center console FORD FLEX 2012 1.G Owners Manual
Page 38 of 405
6. Press AUX on the vehicle radio repeatedly until LINE, LINE IN or
SYNC LINE IN appears in the display.
You should hear audio from your portable music player although it may
be low.
7. Adjust the sound on your portable music player until it reaches the
level of the FM station or CD by switching back and forth between the
AUX and FM or CD controls.
Troubleshooting:
1. Do not connect the audio input jack to a line level output. Line level
outputs are intended for connection to a home stereo and are not
compatible with the AIJ. The AIJ will only work correctly with devices
that have a headphone output with a volume control.
2. Do not set the portable music player’s volume level higher than is
necessary to match the volume of the CD or FM radio in your audio
system as this will cause distortion and will reduce sound quality. Many
portable music players have different output levels, so not all players
should be set at the same levels. Some players will sound best at full
volume and others will need to be set at a lower volume.
3. If the music sounds distorted at lower listening levels, turn the
portable music player volume down. If the problems persists, replace or
recharge the batteries in the portable music player.
4. The portable music player must be controlled in the same manner
when it is used with headphones as the AIJ does not provide control
(play, pause, etc.) over the attached portable music player.
5. For safety reasons, connecting or adjusting the settings on your
portable music player should not be attempted while the vehicle is
moving. Also, the portable music player should be stored in a secure
location, such as the center console or the glove box, when the vehicle is
in motion. The audio extension cable must be long enough to allow the
portable music player to be safely stored while the vehicle is in motion.
USB port (if equipped)
WARNING:Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle
control, accident and injury. Ford strongly recommends that
drivers use extreme caution when using any device or feature that may
take their focus off the road. Your primary responsibility is the safe
operation of the vehicle. We recommend against the use of any
handheld device while driving, encourage the use of voice-operated
systems when possible and that you become aware of applicable state
and local laws that may affect use of electronic devices while driving.
Entertainment Systems
38
2012 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 39 of 405
Your vehicle may be equipped with a
USB port inside your center console.
This feature allows you to plug in
media playing devices, memory
sticks, and also to charge devices if
they support this feature. For
further information on this feature,
refer toAccessing and using your
USB portin theSYNCsupplement
orNavigation Systemsupplement.
GENERAL AUDIO INFORMATION
Radio frequencies:
AM and FM frequencies are established by the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) and the Canadian Radio and Telecommunications
Commission (CRTC). Those frequencies are:
AM: 530, 540–1700, 1710 kHz
FM: 87.7, 87.9–107.7, 107.9 MHz
Radio reception factors:
There are three factors that can affect radio reception:
•Distance/strength: The further you travel from an FM station, the
weaker the signal and the weaker the reception.
•Terrain: Hills, mountains, tall buildings, power lines, electric fences,
traffic lights and thunderstorms can interfere with your reception.
•Station overload: When you pass a broadcast tower, a stronger signal
may overtake a weaker one and play while the weak station frequency
is displayed.
CD/CD player care
Do:
•Handle discs by their edges only.
(Never touch the playing
surface).
•Inspect discs before playing.
•Clean only with an approved CD
cleaner.
Entertainment Systems
39
2012 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 85 of 405
Ambient lighting (if equipped)
Illuminates footwells and cupholders
with a choice of several colors. The
ambient lighting control switch is
located in the center console
storage area. To activate, press and
release the control to cycle through
the color choices plus the off state.
The lights come on whenever the
ignition is in either the on or accessory position.
Note:The ambient lights will stay on until the ignition is placed in the
off position and either of the front doors are opened or the accessory
delay timer expires.
BULB REPLACEMENT
Lamp assembly condensation
Exterior lamps are vented to accommodate normal changes in pressure.
Condensation can be a natural by-product of this design. When moist air
enters the lamp assembly through the vents, there is a possibility that
condensation can occur when the temperature is cold. When normal
condensation occurs, a thin film of mist can form on the interior of the
lens. The thin mist eventually clears and exits through the vents during
normal operation. Clearing time may take as long as 48 hours under dry
weather conditions.
Examples of acceptable condensation are:
•Presence of thin mist (no streaks, drip marks or droplets)
•Fine mist covers less than 50% of the lens
Examples of unacceptable moisture (usually caused by a lamp water
leak) are:
•Water puddle inside the lamp
•Large water droplets, drip marks or streaks present on the interior of
the lens
Take your vehicle to a dealer for service if any of the above conditions of
unacceptable moisture are present.
Lights
85
2012 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 95 of 405
2. To calibrate, press and hold the 7
and 9 radio preset buttons together
for approximately 10 seconds until
CAL appears. Release the buttons.
