maintenance schedule FORD FLEX 2011 1.G Owners Manual

Customer Assistance 320
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) 326
Reporting safety defects (Canada only) 326
Cleaning 327
Maintenance and Specifications 336
Engine compartment 338
Engine oil 342
Battery 346
Engine coolant 348
Fuel information 355
Air filter(s) 373
Part numbers 377
Maintenance product specifications and capacities 378
Engine data 381
Accessories 385
Ford Extended Service Plan 387
Scheduled Maintenance Guide 391
Normal scheduled maintenance and log 397
Index 412
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Copyright © 2010 Ford Motor Company
Table of Contents
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OIL LIFE
This displays the remaining oil life.
An oil change is required whenever indicated by the message center and
according to the recommended maintenance schedule. USE ONLY
RECOMMENDED ENGINE OILS.
To reset the oil monitoring system to 100% after each oil change,
perform the following:
1. Press and release SETUP to display “OIL LIFE XXX% HOLD RESET =
NEW”.
2. Press and hold RESET for two seconds and release to reset the oil life
to 100%.
Note:To change oil life 100% value to another value, proceed to Step 3.
3. Once “OIL LIFE SET TO XXX%” is displayed, release and press
RESET to change the Oil Life Start Value. Each release and press will
reduce the value by 10%.
UNITS
Displays the current units in English or Metric.
Press RESET to change between English and Metric.
AUTOLAMP
This feature keeps your headlights on for up to three minutes after the
ignition is switched off.
Press RESET to select the new autolamp delay values of 0, 10, 20, 30,
60, 90, 120 or 180 seconds.
AUTOLOCK
This feature automatically locks all vehicle doors when the vehicle is
shifted into any gear, putting the vehicle in motion.
Press RESET to turn it off or on.
AUTOUNLOCK
This feature automatically unlocks all vehicle doors when the driver’s
door is opened within 10 minutes of the ignition being turned off.
Press RESET to turn it off or on.
POWER LIFTGATE (if equipped)
This feature allows users to open/close the rear liftgate at the touch of a
button.
Press RESET to turn it off or on.
Instrument Cluster
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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
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•Do not run over curbs or hit the tire against a curb when parking
WARNING:If your vehicle is stuck in snow, mud, sand, etc.,do
notrapidly spin the tires; spinning the tires can tear the tire and
cause an explosion. A tire can explode in as little as three to five
seconds.
WARNING:Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (56 km/h).
The tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
Highway hazards
No matter how carefully you drive there’s always the possibility that you
may eventually have a flat tire on the highway. Drive slowly to the
closest safe area out of traffic. This may further damage the flat tire, but
your safety is more important.
If you feel a sudden vibration or ride disturbance while driving, or you
suspect your tire or vehicle has been damaged, immediately reduce your
speed. Drive with caution until you can safely pull off the road. Stop and
inspect the tires for damage. If a tire is under-inflated or damaged,
deflate it, remove wheel and replace it with your spare tire and wheel. If
you cannot detect a cause, have the vehicle towed to the nearest repair
facility or tire dealer to have the vehicle inspected.
Tire and wheel alignment
A bad jolt from hitting a curb or pothole can cause the front end of your
vehicle to become misaligned or cause damage to your tires. If your
vehicle seems to pull to one side when you’re driving, the wheels may be
out of alignment. Have an authorized dealer check the wheel alignment
periodically.
Wheel misalignment in the front or the rear can cause uneven and rapid
treadwear of your tires and should be corrected by an authorized dealer.
Front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicles and those with an independent rear
suspension (if equipped) may require alignment of all four wheels.
The tires should also be balanced periodically. An unbalanced tire and
wheel assembly may result in irregular tire wear.
Tire rotation
Rotating your tires at the recommended interval (as indicated in the
Scheduled Maintenance Guidechapter) will help your tires wear more
evenly, providing better tire performance and longer tire life.
Tires, Wheels and Loading
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1,400 - (2 x 220) - (9 x 100) = 1,400 - 440 - 900 = 60 lb. Now you
have the load capacity to transport the cement and your friend home.
In metric units, the calculation would be: 635 kg - (2 x 99 kg) - (9 x
45 kg) = 635 - 198 - 405 = 32 kg.
The above calculations also assume that the loads are positioned in your
vehicle in a manner that does not overload the Front or the Rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating specified for your vehicle on the Safety Compliance
Certification Label found on the edge of the driver’s door.
TRAILER TOWING
Trailer towing puts additional loads on your vehicle’s engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. For your safety and to
maximize vehicle performance, be sure to use the proper equipment
while towing.
Follow these guidelines to ensure safe towing procedure:
•Do not tow a trailer until your vehicle has been driven at least
1,000 miles (1,600 km).
•Consult your local motor vehicle laws for towing a trailer.
•Refer to the instructions included with towing accessories for the
proper installation and adjustment specifications.
•Thoroughly prepare your vehicle for towing. Refer toPreparing to
towin this chapter.
•Stay within your vehicle’s load limits.
•Use extra caution when driving while trailer towing. Refer toDriving
while you towin this section.
•Service your vehicle more frequently if you tow a trailer. Refer to
Special operating conditionsin theScheduled Maintenance Guide
chapter.
