automatic transmission FORD FLEX 2010 1.G Owners Manual

REAR RIGHT DOOR AJAR— Displayed when the rear right door is
not completely closed.
PARK BRAKE ENGAGED— Displayed when the parking brake is set,
the engine is running and the vehicle is driven more than 3 mph
(5 km/h). If the warning stays on after the parking brake is released,
contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
XXX MILES TO E FUEL LEVEL LOW— Displayed as an early
reminder of a low fuel condition.
CHECK FUEL FILL INLET— Displayed when the fuel fill inlet may
not be properly closed. Refer toEasy Fuel™ “no cap” fuel systemin
theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM— Displayed when the braking system is not
operating properly. If the warning stays on or continues to come on,
contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
LIFTGATE AJAR— Displayed when the liftgate is not completely
closed. Press RESET to reset display.
CHECK PARK AID (if equipped)— Displayed when the transmission
is in R (Reverse) and the reverse sensing system (park aid) is disabled.
REMOVE OBJECTS NEAR PASS SEAT— Displayed when objects
are by the passenger seat. After the objects are moved away from the
seat, if the warning stays on or continues to come on, contact your
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
BRAKE FLUID LEVEL LOW— Indicates the brake fluid level is low
and the brake system should be inspected immediately. Refer toBrake
fluidin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter.
AWD OFF (if equipped)— Displayed when the AWD system has been
automatically disabled to protect itself. This is caused by operating the
vehicle with the compact spare tire installed or if the system is
overheating. The AWD system will resume normal function and clear this
message after driving a short distance with the road tire re-installed or
after the system is allowed to cool.
CHECK AWD (if equipped)— Displayed when a problem exists with
the AWD system. Contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
LOW TIRE PRESSURE— Displayed when one or more tires on your
vehicle has low tire pressure. Refer toInflating your tiresin theTires,
Wheels and Loadingchapter.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR FAULT— Displayed when the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System is malfunctioning. If the warning stays on or
continues to come on, contact your authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
Instrument Cluster
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Memory seat/power mirrors/adjustable pedals (if equipped)
This system allows automatic
positioning of the driver seat,
outside rearview mirrors and
adjustable pedals to two
programmable positions.
The memory seat control is located
on the driver door.
•To program position one, move the driver seat, exterior mirrors and
adjustable pedals to the desired positions using the associated
controls. Press and hold control button 1 for at least two seconds. A
tone will be heard when the memory save is complete.
•To program position two, repeat the previous procedure using control
button 2.
A position can only be recalled when the transmission gearshift is in Park
(automatic transmission). A memory seat position may be programmed
at any time.
The memory seat positions are also recalled when you press your remote
entry transmitter
(unlock) control and the transmitter is
programmed to a memory seat position or when you enter a valid
customer code 1 or 2 on the keypad.
To program the memory seat to remote entry transmitter, refer to
Remote entry systemin theLocks and Security chapter..
Note: The seat will not travel to its final position if the key is not
in the ignition and the easy entry feature is enabled.
Easy entry/exit feature (if equipped)
This feature automatically moves the driver’s seat rearward 2 in (5 cm)
when:
•the transmission is in N (Neutral) or P (Park)
•the key is removed from the ignition
The seat will move to the original position when:
•the transmission is in N (Neutral) or P (Park)
•the key is placed in the ignition.
The easy entry feature can be turned off or on through the vehicle
message center. Refer toMessage centerin theDriver controlschapter.
Seating and Safety Restraints
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STARTING
Positions of the ignition
1. Off— locks the automatic
transmission gearshift lever and
allows key removal. This position
also shuts the engine and all
electrical accessories off without
locking the steering wheel. To lock
the steering wheel, remove the key
then turn the steering wheel.
2. Accessory— allows the electrical accessories such as the radio to
operate while the engine is not running. This position also unlocks the
steering wheel.
3. On— all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights illuminated. Key
position when driving.
4. Start— cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine
starts.
Starting your vehicle
This system meets all Canadian interference-causing equipment standard
requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio
noise.
Don’t press the accelerator before or during starting. Only use the
accelerator when you have difficulty starting the engine. For more
information on starting the vehicle, refer toStarting the enginein this
chapter.
