(page 248). Exclusive use of E85 (flex fuel vehicles only)
If ran exclusively on E85, fill the fuel tank full with regular
unleaded fuel.
Every oil change
Exceptions
There are several exceptions to the Normal
Schedule:
Axle and PTU maintenance
: The Power
Transfer Unit (PTU) and rear axle (AWD
only) in your vehicle does not require any
normal scheduled maintenance. The PTU
lubricant will be more likely to require a
fluid change if the vehicle has extended
periods of extreme or severe duty cycle
driving. Changing or checking the PTU
lubricant is not necessary unless the unit
has been submerged in water or shows
signs of leakage. Contact your authorized
dealer for service. California fuel filter replacement: If you
register your vehicle in California, the
California Air Resources Board has
determined that the failure to perform this
maintenance item does not nullify the
emission warranty or limit recall liability
before the completion of your vehicle's
useful life. Ford Motor Company, however,
urges you to have all recommended
maintenance services performed at the
specified intervals and to record all vehicle
service.
Hot climate oil change intervals
:
Vehicles operating in the Middle East,
North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa or
locations with similar climates using an
American Petroleum Institute (API)
Certified for Gasoline Engines (Certification
mark) oil of SM or SN quality, the normal
oil change interval is 5,000 mi (8,000 km)
.
449
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Second-Printing Scheduled Maintenance