2019 FORD FLEX maintenance reset

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

Only use oils certified for gasoline engines
by the American Petroleum Institute (API).
An oil with this trademark symbol
conforms to the current engine and
emission system protection standards and
fuel economy requirements of the
International Lubricants Specification
Advisory Committee (ILSAC).
To top up the engine oil level do the
following:
1. Clean the area surrounding the engine
oil filler cap before you remove it.
2. Remove the engine oil filler cap. See Under Hood Overview (page 244).
Turn it counterclockwise and remove
it.
3. Add engine oil that meets our specifications. See
Capacities and
Specifications (page 305). You may
have to use a funnel to pour the engine
oil into the opening.
4. Recheck the oil level.
5. If the oil level is correct, replace the dipstick and make sure it is fully seated.
6. Replace the engine oil filler cap. Turn it clockwise until you feel a strong
resistance.
Note: Do not add oil further than the
maximum mark. Oil levels above the
maximum mark may cause engine damage.
Note: Make sure you install the oil filler cap
correctly.
Note: Soak up any spillage with an
absorbent cloth immediately.
OIL CHANGE INDICATOR
RESET
Use the information display controls on
the steering wheel to reset the oil change
indicator. From the main menu scroll to: Action and description
Message
Press the right arrow button,
then from this menu scroll
to the following message.
Settings
Press the right arrow button,
then from this menu scroll
to the following message.
Vehicle
Press the right arrow button,
then from this menu scroll
to the following message.
Oil Life
Press and hold the
OK
button until the instrument
cluster displays the
following message.
Hold OK to
Reset
Reset Successful
When the oil change indic-
ator resets the instrument
cluster displays 100%.
Remaining Life
{00}%
If the instrument cluster
displays one of the following
messages, repeat the
process.
Not Reset
Reset Cancelled
248
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Second-Printing Maintenance

Do not add extra inhibitors or additives to
the coolant. These can be harmful and
compromise the corrosion protection of
the coolant.
Recycled Coolant
We do not recommend the use of recycled
coolant as an approved recycling process
is not yet available.
Note:
Dispose of used coolant in the
appropriate manner.
Follow your community's regulations and
standards for recycling and disposing of
automotive fluids.
Severe Climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates:
• It may be necessary to increase the
coolant concentration above 50%.
• A coolant concentration of 60%
provides improved freeze point
protection. Coolant concentrations
above 60% decrease the overheat
protection characteristics of the
coolant and may cause engine
damage.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
• You can decrease the coolant
concentration to 40%.
• Coolant concentrations below 40%
decrease the freeze and corrosion
protection characteristics of the
coolant and may cause engine
damage.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme
climates should use prediluted coolant for
optimum cooling system and engine
protection. Coolant Change
At specific mileage intervals, as listed in
the scheduled maintenance information,
the coolant should be changed. Add
prediluted coolant approved to the correct
specification. See Capacities and
Specifications (page 299).
Fail-Safe Cooling
Fail-safe cooling allows you to temporarily
drive your vehicle before any incremental
component damage occurs. The fail-safe
distance depends on ambient
temperature, vehicle load and terrain.
How Fail-Safe Cooling Works If the engine begins to overheat,
the coolant temperature gauge
moves toward the red zone:
A warning lamp illuminates and
a message may appear in the
information display.
If the engine reaches a preset
over-temperature condition, the engine
automatically switches to alternating
cylinder operation. Each disabled cylinder
acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs, your vehicle still
operates, however:
• Engine power is limited.
• The air conditioning system turns off.
Continued operation increases the engine
temperature, causing the engine to
completely shut down. Your steering and
braking effort increases in this situation.
When the engine temperature cools, you
can re-start the engine. Have your vehicle
checked as soon as possible to minimize
engine damage.
251
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Second-Printing Maintenance

Note:
If a person adds electrical or
electronic accessories or components to the
vehicle, the accessories or components may
adversely affect the low voltage battery
performance and durability and may also
affect the performance of other electrical
systems in the vehicle.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the
top of the battery clean and dry. Also,
make certain the battery cables are always
tightly fastened to the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or
terminals, remove the cables from the
terminals and clean with a wire brush. You
can neutralize the acid with a solution of
baking soda and water.
When a battery replacement is required,
the battery should only be replaced with
a Ford recommended replacement battery
that matches the electrical requirements
of the vehicle.
Because your vehicle ’s engine is
electronically-controlled by a computer,
some engine control settings are
maintained by power from the low voltage
battery. Some engine computer settings,
like the idle trim and fuel trim strategy,
optimize the driveability and performance
of the engine. Some other computer
settings, like the clock and radio station
presets, are also maintained in memory by
power from the low voltage battery. When
a technician disconnects and connects the
low voltage battery, these settings are
erased. Complete the following procedure
in order to restore the settings:
1. With the vehicle at a complete stop, set the parking brake.
2. Shift the transmission into park (P).
3. Switch off all accessories.
4. Fully press the brake pedal and start the vehicle. 5. Run the engine until it reaches normal
operating temperature. While the
engine is warming up, complete the
following: Reset the clock. See Audio
System (page 315). Reset the power
windows bounce-back feature. See
Windows and Mirrors
(page 85).
Reset the radio station presets. See
Audio System
(page 315).
6. Allow the engine to idle for at least one
minute. If the engine turns off, press
the accelerator pedal to start the
engine.
7. While the engine is running, press the brake pedal and shift into neutral (N).
8. Allow the engine to run for at least one
minute by pressing on the accelerator
pedal.
9. Drive the vehicle at least 12 mi (20 km)
to completely relearn the idle and fuel
trim strategy.
Note: If you do not allow the engine to
relearn the idle and fuel trim strategy, the
idle quality of your vehicle may be adversely
affected until the engine computer
eventually relearns the idle trim and fuel
trim strategy.
Make sure that you dispose of old batteries
in an environmentally friendly way. Seek
advice from your local authority about
recycling old batteries.
CHECKING THE WIPER
BLADES 257
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Second-Printing MaintenanceE142463