To avoid potential transmission damage at extremely cold temperatures
(below -20°F [-30°C]), it is recommended that the vehicle be warmed up
to normal operating temperature before driving at highway speeds above
50 mph (80 km/h). Normal operating temperature is normally reached
after 10 minutes of moderate driving or idling.
WARNING:Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce
very high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system,
creating the risk of fire or other damage.
WARNING:Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass
or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the
engine compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.
Driving
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4. Locate the brake shift interlock
lever on the passenger side of the
shifter assembly.
5. Apply the brake pedal. Using a
screwdriver (or similar tool), press
and hold the brake shift interlock
lever while pulling the gearshift
lever out of the P (Park) position
and into the N (Neutral) position.
6. Install the trim panel (2) and
chrome ring (1) in reverse order.
7. Apply brake pedal, start the vehicle, and release the parking brake.
See your authorized dealer as soon as possible if this procedure
is used.
WARNING:Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the
brakelamps are working.
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the off
position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
WARNING:If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake
warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be
working properly. See your authorized dealer.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION
Automatic Transmission Adaptive Learning
Your transmission is equipped with an adaptive learning strategy found in
the vehicle computer. This feature is designed to increase durability and
provide consistent shift feel over the life of the vehicle. A new vehicle or
transmission may have firm and/or soft shifts. This operation is
considered normal and will not affect function or durability of the
transmission. Over time, the adaptive learning process will fully update
transmission operation. Additionally, whenever the battery is
disconnected or a new battery installed, the strategy must be relearned.
Driving
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Understanding the gearshift positions of the 6–speed automatic
transmission with transmission control switch (if equipped)
Your vehicle has been designed to improve fuel economy by reducing
fuel usage while coasting or decelerating. When you take your foot off
the accelerator pedal and the vehicle begins to slow down the torque
converter clutch locks up and aggressively shuts off fuel flow to the
engine while decelerating. This fuel economy benefit may be perceived
as a light to medium braking sensation when removing your foot from
the accelerator pedal.
P (Park)
This position locks the transmission
and prevents the front wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
•Press the brake pedal
•Move the gearshift lever into the
desired gear
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
•Come to a complete stop
•Move the gearshift lever and
securely latch it in P (Park)
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the off
position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R
(Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
D (Drive) with Overdrive
The normal driving position for the best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through six.
Driving
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D (Drive) with Grade Assist
Pressing the transmission control switch on the side of the gearshift
lever activates Grade Assist and cancels Overdrive.
Grade Assist
•Provides additional grade
(engine) braking and extends
lower gear operation on uphill
climbs for hilly terrain or
mountainous areas.
•Provides additional engine
braking through the automatic
transmission shift strategy which
reacts to vehicle inputs (vehicle
acceleration, accelerator pedal,
brake pedal and vehicle speed).
•Allows the transmission to select
gears that will provide the desired
engine braking based on the
vehicle inputs mentioned above. This will increase engine RPM during
engine braking.
•The grade assist lamp in the
instrument cluster is illuminated.
Grade Assist is designed to aid the
driver with optimal gear selection in
hilly terrain or mountainous areas
but is not intended for normal operation. It is recommended that you
return to O/D (overdrive mode) on flat terrain to provide the best fuel
economy and transmission function.
To return to normalDposition (with O/D), press the transmission
control switch again.
•The Grade Assist lamp in the instrument cluster will not be
illuminated.
•The transmission will operate in gears one through six.
L (Low)
•Provides maximum engine braking.
•Will downshift to the lowest available gear for the current vehicle
speed; allows for first gear when vehicle reaches slower speeds.
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Understanding the gearshift positions of the 6–speed with
SelectShift Automatic™ transmission (SST) (if equipped)
Your vehicle has been designed to improve fuel economy by reducing
fuel usage while coasting or decelerating. When you take your foot off
the accelerator pedal and the vehicle begins to slow down the torque
converter clutch locks up and aggressively shuts off fuel flow to the
engine while decelerating. This fuel economy benefit may be perceived
as a light to medium braking sensation when removing your foot from
the accelerator pedal.
