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
Cruise control switches. See
Using Cruise Control (page
187).
P
Hood release. See Opening and
Closing the Hood
(page 243).
Q
Instrument panel dimmer
control. See
Instrument
Lighting Dimmer (page 82).
R
Lighting control.
See Lighting
Control (page 80).
S
16
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Second-Printing At a Glance
WARNING: To reduce risk of injury,
do not obstruct or place objects in the
deployment path of the airbag. WARNING:
If a supplementary
restraint system component has deployed,
it will not function again. Have the system
and associated components inspected as
soon as possible. Failure to follow this
instruction could result in personal injury
or death.
The Safety Canopy will deploy during
significant side crashes or when a certain
likelihood of a rollover event is detected
by the rollover sensor. The Safety Canopy
is mounted to the roof side-rail sheet
metal, behind the headliner, above each
row of seats. In certain sideways crashes
or rollover events, the Safety Canopy will
be activated, regardless of which seats are
occupied. The Safety Canopy is designed
to inflate between the side window area
and occupants to further enhance
protection provided in side impact crashes
and rollover events. The system consists of the following:
•
Safety canopy curtain airbags above
the trim panels over the front and rear
side windows identified by a label or
wording on the headliner or roof-pillar
trim.
• A flexible headliner which opens above
the side doors to allow air curtain
deployment · Crash sensors and monitoring
system with readiness indicator.
See Crash Sensors and Airbag
Indicator
(page 50).
Always properly restrain children 12 years
old and under in the rear seats. The Safety
Canopy will not interfere with children
restrained using a properly installed child
or booster seat because it is designed to
inflate downward from the headliner above
the doors along the side window opening.
The design and development of the Safety
Canopy included recommended testing
procedures that were developed by a
group of automotive safety experts known
as the Side Airbag Technical Working
Group. These recommended testing
procedures help reduce the risk of injuries
related to the deployment of side airbags
(including the Safety Canopy).
CRASH SENSORS AND
AIRBAG INDICATOR WARNING:
Modifying or adding
equipment to the front end of the vehicle
(including frame, bumper, front end body
structure and tow hooks) may affect the
performance of the airbag system,
increasing the risk of injury. Do not modify
the front end of the vehicle.
50
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Second-Printing Supplementary Restraints SystemE75004 E67017
3. Remove the old battery.
4. Insert a new battery with the + facing
downward. Press the battery down to
make sure it is fully in the housing.
5. Reinstall the battery housing cover onto the remote control 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
sounds twice and the direction indicators
do not flash.
Sounding the Panic Alarm Press the button to sound the
panic alarm. Press the button
again or switch the ignition on to
switch 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
remote control.
This feature allows you to start your
vehicle from the outside. The remote
control 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 113).
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.
55
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Second-Printing Keys and Remote ControlsE138622 E138623 E138624 E138625
LOCKING AND UNLOCKING
You can use the power door lock control
or the remote control to lock and unlock
your vehicle.
Power Door Locks
The power door lock control is on the driver
and front passenger door panels.
Unlock.
A
Lock.
B
Remote Control
You can use the remote control at any
time.
Unlocking the Doors (Two-Stage
Unlock) Press the button to unlock the
driver door.
Press the button again within
three seconds to unlock all doors. The
direction indicators will flash. Press and hold both the lock and unlock
buttons on the remote control for three
seconds to change between driver door or
all doors unlock mode. The direction
indicators will flash twice to indicate a
change to the unlocking mode. Driver door
mode only unlocks the driver door when
you press the unlock button once. All door
mode unlocks all doors when you press
the unlock button once. The unlocking
mode applies to the remote control,
keyless entry keypad and intelligent
access.
Locking the Doors
Press the button to lock all
doors. The direction indicators
will flash.
Press the button again within three
seconds to confirm that all the doors are
closed. The doors will lock again, the horn
will sound and the direction indicators will
flash if all the doors and the liftgate are
closed.
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.
Locking and Unlocking the Doors
with the Key Blade
Locking with the Key
Turn the top of the key toward the front of
your vehicle.
Unlocking with the Key
Turn the top of the key toward the rear of
your vehicle.
Note: If the child safety locks are on and
you pull the interior handle, you will only
turn off the emergency locking, not the child
safety lock. You can only open the doors
using the external door handle.