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

At Every Oil Change Interval as Indicated by the Information Display
1
Inspect the tires, tire wear and measure the tread depth.
Inspect the wheels and related components for abnormal noise, wear, looseness or
drag.
1 Do not exceed one year or 10,000 mi (16,000 km) between service intervals.
2 Reset the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor after engine oil and filter changes. See Oil Change
Indicator Reset
(page 248). Other Maintenance Items
1
Replace cabin air filter.
Every
20,000 mi
(32,000 km)
Replace engine air filter.
Every
30,000 mi
(48,000 km)
Change engine coolant.2
At
100,000 mi
(160,000 km)
Replace spark plugs.
Every
100,000 mi
(160,000 km) Inspect accessory drive belt(s). 3
Change automatic transmission fluid.
Every
150,000 mi
(240,000 km) Replace accessory drive belt(s). 4
1 Perform these maintenance items within 3,000 mi (4,800 km) of the last engine oil and
filter change. Do not exceed the designated distance for the interval.
2 Initial replacement at six years or
100,000 mi (160,000 km), then every three years or
50,000 mi (80,000 km).
3 After initial inspection, inspect every other oil change until replaced.
4 If not replaced within the last
100,000 mi (160,000 km).
447
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Second-Printing Scheduled Maintenance

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

Opening a Rear Door From the Inside..........62
Power Door Locks.................................................
61
Remote Control..................................................... 61
Smart Unlocks for Integrated Keyhead Transmitter........................................................ 62
Smart Unlocks for Intelligent Access Keys...................................................................... 63
Lug Nuts See: Changing a Road Wheel....................... 293
M
Maintenance..................................................243 General Information......................................... 243
Manual Climate Control..............................112 Directing the Air.................................................... 112
Rear Climate Control Lock Indicator............113
Setting the Blower Motor Speed................... 112
Setting the Rear Blower Motor Speed.........113
Setting the Rear Temperature........................ 113
Setting the Temperature................................... 112
Switching Defrost On and Off......................... 112
Switching Maximum Air Conditioning On and Off................................................................ 113
Switching Recirculated Air On and Off........................................................................\
. 113
Switching the Air Conditioning On and Off........................................................................\
. 112
Switching the Climate Control On and Off........................................................................\
. 113
Switching the Rear Climate Control On and Off........................................................................\
. 113
Manual Liftgate...............................................67 Closing the Liftgate.............................................. 67
Opening the Liftgate........................................... 67
Manual Seats.................................................124 Lumbar Adjustment...........................................125
Moving the Seat Backward and
Forward............................................................. 124
Recline Adjustment........................................... 124
Media Hub......................................................323
Memory Function.........................................126 Easy Entry and Exit Feature............................. 127
Linking a PreSet Position to your Remote Control or Intelligent Access Key Fob
........................................................................\
....... 127
Saving a PreSet Position................................. 126Message Center
See: Information Displays................................. 95
Mirrors See: Windows and Mirrors................................ 85
Mobile Communications Equipment.......13
Moonroof..........................................................88 Bounce-Back......................................................... 89
Opening and Closing the Moonroof.............89
Venting the Moonroof........................................ 89
Motorcraft Parts - 3.5L Duratec............300
Motorcraft Parts - 3.5L Ecoboost™.................................................302
MyKey Troubleshooting
...............................59
MyKey ™.............................................................57
Principle of Operation......................................... 57
N
Navigation.....................................................400 cityseeker.............................................................. 407
Destination Mode.............................................. 402
Map Mode........................................................... 400
Navigation Map Updates............................... 408
Navigation Menu............................................... 405
SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link.................. 408
SYNC AppLink.................................................... 407
Waypoints............................................................ 406
Normal Scheduled Maintenance..........445 Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor™........................ 445
Normal Maintenance Intervals.................... 446
O
Oil Change Indicator Reset
......................248
Oil Check See: Engine Oil Check....................................... 247
Opening and Closing the Hood..............243 Closing the Hood............................................... 244
Opening the Hood............................................. 243
Ordering Additional Owner's Literature
.....................................................230
Obtaining a French Owner ’s Manual.........230
Overhead Console
.......................................144
P
Parking Aids....................................................178 Principle of Operation....................................... 178
505
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Second-Printing Index