climate control FORD FLEX 2013 1.G User Guide

E.REAR LOCK:This is not a functional control. When the indicator is
illuminated, the rear climate system is being controlled by the front
climate system and the rear controls are not operational.
F.Temperature:Control the temperature of the airflow in the vehicle.
GENERAL OPERATING TIPS
Manual Heating and Air Conditioning System
•To reduce fog build-up on the windshield during humid weather, select
Defrost. Temperature and/or fan speed can also be increased to
improve clearing.
•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.
•To improve the A/C cool down, drive with the windows slightly open
for 2-3 minutes after start up or until the vehicle has been aired out.
•A small amount of air may be felt from the floor vent regardless of the
air distribution setting that is selected.
During extreme high ambient temperatures when idling stationary for
extended periods of time in gear, it is recommended to run the A/C in
the MAX A/C mode, adjust the blower fan speed to the lowest setting
and put the vehicle’s transmission into the P (Park) position (vehicles
equipped with an automatic transmission) to continue to receive cool air
from your A/C system.
For maximum cooling performance MAX A/C in AUTO, press MAX A/C.
1. Move temperature control to the coolest setting.
2. Set the fan to the highest speed initially, then adjust to maintain
comfort.
For maximum cooling performance in panel or panel/floor modes:
1. Move temperature control to the coolest setting.
2. Select A/C and recirculated air to provide colder airflow.
3. Set the fan to the highest speed initially, then adjust to maintain
comfort.
Climate Control159
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

To aid in side window defogging/demisting in cold weather:
1. Select Floor/Panel.
2. Select A/C.
3. Adjust the temperature control to maintain comfort.
4. Set the fan speed to the highest setting.
5. Direct the outer instrument panel vents towards the side windows.
6. To increase airflow to the outer instrument panel vents, close the
vents located in the middle of the instrument panel.
Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control
•To reduce fog build-up on the windshield during humid weather, select
Defrost. Temperature and/or fan speed can also be increased to
improve clearing.
•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.
•To improve the A/C cool down, drive with the windows slightly open
for 2-3 minutes after start up or until the vehicle has been aired out.
•A small amount of air may be felt from the floor vent regardless of the
air distribution setting that is selected.
During extreme high ambient temperatures when idling stationary for
extended periods of time in gear, it is recommended to run the A/C in
the MAX A/C mode, adjust the blower fan speed to the lowest setting
and put the vehicle’s transmission into the P (Park) position (vehicles
equipped with an automatic transmission) to continue to receive cool air
from your A/C system.
For maximum cooling performance MAX A/C in AUTO, press MAX A/C.
For maximum cooling performance MAX A/C in manual override control
1. Choose Panel, A/C, and recirc controls.
2. Set the temperature to LO.
3. Set the fan to the highest blower setting.
160Climate Control
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

To aid in side window defogging/demisting in cold or humid weather:
1. Select Floor/Panel.
2. Select A/C.
3. Adjust the temperature control to maintain comfort.
4. Set the fan speed to the highest setting.
5. Direct the outer instrument panel vents towards the side windows.
6. To increase airflow to the outer instrument panel vents, close the
vents located in the middle of the instrument panel.
HEATED REAR WINDOW
Note:The ignition must be on to use this feature.
Press the control to clear the rear window of thin ice and fog. Press the
control again within 10 minutes to switch it off. It turns off automatically
after 10 minutes, or when you switch the ignition off.
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
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.
Your vehicle is equipped with a cabin air filter, which is located just in
front of the windshield under the cowl grille on the passenger side of the
vehicle.
The particulate air filtration system 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 particulate filtration
system gives the following benefits to customers:
•Improves the customer’s driving comfort by reducing particle
concentration
•Improves the interior compartment cleanliness
•Protects the climate control components from particle deposits
For more information regarding the interval at which you should replace
the cabin air filter, refer to theScheduled Maintenancechapter.
For additional cabin air filter information, or to replace the filter, see an
authorized dealer.
Climate Control161
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

REMOTE START CLIMATE OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
The climate control system adjusts the cabin temperature during remote
start.
You cannot adjust the system during remote start operation. Turn the
ignition on to return the system to its previous settings. You can now
make adjustments. You will need to turn certain vehicle-dependent
features back on, such as:
•Heated seats.
•Cooled seats.
•Heated steering wheel.
•Heated mirrors.
•Rear defroster.
You can adjust the settings using the information display controls. See
theInformation Displayschapter.
Manual Climate Systems
In hot weather, the climate control system is set to MAX A/C.
In moderate weather, the system either heats or cools (based on previous
settings). The rear defroster and/or heated mirrors are not automatically
turned on.
In cold weather, maximum heat is provided in floor/defrost mode. The
rear defroster and/or heated mirrors are automatically turned on.
Automatic Climate Systems
In hot weather, the system is set to 72°F (22°C). Cooled seats are set to
high (if available and selected to AUTO in the message center).
In moderate weather, the system either heats or cools (based on previous
settings). The rear defroster, heated mirrors and heated/cooled seats are
not automatically turned on.
In cold weather, the system is set to 72°F (22°C). The heated seats are
set to high (if available and selected to AUTO in the message center).
The rear defroster and heated mirrors are automatically turned on.
162Climate Control
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

