oil change FORD FLEX 2011 1.G User Guide

Get the most from your service and maintenance visits
There are a lot of reasons why visiting your Ford or Lincoln Mercury
dealership for all your service needs is a great way to help keep your
vehicle running great.
Convenience
Many dealerships have extended evening and Saturday hours to make
your service visit more convenient. How’s that for quality service?
Factory-trained technicians
Ford and Lincoln Mercury service technicians participate in extensive
factory-sponsored certification training to help them become experts on
the operation of your vehicle. Ask your dealership about the training and
certification their technicians have received.
Genuine Ford and Motorcraftreplacement parts
Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealerships stock Ford and Motorcraft
branded replacement parts. These parts meet or exceed Ford Motor
Company’s specifications, and we stand behind them. Parts installed at
your Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealership carry a nationwide, 12 months,
12,000 mile (20,000 km) parts and labor limited warranty. Your dealer
can give you details.
Value shopping for your vehicle’s maintenance needs
Your dealership recognizes the competitive landscape of maintenance and
light repair automotive services. With factory-trained technicians, and
one-stop service from routine maintenance like oil changes and tire
rotations to repairs like brake service, check out the value your Ford and
Lincoln Mercury dealers can offer.
WHICH MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE SHOULD YOU FOLLOW?
Owner checks and services
Certain basic maintenance checks and inspections should be performed
by the owner or a service technician at the intervals indicated. Service
information and supporting specifications are provided in this Owner’s
Guide.
Any adverse condition should be brought to the attention of your dealer
or qualified service technician as soon as possible for the proper service
advice. The owner maintenance service checks are generally not covered
by warranties so you may be charged for labor, parts or lubricants used.
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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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NORMAL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE AND LOG
For your convenience, your vehicle is equipped with a message center
which determines the proper oil change service interval. You should
perform the engine oil change as indicated by the instrument cluster
message center. The message center will display ENGINE OIL CHANGE
SOON or OIL CHANGE REQUIRED to indicate when an oil change is
needed. The engine oil change service needs to be completed within two
weeks or 500 miles (800 km) after the OIL CHANGE REQUIRED
message is displayed. Your oil change service interval can be up to one
year or 10,000 miles (16,000 km). Reset your Intelligent Oil Life
Monitor™ after each engine oil and filter change; refer to the
Instrument Clusterchapter.
If your message center is prematurely reset or becomes inoperative, you
should perform the oil change interval at six months or 5,000 miles
(8,000 km) from your last oil change.
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Oil Change Service Interval* 1 2 345678910
Change engine oil and filter• •••••••••
Rotate tires, inspect tire wear and measure tread
depth• •••••••••
Inspect wheels and related components for abnormal
noise, wear, looseness or drag• •••••••••
Perform multi-point inspection (recommended)• •••••••••
Inspect automatic transmission fluid level (if
equipped with a dipstick); consult dealer for
requirements• •••••••••
Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake
linings, hoses and parking brake• •••••••••
Inspect engine cooling system for strength, and
hoses• •••••••••
Inspect exhaust system and heat shields• •••••••••
Inspect half-shaft boots (if equipped)• •••••••••
Inspect steering linkage, ball joints, suspension,
tie-rod ends, driveshaft and U-joints; lubricate if
equipped with grease fittings• •••••••••
Inspect cabin air filter (if equipped)• ••••
*Oil change service intervals should be completed as indicated by the instrument cluster message center
Reset your Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ after each engine oil and filter change; refer to theInstrument Clusterchapter
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Oil Change Service Interval* 11 12 13 14 15
Change engine oil and filter•••••
Rotate tires, inspect tire wear and measure tread depth•••••
Inspect wheels and related components for abnormal noise, wear,
looseness or drag•••••
Perform multi-point inspection (recommended)•••••
Inspect automatic transmission fluid level (if equipped with a
dipstick); consult dealer for requirements•••••
Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake linings, hoses and
parking brake•••••
Inspect engine cooling system for strength, and hoses•••••
Inspect exhaust system and heat shields•••••
Inspect half-shaft boots (if equipped)•••••
Inspect steering linkage, ball joints, suspension, tie-rod ends,
driveshaft and U-joints; lubricate if equipped with grease fittings•••••
Inspect cabin air filter (if equipped)•••
*Oil change service intervals should be completed as indicated by the instrument cluster message center
Reset your Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ after each engine oil and filter change; refer to theInstrument Clusterchapter
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Perform the services noted in the following table at the specified
time/mileage (km) period either within 3,000 miles (5,000 km) of the
OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message appearing in the message center or
when the time/mileage (km) reading indicates service is due.
