warning FORD FLEX 2013 1.G Owners Manual

Introduction 9
Child Safety 17
Child seats...........................................19
Child seat positioning...................................19
Booster seats.........................................21
Installing child seats with lap and shoulder belts................24
Installing child safety seats with lower anchors and tethers for
children.............................................29
Installing child safety seats with tether straps..................31
Safety Belts 36
Fastening the safety belts................................38
Safety belt height adjustment.............................41
Safetybeltwarninglightandindicatorchime..................42
Safety belt-minder.....................................42
Rear inflatable safety belt................................45
Child restraint and safety belt maintenance...................47
Personal Safety System 48
Supplementary Restraints System 49
Driver and passenger airbags..............................51
Front passenger sensing system............................53
Side airbags..........................................56
Safety canopy curtain airbags.............................58
Crash sensors and airbag indicator..........................60
Airbag disposal........................................61
Keys and Remote Control 62
General information on radio frequencies.....................62
Remote control........................................63
Keys...............................................63
Replacing a lost key or remote control.......................69
Table of Contents1
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Front fog lamps......................................101
Turn signal control....................................101
Interior lamps........................................102
Windows and Mirrors 103
Power windows.......................................103
Exteriormirrors......................................104
Interiormirrors.......................................107
Sun visors..........................................107
Moonroof...........................................108
Instrument Cluster 110
Gauges.............................................110
Warning lamps and indicators............................111
Audible warnings and indicators..........................116
Information Displays 117
Controls............................................117
Trip computer........................................121
Information messages..................................129
Audio System 138
MyFord™ system.....................................140
Auxiliary input jack....................................147
USBport ...........................................149
Satellite radio information...............................150
Climate Control 153
Manual heating and air conditioning........................153
Dual automatic temperature control........................155
Auxiliary passenger climate control........................158
Rear window defroster.................................161
Cabin air filter.......................................161
Table of Contents3
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Brakes 223
Brakes.............................................223
Hints on driving with anti-lock brakes......................224
Parking brake........................................224
Traction Control 225
TractionControl™ ....................................225
Stability Control 226
AdvanceTrac........................................227
Parking Aids 228
Sensing system.......................................228
Active park assist.....................................230
Rear-view camera system...............................234
Cruise Control 239
Using cruise control...................................239
Using Adaptive Cruise Control............................240
Driving Aids 249
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert
(CTA) .............................................249
Collision warning system................................254
Steering............................................258
Load Carrying 260
Cargo net...........................................260
Roof racks and load carriers.............................261
Vehicle loading.......................................261
Towing 269
Trailertowing........................................269
Wrecker towing.......................................274
Recreational towing....................................275
Table of Contents5
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Driving Hints 277
Economical driving....................................277
Floormats..........................................279
Roadside Emergencies 281
Getting roadside assistance..............................281
Hazard warning flashers................................282
Fuel cut-off switch....................................283
Jump-starting the vehicle...............................283
Customer Assistance 286
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only)........................293
Reporting safety defects (Canada only).....................293
Fuses 294
Changing a fuse......................................294
Fuse specification chart.................................295
Maintenance 303
General information...................................303
Opening and closing the hood............................304
Under hood overview..................................305
Engine oil dipstick....................................307
Engine oil check......................................307
Engine coolant check..................................308
Automatic transmission fluid check........................313
Brake fluid check.....................................317
Power steering fluid check..............................317
Fuel filter...........................................317
Washer fluid check....................................318
Battery.............................................318
Checking the wiper blades...............................320
Changing the wiper blades...............................320
Air filter(s)..........................................321
6Table of Contents
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

ABOUT THIS MANUAL
Thank you for choosing Ford. We recommend that you take some time to
get to know your vehicle by reading this manual. The more that you
know about it, the greater the safety and pleasure you will get from
driving it.
WARNING:Always drive with due care and attention when using
and operating the controls and features on your vehicle.
Note:This manual describes a range of product features and options,
sometimes before they are generally available. Therefore, you may find
options in this manual that are not found on your vehicle.
Note:Some of the illustrations in this manual may be used for different
models, so they may appear different than your vehicle.. However, the
essential information in the illustrations is always correct.
Note:Always use and operate your vehicle in line with all applicable
laws and regulations.
Note:Pass on this manual when selling your vehicle. It is an integral
part of the vehicle.
Protecting the Environment
You must play your part in protecting the environment. Correct
vehicle usage and the authorized disposal of waste, cleaning and
lubrication materials are significant steps toward this aim.
Introduction9
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

