trailer FORD FLEX 2009 1.G Owner's Manual

If you have a dissimilar spare tire/wheel, then it is intended for
temporary use only. This means that if you need to use it, you should
replace it as soon as possible with a road tire/wheel that is the same size
and type as the road tires and wheels that were originally provided by
Ford. If the dissimilar spare tire or wheel is damaged, it should be
replaced rather than repaired.
A dissimilar spare tire/wheel is defined as a spare tire and/or wheel that
is different in brand, size or appearance from the road tires and wheels
and can be one of three types:
1.T-type mini-spare:This spare tire begins with the letter “T” for tire
size and may have “Temporary Use Only” molded in the sidewall
2.Full-size dissimilar spare with label on wheel:This spare tire has
a label on the wheel that states: “THIS TIRE AND WHEEL FOR
TEMPORARY USE ONLY”
When driving with one of the dissimilar spare tires listed above,do not:
•Exceed 50 mph (80 km/h)
•Load the vehicle beyond maximum vehicle load rating listed on the
Safety Compliance Label
•Tow a trailer
•Use snow chains on the end of the vehicle with the dissimilar spare
tire
•Use more than one dissimilar spare tire at a time
•Use commercial car washing equipment
•Try to repair the dissimilar spare tire
Use of one of the dissimilar spare tires listed above at any one wheel
location can lead to impairment of the following:
•Handling, stability and braking performance
•Comfort and noise
•Ground clearance and parking at curbs
•Winter weather driving capability
•Wet weather driving capability
3.Full-size dissimilar spare without label on wheel
When driving with the full-size dissimilar spare tire/wheel,do not:
•Exceed 70 mph (113 km/h)
•Use more than one dissimilar spare tire/wheel at a time
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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•Use commercial car washing equipment
•Use snow chains on the end of the vehicle with the dissimilar spare
tire/wheel
The usage of a full-size dissimilar spare tire/wheel can lead to
impairment of the following:
•Handling, stability and braking performance
•Comfort and noise
•Ground clearance and parking at curbs
•Winter weather driving capability
•Wet weather driving capability
•All-Wheel driving capability (if applicable)
•Load leveling adjustment (if applicable)
When driving with the full-size dissimilar spare tire/wheel additional
caution should be given to:
•Towing a trailer
•Driving vehicles equipped with a camper body
•Driving vehicles with a load on the cargo rack
Drive cautiously when using a full-size dissimilar spare tire/wheel and
seek service as soon as possible.
Stopping and securing the vehicle
1. Park on a level surface, set the
parking brake and activate hazard
flashers.
2. Place gearshift lever in P (Park)
and turn engine off.
Removing the spare tire and jack
If the 3rd row seat (if equipped) is stowed in the floor, you will need to
unstow it to access the spare tire and jack. Refer toUnstowing the
third row seatin theSeating and Safety Restraintschapter for this
procedure.
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Roadside Emergencies
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TEMPORARY MOBILITY KIT (IF EQUIPPED)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a
temporary mobility kit (located
under the driver’s seat). To remove
the temporary mobility kit, move the
driver’s seat fully forward and undo
the velcro
strap that attaches it to
the rear of the seat frame.
The temporary mobility kit consists of an air compressor to reinflate the
tire and a sealing compound in a canister that will effectively seal most
punctures caused by nails or similar objects. This kit will provide a
temporary seal allowing you to drive your vehicle up to 120 miles
(200 km) at a maximum speed of 50 mph (80 km/h).
WARNING:When towing a trailer, use the temporary mobility
kit and not the mini spare tire if necessary. The mini spare tire is
not intended for the higher towing load limits of this vehicle. When
towing heavy loads with the mini spare tire, vehicle handling may be
diminished, which could lead to loss of control, and serious personal
injury.
Note:The temporary mobility kit sealant compound in the canister is to
be used for one tire only. See your Ford authorized dealer for additional
replacement sealant canisters.
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Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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If the vehicle is towed by other means or incorrectly, vehicle
damage may occur.
Ford Motor Company produces a towing manual for all authorized tow
truck operators. Have your tow truck operator refer to this manual for
proper hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle.
Emergency towing
In case of a roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle (without access
to wheel dollies, car hauling trailer, or flatbed transport vehicle) your
vehicle (regardless of transmission powertrain configuration) can be flat
towed (all wheels on the ground) under the following conditions:
•Vehicle is facing forward so that it is being towed in a forward
direction.
•Place the transmission in N (Neutral). Refer toBrake shift interlock
in theDrivingchapter for specific instructions if you cannot move the
gear shift lever into N (Neutral).