Example #1:The OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message comes on at
28,751 miles (46,270 km); perform the 30,000 mile (48,000 km)
automatic transmission fluid replacement.
Example #2:The OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message hasnotcome on
but the odometer reads 30,000 miles (48,000 km); perform the engine air
filter replacement. (i.e., Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ was reset at
25,000 miles [40,000 km].)
Every 20,000 miles
(32,000 km)Replace cabin air filter (if equipped)
Every 30,000 miles
(48,000 km)Replace climate-controlled seat filter (if
equipped)
Replace engine air filter
Every 100,000 miles
(160,000 km)Change engine coolant
1
Replace spark plugs
Inspect accessory drive belt(s)2
Every 150,000 miles
(240,000 km)Change automatic transmission fluid and filter
(filter not required on 6F35, 6F50, DPS6 and
AWF-21 transmissions); consult dealer for
requirements
Change manual transmission fluid
Change rear axle fluid on all rear-wheel drive
(RWD) vehicles
Replace accessory drive belt(s) if not replaced
within the last 100,000 miles (160,000 km)
Replace timing belt (Fiesta).Failure to replace
timing belt can cause internal engine
damage.
1Initial replacement at 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 72 months; every
50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 36 months thereafter
2Perform a follow-up inspection at 120,000 miles (192,000 km)
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SPECIAL OPERATING CONDITIONS
If you operate your Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicleprimarilyin one of the
more demandingSpecial Operating Conditionslisted below, you will
need to have some items maintained more frequently. If you only
occasionallyoperate your vehicle under these conditions, it is not
necessary to perform the additional maintenance. For specific
recommendations, see your Ford or Lincoln Mercury dealership service
advisor or technician.
Towing a trailer or using a camper or car-top carrier
As required– Change engine oil and replace oil filter as indicated by
message center and perform services as listed in the
Normal Scheduled Maintenance chart.
Inspect frequently, service as
required.– See axle maintenance items under
Exceptions.
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)– Change automatic transmission fluid (not required on
6R80 transmission).
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km)– Change manual transmission fluid.
Perform the services noted in the preceding table at the specified
time/mileage (km) period either within 3,000 miles (5,000 km) of the
OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message appearing in the message center or
when the time/mileage (km) reading indicates service is due.
Example #1:The OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message comes on at
28,751 miles (46,270 km); perform the 30,000 mile (48,000 km)
automatic transmission fluid replacement.
Example #2:The OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message hasnotcome on
but the odometer reads 30,000 miles (48,000 km); perform the engine air
filter replacement. (i.e., Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ was reset at
25,000 miles [40,000 km].)
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Extensive idling and/or low-speed driving for long distances as in heavy
commercial use such as delivery, taxi, patrol car or livery
As required– Change engine oil and replace oil filter as indicated by
message center and perform services as listed in the
Normal Scheduled Maintenance chart (except Fiesta).
Inspect frequently, service as
required– Replace cabin air filter (if equipped).
– Replace engine air filter.
Every 300 hours of engine
operation*– Change engine oil and replace oil filter (Fiesta).
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)– Change automatic transmission fluid (not required on
Fiesta or vehicles equipped with a 6R80 transmission).
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km)– Replace spark plugs.
* Engine hour meter installation is recommended for these operating
conditions.
Perform the services noted in the preceding table at the specified
time/mileage (km) period either within 3,000 miles (5,000 km) of the
OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message appearing in the message center or
when the time/mileage (km) reading indicates service is due.
Example #1:The OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message comes on at
28,751 miles (46,270 km); perform the 30,000 mile (48,000 km)
automatic transmission fluid replacement.
Example #2:The OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message hasnotcome on
but the odometer reads 30,000 miles (48,000 km); perform the engine air
filter replacement. (i.e., Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ was reset at
25,000 miles [40,000 km].)
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Operating in dusty conditions such as unpaved or dusty roads
Inspect frequently, service as
required– Replace cabin air filter (if equipped).
– Replace engine air filter.
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km)– Rotate tires, inspect tires for wear and measure tread
depth.
– Inspect the wheels and related components for
abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag.
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or
6 months– Change engine oil and replace oil filter.
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)– Change automatic transmission fluid (not required on
Fiesta or vehicles equipped with a 6R80 transmission).
Every 50,000 miles (80,000 km)– Change manual transmission fluid.
Reset your Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ after each engine oil and filter
change; refer to theInstrument Clusterchapter.
Exclusive use of E85 (Flex Fuel Vehicles only)
Every oil change interval– If ran exclusively on E85, fill the fuel tank full with
regular unleaded fuel.
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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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