SYMBOL GLOSSARY
WARNING:You risk death or serious injury to yourself and
others if you do not follow the instruction highlighted by the
warning symbol.
These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.
Symbol Description Symbol Description Symbol Description
Safety alertSee Owner’s
ManualAnti-lock
braking
system
Avoid
smoking,
flames, or
sparksBatteryBattery acid
Brake fluid –
non
petroleum
baseBrake systemCabin air
filter
Check fuel
capChild Safety
Door Lock
and UnlockChild seat
lower anchor
Child seat
tether anchorCruise
controlDo not open
when hot
Engine air
filterEngine
coolantEngine
coolant
temperature
Engine
oilExplosive
gasFan warning
Fasten safety
beltFront airbagFront fog
lamps
10Introduction
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Symbol Description Symbol Description Symbol Description
Fuel pump
resetFuse
compartmentHazard
warning
flasher
Heated rear
windowInterior
luggage
compartment
releaseJack
Lighting
controlLow tire
pressure
warningMaintain
correct fluid
level
Panic alarmParking aid
systemParking
brake system
Power
steering fluidPower
windows
front and
rearPower
window
lockout
Service
engine soonSide airbagStability
control
Windshield
defrost and
demistWindshield
washer and
wiper
Introduction11
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
WARNING:Some constituents of engine exhaust, certain vehicle
components, certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain
products of component wear contain or emit chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
PERCHLORATE MATERIAL
Note:Certain components in your vehicle such as airbag modules, safety
belt pretensioners, and remote control batteries may contain perchlorate
material. Special handling may apply for service or vehicle end of life
disposal. See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate for more
information.
FORD CREDIT (U.S. ONLY)
Ford Credit offers a full range of financing and lease plans to help you
acquire your vehicle. If you have financed or leased your vehicle through
Ford Credit, thank you for your business.
For your convenience we offer a number of ways to contact us, as well as
help manage your account.
Phone: 1-800-727-7000
For more information regarding Ford Credit, as well as access Account
Manager, please go to www.fordcredit.com.
REPLACEMENT PARTS RECOMMENDATION
Your vehicle has been built to the highest standards using quality parts.
We recommend that you demand the use of genuine Ford and Motorcraft
parts whenever your vehicle requires scheduled maintenance or repair.
You can clearly identify genuine Ford and Motorcraft parts by looking for
the Ford, FoMoCo or Motorcraft branding on the parts or their
packaging.
Scheduled Maintenance and Mechanical Repairs
One of the best ways for you to make sure that your vehicle provides
years of service is to have it maintained in line with our
recommendations using parts that conform to the specifications detailed
in this Owner’s Manual. Genuine Ford and Motorcraft parts meet or
exceed these specifications.
14Introduction
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Collision Repairs
We hope that you never experience a collision but, accidents do happen.
Genuine Ford replacement collision parts meet our stringent
requirements for fit, finish, structural integrity, corrosion protection and
dent resistance. During vehicle development we validate these parts
deliver the intended level of protection as a whole system. A great way
to know for sure you are getting this level of protection is to use genuine
Ford replacement collision parts.
Warranty on Replacement Parts
Genuine Ford and Motorcraft replacement parts are the only replacement
parts that benefit from a Ford Warranty. Damage caused to your vehicle
as a result of the failure of non-Ford parts may not be covered by the
Ford Warranty. For additional information, refer to the terms and
conditions of the Ford Warranty.
SPECIAL NOTICES
New Vehicle Limited Warranty
For a detailed description of what is covered and what is not covered by
your vehicle’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty, refer to theWarranty
Manualthat is provided to you along with your Owner’s Manual.
Special Instructions
For your added safety, your vehicle is fitted with sophisticated electronic
controls.
WARNING:Please read theSupplementary Restraints System
chapter. Failure to follow the specific warnings and instructions
could result in personal injury.
WARNING:Front seat mounted rear-facing child or infant seats
shouldNEVERbe placed in front of an active passenger airbag.
Introduction15
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT
Using mobile communications equipment is becoming increasingly
important in the conduct of business and personal affairs. However, you
must not compromise your own or others’ safety when using such
equipment. Mobile communications can enhance personal safety and
security when appropriately used, particularly in emergency situations.
Safety must be paramount when using mobile communications equipment
to avoid negating these benefits.
Mobile communication equipment includes, but is not limited to, cellular
phones, pagers, portable email devices, text messaging devices and
portable two-way radios.
WARNING:Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle
control, accident and injury. Ford strongly recommends that you
use extreme caution when using any device or feature that may take
your focus off the road. Your primary responsibility is the safe operation
of your 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.
EXPORT UNIQUE (NON–UNITED STATES/CANADA) VEHICLE
SPECIFIC INFORMATION
For your particular global region, your vehicle may be equipped with
features and options that are different from the features and options that
are described in this Owner’s Manual. A market unique supplement may
be supplied that complements this book. By referring to the market
unique supplement, if provided, you can properly identify those features,
recommendations and specifications that are unique to your vehicle. This
Owner’s Manual is written primarily for the U.S. and Canadian Markets.
Features or equipment listed as standard may be different on units built
for Export.Refer to this Owner’s Manual for all other required
information and warnings.
16Introduction
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)