check engine light FORD FLEX 2011 1.G User Guide

What you should know about fail-safe cooling
If the engine coolant supply is depleted, this feature allows the vehicle to
be driven temporarily before incremental component damage is incurred.
The “fail-safe” distance depends on ambient temperatures, vehicle load
and terrain.
How fail-safe cooling works
If the engine begins to overheat:
•The engine coolant temperature gauge will move to the red (hot)
area.
•The coolant temperature warning light
will illuminate.
•The service engine soon
indicator will illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine
will automatically switch to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled
cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However:
•The engine power will be limited.
•The air conditioning system will be disabled.
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature and the engine
will completely shut down, causing steering and braking effort to
increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be re-started. Take
your vehicle to a service facility as soon as possible to minimize engine
damage.
When fail-safe mode is activated
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. The vehicle will not be able to maintain high-speed
operation and the engine will run rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent engine
damage, therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to a service facility.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
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•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 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.
•Transmissions give their best fuel economy when operated in the top
cruise gear and with steady pressure on the gas pedal.
•Close windows for high speed driving.
Maintenance and Specifications
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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. Ford Motor Company
recommends the following multi-point inspection be performed at every
scheduled maintenance interval to help ensure your vehicle keeps
running great.
Maximum oil change interval
❑As indicated by the instrument cluster message center (can be up to one year or 10,000 miles [16,000 km])
Engine coolant change interval
❑6 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km) - change engine coolant (whichever comes first)❑After initial change - change engine coolant every 3 years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km).
Check every month
❑Check function of all interior and exterior lights❑Check tires for wear and correct air pressure, including spare tire
❑Check windshield washer fluid level
❑Check engine oil level
Check every six months
❑Check lap/shoulder belts and seat latches for wear and function❑Check parking brake for proper operation
❑Check safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, airbag, safety belt) for operation
❑Check cooling system fluid level and coolant strength
❑Check battery connections and clean if necessary
❑Check washer spray, wiper operation and clean all wiper blades (replace as necessary)
❑Check and lubricate all hinges, latches and outside locks. Inspect for correct operation
❑Check and lubricate door rubber weatherstrips. Inspect for excessive wear
❑Check and clean body and door drain holes. Inspect for clogs and obstructions
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Be sure to ask your Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealership service advisor
or technician about the multi-point vehicle inspection. It’s a
comprehensive way to perform a thorough inspection of your vehicle. It’s
your checklist that gives you immediate feedback on the overall
condition of your vehicle. You’ll know what’s been checked, what’s okay,
as well as those things that may require future or immediate attention.
The multi-point vehicle inspection is one more way to keep your vehicle
running great!
Mutli-point inspection - Recommended at every visit
❑Check and top-up fluid levels: brake, coolant recovery reservoir, manual and automatic transmission (if equipped with an
underhood dipstick), power steering (if equipped) and window washer
❑Inspect tires for wear and check air pressure, including spare.
❑Check exhaust system for leaks, damage, loose parts and foreign material.
❑Check battery performance.
❑Check operation of horn, exterior lamps, turn signals and hazard warning lights.
❑Check radiator, coolers, heater and air conditioning hoses.
❑Inspect windshield washer spray and wiper operation.
❑Check windshield for cracks, chips and pitting.
❑Inspect for oil and fluid leaks.
❑Inspect engine air filter.
❑Inspect half shaft dust boots, if equipped.
❑Check shocks and struts and other suspension components for leaks and damage.
❑Inspect steering and linkage.
❑Inspect accessory drive belt(s).
❑Inspect clutch operation, if equipped.
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EXCEPTIONS
In addition, there are several exceptions to the Normal Schedule. They
are listed below:
Normal vehicle axle maintenance
❑Rear axles and power take-off (PTO) units containing synthetic lubricant and light duty trucks equipped with Ford-design
axles are lubricated for life. These lubricants are not to be checked or changed unless a leak is suspected, service is re-
quired or the axle assembly has been submerged in water. The axle and PTO lubricant should be changed anytime the axle
and PTO have been submerged in water. During extended trailer tow operation above 70°F (21°C) ambient and wide open
throttle for extended periods above 45 mph (72 km/h), non-synthetic rear axle lubricants should be replaced every
3,000 miles (4,800 km) or three months, whichever occurs first. The 3,000 mile (4,800 km) lubricant change interval
may be waived if the axle was filled with 75W140 synthetic gear lubricant meeting Ford specification WSL-M2C192-A, part
number F1TZ-19580-B or equivalent. Add friction modifier XL-3 (EST-M2C118-A) or equivalent for complete refill of Traction-
Lok rear axles (refer to
Maintenance product and specificationsin theMaintenance and Specificationschapter for details).
The axle lubricant should be changed anytime an axle has been submerged in water.
Police/Taxi/Livery vehicle axle maintenance
❑Replace rear axle lubricant every 100,000 miles (160,000 km). Rear axle lubricant change may be waived if the axle
was filled with 75W140 synthetic gear lubricant meeting Ford specification WSL-M2C192-A, part number FITZ-19580-B or
equivalent. Add four ounces (118 mL) of friction modifier XL-3 (EST-M2C118-A) or equivalent for complete refill of Traction-
Lok rear axles. The axle lubricant should be changed anytime the axle has been submerged in water.
California fuel filter replacement
❑If vehicle is registered in California, the California Air Resources Board has determined that the failure to perform this main-
tenance item will not nullify the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to the completion of the vehicle’s useful life.
Ford Motor Company, however, urges you to have all recommended maintenance services performed at the specified inter-
vals and to record all vehicle service.
