check oil FORD FLEX 2018 User Guide

•
Cover interior trim to prevent fading.
• Keep all rubber parts free from oil and
solvents.
Engine
• Change the engine oil and filter prior to
storage because used engine oil
contains contaminates which may
cause engine damage.
• Start the engine every 15 days for a
minimum of 15 minutes. Run at fast idle
with the climate controls set to defrost
until the engine reaches normal
operating temperature.
• With your foot on the brake, shift
through all the gears while the engine
is running.
• We recommend that you change the
engine oil before you use your vehicle
again.
Fuel system
• Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fuel
until the first automatic shutoff of the
fuel pump nozzle.
Cooling system
• Protect against freezing temperatures.
• When removing your vehicle from
storage, check coolant fluid level.
Confirm that there are no cooling
system leaks and that fluid is at the
recommended level.
Battery
• Check and recharge as necessary. Keep
connections clean.
• If storing your vehicle for more than 30
days without recharging the battery,
we recommend that you disconnect
the battery cables to maintain battery
charge for quick starting. Note:
It is necessary to reset memory
features if battery cables are disconnected.
Brakes
• Make sure the brakes and parking brake
release fully.
Tires
• Maintain recommended air pressure.
Miscellaneous
• Make sure all linkages, cables, levers
and pins under your vehicle are covered
with grease to prevent rust.
• Move vehicles at least 25 ft (7.5 m)
every 15 days to lubricate working parts
and prevent corrosion.
Removing Vehicle From Storage
When your vehicle is ready to come out of
storage, do the following:
• Wash your vehicle to remove any dirt
or grease film build-up on window
surfaces.
• Check windshield wipers for any
deterioration.
• Check under the hood for any foreign
material that may have collected
during storage such as mice or squirrel
nests.
• Check the exhaust for any foreign
material that may have collected
during storage.
• Check tire pressures and set tire
inflation per the Tire Label.
• Check brake pedal operation. Drive
your vehicle
15 ft (4.5 m) back and
forth to remove rust build-up.
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•
Check fluid levels (including coolant,
oil and gas) to make sure there are no
leaks, and fluids are at recommended
levels.
• If you remove the battery, clean the
battery cable ends and check for
damage.
Contact an authorized dealer if you have
any concerns or issues.
BODY STYLING KITS
The distance between the underside of
your vehicle and the ground is less than
that of other models. Drive with extreme
care to avoid damage to your vehicle.
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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 250).
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.
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Check Every Month
Engine oil level.
Function of all interior and exterior lights.
Tires (including spare) for wear and proper pressure. Windshield washer fluid level.
Fuel and water separator. Drain if necessary (or if indicated by the information display). Holes and slots in the tail pipe to make sure they are functional and clear of debris. Check Every Six Months
Battery connections. Clean if necessary.
Body and door drain holes for obstructions. Clean if necessary. Cooling system fluid level and coolant strength.
Door weatherstrips for wear. Lubricate if necessary.
Hinges, latches and outside locks for proper operation. Lubricate if necessary. Parking brake for proper operation.
Safety belts and seat latches for wear and function.
Safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, airbag and safety belt) for operation.
Washer spray and wiper operation. Clean or replace blades as necessary.
Multi-Point Inspection
In order to keep your vehicle running right,
it is important to have the systems on your
vehicle checked regularly. This can help
identify potential issues and prevent major
problems. We recommend having the
following multi-point inspection performed
at every scheduled maintenance interval
to help make sure your vehicle keeps
running great.
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Multi-Point Inspection
Hazard warning system operation
Accessory drive belt(s)
Horn operation
Battery performance
Radiator, cooler, heater and air conditioninghoses
Engine air filter
Suspension components for leaks ordamage
Exhaust system
Steering and linkage
Exterior lamps operation
Tires (including spare) for wear and properpressure2
Fluid levels 1
; fill if necessary
Windshield for cracks, chips or pits
For oil and fluid leaks
Washer spray and wiper operation
Half-shaft dust boots
1 Brake, coolant recovery reservoir, automatic transmission and window washer
2 If your vehicle is equipped with a temporary mobility kit, check the tire sealant expiration
Use By date on the canister. Replace as needed.
Be sure to ask your dealership service
advisor or technician about the multi-point
vehicle inspection. It is a comprehensive
way to perform a thorough inspection of
your vehicle. Your checklist gives you
immediate feedback on the overall
condition of your vehicle.