61
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Second-Printing Doors and LocksE224861
A
B E138629 E138623
You must have two previously
programmed coded keys and the new
unprogrammed key readily accessible. See
your authorized dealer to have the spare
key programmed if two previously
programmed coded keys are not available.
Read and understand the entire procedure
before you begin.
1.
Insert the first previously programmed
coded key into the ignition.
2. Switch the ignition from off to on. Keep
the ignition on for at least three
seconds, but no more than 10 seconds.
3. Switch the ignition off and remove the
first coded key from the ignition.
4. After three seconds but within 10 seconds of switching the ignition off,
insert the second previously coded key
into the ignition.
5. Switch the ignition from off to on. Keep
the ignition on for at least three
seconds, but no more than 10 seconds.
6. Switch the ignition off and remove the
second previously programmed coded
key from the ignition.
7. After three seconds but within 10 seconds of switching the ignition off
and removing the previously
programmed coded key, insert the new
unprogrammed key into the ignition.
8. Switch the ignition from off to on. Keep
the ignition on for at least six seconds.
9. Remove the newly programmed coded
key from the ignition.
If the key has been successfully
programmed it will start the engine and
operate the remote entry system (if the
new key is an integrated keyhead
transmitter).
If programming was not successful, wait
10 seconds and repeat Steps 1 through 8.
If you are still unsuccessful, take your
vehicle to your authorized dealer. Programming a Spare Intelligent
Access Key
See your authorized dealer to have
additional keys programmed to your
vehicle.
ANTI-THEFT ALARM
The system will warn you of an
unauthorized entry to your vehicle. It will
be triggered if any door, the luggage
compartment or the hood is opened
without using the key, remote control or
keyless entry keypad.
The direction indicators will flash and the
horn will sound if unauthorized entry is
attempted while the alarm is armed.
Take all remote controls to an authorized
dealer if there is any potential alarm
problem with your vehicle.
Arming the Alarm
The alarm is ready to arm when there is
not a key in your vehicle. Electronically lock
your vehicle to arm the alarm.
Disarming the Alarm
Disarm the alarm by any of the following
actions:
•
Unlock the doors or luggage
compartment with the remote control
or keyless entry keypad.
• Switch your vehicle on or start your
vehicle.
• Use a key in the driver door to unlock
your vehicle, then switch your vehicle
on within 12 seconds.
Note: Pressing the panic button on the
remote control will stop the horn and signal
indicators, but will not disarm the system.
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Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Second-Printing Security
Stopping the Engine When Your
Vehicle is Moving
WARNING: Switching off the engine
when your vehicle is still moving results in
a significant decrease in braking
assistance. Higher effort is required to
apply the brakes and to stop your vehicle.
A significant decrease in steering
assistance could also occur. The steering
does not lock, but higher effort could be
required to steer your vehicle. When you
switch the ignition off, some electrical
circuits, for example airbags, also turn off.
If you unintentionally switch the ignition
off, shift into neutral (N) and restart the
engine.
Vehicles with an Ignition Key
1. Shift into neutral and use the brakes to
bring your vehicle to a safe stop.
2. When your vehicle has stopped, shift into park (P) and switch the ignition
off.
3. Apply the parking brake.
Vehicles with Keyless Start
1. Shift into neutral and use the brakes to
bring your vehicle to a safe stop.
2. When your vehicle has stopped, shift into park (P).
3. Press and hold the push button ignition
switch, or press it three times within
two seconds.
4. Apply the parking brake. Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes 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.
Important Ventilating Information
If you stop your vehicle and then leave the
engine idling for long periods, we
recommend that you do one of the
following:
• Open the windows at least 1 in (3 cm).
• Set your climate control to outside air.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
(If
Equipped) WARNING:
Failure to follow engine
block heater instructions could result in
property damage or serious personal injury. WARNING:
Do not use your heater
with ungrounded electrical systems or
two-pronged adapters. There is a risk of
electrical shock. WARNING:
Do not fully close the
hood, or allow it to drop under its own
weight when using the engine block heater.
This could damage the power cable and
may cause an electrical short resulting in
fire, injury and property damage.
Note: The heater is most effective when
outdoor temperatures are below
0°F
(-18°C).
149
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Second-Printing Starting and Stopping the Engine
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.
158
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Second-Printing Engine Emission Control