engine FORD FLEX 2011 1.G Repair Manual

WAXING
•Wash the vehicle first.
•Use a quality wax that does not contain abrasives.
•Do not allow paint sealant to come in contact with any non-body
(low-gloss black) colored trim, such as grained door handles, roof
racks, bumpers, side moldings, mirror housings or the windshield cowl
area. The paint sealant will “gray” or stain the parts over time.
PAINT CHIPS
Your authorized dealer has touch-up paint to match your vehicle’s color.
Take your color code (printed on a sticker in the driver’s door jamb) to
your authorized dealer to ensure you get the correct color.
•Remove particles such as bird droppings, tree sap, insect deposits, tar
spots, road salt and industrial fallout before repairing paint chips.
•Always read the instructions before using the products.
ALUMINUM WHEELS AND WHEEL COVERS
Aluminum wheels and wheel covers are coated with a clearcoat paint
finish. In order to maintain their shine:
•Clean weekly with MotorcraftWheel and Tire Cleaner (ZC-37-A),
which is available from your authorized dealer. Heavy dirt and brake
dust accumulation may require agitation with a sponge. Rinse
thoroughly with a strong stream of water.
•Never apply any cleaning chemical to hot or warm wheel rims or
covers.
•Some automatic car washes may cause damage to the finish on your
wheel rims or covers. Industrial-strength (heavy-duty) cleaners, or
cleaning chemicals, in combination with brush agitation to remove
brake dust and dirt, could wear away the clearcoat finish over time.
•Do not use hydrofluoric acid-based or high caustic-based wheel
cleaners, steel wool, fuels or strong household detergent.
•To remove tar and grease, use MotorcraftBug and Tar Remover
(ZC-42), available from your authorized dealer.
ENGINE
Engines are more efficient when they are clean because grease and dirt
buildup keep the engine warmer than normal. When washing:
•Take care when using a power washer to clean the engine. The
high-pressure fluid could penetrate the sealed parts and cause
damage.
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•Do not spray a hot engine with cold water to avoid cracking the
engine block or other engine components.
•Spray MotorcraftEngine Shampoo and Degreaser (ZC-20) on all
parts that require cleaning and pressure rinse clean. In Canada, use
MotorcraftEngine Shampoo (CXC-66-A).
•Never wash or rinse the engine while it is hot or running; water in the
running engine may cause internal damage.
•Never wash or rinse any ignition coil, spark plug wire or spark plug
well, or the area in and around these locations.
•Cover the highlighted areas to prevent water damage when cleaning
the engine.
3.5L V6 engine
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3.5L V6 EcoBoost™ engine
PLASTIC (NON-PAINTED) EXTERIOR PARTS
Use only approved products to clean plastic parts. These products are
available from your authorized dealer.
•For routine cleaning, use MotorcraftDetail Wash (ZC-3-A).
•If tar or grease spots are present, use MotorcraftBug and Tar
Remover (ZC-42).
WINDOWS AND WIPER BLADES
The windshield, rear and side windows and the wiper blades should be
cleaned regularly. If the wipers do not wipe properly, substances on the
vehicle’s glass or the wiper blades may be the cause. These may include
hot wax treatments used by commercial car washes, water repellent
coatings, tree sap, or other organic contamination; these contaminants
may cause squeaking or chatter noise from the blades, and streaking and
smearing of the windshield. To clean these items, follow these tips:
•The windshield, rear windows and side windows may be cleaned with
a non-abrasive cleaner such as MotorcraftUltra-Clear Spray Glass
Cleaner (ZC-23), available from your authorized dealer.
