spare tire FORD FLEX 2013 1.G Owner's Manual
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Page 362 of 558

CHANGING A ROAD WHEEL
WARNING:The use of tire sealants may damage your tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS) and should not be used. However, if you
must use a sealant, the TPMS sensor and valve stem on the wheel must be
replaced by an authorized Ford dealer.
WARNING:Refer toTire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)in
this chapter for important information. If the tire pressure monitor
sensor becomes damaged, it will no longer function.
Note:The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) indicator light will
illuminate when the spare tire is in use. To restore the full functionality
of the monitoring system, all road wheels equipped with tire pressure
monitoring sensors must be mounted on the vehicle.
If you get a flat tire while driving, do not apply the brake heavily.
Instead, gradually decrease your speed. Hold the steering wheel firmly
and slowly move to a safe place on the side of the road.
Have a flat serviced by an authorized dealer in order to prevent damage
to the TPMS sensors, refer toTire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
earlier in the chapter. Replace the spare tire with a road tire as soon as
possible. During repairing or replacing of the flat tire, have the
authorized dealer inspect the TPMS sensor for damage.
Dissimilar Spare Tire/Wheel Information
WARNING:Failure to follow these guidelines could result in an
increased risk of loss of vehicle control, injury or death.
If you have a dissimilar spare tire/wheel, then it is intended for
temporary use only. This means that if you need to use it, you should
replace it as soon as possible with a road tire/wheel that is the same size
and type as the road tires and wheels that were originally provided by
Ford. If the dissimilar spare tire or wheel is damaged, it should be
replaced rather than repaired.
A dissimilar spare tire/wheel is defined as a spare tire and/or wheel that
is different in brand, size or appearance from the road tires and wheels
and can be one of three types:
1.T-type mini-spare:This spare tire begins with the letter “T” for tire
size and may have “Temporary Use Only” molded in the sidewall
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2.Full-size dissimilar spare with label on wheel:This spare tire has
a label on the wheel that states: “THIS TIRE AND WHEEL FOR
TEMPORARY USE ONLY”
When driving with one of the dissimilar spare tires listed above,do not:
•Exceed 50 mph (80 km/h)
•Load the vehicle beyond maximum vehicle load rating listed on the
Safety Compliance Label
•Tow a trailer
•
Use snow chains on the end of the vehicle with the dissimilar spare tire
•Use more than one dissimilar spare tire at a time
•Use commercial car washing equipment
•Try to repair the dissimilar spare tire
Use of one of the dissimilar spare tires listed above at any one wheel
location can lead to impairment of the following:
•Handling, stability and braking performance
•Comfort and noise
•Ground clearance and parking at curbs
•Winter weather driving capability
•Wet weather driving capability
3.Full-size dissimilar spare without label on wheel
When driving with the full-size dissimilar spare tire/wheel,do not:
•Exceed 70 mph (113 km/h)
•Use more than one dissimilar spare tire/wheel at a time
•Use commercial car washing equipment
•Use snow chains on the end of the vehicle with the dissimilar spare
tire/wheel
The usage of a full-size dissimilar spare tire/wheel can lead to impairment
of the following:
•Handling, stability and braking performance
•Comfort and noise
•Ground clearance and parking at curbs
•Winter weather driving capability
•Wet weather driving capability
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•All-Wheel driving capability (if applicable)
•Load leveling adjustment (if applicable)
When driving with the full-size dissimilar spare tire/wheel additional
caution should be given to:
•Towing a trailer
•Driving vehicles equipped with a camper body
•Driving vehicles with a load on the cargo rack
Drive cautiously when using a full-size dissimilar spare tire/wheel and
seek service as soon as possible.
Tire Change Procedure
WARNING:When one of the front wheels is off the ground, the
transmission alone will not prevent the vehicle from moving or
slipping off the jack, even if the vehicle is in P (Park).
WARNING:To help prevent the vehicle from moving when you
change a tire, be sure to place the transmission in P (Park), set the
parking brake and block (in both directions) the wheel that is diagonally
opposite (other side and end of the vehicle) to the tire being changed.