P (Park)
This position locks the transmission
and prevents the front wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
•Press the brake pedal
•Move the gearshift lever into the
desired gear
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
•Come to a complete stop
•Move the gearshift lever and
securely latch it in P (Park)
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Switch the ignition off and
remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R
(Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
D (Drive)
The normal driving position for the best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through six.
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M (Manual) with Grade Assist
Initially, moving the lever to M (Manual) activates grade assist and
cancels Overdrive.
Grade Assist:
•Provides additional grade
(engine) braking and extends
lower gear operation on uphill
climbs for hilly terrain or
mountainous areas.
•Provides additional engine
braking through the automatic
transmission shift strategy which
reacts to vehicle inputs (vehicle
acceleration, accelerator pedal,
brake pedal and vehicle speed).
•Allows the transmission to select
gears that will provide the desired
engine braking based on the vehicle inputs mentioned above. This will
increase engine RPM during engine braking.
•The grade assist lamp in the
instrument cluster is illuminated.
Grade assist is designed to aid the
driver with optimal gear selection in
hilly terrain or mountainous areas
but is not intended for normal operation. It is recommended that you
return to O/D (overdrive mode) on flat terrain to provide the best fuel
economy and transmission function.
To return to normal D (Drive) position (with O/D), move the shift lever
back from M (Manual) to D (Drive).
•The grade assist lamp in the instrument cluster will not be illuminated.
•The transmission will operate in gears one through six.
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Understanding your SelectShift Automatic™ Transmission (SST)
This vehicle is equipped with a
SelectShift Automatic™
transmission (SST) gearshift lever.
SST is an automatic transmission
with the ability for the driver to
change gears up or down (without a
clutch) as desired. By moving the
gearshift lever from drive position D
(Drive) to M (Manual) you now
have control of selecting the gear
you desire using the paddle shifters
on the steering wheel.
Paddle shifters
The paddle shifters allow you to shift gears quickly, without taking your
hands off the steering wheel.
1. To manually downshift the
transmission with the gearshift lever
in M (Manual), press the paddle
shifters forward.
2. To manually upshift the
transmission with the gearshift lever
in M (Manual), pull the paddle
shifters rearward.
Recommended shift speeds
Upshift according to the following chart:
Upshifts when accelerating (recommended for best fuel
economy)
Shift from:
1 - 2 15 mph (24 km/h)
2 - 3 25 mph (40 km/h)
3 - 4 40 mph (64 km/h)
4 - 5 45 mph (72 km/h)
5 - 6 50 mph (80 km/h)
Driving
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Note:Inspect the wheel pilot hole
prior to installation. If there is
visible corrosion in wheel pilot hole,
remove loose particles by wiping
with clean rag and apply grease.
Apply grease only to the wheel pilot
hole surface by smearing a “dime”
(1 square cm) sized glob of grease
around the wheel pilot surface (1)
with end of finger. DO NOT apply
grease to lugnut/stud holes or
wheel-to-brake surfaces.
RUNNING OUT OF FUEL
If you have run out of fuel and need to refill the vehicle with a portable
fuel container, seeRunning out of fuelin theMaintenance and
Specificationschapter for proper fuel filling method using a portable
fuel container and the included fuel filler funnel.Do notinsert the
nozzle of portable fuel containers or any type of aftermarket funnels into
the Easy Fuel™ “no cap” fuel system as it can be damaged. You must
use the included funnel in such circumstances.
WARNING:Do not insert the nozzle of portable fuel containers
or aftermarket funnels into the Easy Fuel™ system. This could
damage the fuel system and its seal, and may cause fuel to run onto
the ground instead of filling the tank, all of which could result in
serious personal injury.
JUMP STARTING
WARNING:The gases around the battery can explode if
exposed to flames, sparks, or lit cigarettes. An explosion could
result in injury or vehicle damage.
WARNING:Batteries contain sulfuric acid which can burn skin,
eyes and clothing, if contacted.
Do not attempt to push-start your automatic transmission
vehicle. Automatic transmissions do not have push-start
capability. Attempting to push-start a vehicle with an automatic
transmission may cause transmission damage.
Roadside Emergencies
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