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FORD AND LINCOLN MERCURY CAR CARE PRODUCTS
Your Ford or Lincoln Mercury authorized dealer has many quality
products available to clean your vehicle and protect its finishes. These
quality products have been specifically engineered to fulfill your
automotive needs; they are custom designed to complement the style
and appearance of your vehicle. Each product is made from high quality
materials that meet or exceed rigid specifications. For best results, use
the following products or products of equivalent quality:
MotorcraftBug and Tar Remover (ZC-42)
MotorcraftCustom Bright Metal Cleaner (ZC-15)
MotorcraftDetail Wash (ZC-3-A)
MotorcraftDusting Cloth (ZC-24)
MotorcraftEngine Shampoo and Degreaser (U.S. only) (ZC-20)
MotorcraftEngine Shampoo (Canada only) (CXC-66-A)
MotorcraftMulti-Purpose Cleaner (Canada only) (CXC-101)
MotorcraftPremium Glass Cleaner (Canada only) (CXC-100)
MotorcraftPremium Quality Windshield Washer Fluid (Canada only)
[CXC-37-(A, B, D or F)]
MotorcraftPremium Windshield Washer Concentrate (U.S. only)
(ZC-32-A)
MotorcraftProfessional Strength Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner (ZC-54)
MotorcraftSpot and Stain Remover (U.S. only) (ZC-14)
MotorcraftUltra-Clear Spray Glass Cleaner (ZC-23)
MotorcraftVinyl Cleaner (Canada only) (CXC-93)
MotorcraftWheel and Tire Cleaner (ZC-37-A)
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SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle, we providescheduled maintenance
informationwhich makes tracking routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your authorized dealer can
provide the necessary parts and service. Check yourWarranty Guideto
find out which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Motorcraftparts are designed and built to
provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
•Do not work on a hot engine.
•Make sure that nothing gets caught in moving parts.
•Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
•Keep all open flames and other burning material (such as cigarettes)
away from the battery and all fuel related parts.
Working with the engine off
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels.
Working with the engine on
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Block the wheels.
WARNING:To reduce the risk of vehicle damage and/or
personal burn injuries, do not start your engine with the air
cleaner removed and do not remove it while the engine is running.
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IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT
3.5L V6 engine
1. Power steering fluid reservoir
2. Engine coolant reservoir
3. Brake fluid reservoir
4. Battery
5. Power distribution box
6. Air filter assembly
7. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick
8. Engine oil dipstick
9. Engine oil filler cap
10. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
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3.5L V6 EcoBoost™ engine
1. Engine coolant reservoir
2. Brake fluid reservoir
3. Battery
4. Power distribution box
5. Air filter assembly
6. Automatic transmission fluid dipstick (out of view)
7. Engine oil dipstick
8. Engine oil filler cap
9. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
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Engine shield
Some vehicles may be equipped
with an aero-shield under the
engine. This shield needs to be
removed for service, including oil
and filter changes. It is secured with
four quick release fasteners.
WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the
level is low. In very cold weather, do
not fill the reservoir completely.
Only use a washer fluid that meets
Ford specifications. Do not use any
special washer fluid such as
windshield water repellent type fluid
or bug wash. They may cause
squeaking, chatter noise, streaking
and smearing. Refer to
Maintenance product specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle’s paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
WARNING:If you operate your vehicle in temperatures below
40°F (5°C), use washer fluid with antifreeze protection. Failure
to use washer fluid with antifreeze protection in cold weather could
result in impaired windshield vision and increase the risk of injury or
accident.
Checking and adding washer fluid for the liftgate
Washer fluid for the liftgate is supplied by the same reservoir as the
windshield.
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3. The wiper arm has a snap
retention feature to receive a cross
pin from the wiper blade structure.
Grip tightly and press on the
arm/blade joint from beneath and
separate the blade from the arm.
Avoid rotating the wiper blade
structure and trapping your left
hand between the arm and blade.
4. Attach the new wiper to the
wiper arm and press it into place
until a click is heard.
If you find this procedure too difficult, please see your dealer.
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to thescheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate
intervals for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the
engine oil level dipstick.
6. Wipe the dipstick clean. Insert the dipstick fully, then remove it again.
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•If the oil level iswithin this
range,the oil level is acceptable.
DO NOT ADD OIL.
•If the oil level isbelow this
mark,engineoil must be added
to raise the level within the
normal operating range.
•If required, add engine oil to the engine. Refer toAdding engine oil
in this chapter.
•Do not overfill the engine
with oil. Oil levels above this
mark may cause engine
damage.If the engine is
overfilled, some oil must be
removed from the engine by an
authorized dealer.
7. Put the dipstick back in and ensure it is fully seated.
Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer toChecking the engine
oilin this chapter.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal operating range, add
only certified engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the
engine oil filler cap and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the
opening.
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the
normal operating range on the engine oil level dipstick.
4. Install the dipstick and ensure it is fully seated.
5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap clockwise
until it stops.
To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the vehicle with the
engine oil level dipstick and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.
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