For load specification terms found on the label, refer toVehicle loading
– with and without a trailerin this chapter. Remember to figure in the
tongue load of your loaded vehicle when figuring the total weight.
Tires, Wheels and Loading
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Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•It is recommended to select the L (Low) or M (Manual) gear position
when additional engine braking is needed. In situations such as
prolonged downhill driving on steep grades (i.e., driving in
mountainous areas), additional engine braking is needed to reduce the
load on the vehicle’s regular brake system to prevent them from
overheating.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached; anticipate
stops and brake gradually.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer toSpecial operating conditionsin the
Scheduled Maintenance Guidechapter.
Trailer towing tips
•Practice turning, stopping and backing-up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle-trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
•If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift into the lowest gear
position. Do not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat
and become less effective.
•The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
•After you have traveled 50 miles (80 km), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
•To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park).
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
Tires, Wheels and Loading
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GETTING THE SERVICES YOU NEED
Warranty repairs to your vehicle must be performed by an authorized
Ford, Lincoln, or Mercury dealer. While any authorized dealer handling
your vehicle line will provide warranty service, we recommend you
return to your selling authorized dealer who wants to ensure your
continued satisfaction.
Please note that certain warranty repairs require special training and/or
equipment, so not all authorized dealers are authorized to perform all
warranty repairs. This means that, depending on the warranty repair
needed, you may have to take your vehicle to another authorized dealer.
A reasonable time must be allowed to perform a repair after taking your
vehicle to the authorized dealer. Repairs will be made using Ford or
Motorcraftparts, or remanufactured or other parts that are authorized
by Ford.
Away from home
If you are away from home when your vehicle needs service, contact the
Ford Customer Relationship Center or use the online resources listed
below to find the nearest authorized dealer.
In the United States:
Mailing address
Ford Motor Company
Customer Relationship Center
P.O. Box 6248
Dearborn, MI 48121
Telephone
1-800-392-3673 (FORD)
(TDD for the hearing impaired: 1-800-232-5952)
Online
Additional information and resources are available online at
www.genuineservice.com.
•U.S. dealer locator by Dealer Name, City/State, or Zip Code
•Owner Guides
•Maintenance Schedules
•Recalls
•Ford Extended Service Plans
•Ford Genuine Accessories
•Service specials and promotions.
Customer Assistance
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SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
To help you service your vehicle, we providescheduled maintenance
informationwhich makes tracking routine service easy.
If your vehicle requires professional service, your authorized dealer can
provide the necessary parts and service. Check yourWarranty Guideto
find out which parts and services are covered.
Use only recommended fuels, lubricants, fluids and service parts
conforming to specifications. Motorcraftparts are designed and built to
provide the best performance in your vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
•Do not work on a hot engine.
•Make sure that nothing gets caught in moving parts.
•Do not work on a vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed
space, unless you are sure you have enough ventilation.
•Keep all open flames and other burning material (such as cigarettes)
away from the battery and all fuel related parts.
Working with the engine off
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
3. Block the wheels.
Working with the engine on
1. Set the parking brake and shift to P (Park).
2. Block the wheels.
WARNING:To reduce the risk of vehicle damage and/or
personal burn injuries, do not start your engine with the air
cleaner removed and do not remove it while the engine is running.
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3. The wiper arm has a snap
retention feature to receive a cross
pin from the wiper blade structure.
Grip tightly and press on the
arm/blade joint from beneath and
separate the blade from the arm.
Avoid rotating the wiper blade
structure and trapping your left
hand between the arm and blade.
4. Attach the new wiper to the
wiper arm and press it into place
until a click is heard.
If you find this procedure too difficult, please see your dealer.
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to thescheduled maintenance informationfor the appropriate
intervals for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(Park).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the
engine oil level dipstick.
6. Wipe the dipstick clean. Insert the dipstick fully, then remove it again.
Maintenance and Specifications
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Engine oil and filter recommendations
3.5L V6 engine
Look for this certification
trademark.
Use SAE 5W-20 engine oil
Only use oils certified for gasoline engines by the American Petroleum
Institute (API). An oil with this trademark symbol conforms to the
current engine and emission system protection standards and fuel
economy requirements of the International Lubricant Standardization and
Approval Committee (ILSAC), comprised of U.S. and Japanese
automobile manufacturers.
To protect your engine and engine’s warranty, use MotorcraftSAE
5W-20 or an equivalent SAE 5W-20 oil meeting Ford specification
WSS-M2C930-A.SAE 5W-20 oil provides optimum fuel economy and
durability performance meeting all requirements for your
vehicle’s engine. Refer toMaintenance product specifications and
capacitieslater in this section for more information.
Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, cleaners or other engine
treatments. They are unnecessary and could lead to engine damage that
is not covered by Ford warranty.
Change your engine oil according to the appropriate schedule listed in
thescheduled maintenance information.
Ford production and Motorcraftreplacement oil filters are designed for
added engine protection and long life. If a replacement oil filter is used
that does not meet Ford material and design specifications, start-up
engine noises or knock may be experienced.
It is recommended you use the appropriate Motorcraftoil filter or
another with equivalent performance for your engine application.
Maintenance and Specifications
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