climate control FORD FLEX 2011 1.G User Guide

Max A/C– Distributes recirculated air through the instrument panel
vents to cool the vehicle. This re-cooling of the interior air is more
economical and efficient. Recirculated air may also help reduce
undesirable odors from entering the vehicle. Press MAX A/C again for
normal operation.
Rear Zone Power– Press to activate/deactivate the rear climate system.
Rear Zone– Press to activate the touchscreen controls for the rear
climate system.
Rear Control– Press to allow the rear passengers to control the rear
climate system using the rear mounted controls.
Temperature– Press up/down to increase/decrease the rear climate
temperature.
Fan Speed– Press to decrease/increase the fan speed.
VOICE COMMANDS IN CLIMATE MODE
Please refer to theVoice commands in climate modesection of the
Navigation systemsupplement for more information on using voice
commands with the climate control system.
Operating tips
•To reduce fog build-up on the windshield during humid weather, place
the air flow selector in the
position.
•To reduce humidity build-up inside the vehicle: do not drive with the
system off or with recirculated air engaged.
•Do not put objects under the front seats that will interfere with the
airflow to the back seats.
•Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area at the base of
the windshield.
Climate Controls
77
2011 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

•To improve the A/C cool down, drive with the windows slightly open
for 2–3 minutes after starting the vehicle or until the vehicle has
“aired out.”
•A small amount of air may be felt from the floor vent regardless of the
air distribution setting that is selected.
In extremely cold temperatures, to maximize overall heater performance
it is suggested to not operate the auxiliary system (if equipped) until the
engine temperature gauge crosses into the normal operating range.
For maximum cooling performance (MAX A/C):
1. Select MAX A/C. The system will default to single-zone operation and
set the temperature to 60°F (16°C).
2. A/C,
andwill be selected.
3. Fan speed will be increased to the highest speed, but can be adjusted
as desired.
To aid in side window defogging/demisting in cold weather:
1. Select
.
2. Select A/C.
3. Adjust the temperature control to maintain comfort.
4. Set the fan to the highest speed.
5. Direct the outer instrument panel vents toward the side windows.
Climate Controls
78
2011 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

AUXILIARY CLIMATE CONTROL
1.
Fan speed:Turn to select the desired fan speed.
2.
:Distributes air through the rear vents.
3.
:Distributes air through the rear vents and rear-seat floor vents.
4.
:Distributes air through the rear floor vents.
5.Temperature selection:Turn to select air temperature for comfort.
6.
Rear Passenger side heated seat control (if equipped):Press
to heat the seat. Refer toRear seatsin theSeating and Safety
Restraintschapter for more information.
7.REAR LOCK:Illuminates when the rear (auxiliary) climate system is
being controlled by the front controls. The rear (auxiliary) climate
controls will not work when this is lit.
8.
Rear driver side heated seat control (if equipped):Press to
heat the seat. Refer toRear seatsin theSeating and Safety Restraints
chapter for more information.
Climate Controls
79
2011 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

REAR WINDOW DEFROSTERR
The rear defroster control is located on the climate control panel and
works to clear the rear window of fog and thin ice.
The ignition must be on to operate the rear window defroster.
The rear defroster turns off automatically after 10 minutes or when the
ignition is turned off. To manually turn off the defroster before
10 minutes have passed, press the control again.
Do not use razor blades or other sharp objects to clean the inside
of the rear window or to remove decals from the inside of the
rear window. This may cause damage to the heated grid lines and
will not be covered by your warranty.
CABIN AIR FILTER
The cabin air filter element is designed to reduce the concentration of
airborne particles such as dust, spores and pollen in the air being
supplied to the interior of the vehicle. The presence of a particulate filter
element provides the following benefits:
•Improves your driving comfort by reducing particle concentration.
•Improves the interior compartment cleanliness.
•Protects the climate control components from particle deposits.
Note:A cabin air filter must be installed at all times to prevent foreign
objects from entering the system. Running the system without a filter in
place could result in degradation or damage to the system.
The access door for the filter is located behind the glove box. For
replacement intervals regarding the cabin air filter, see thescheduled
maintenance information. For more information regarding your filter,
see your authorized dealer.
Climate Controls
80
2011 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

2. To calibrate, press and hold the 7
and 9 radio preset buttons together
for approximately 10 seconds until
CAL appears. Release the buttons.
3. Slowly drive the vehicle in a
circle (less than 3 mph [5 km/h])
until the CAL display changes to the
direction value (N, S, E, W, etc.). It
may take up to five circles to
complete calibration.
4. The compass is now calibrated.
CENTER CONSOLE
Your vehicle may be equipped with a variety of console features. These
include:
1. Cupholders
2. Utility compartment with coin
holder, audio input jack, USB port
and power point
3. Storage drawer with cupholders
4. Rear power point outlet, 110 Volt
power point outlet and rear climate
controls (if equipped).
5. Basic storage
WARNING:Use only soft cups in the cupholder. Hard objects
can injure you in a collision.
Driver Controls
96
2011 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Heated seats (if equipped)
WARNING:Persons who are unable to feel pain to the skin
because of advanced age, chronic illness, diabetes, spinal cord
injury, medication, alcohol use, exhaustion, or other physical
conditions, must exercise care when using the seat heater. The seat
heater may cause burns even at low temperatures, especially if used
for long periods of time. Do not place anything on the seat that
insulates against heat, such as a blanket or cushion, because this may
cause the seat heater to overheat. Do not puncture the seat with pins,
needles, or other pointed objects because this may damage the heating
element which may cause the seat heater to overheat. An overheated
seat may cause serious personal injury.
Note:Do not do the following:
•Place heavy objects on the seat
•Operate the seat heater if water or any other liquid is spilled on the
seat. Allow the seat to dry thoroughly.
To operate the heated seats:
•Press the control located on the
climate control system panel once
to activate high heat.
•Press twice to activate low heat.
•Press a third time to deactivate.
The indicator light on the control will illuminate when activated. For low
heat, one light will be lit; for high heat, both lights will be lit.
Memory seat/power mirrors/adjustable pedals (if equipped)
This system allows automatic
positioning of the driver seat, power
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.
Seating and Safety Restraints
150
2011 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