•Maximum speed is not to exceed 35 mph (56 km/h).
•Maximum distance is 50 miles (80 km).
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•Slow down gradually.
•Driving at reasonable speeds (traveling at 55 mph [88 km/h] uses 15%
less fuel than traveling at 65 mph [105 km/h]).
•Revving the engine before turning it off may reduce fuel economy.
•Using the air conditioner or defroster may reduce fuel economy.
•You may want to turn off the speed control in hilly terrain if
unnecessary shifting between the top gears occurs. Unnecessary
shifting of this type could result in reduced fuel economy.
•Warming up a vehicle on cold mornings is not required and may
reduce fuel economy.
•Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving may reduce fuel
economy.
•Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
Maintenance
•Keep tires properly inflated and use only recommended size.
•Operating a vehicle with the wheels out of alignment will reduce fuel
economy.
•Use recommended engine oil. Refer toMaintenance product
specifications and capacitiesin this chapter.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance items. Follow the
recommended maintenance schedule and owner maintenance checks
found inscheduled maintenance information.
Conditions
•Heavily loading a vehicle or towing a trailer may reduce fuel economy
at any speed.
•Carrying unnecessary weight may reduce fuel economy (approximately
1 mpg [0.4 km/L] is lost for every 400 lb [180 kg] of weight carried).
•Adding certain accessories to your vehicle (for example bug
deflectors, rollbars/light bars, running boards, ski/luggage racks) may
reduce fuel economy.
•Using fuel blended with alcohol may lower fuel economy.
•Fuel economy may decrease with lower temperatures during the first
8–10 miles (12–16 km) of driving.
•Driving on flat terrain offers improved fuel economy as compared to
driving on hilly terrain.
2009 Flex(471)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Maintenance and Specifications
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TRANSMISSION FLUID
Checking automatic transmission fluid
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not
consume fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the
transmission is not working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or
shifts slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up
(approximately 20 miles [30 km]). If your vehicle has been
operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city traffic
during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off for about 30 minutes to allow fluid to cool before
checking.
1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 km) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
3. With the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake pedal,
start the engine and move the gearshift lever through all of the gear
ranges. Allow sufficient time for each gear to engage.
4. Latch the gearshift lever in P (Park) and leave the engine running.
5. Remove the dipstick, wiping it clean with a clean, dry lint free rag. If
necessary, refer toIdentifying components in the engine compartment
in this chapter for the location of the dipstick.
6. Install the dipstick making sure it is fully seated in the filler tube.
7. Remove the dipstick and inspect the fluid level. The fluid should be in
the designated areas for normal operating temperature.
Low fluid level
Do not drive the vehicle if the fluid
level is in the add range or does not
show at all on the dipstick.
Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperature 149°F (65°C) on a level surface. The normal operating
temperature can be reached after approximately 20 miles (30 km) of
driving.
2009 Flex(471)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
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Spare tire
(see Changing the Tire) ...........291
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................361, 364
Specification chart, lubricants..362
Speed control ............................101
Starting your vehicle ........250–252
jump starting ..........................307
Steering wheel
controls ....................................104
tilting .........................................87
Stereo
6-CD in dash .............................16
CD-MP3 .....................................16
SYNC ............................................63
T
Temporary mobility kit .............296
Tilt steering wheel ......................87
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)
Tires, Wheels and Loading ....233
Tires ...................................218–219
alignment ................................226
care ..........................................222
changing ..........................291–292
checking the pressure ............222
inflating ...................................220
label .........................................232
replacing ..................................224
rotating ....................................226
safety practices .......................225
sidewall information ...............228
snow tires and chains ............238
spare tire .................................289
Temporary mobility kit ..........296
terminology .............................219
tire grades ...............................219treadwear ........................218, 223
Towing .......................................244
recreational towing .................249
trailer towing ..........................244
wrecker ....................................312
Transaxle
fluid, refill capacities ..............362
lubricant specifications ..........362
Transmission .............................262
brake-shift interlock (BSI) ....262
fluid, checking and adding
(automatic) .............................358
Turn signal ..................................80
U
USB port ......................................27
V
Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) ..........................................365
Vehicle loading ..........................239
Ventilating your vehicle ...........253
W
Warning lights (see Lights) .......10
Washer fluid ..............................332
Water, Driving through .............277
Windows
power .........................................96
rear wiper/washer .....................87
Windshield washer fluid and
wipers ..........................................86
checking and adding fluid .....332
replacing wiper blades ...332–333
Wrecker towing .........................312
2009 Flex(471)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA(fus)
Index
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