NORMAL SCHEDULED
MAINTENANCE
Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor™
Your vehicle is equipped with an Intelligent
Oil-Life Monitor that determines when you
should change the engine oil based on how
your vehicle is used. By using several
important factors in its calculations, the
monitor helps reduce the cost of owning
your vehicle and reduces environmental
waste at the same time. This means you do not have to remember
to change the oil on a mileage-based
schedule. Your vehicle lets you know when
an oil change is due by displaying a
message in the information display.
The following table provides examples of
vehicle use and its impact on oil change
intervals. It is a guideline only. Actual oil
change intervals depend on several factors
and generally decrease with severity of
use.
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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 250). 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)
.
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12 Volt DC Power Point.....................................
143
Locations............................................................... 143
AWD See: All-Wheel Drive......................................... 168
B
Battery See: Changing the 12V Battery...................... 257
Blind Spot Information System..............196 Switching the System Off and On................197
System Errors....................................................... 197
System Limitations............................................ 197
Using the System............................................... 196
BLIS See: Blind Spot Information System..........196
Body Styling Kits..........................................275
Bonnet Lock See: Opening and Closing the Hood..........245
Booster Seats
..................................................29
Types of Booster Seats...................................... 30
Brake Fluid Check
........................................256
Brakes................................................................175 General Information........................................... 175
Breaking-In......................................................218
Bulb Specification Chart
...........................265
C
Cabin Air Filter
................................................122
California Proposition 65..............................11
Capacities and Specifications - 3.5L Duratec
.........................................................308
Alternative Engine Oil for Extremely Cold
Climates............................................................. 311
Specifications..................................................... 309
Capacities and Specifications - 3.5L Ecoboost™..................................................312
Alternative Engine Oil for Extremely Cold Climates............................................................ 315
Specifications....................................................... 313
Capacities and Specifications................302
Cargo Nets
.....................................................204
Car Wash See: Cleaning the Exterior.............................. 268
Catalytic Converter
.......................................161
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II).................... 162Readiness for Inspection and Maintenance
(I/M) Testing.................................................... 162
Center Console..............................................145 Console Refrigerator and Freezer.................145
Second Row Center Console......................... 145
Changing a Bulb............................................261 Brake and Rear Lamps, Rear Direction
Indicator and Reversing Lamp.................264
Front Direction Indicator and Front Parking Lamp................................................................. 262
Front Fog Lamp.................................................. 263
Headlamp............................................................. 262
Headlamp Low Beam and Headlamp High Beam................................................................. 262
LED Lamps........................................................... 264
License Plate Lamp.......................................... 265
Changing a Fuse
...........................................243
Fuses....................................................................... 243
Changing a Road Wheel...........................296 Dissimilar Spare Wheel and Tire Assembly
Information..................................................... 296
Tire Change Procedure.................................... 297
Changing the 12V Battery..........................257
Changing the Engine Air Filter.................267
Changing the Wiper Blades.....................259 Front Wiper Blades........................................... 259
Rear Window Wiper Blade............................ 260
Checking MyKey System Status..............60
Checking the Wiper Blades.....................259
Child Restraint and Seatbelt Maintenance..................................................41
Child Restraint Positioning
..........................31
Child Safety.......................................................18
General Information............................................. 18
Child Safety Locks..........................................32 Left-Hand Side...................................................... 33
Right-Hand Side................................................... 33
Cleaning Leather Seats..............................272
Cleaning Products.......................................268 Materials............................................................... 268
Cleaning the Engine....................................270
Cleaning the Exterior..................................268 Cleaning the Headlamps................................ 269
Exterior Chrome Parts..................................... 269
Exterior Plastic Parts........................................ 269
Stripes or Graphics........................................... 269
Underbody........................................................... 269
Under Hood......................................................... 269
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Cleaning the Instrument Panel and
Instrument Cluster Lens..........................271
Cleaning the Interior.....................................271
Cleaning the Wheels
...................................273
Cleaning the Windows and Wiper Blades...........................................................270
Clearing All MyKeys
.......................................59
Climate............................................................396
Climate Control
..............................................114
Climate Controlled Seats...........................137 Cooled Seats......................................................... 137
Heated Seats........................................................ 137
Collision Warning System.........................201 PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION........................... 201
Coolant Check See: Engine Coolant Check........................... 250
Crash Sensors and Airbag Indicator
.......50
Creating a MyKey...........................................58
Programming/Changing Configurable
Settings............................................................... 58
Cross Traffic Alert.........................................198 False Alerts.......................................................... 200
Switching the System Off and On..............200
System Errors..................................................... 200
System Lights, Messages and Audible Alerts.................................................................. 199
System Limitations.......................................... 200
Using the System............................................... 198
Cruise Control
...................................................77
Principle of Operation...................................... 189
Cruise control See: Using Cruise Control................................ 189
Customer Assistance
..................................227
D
Data Recording
..................................................9