If the engine falls below 350 rpm while the cooled seats are on, the
feature will turn itself off and will need to be reactivated.
Note:When the heated/cooled front seat is active, you will be able to
hear the fan operating inside the seat. This is normal.
Heated and cooled seat air filter replacement (if equipped)
The climate controlled seat system includes air filters that must be
replaced periodically. Refer toScheduled maintenance information.
The filters are located under each front seat and can be accessed from
the 2nd row foot-well area. Move the front seats all the way forward and
to the full up positions to ease access.
To remove an air filter:
1. Turn the vehicle off.
2. Push up on the outside rigid edge
of the filter and rotate
counterclockwise once the tabs are
released, then remove the filter.
To install a filter:
1. First, position the filter in its
housing making sure that the far
forward end is all the way up in the
housing.
2. Push in on the center of the
outside edge of the filter and rotate
up into the housing until it clips into
position.
Seats173
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

CENTER CONSOLE
WARNING:Use only soft cups in the cupholder. Hard objects
can injure you in a collision.
Your vehicle may be equipped with a variety of console features. These
include:
A. Cupholders
B. Utility compartment with audio
input jack, USB port, powerpoint
and SD card reader
C. Storage drawer with cupholders
D. Rear powerpoint outlet, 110 volt
powerpoint outlet and rear climate
controls (if equipped)
Second Row Center Console (If Equipped)
The second row center console has
the following features:
A. Cupholders
B. Flip forward armrest to provide a
flat load floor
C. Utility compartment or
refrigerator unit (if equipped)
A
B
CD
192Storage Compartments
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

1. Select park or neutral.
2. Fully press the accelerator pedal and hold it there.
3. Fully press the brake pedal.
4. Start the engine.
Your vehicle may have remote start capability. Refer toRemote startin
theKeys and Remote Controlchapter.
Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes
WARNING:If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have
this checked immediately. Do not drive your vehicle if you smell
exhaust fumes. Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take
precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.
Important Ventilating Information
If you stop your vehicle and leave the engine idling for long periods of
time, we recommend that you do one of the following:
•Open the windows at least 1 inch (2.5 cm).
•Set your climate control to outside air.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:Failure to follow engine block heater instructions
could result in property damage or physical injury.
WARNING:Do not use your heater with ungrounded electrical
systems or two-pronged (cheater) adapters. There is a risk of
electrical shock.
Note:The heater is most effective when outdoor temperatures are below
0°F (-18°C).
The heater acts as a starting aid by warming the engine coolant. This
allows the climate control system to respond quickly. The equipment
includes a heater element (installed in the engine block) and a wire
harness. You can connect the system to a grounded 120 volt A/C
electrical source.
Starting and Stopping the Engine199
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

TOWING THE VEHICLE ON FOUR WHEELS
Emergency Towing
In the event your vehicle becomes disabled (without access to wheel
dollies, car-hauling trailer, or flatbed transport vehicle), it can be
flat-towed (all wheels on the ground, regardless of the
powertrain/transmission configuration) under the following conditions:
•The vehicle is facing forward so that it is towed in a forward direction.
•The transmission is placed in N (Neutral). Refer toAutomatic
transmissionin theTransmissionchapter if you cannot move the
transmission into N (Neutral).
•Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
•Maximum distance is 50 miles (80 kilometers).
Recreational Towing
Note:Put your climate control system in recirculated air mode to
prevent exhaust fumes from entering the vehicle. Refer to theClimate
Controlchapter.
Follow these guidelines for your specific powertrain combination to tow
your vehicle for personal travel (such as behind a motor home or a
truck). These guidelines are designed to prevent damage to your vehicle
after it is hooked-up to the RV or tow dolly.
Front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicles can be towed 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. If you are towing with all four wheels on the ground,
refer to the towing instructions found at the end of this section.
Towing275
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

Fuse/Relay
NumberFuse Amp
RatingProtected Components
29 20A Radio, Global positioning system
module
30 15A Front park lamps, Trailer tow relay for
park lamps, Front side markers
31 5A Trailer tow controller
32 15A
Driver window switch and motor, Power
lock switches, Moonroof, 110V AC
power point, Interior rearview mirror
33 10A Not used (spare)
34 10A Blind spot monitor, 2nd row heated
seats, Reverse sensing system,
Rearview camera
35 5A Heads-up display, Climate control
humidity sensor
36 10A Not used (spare)
37 10A Refrigerator
38 10A Front passenger window switch
39 15A High beam headlamps
40 10A Rear park lamps, License plate lamps
41 7.5A Occupant classification system,
Restraints control module
42 5A Not used (spare)
43 10A Not used (spare)
44 10A Not used (spare)
45 5A Not used (spare)
46 10A Climate control module
47 15A Fog lamps, Fog lamp indicator, Front
turn signals #2
48 30A Circuit
BreakerFront passenger power window, Rear
power windows
49 Delayed
accessory relayBody control module
302Fuses
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)

TIRE CARE
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.
Wheels and Tires341
2013 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing
USA(fus)