heating FORD FLEX 2013 1.G User Guide

Do not drive your AWD vehicle in deep sand for an extended period of
time. This will cause the AWD system to overheat. After the system has
cooled down, normal AWD function will return. When driving at slow
speeds in deep sand under high outside temperatures, use L (Low) gear
when possible. L (Low) gear operation will maximize the engine and
transmission cooling capability.
Under severe operating conditions, the A/C may cycle on and off to
protect overheating of the engine.
Avoid excessive speed because vehicle momentum can work against you
and cause the vehicle to become stuck to the point that assistance may
be required from another vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back
out the way you came if you proceed with caution.
Mud and Water
If you must drive through high water, drive slowly. Traction or brake
capability may be limited.
When driving through water, determine the depth; avoid water higher
than the bottom of the wheel rims (for cars) or the bottom of the hubs
(for trucks) (if possible) and proceed slowly. If the ignition system gets
wet, the vehicle may stall.
Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the
vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving
your vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.
Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you
are driving in mud. Even AWD vehicles can lose traction in slick mud. As
when you are driving over sand, apply the accelerator slowly and avoid
spinning your wheels. If the vehicle does slide, steer in the direction of
the slide until you regain control of the vehicle.
After driving through mud, clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts
and tires. Excess mud stuck on tires and rotating driveshafts causes an
imbalance that could damage drive components.
Note:Driving through deep water may damage the transmission.
If the front or rear axle is submerged in water, the axle lubricant and
PTU (power transfer unit) lubricant should be checked and changed if
necessary.
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“Tread Lightly” is an educational
program designed to increase public
awareness of land-use regulations
and responsibilities in our nations
wilderness areas. Ford Motor
Company joins the U.S. Forest
Service and the Bureau of Land Management in encouraging you to help
preserve our national forest and other public and private lands by
“treading lightly.”
Driving on Hilly or Sloping Terrain
Note:Avoid driving crosswise or turning on steep slopes or hills. A danger
lies in losing traction, slipping sideways and possibly rolling over. Whenever
driving on a hill, determine beforehand the route you will use. Do not drive
over the crest of a hill without seeing what conditions are on the other side.
Do not drive in reverse over a hill without the aid of an observer.
Although natural obstacles may make it necessary to travel diagonally up
or down a hill or steep incline, you should always try to drive straight up
or straight down.
When climbing a steep slope or hill, start in a lower gear rather than
downshifting to a lower gear from a higher gear once the ascent has
started. This reduces strain on the engine and the possibility of stalling.
If you do stall out, do not try to turnaround because you might roll over.
It is better to back down to a safe location.
Apply just enough power to the wheels to climb the hill. Too much power
will cause the tires to slip, spin or lose traction, resulting in loss of
vehicle control.
Descend a hill in the same gear you
would use to climb up the hill to
avoid excessive brake application
and brake overheating. Do not
descend in neutral; instead,
disengage overdrive or manually
shift to a lower gear. When
descending a steep hill, avoid
sudden hard braking as you could
lose control. The front wheels have
to be turning in order to steer the
vehicle.
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, therefore apply the brakes steadily. Do
not “pump” the brakes.
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Resuming the Set Speed
Note:Resume should only be used if the driver is aware of the set speed
and intends to return to it.
Press and release RES/CNCL. The vehicle will return to the previously
set speed. The set speed will display continuously in the information
display while the system is active.
Low Speed Automatic Cancellation
The system is not functional at vehicle speeds below 16 mph (26 km/h).
An audible alarm will sound and the automatic braking will be released if
the vehicle drops below this speed.
Hilly Condition Usage
Note:An audible alarm will sound and the system will shut down if it is
applying brakes for an extended period of time. This allows the brakes to
cool down. The system will function normally again when the brakes
have cooled down.
You should select a lower gear position when the system is active in
situations such as prolonged downhill driving on steep grades (i.e.,
driving in mountainous areas). Additional engine braking is needed in
these situations to reduce the load on the vehicle’s regular brake system
to prevent them from overheating.
Switching Off Adaptive Cruise Control
Note:The set speed memory is erased when you turn off the system.
Press and release OFF or turn off the ignition.
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Your vehicle is equipped with an electric power-assisted steering system.
There is no fluid reservoir to check or fill.
If your vehicle loses electrical power while you are driving (or if the
ignition is turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes
more effort. Extreme continuous steering may increase the effort it takes
for you to steer. This occurs to prevent internal overheating and
permanent damage to your steering system. If this should occur, you will
neither lose the ability to steer the vehicle manually nor will it cause
permanent damage. Typical steering and driving maneuvers will allow the
system to cool and steering assist will return to normal.
When a steering system error is detected, the following messages may
appear in the information display:
•Service Power Steering
•Service Power Steering Now
•Power Steering Assist Fault
Steering Tips
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•an improperly inflated tire
•uneven tire wear
•loose or worn suspension components
•loose or worn steering components
•improper vehicle alignment
A high crown in the road or high crosswinds may also make the steering
seem to wander/pull.
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WARNING:To reduce the risk of personal injury, make sure the
engine is cool before unscrewing the coolant pressure relief cap.
The cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come out
forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly.
WARNING:Do not add coolant further than the MAX mark.
Note:Do not use stop leak pellets or cooling system sealants/additives as
they can cause damage to the engine cooling and/or heating systems.
This damage would not be covered under your vehicle’s warranty.
Note:During normal vehicle operation, the engine coolant may change
color from orange to pink or light red. As long as the engine coolant is
clear and uncontaminated, this color change does not indicate the engine
coolant has degraded nor does it require the engine coolant to be
drained, the system to be flushed, or the engine coolant to be replaced.
•DO NOT MIX different colors or types of coolant in your vehicle. Make
sure the correct coolant is used. Mixing of engine coolants may harm
your engine’s cooling system. The use of an improper coolant may
harm engine and cooling system components and may void the
warranty.
•A large amount of water without engine coolant may be added, in case
of emergency, to reach a vehicle service location. In this instance, the
cooling system must be drained, chemically cleaned with Motorcraft
Premium Cooling System Flush, and refilled with prediluted engine
coolant as soon as possible. Water alone (without engine coolant) can
cause engine damage from corrosion, overheating or freezing.
•Do not use alcohol, methanol, brine or any engine coolants mixed with
alcohol or methanol antifreeze (coolant). Alcohol and other liquids can
cause engine damage from overheating or freezing.
•Do not add extra inhibitors or additives to the coolant. These can be
harmful and compromise the corrosion protection of the engine
coolant.
Unscrew the cap slowly. Any pressure will escape as you unscrew the cap.
Add prediluted engine coolant meeting the Ford specification. See
Capacities and Specificationsfor more information.
Whenever coolant has been added, the coolant level in the coolant
reservoir should be checked the next few times you drive the vehicle. If
necessary, add enough prediluted engine coolant to bring the coolant
level to the proper level.
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At this time, you may notice your engine coolant temperature gauge
needle move toward the H and the POWER REDUCED TO LOWER
TEMP message may appear on the message center.
You may notice a reduction in the vehicle’s speed caused by reduced
engine power. Your vehicle has been designed to enter this mode if
certain high temperature/high load conditions take place in order to
manage the engine’s fluid temperatures. The amount of speed reduction
will depend on the vehicle loading, towing, grade, ambient temperature,
and other factors. If this occurs, there is no need to pull off the road.
The vehicle can continue to be driven while this message is active.
The air conditioning may also cycle on and off during severe operating
conditions to protect overheating of the engine. When the engine coolant
temperature decreases to a more normal operating temperature, the air
conditioning will turn on once again.
If you notice any of the following:
•
the engine coolant temperature gauge moves fully into the red (hot) area
•the coolant temperature warning light illuminates
•the service engine soon indicator illuminates
1.
Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and place the vehicle in P
(Park).
2. Leave the engine running until the coolant temperature gauge needle
moves away from the H range. After several minutes, if this does not
happen, follow the remaining steps.
3. Turn the engine off and wait for it to cool before checking the coolant
level.
WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
4. If the coolant level is normal, you may restart your engine and
continue on.
5. If the coolant is low, add coolant, restart the engine and take your
vehicle to an authorized dealer. SeeAdding engine coolantin this
chapter for more information.
Refer to fail-safe cooling for additional information.
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Correct fluid level
The transmission fluid should be checked at normal operating
temperature 180°F-200°F (82°C-93°C) on a level surface. The normal
operating temperature can be reached after approximately 20 miles
(30 km) of driving.
The transmission fluid level should be
targeted within the cross-hatch area
if at normal operating temperature
180°F-200°F (82°C-93°C).
High fluid level
If the fluid level is above the MAX
range of the dipstick, remove fluid to
reach the hashmark level.Note:Fluid
level above the MAX level may cause
shift and/or engagement concerns
and/or possible damage.
High fluid levels can be caused by an overheating condition. If your
vehicle has been operated for an extended period at high speeds, in city
traffic during hot weather or pulling a trailer, the vehicle should be
turned off until normal operating temperatures are reached. Depending
on vehicle use, cooling times could take up to 30 minutes or longer.
Adjusting Automatic Transmission Fluid Levels
Before adding any fluid, make sure the correct type is used. The type of
fluid used is normally indicated on the dipstick and also in theTechnical
specificationssection in this chapter.
Note:Use of a non-approved automatic transmission fluid may cause
internal transmission component damage.
If necessary, add fluid in 1/2 pint (250
ml) increments through the filler tube
until the level is correct.
If an overfill occurs, excess fluid
should be removed by an authorized
dealer.
Note:An overfill condition of transmission fluid may cause shift and/or
engagement concerns and/or possible damage.
MAX MIN
MAX MIN
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Additives and Chemicals
Ford Motor Company recommended additives and chemicals are listed in
this book and in theWorkshop Manual.Additional chemicals or additives
not approved by Ford and are not recommended as part of normal
maintenance. Please consult yourWarranty Manualfor complete warranty
information.
Oils, Fluids and Flushing
In many cases, fluid discoloration is a normal operating characteristic and,
by itself, does not necessarily indicate a concern or that the fluid needs to
be changed. However, discolored fluids that also show signs of overheating
and/or foreign material contamination should be inspected immediately by a
qualified expert such as the factory-trained technicians at your dealership.