3. Slowly drive the vehicle in a
circle (less than 3 mph [5 km/h])
until the CAL display changes to the
direction value (N, S, E, W, etc.). It
may take up to five circles to
complete calibration.
4. The compass is now calibrated.
CENTER CONSOLE
Your vehicle may be equipped with a variety of console features. These
include:
1. Cupholders
2. Utility compartment with coin
holder, audio input jack, USB port
and power point
3. Storage drawer with cupholders
4. Rear power point outlet, 110 Volt
power point outlet and rear climate
controls (if equipped).
5. Basic storage
WARNING:Use only soft cups in the cupholder. Hard objects
can injure you in a collision.
Driver Controls
95
2012 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 96 of 405
Second row center console features (if equipped)
The second row center console
incorporates the following features:
•Flip forward armrest to provide a
flat load floor
•Utility compartment
•Cupholders
•Refrigerator unit (if equipped) in
the utility compartment. Refer to
Console refrigerator/freezer.
WARNING:Use only soft cups in the cupholder. Hard objects
can injure you in a collision.
Console refrigerator/freezer (if equipped)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a refrigerator/freezer for keeping
items cool/frozen.
The refrigerator/freezer will operate when the vehicle is on or the
ignition is in the accessory mode. Ford recommends only using the
refrigerator/freezer when the vehicle’s engine is running.
If there is a need to use the refrigerator/freezer when the engine is off,
turn the ignition to the accessory mode and limit the time the
refrigerator is running to avoid draining the vehicle’s battery.
To open the refrigerator/freezer, flip
the console lid forward and then lift
off the refrigerator/freezer cover. Be
sure to replace the cover after you
are done using the
refrigerator/freezer. This will help it
maintain a more consistent cooling
temperature.
Driver Controls
96
2012 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 97 of 405
Refrigerator:Briefly press and
hold the COOL side of the control.
The indicator light on the cool side
of the switch will illuminate and the
indicator light on the freeze side will
glow when the refrigerator is active.
When in cool mode the temperature
will cool to approximately 41°F
(5°C). Briefly press and hold COOL
again to turn off the refrigerator or
briefly press and hold FREEZE to
switch over to freezer mode.
Freezer:Briefly press and hold the
FREEZE side of the control and
both indicator lights will illuminate
when the freezer is active. When in
freeze mode the temperature will
cool to approximately 23°F (-5°C).
Press FREEZE again to turn off the
freezer or press COOL to switch
over to refrigerator mode.
When the vehicle is turned off, the refrigerator/freezer will also turn off
and will turn back on to the last used mode (freeze or cool) once the
vehicle is restarted.
Cleaning and maintenance
The refrigerator/freezer is maintenance free, but you can clean the inside
of the unit and the cover with a mild soap and water solution when
needed.
Note:Under certain conditions, condensation on the inside walls of the
refrigerator is normal.
AUXILIARY POWER POINT (12V DC)
Power outlets are designed for accessory plugs only. Do not insert
any other object in the power outlet as this will damage the
outlet and blow the fuse. Do not hang any type of accessory or
accessory bracket from the plug. Improper use of the power
outlet can cause damage not covered by your warranty.
Auxiliary power points can be found in the following locations:
•Near the floor in the front console bin on the passenger’s side
•In the center console utility compartment
Driver Controls
97
2012 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 98 of 405
•On the rear of the center console, accessible from the rear seats
•In the rear cargo area on the right trim panel
Do not use the power point for operating the cigarette lighter element (if
equipped).
Note:Do not plug optional electrical accessories into the cigarette
lighter socket (if equipped). Improper use of the lighter can cause
damage not covered by your warranty, and can result in fire or serious
injury.
To prevent the fuse from being blown, do not use the power point(s)
over the vehicle capacity of 12V DC/180W. If the power point or cigar
lighter socket is not working, a fuse may have blown. Refer toFuses and
relaysin theRoadside Emergencieschapter for information on
checking and replacing fuses.
To have full capacity usage of your power point, the engine is required to
be running to avoid unintentional discharge of the battery. To prevent
the battery from being discharged:
•do not use the power point longer than necessary when the engine is
not running,
•do not leave battery chargers, video game adapters, computers and
other devices plugged in overnight or when the vehicle is parked for
extended periods.
Always keep the power point caps closed when not being used.
Power point (110V AC) (if equipped)
The 110V AC power point outlet is used for powering electrical devices
that require up to 150W. Exceeding the 150W limit will cause the power
point to cut off the power temporarily to provide overload protection.
