inflation pressure FORD FLEX 2011 1.G User Guide
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TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)
Each tire, including the spare (if
provided), should be checked
monthly when cold and inflated to
the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires
of a different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire
inflation pressure label, you should determine the proper tire inflation
pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire
pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure
telltale when one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should
stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the
proper pressure. Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the
tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces
fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling
and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if under-inflation has not reached the level to trigger
illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator
to indicate when the system is not operating properly. The TPMS
malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale.
When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately one minute and then remain continuously illuminated.
This sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as
the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be
able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions
may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of
replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction
telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to
ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the
TPMS to continue to function properly.
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When you believe your system is not operating properly
The main function of the tire pressure monitoring system is to warn you
when your tires need air. It can also warn you in the event the system is no
longer capable of functioning as intended. Please refer to the following
chart for information concerning your tire pressure monitoring system:
Low tire pressure
warning lightPossible cause Customer action required
Solid warning light Tire(s)
under-inflated1. Check your tire pressure to
ensure tires are properly
inflated; refer toInflating
your tiresin this chapter.
2. After inflating your tires to
the manufacturer’s
recommended inflation
pressure as shown on the Tire
Label (located on the edge of
driver’s door or the B-Pillar),
the vehicle must be driven for
at least two minutes over
20 mph (32 km/h) before the
light will turn off.
Spare tire in use Your temporary spare tire is in
use. Repair the damaged road
wheel/tire and reinstall it on
the vehicle to restore system
functionality. For a description
on how the system functions,
refer toWhen your temporary
spare tire is installedin this
section.
TPMS
malfunctionIf your tires are properly
inflated and your spare tire is
not in use and the light
remains on, contact your
authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
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Low tire pressure
warning lightPossible cause Customer action required
Flashing warning
lightSpare tire in use Your temporary spare tire is in
use. Repair the damaged road
wheel and re-mount it on the
vehicle to restore system
functionality. For a description
of how the system functions
under these conditions, refer to
When your temporary spare
tire is installedin this section.
TPMS
malfunctionIf your tires are properly
inflated and your spare tire is
not in use and the TPMS
warning light still flashes,
contact your authorized dealer
as soon as possible.
When inflating your tires
When putting air into your tires (such as at a gas station or in your
garage), the tire pressure monitoring system may not respond
immediately to the air added to your tires.
It may take up to two minutes of driving over 20 mph (32 km/h) for the
light to turn off after you have filled your tires to the recommended
inflation pressure.
How temperature affects your tire pressure
The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) monitors tire pressure in
each pneumatic tire. While driving in a normal manner, a typical
passenger tire inflation pressure may increase approximately 2 to 4 psi
(14 to 28 kPa) from a cold start situation. If the vehicle is stationary
over night with the outside temperature significantly lower than the
daytime temperature, the tire pressure may decrease approximately 3 psi
(21 kPa) for a drop of 30°F (17°C) in ambient temperature. This lower
pressure value may be detected by the TPMS as being significantly lower
than the recommended inflation pressure and activate the TPMS warning
for low tire pressure. If the low tire pressure warning light is on, visually
check each tire to verify that no tire is flat. (If one or more tires are flat,
repair as necessary.) Check air pressure in the road tires. If any tire is
under-inflated, carefully drive the vehicle to the nearest location where
air can be added to the tires. Inflate all the tires to the recommended
inflation pressure.
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1. Air compressor (inside)
2. Diverter knob
3. On/Off button
4. Air pressure gauge
5. Deflation button
6. Sealant bottle/canister
7. Sealant filling clear tube
8. Sealant tube — tire valve
connector
9. Yellow cap tool
10. Air compressor hose
11. Air hose — tire valve connector
12. Accessory power plug
13. Casing/housing
General information
WARNING:Failure to follow these guidelines could result in an
increased risk of loss of vehicle control, injury or death.
Do not attempt to repair punctures larger than
1 4inch (6.4 mm) or
damage to the tire’s sidewall. The tire may not completely seal.
Note:Do not use the temporary mobility kit if a tire has become
severely damaged by driving the vehicle with a tire that has insufficient
air pressure. Only punctured areas located within the tire tread can be
sealed with the temporary mobility kit.
Loss of air pressure may adversely affect tire performance. For this
reason:
•Do notdrive the vehicle above 50 mph (80 km/h).
•Do notdrive further than 120 miles (200 km). Drive only to the
closest Ford Motor Company authorized dealer or tire repair shop to
have your tire inspected.
•Drive carefully and avoid abrupt steering maneuvers.
•Periodically monitor tire inflation pressure in the affected tire; if the
tire is losing pressure, have the vehicle towed.
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7
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•Operating the temporary mobility kit could cause an electrical
disturbance in radio and DVD player operation.
What to do when a tire is punctured
A tire puncture within the tire’s tread area can be repaired in two stages
with the temporary mobility kit:
•In the first stage, the tire will be reinflated with a sealing compound
and air. After the tire has been reinflated, you will need to drive the
vehicle a short distance (approximately 4 miles [6 km]) to distribute
the sealant in the tire.
•In the second stage, you will need to check the tire pressure and
adjust, if necessary, to the vehicle’s tire inflation pressure.