INFORMATION ABOUT UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
Tire Quality Grades apply to new
pneumatic passenger car tires. The
Quality grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall
between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For
example:
•Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
These Tire Quality Grades are determined by standards that the United
States Department of Transportation has set.
Tire Quality Grades apply to new pneumatic passenger car tires. They do
not apply to deep tread, winter-type snow tires, space-saver or
temporary use spare tires, light truck or “LT” type tires, tires with
nominal rim diameters of 10 to 12 inches or limited production tires as
defined in Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 575.104(c)(2).
U.S. Department of Transportation-Tire quality grades:The U.S.
Department of Transportation requires Ford Motor Company to give you
the following information about tire grades exactly as the government
has written it.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of
the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified
government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and one-half (1
12) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices, and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction AA A B C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest are AA, A, B, and C. The
grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
Tires, Wheels and Loading
216
2011 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

SNOW TIRES AND CABLES/CHAINS
WARNING:Snow tires must be the same size, load index, speed
rating as those originally provided by Ford. Use of any tire or
wheel not recommended by Ford can affect the safety and
performance of your vehicle, which could result in an increased risk of
loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
Additionally, the use of non-recommended tires and wheels could
cause steering, suspension, axle or transfer case/power transfer unit
failure.
The tires on your vehicle have all-weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, you may need to use snow
tires and cables . If you need to use cables, it is recommended that steel
wheels (of the same size and specifications) be used, as cables may chip
aluminum wheels.
Note:The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when using
snow tires and chains.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and chains:
•If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
•Use only SAE Class S cables or equivalent on the front axle for
P235/60R17, P235/60R18, and P235/55R19 equipped vehicles. SAE
Class S chains or other conventional link chains may cause damage to
the vehicles wheel house and/or body. Use of optional spike type
traction devices or equivalent is also acceptable.
•Do not install tire chains, cables, or optional traction devices on the
rear tires. This could cause damage to the vehicle’s wheel house or
body.
•Do not use tire chains, cables, or optional traction devices with
255/45R20 tires.
•Install cable chains securely, verifying that the cables do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
•Do not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h) with tire cables on your vehicle.
•Drive cautiously. If you hear the cables rub or bang against your
vehicle, stop and retighten the cables. If this does not work, remove
the cables to prevent damage to your vehicle.
•Remove the tire cables when they are no longer needed. Do not use
tire cables on dry roads.
Tires, Wheels and Loading
236
2011 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

RECREATIONAL TOWING
Follow these guidelines for your specific powertrain combination to tow
your vehicle for personal travel (such as behind a motor home or a
truck).
Note:Put your climate control system in recirculated air mode to
prevent exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle. Refer to theClimate
Controlschapter for more information.
In case of roadside emergency with a disabled vehicle, please refer to
Wrecker towingin theRoadside Emergencieschapter.
These guidelines are designed to prevent damage to your vehicle.
Front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicles:
Tow your FWD vehicle with all four wheels on the ground or with the
front wheels off the ground by using a tow dolly. If you are using a tow
dolly follow the instructions specified by the equipment provider.
All-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles:
Tow your AWD vehicle with all four wheels on the ground or with all four
wheels off the ground using a vehicle transport trailer.Do not tow your
AWD vehicle with the front wheels off the ground (by using a tow
dolly) and the rear wheels on the ground; this will cause damage
to your AWD system.If you are using a vehicle transport trailer, follow
the instruction specified by the equipment provider.
Note:If you tow your vehicle with all four wheels on the ground, follow
these instructions:
•Tow only in the forward direction.
•Release the parking brake.
•Place the transmission shift lever in N (Neutral).
•Place the ignition in the accessory position (refer toStartingin the
Drivingchapter).
•Do not exceed 65 mph (105 km/h)
•Start the engine and allow it to run for five minutes at the beginning
of each day and at each fuel stop.
Tires, Wheels and Loading
249
2011 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Fuse/Relay
LocationFuse Amp
RatingProtected Circuits
9 15A Interior lights, Cargo lamps
10 15A Backlighting, Puddle lamps
11 10A All wheel drive (AWD)
12 7.5A Not used (spare)
13 5A Keypad, Mirror switch, Memory
module, DSM logic, Adjustable
pedals
14 10A Power liftgate module, Center
information display, SYNC,
Global positioning system (GPS)
module, DVD
15 10A Climate control head
16 15A Electronic finish panel, Navigation
screen
17 20A All power lock motor feeds,
Liftgate release
18 20A 2nd row power fold seats, Heated
seats
19 25A Moon roof
20 15A Data link connector, Memory seat
21 15A Fog lamps, Fog lamp indicator
22 15A Park lamps
23 15A High beam headlamps
24 20A Horn
25 10A Demand lamps/Interior lamps,
Power fold seats
26 10A Instrument panel cluster
27 20A Ignition Switch
28 5A Radio/navigation
29 5A Instrument panel cluster
30 5A Transmission shifter
31 10A Not used (spare)
Roadside Emergencies
293
2011 Flex(471)
Owners Guide, 1st Printing
USA(fus)