Your vehicle’s oils and fluids should be changed at the specified intervals or
in conjunction with a repair. Flushing is a viable way to change fluid for
many vehicle sub-systems during scheduled maintenance. It is critical that
systems are flushed only with new fluid that is the same as that required to
fill and operate the system, or using a Ford-approved flushing chemical.
Owner Checks and Services
Certain basic maintenance checks and inspections should be performed
every month or at six months intervals.
Check every month
Engine oil level
Function of all interior and exterior lights
Tires for wear and proper pressure, including spare
Windshield washer fluid level
Check every six months
Battery connections; clean if necessary
Body and door drain holes for obstructions; clean if necessary
Cooling system fluid level and coolant strength
Door weatherstrips for wear; lubricate if necessary
Hinges/latches/outside locks for proper operation; lubricate if necessary
Parking brake for proper operation
Safety belts and seat latches for wear and function
Safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, airbag, safety belt) for operation
Washer spray/wiper operation; clean or replace blades as necessary
386Scheduled Maintenance
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911 Assist™ ...................... 424, 506
A
ABS (see Brakes) ..................... 224
Accessing and using your USB
port ............................................ 483
Accessing call history/phone
book during active call ............. 412
Accessing your calendar .......... 506
Accessing your media menu
features ...................................... 436
Accessing your phone menu
features ...................................... 414
Accessory delay ........................ 104
Active call menu options ......... 412
Active Park Assist ..................... 230
Adaptive Cruise Control ........... 240
Adding (pairing) a phone ........ 492
Advanced menu options ... 422, 442
Advanced menu options
(prompts, languages, defaults,
master reset, installing
applications) .............................. 422
Airbag supplemental restraint
system .......................................... 51
and child safety seats .............. 52
description ................................ 51
disposal ...................................... 61
driver airbag .............................. 51
passenger airbag ....................... 51
side airbag ........................... 51, 56
Air cleaner filter ....... 321–322, 375
Air conditioning ........................ 153
manual heating and air
conditioning system ............... 153All Wheel Drive (AWD),
driving off road ......................... 216
Ambient mood/lighting ............. 511
AM/FM ....................................... 466
Anti-lock brake system (see
Brakes) ...................................... 224
Anti-theft system .................. 86, 89
arming the system .............. 86, 89
disarming a triggered system .. 89
Audio system
Single CD ................ 140, 144, 146
Audio system
(see Radio) ................ 140, 144, 146
Automatic transmission
driving an automatic
overdrive ................................. 210
fluid, adding ............................ 313
fluid, checking ........................ 313
fluid, refill capacities .............. 371
fluid, specification .................. 371
Selectshift (SST) .................... 212
Auxiliary Input Jack ................. 479
Auxiliary input jack (Line in) .. 147
Auxiliary powerpoint ................ 189
A/V inputs .......................... 149, 488
B
Battery ....................................... 318
acid, treating emergencies ..... 318
jumping a disabled battery .... 283
maintenance-free .................... 318
replacement, specifications ... 375
servicing .................................. 318
Blind Spot Information System 249
Blind spot mirror ...................... 519
Booster seats ............................... 22
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Brakes ........................................ 223
anti-lock ................................... 224
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ........................... 224
brake warning light ................ 224
fluid, checking and adding .... 317
fluid, refill capacities .............. 371
fluid, specifications ................. 371
lubricant specifications .......... 371
parking .................................... 224
shift interlock .......................... 214
trailer ....................................... 272
C
Capacities for refilling fluids .... 371
Cargo net ................................... 260
CD .............................. 140, 144, 146
CD player .......................... 138, 482
CD voice commands ................. 482
Cell phone use ............................ 16
Changing a tire ......................... 362
Child safety restraints .......... 29, 31
Child safety seats
attaching with tether straps .... 31
automatic locking mode
(retractor) ................................. 39
LATCH ....................................... 29
Child safety seats - booster
seats ............................................. 22
Cleaning the touchscreen ........ 454
Cleaning your vehicle ............... 330
engine compartment .............. 332
instrument panel .................... 334
interior ..................................... 333
plastic parts ............................ 331
washing .................................... 330
waxing ..................................... 332wheels ...................................... 335
wiper blades ............................ 333
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) .......... 153
Climate voice commands ......... 520
Clock .................................. 140, 510
Collision Warning System ......... 254
Compass Display ....................... 121
Console ...................................... 192
overhead .................................. 194
rear .......................................... 192
Coolant
checking and adding .............. 308
refill capacities ........................ 371
specifications .......................... 371
Cooler ........................................ 193
Cross Traffic Alert .................... 249
Cruise control ........................... 239
Customer Assistance ................ 281
Ford Extended Service
Plan .................................. 380, 383
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada ..................... 290
Getting roadside assistance ... 281
Getting the service
you need ................................. 286
Ordering additional owner’s
literature ................................. 292
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ................................... 290
Customizing your
home screen .............................. 453
D
Defrost ....................... 153, 155, 157
rear window ............................ 161
552Index
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