Note:The 110V AC power point is
equipped with a safety cap and a
safety twist tab. They both provide
protection from inserting any object
into the power point other than the
110V AC electrical device plug. The
safety cap should always be in a
closed position whenever the power
point outlet is not in use.
The 110V AC power point is located
on the back of the center console.
Driver Controls
98
2012 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 147 of 405
Adjusting the front power seat (if equipped)
WARNING:Never adjust the driver’s seat or seatback when the
vehicle is moving.
WARNING:Do not pile cargo higher than the seatbacks to
reduce the risk of injury in a collision or sudden stop.
WARNING:Always drive and ride with your seatback upright
and the lap belt snug and low across the hips.
WARNING:Reclining the seatback can cause an occupant to
slide under the seat’s safety belt, resulting in severe personal
injuries in the event of a collision.
WARNING:Sitting improperly out of position or with the seat
back reclined too far can take off weight from the seat cushion
and affect the decision of the passenger sensing system, resulting in
serious injury or death in a crash. Always sit upright against your
seatback, with your feet on the floor.
WARNING:To reduce the risk of possible serious injury: Do not
hang objects off seat back or stow objects in the seatback map
pocket (if equipped) when a child is in the front passenger seat. Do
not place objects underneath the front passenger seat or between the
seat and the center console (if equipped). Check the “passenger airbag
off” or “pass airbag off” indicator lamp for proper airbag status. Refer
toFront passenger sensing systemin theAirbag supplemental
restraint system (SRS)section for additional details. Failure to follow
these instructions may interfere with the front passenger seat sensing
system.
Seating and Safety Restraints
147
2012 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 186 of 405
ObjectsPass Airbag Off
Indicator LightPassenger Airbag
Small (i.e. three-ring
binder, small purse,
bottled water)Unlit Disabled
Medium (i.e. heavy
briefcase, fully packed
luggage)Lit Disabled
Empty seat, or small
to medium object with
safety belt buckledLit Disabled
If you think that the status of the passenger airbag off indicator lamp is
incorrect, check for the following:
•Objects lodged underneath the seat
•Objects between the seat cushion and the center console (if
equipped)
•Objects hanging off the seat back
•Objects stowed in the seatback map pocket (if equipped)
•Objects placed on the occupant’s lap
•Cargo interference with the seat
•Other passengers pushing or pulling on the seat
•Rear passenger feet and knees resting or pushing on the seat
The conditions listed above may cause the weight of a properly seated
occupant to be incorrectly interpreted by the passenger sensing system.
The person in the front passenger seat may appear heavier or lighter due
to the conditions described in the list above.
WARNING:To reduce the risk of possible serious injury:
Do not stow objects in seat back map pocket (if equipped) or
hang objects off seat back if a child is in the front passenger seat.
Do not place objects underneath the front passenger seat or between
the seat and the center console (if equipped).
Check the “passenger airbag off” or “pass airbag off” indicator lamp for
proper airbag Status.
Failure to follow these instructions may interfere with the front
passenger seat sensing system.
Seating and Safety Restraints
186
2012 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Page 255 of 405
ADVANCETRACWITH ROLL STABILITY CONTROL™ (RSC)
STABILITY ENHANCEMENT SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with the AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem. The
AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem provides the following stability
enhancement features for certain driving situation s:
•Traction Control System (TCS), which functions to help avoid
drive-wheel spin and loss of traction.
•Electronic Stability Control (ESC), which functions to help avoid skids
or lateral slides.
•Roll Stability Control™ (RSC), which functions to help avoid a
vehicle roll-over.
WARNING:Vehicle modifications involving braking system,
aftermarket roof racks, suspension, steering system, tire
construction and/or wheel/tire size may change the handling
characteristics of the vehicle and may adversely affect the performance
of the AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem. In addition, installing any
stereo loudspeakers may interfere with and adversely affect the
AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem. Install any aftermarket stereo
loudspeaker as far as possible from the front center console, the
tunnel, and the front seats in order to minimize the risk of interfering
with the AdvanceTracwith RSCsensors. Reducing the effectiveness
of the AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem could lead to an increased risk
of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
WARNING:Remember that even advanced technology cannot
defy the laws of physics. It’s always possible to lose control of a
vehicle due to inappropriate driver input for the conditions. Aggressive
driving on any road condition can cause you to lose control of your
vehicle increasing the risk of personal injury or property damage.
Activation of the AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem is an indication that
at least some of the tires have exceeded their ability to grip the road;
this could reduce the operator’s ability to control the vehicle,
potentially resulting in a loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,
personal injury and death. If your AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem
activates, SLOW DOWN.
Driving
255
2012 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)