Event Data Recording.......................................... 10
Service Data Recording........................................ 9
Daytime Running Lamps............................84
Direction Indicators
.......................................85
Doors and Locks.............................................63
Driver and Passenger Airbags...................45 Children and Airbags.......................................... 46
Proper Driver and Front Passenger Seating Adjustment........................................................ 45
Driving Aids
.....................................................196
Driving Hints...................................................218 Driving Through Water
................................219
DRL See: Daytime Running Lamps......................... 84
E
Economical Driving
......................................218
Electromagnetic Compatibility..............465
Emission Law.................................................160 Noise Emissions Warranty, Prohibited
Tampering Acts and Maintenance...........161
Tampering With a Noise Control System.............................................................. 160
End User License Agreement..................467 VEHICLE SOFTWARE END USER LICENSE
AGREEMENT (EULA) ................................. 467
Engine Block Heater
.....................................151
Using the Engine Block Heater...................... 152
Engine Coolant Check...............................250 Adding Coolant.................................................... 251
Coolant Change.................................................. 253
Engine Coolant Temperature Management.................................................. 254
Fail-Safe Cooling............................................... 253
Recycled Coolant............................................... 252
Severe Climates.................................................. 252
Engine Emission Control...........................160
Engine Immobilizer See: Passive Anti-Theft System..................... 73
Engine Oil Check..........................................249 Adding Engine Oil.............................................. 249
Engine Oil Dipstick
......................................249
Engine Specifications - 3.5L Duratec
.........................................................302
Drivebelt Routing............................................... 302
Engine Specifications - 3.5L Ecoboost™.................................................302
Drivebelt Routing............................................... 303
Entertainment..............................................386 AM/FM Radio...................................................... 387
Apps....................................................................... 395
Bluetooth Stereo or USB................................ 394
CD (If equipped)................................................ 393
HD Radio ™ Information (If
Available)........................................................ 390
SiriusXM® Satellite Radio (If Activated)....................................................... 388
Sources.................................................................. 387
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L
Liftgate...............................................................69
Lighting Control..............................................82
Flashing the Headlamp High Beam..............83
Headlamp High Beam........................................ 82
Lighting..............................................................82
General Information............................................ 82
Load Carriers See: Roof Racks and Load Carriers............204
Load Carrying
................................................204
Load Limit......................................................204 Special Loading Instructions for Owners of
Pick-up Trucks and Utility-type
Vehicles............................................................ 209
Vehicle Loading - with and without a Trailer................................................................ 204
Locking and Unlocking.................................63 Activating Intelligent Access........................... 64
Autolock.................................................................. 65
Autounlock ............................................................ 65
Battery Saver......................................................... 66
Enabling or Disabling Autounlock.................65
Illuminated Entry.................................................. 66
Illuminated Exit..................................................... 66
Locking and Unlocking the Doors with the Key Blade............................................................ 63
Opening a Rear Door From the Inside..........64
Power Door Locks................................................ 63
Remote Control.................................................... 63
Smart Unlocks for Integrated Keyhead Transmitter........................................................ 64
Smart Unlocks for Intelligent Access Keys...................................................................... 65
Lug Nuts See: Changing a Road Wheel....................... 296
M
Maintenance..................................................245 General Information......................................... 245
Manual Climate Control
..............................114
Manual Liftgate..............................................69
Closing the Liftgate............................................. 69
Opening the Liftgate........................................... 69
Manual Seats
.................................................126
Lumbar Adjustment.......................................... 126Moving the Seat Backward and
Forward............................................................. 126
Recline Adjustment........................................... 126
Memory Function
.........................................128
Easy Entry and Exit Feature............................ 129
Linking a PreSet Position to your Remote Control or Intelligent Access Key Fob
........................................................................\
...... 129
Saving a PreSet Position................................. 128
Message Center See: Information Displays................................. 97
Mirrors See: Heated Windows and Mirrors................121
See: Windows and Mirrors................................ 87
Mobile Communications Equipment.......13
Moonroof..........................................................90 Bounce-Back.......................................................... 91
Opening and Closing the Moonroof...............91
Venting the Moonroof......................................... 91
Motorcraft Parts - 3.5L Duratec.............303
Motorcraft Parts - 3.5L Ecoboost™.................................................305
MyKey Troubleshooting
................................61
MyKey ™.............................................................57
Principle of Operation......................................... 57
N
Navigation.....................................................404 cityseeker................................................................ 411
Destination Mode............................................. 406
Map Mode............................................................ 404
Navigation Map Updates................................. 412
Navigation Menu............................................... 409
SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link.................... 412
SYNC AppLink...................................................... 411
Waypoints............................................................. 410
Normal Scheduled Maintenance..........450 Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor™........................ 450
Normal Maintenance Intervals...................... 451
O
Oil Change Indicator Reset......................250
Oil Check See: Engine Oil Check...................................... 249
Opening and Closing the Hood..............245 Closing the Hood............................................... 246
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System Settings.................................................