Hot climate oil change intervals
❑If operating conditions are normal and you drive your Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle under typical, everyday conditions
andyou are using an API performance category oil of SL or later (for example SM, etc.) then you can follow the
7,500 mile (12,000 km) normal service oil change intervals schedule. Vehicles operating in the Middle East, North Africa,
Sub-Saharan Africa or locations with similar climates must follow the oil change interval of 3,000 mile (5,000 km) if the
owner is using oils defined by the American Petroleum Institute (API) performance category of API SK or earlier (for ex-
ample SJ, etc.).
Engine air filter & cabin air filter replacement
❑Engine air filter and cabin air filter life is dependent on exposure to dusty and dirty conditions. Vehicles operated in these
conditions will require frequent inspection and replacement of the engine air filter and cabin air filter.
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A
Accessory delay ........................102
Active Park Assist .....................276
AdvanceTrac ..............................257
Air cleaner filter .......373–374, 377
Air conditioning ..............68, 71, 74
manual heating and air
conditioning system .................68
Airbag supplemental restraint
system ........................180, 189, 191
and child safety seats ............182
description ..............180, 189, 191
disposal ....................................194
driver airbag ............182, 190, 192
indicator light .................188, 194
operation .................182, 190, 192
passenger airbag .....182, 190, 192
side airbag ...............................189
All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road .........................281
Ambient mood/lighting ...............86
AM/FM .........................................28
Antifreeze
(see Engine coolant) ................348
Anti-lock brake system
(see Brakes) ..............................255
Anti-theft system ..............137, 140
arming the system ..................140
disarming a triggered
system .....................................142
Audio system (see Radio) .........28
Automatic transaxle
fluid, refill capacities ..............378
fluid, specification ..................378Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive .........................267, 269
fluid, adding ............................369
fluid, checking ........................369
Selectshift (SST) ....................271
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) ....37
B
Battery .......................................346
acid, treating emergencies .....346
jumping a disabled battery ....315
maintenance-free ....................346
replacement, specifications ...377
servicing ..................................346
Belt-Minder.............................175
Booster seats .............................209
Brakes ........................................255
anti-lock ...................................255
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................256
fluid, checking and adding ....368
fluid, refill capacities ..............378
fluid, specifications .................378
lubricant specifications ..........378
parking ....................................256
shift interlock ..........................265
Bulbs ............................................86
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....378
Cargo net ...................................117
CD ................................................28
Cell phone use ..............................8
Changing a tire .........................298
Child safety seats ......................199
in front seat ............................199
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cleaning ...................................328
coolant .....................................348
fail-safe cooling .......................354
idle speed control ...................346
lubrication specifications .......378
refill capacities ........................378
service points ..................338–339
Engine block heater .................253
Engine oil ..................................342
checking and adding ..............342
dipstick ....................................342
filter, specifications ................377
refill capacities ........................378
specifications ..........................378
Event data recording ....................6
Exhaust fumes ..........................253
F
Fail safe cooling ........................354
Family entertainment system ....47
Fleet MyKey programming ......119
Floor mats .................................112
Fluid capacities .........................378
Fog lamps ....................................82
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
driving off road .......................282
Freezer ........................................97
Fuel ............................................355
calculating fuel
economy ............................20, 362
cap ...........................................357
capacity ...................................378
choosing the right fuel ...........359
detergent in fuel .....................360
filler funnel .............................360
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................355, 357, 362filter, specifications ........355, 377
fuel pump shut-off ..................289
improving fuel economy ........362
octane rating ...................359, 381
quality ......................................359
running out of fuel .........314, 360
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................355
Fuses ..........................................290
G
Garage door opener ..................108
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............357
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................362
Gauges .........................................16
H
Hazard flashers .........................289
Head restraints .................152, 154
Headlamps ...................................81
aiming ........................................84
autolamp system .......................81
bulb specifications ....................87
daytime running lights .............83
flash to pass ..............................83
high beam .................................82
replacing bulbs .........................88
turning on and off ....................81
Heating
heating and air conditioning
system ...........................68, 71, 74
Homelink wireless control
system ........................................108
Hood ..........................................337
I
Ignition ...............................250, 381
Index
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Illuminated visor mirror .............93
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................199
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................367
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................331
cluster ........................................12
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................83
J
Jack ............................................298
positioning ...............................298
storage .....................................298
Jump-starting your vehicle ......315
K
Keyless entry system
autolock ...................................124
keypad .....................................135
locking and unlocking doors ..136
programming entry code .......135
Keys ...................................118, 138
positions of the ignition .........250
L
Lamps
autolamp system .......................81
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................87
daytime running light ...............83
fog lamps ...................................82
headlamps .................................81
headlamps, flash to pass ..........83
instrument panel, dimming .....83
interior lamps .....................85, 88
replacing bulbs .........................88LATCH anchors .........................203
Liftgate ......................112–113, 131
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........256
Load limits .................................237
Locks
autolock ...................................124
childproof ................................128
doors ........................................124
Lubricant specifications ...........378
Lug nuts ....................................313
Lumbar support, seats .....147, 149
M
Message center ...........................18
english/metric button ...............22
system check button ................22
warning messages .....................22
Mirrors ...............................102–103
automatic dimming rearview
mirror ......................................102
heated ................................74, 103
programmable memory ..........132
side view mirrors (power) .....103
Moon roof ..................................107
Motorcraftparts ..............335, 377
MyKey ........................................119
N
Navigation system .......................67
O
Octane rating ............................359
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................342
Overdrive ...................................266
Index
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