First stage: Reinflating the tire with sealing compound and air
Preparation
Park the vehicle in a safe, level and secure area, away from moving
traffic. Turn the hazard lights on. Apply the parking brake and turn the
engine off. Inspect the flat tire for visible damage.
Sealant compound contains latex. To avoid any allergic reactions, use the
non-latex gloves located in the accessory box on the underside of the
temporary mobility kit housing.
Do not remove any foreign object that has pierced the tire. If a puncture
is located in the tire sidewall, stop and call roadside assistance.
1. Remove the valve cap from the tire valve.
2. Unwrap the clear tube from the compressor housing.
3. Remove the tube cap and fasten the metal connector of the tube to
the tire valve, turning clockwise. Make sure the connection is tightly
fastened.
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Note: When the sealing compound is first added into the tire, the
air pressure gauge reading on the compressor unit may indicate a
higher value; this is normal and should be no reason for concern.
The pressure will drop after about 30 seconds of operation. The
tire pressure has to be checked with the compressor in the OFF
position to get the correct tire pressure reading.
WARNING:Do not stand directly over the temporary mobility
kit while inflating the tire. If you notice any unusual bulges or
deformations in the tire’s sidewall during inflation, stop and call
roadside assistance.
WARNING:If the tire doesn’t inflate to the recommended tire
pressure within 15 minutes, stop and call roadside assistance.
9. When the recommended tire pressure is reached, turn off the kit by
pressing the on/off button; disconnect the kit from the tire valve and the
power point. Re-install the valve cap on the tire valve, place the tube cap
on the metal connector, and return the kit to the stowage area.
10.Immediately and cautiously, drive the vehicle 4 miles (6 km)
to distribute the sealant evenly inside the tire. Do not exceed
50 mph (80 km/h).
Note:If you experience any unusual vibration, ride disturbance or
noise while driving, reduce your speed until you can safely pull off to
the side of the road to call for roadside assistance.Do not proceed
to the second stage of this operation.
11. After 4 miles (6 km), stop and check the tire pressure. SeeSecond
stage: Checking tire pressure.
Second stage: Checking tire pressure
Check the air pressure of your tires as follows:
1. Remove the valve cap from the tire valve.
2. Unhook the black hose from the side of the compressor and fasten
firmly on the valve stem by turning clockwise.
WARNING:If you are proceeding from theFirst stage:
Reinflating the tire with sealing compound and airsection
and have injected sealant in the tire and the pressure is below 20 psi
(1.4 bar),stop and call roadside assistance.If tire pressure is
above 20 psi (1.4 bar), continue to the next step.
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3. Turn the dial clockwise to the air position. Turn on the kit by pressing
the on/off button.
4. Adjust the tire to the
recommended inflation pressure
from the tire label located on the
driver’s door or door jamb area.
Pressing the deflation button near
the sealant canister removes air
from the tire.
Note:The tire pressure has to be
checked with the compressor in the
OFF position to get the correct tire
pressure reading.
5. Turn the compressor off by pressing the on/off button.
6. Unplug the hoses, re-install the valve cap on the tire and return the
kit to the stowage area.
WARNING:The power plug may get hot after use and should
be handled carefully while unplugging.
What to do after the tire has been sealed
After using the temporary mobility kit to seal your tire, you will need to
replace the sealant canister and clear tube (hose). Sealing compound
and spare parts can be obtained and replaced at an authorized Ford
Motor Company dealership or tire dealer. Empty sealant bottles may be
disposed of at home; however, liquid residue from the sealing compound
should be disposed by your local Ford Motor Company dealership or tire
dealer, or in accordance with local waste disposal regulations.
Note:After the sealing compound has been used, the maximum vehicle
speed is 50 mph (80 km/h) and the maximum driving distance is
120 miles (200 km). The sealed tire should be inspected immediately.
Note:After sealant use, the TPMS sensor and valve stem on the wheel
must be replaced by an authorized Ford dealer.
You can check the tire pressure any time within the 120 miles (200 km)
by performing the procedure fromSecond stage: Checking tire
pressurelisted previously.
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Miscellaneous
•Make sure all linkages, cables, levers and pins under vehicle are
covered with grease to prevent rust.
•Move vehicles at least 25 feet (8 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 (mice/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 the vehicle 15 ft (4.5 meters) back
and forth to remove rust build up.
•Check fluid levels (including coolant, oil and gas) to make sure there
are no leaks, and fluids are at recommended levels.
•If the battery was removed, clean the battery cable ends and inspect.
If you have any concerns or issues, contact your authorized dealer.
MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS
Component 3.5L V6 Engine 3.5L V6 EcoBoost
Engine
Engine air filter element FA-1884 FA-1884
Battery BXT-65-650 BXT-65-750
Oil filter FL-500-S FL-500-S
Spark Plugs SP-411
1SP-512-A1
1
For spark plug replacement, see your authorized dealer. Refer to
scheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate intervals for
changing the spark plugs.
Replace the spark plugs with ones that meet Ford material and
design specifications for your vehicle, such as Motorcraftor
equivalent replacement parts. The customer warranty may be void
for any damage to the engine if such spark plugs are not used.
Maintenance and Specifications
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