354
What's Playing?................................................. 349
Using SYNC™ With Your Phone.............331 Accessing Features Through the Phone
Menu.................................................................. 335
Accessing Your Phone Settings................... 339
Making a Call....................................................... 334
Pairing a Cell Phone for the First Time.................................................................... 331
Pairing Subsequent Cell Phones.................332
Phone Options during an Active Call.........334
Phone Voice Commands................................ 332
Receiving Calls.................................................... 334
System Settings.................................................. 341
Text Messaging................................................... 337
Using Traction Control.................................177 Switching the System Off................................ 177
System Indicator Lights and Messages........................................................... 177
Using a Switch...................................................... 177
Using the Information Display Controls.............................................................. 177
Using Voice Recognition...........................328 Audio Voice Commands................................. 380
Climate Voice Commands.............................. 381
Initiating a Voice Session................................ 328
Mobile App Voice Commands...................... 384
Navigation Voice Commands....................... 383
Phone Voice Commands................................. 381
SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link Voice Commands..................................................... 384
System Interaction and Feedback..............329
Voice Settings Commands............................ 385
Utilizing the Mediation/Arbitration Program (Canada Only)........................230
V
Vehicle Care...................................................268 General Information......................................... 268
Vehicle Certification Label.......................307
Vehicle Identification Number
...............306
Vehicle Storage.............................................273
Battery.................................................................... 274
Body........................................................................\
273
Brakes..................................................................... 274
Cooling system.................................................... 274
Engine..................................................................... 274Fuel system..........................................................
274
General................................................................... 273
Miscellaneous...................................................... 274
Removing Vehicle From Storage.................. 274
Tires........................................................................\
. 274
Ventilation See: Climate Control.......................................... 114
VIN See: Vehicle Identification Number...........306
Voice Control
....................................................77
W
Warning Lamps and Indicators.................93 Adaptive Cruise Control..................................... 93
Airbag Readiness................................................. 94
Anti-Lock Braking System................................ 94
Battery ...................................................................... 94
Brake System......................................................... 94
Charging System.................................................. 94
Cruise Control........................................................ 94
Directional Indicator........................................... 94
Door Ajar................................................................. 94
Engine Coolant Temperature.......................... 94
Engine Oil................................................................ 95
Fasten Seatbelt Warning Lamp..................... 95
Front Airbag........................................................... 95
Front Fog Lamps.................................................. 95
Head Up Display................................................... 95
High Beam.............................................................. 95
Liftgate Ajar............................................................ 95
Low Fuel Level....................................................... 95
Low Tire Pressure Warning............................... 95
Low Washer Fluid................................................. 95
Parking Lamps...................................................... 95
Powertrain Malfunction/Reduced Power.................................................................. 96
Service Engine Soon........................................... 96
Stability Control................................................... 96
Stability Control Off............................................ 96
Washer Fluid Check.....................................257
Washers See: Cleaning the Exterior.............................. 268
See: Wipers and Washers................................. 80
Waxing.............................................................270
Wheel Nuts See: Changing a Road Wheel....................... 296
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