WARNING:If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or someone else
could be seriously injured.
WARNING:Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the
vehicle close to moving traffic. Pull far enough off the road to avoid
the danger of being hit when operating the jack or changing the wheel.
WARNING:To lessen the risk of personal injury, do not put any
part of your body under the vehicle while changing a tire. Do not
start the engine when your vehicle is on the jack. The jack is only meant
for changing the tire.
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Note:Passengers should not remain in the vehicle when the vehicle is
being jacked.
1.
Park on a level surface, set the parking brake and activate hazard flashers.
2. Place gearshift lever in P (Park) and turn engine off.
If the 3rd row seat is stowed in the floor, you will need to unstow it to
access the spare tire and jack.
3. Remove the carpeted floor panel
located in the rear of the vehicle, then
remove the wing nut that secures the
spare tire by turning it counterclockwise.
4. Lift and remove the spare tire from
the trunk.
5. Remove the second wing nut that
secures the jack retention bracket by
turning it counterclockwise, remove the
jack kit from the vehicle.
6. Remove the jack, L-shaped bolt, and
the wrench from the felt bag. Fold down
the wrench socket to use to loosen the
lug nuts and to operate the jack.
7. Block the diagonally opposite
wheel.
8. Remove wheel cover (if equipped) with the lug wrench tip and loosen
each wheel lug nut one-half turn counterclockwise but do not remove
them until the wheel is raised off the ground.
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9. The vehicle jacking points are shown here, and are depicted on the
yellow warning label on the jack.
Jack at the specific locations to avoid damage to the vehicle.
10. Put the jack in the jack notch next to
the tire you are changing. Turn the jack
handle clockwise until the wheel is
completely off the ground.
11. Remove the lug nuts with the lug wrench.
12. Replace the flat tire with the spare tire, making sure the valve stem is
facing outward. Reinstall the lug nuts until the wheel is snug against the
hub. Do not fully tighten the lug nuts until the wheel has been lowered.
13. Lower the wheel by turning the jack handle counterclockwise.
14. Remove the jack and fully tighten the
lug nuts in the order shown. Refer toWheel
lug nut torque specificationslater in this
chapter for the proper lug nut torque
specification.
15. Install the wheel cover (if equipped).
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Stowing the tire and jack
1. Fully collapse the jack, fold the lug
wrench socket into the handle and
place the jack and wrench into the
felt bag as shown. Place the extension
bolt or L-shaped bolt into the
external pocket of the felt bag. Take
care to position the jack as shown to
ensure that the locating holes in the
jack base can be placed on the
locating tabs of the jack mounting
bracket in the spare tire tub.
2. Securely close the wrench compartment and the jack bag using the
Velcrostrips.
3. Place the jack kit on the angled bracket in the spare tire tub, using the
locating tabs to position the jack correctly.
4. Insert the straight end of the jack retention
bracket through the eyelet of the angled bracket
and swing the retention bracket over the jack.
With the jack in place, place the looped end of
the retention bracket over the threaded stud in
the trunk floor and secure it with the plastic
wing nut.
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If you are stowing the flat tire,
remove the L-shaped bolt from the
external pocket of the felt bag. With
the 3rd row seat in the raised
position, stand the flat tire in the rear
of the vehicle with the tire’s valve
stem facing the rear of the vehicle.
Fasten the flat tire to the vehicle by
inserting the L-shaped bolt through
one of the lug bolt holes in the wheel
and turning clockwise into the
threaded hole in the vehicle until the
tire is secured.
If you are stowing the temporary spare tire, place the tire over the jack
and secure it with the large wing nut.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Wheel Lug Nut Torque Specifications
Retighten the lug nuts to the specified torque within 100 miles (160 km)
after any wheel disturbance (rotation, flat tire, wheel removal, etc.).
Lug nut socket
size/Bolt sizeWheel lug nut torque*
ft-lb N•m
1 2x 20 100 135
* Torque specifications are for nut and bolt threads free of dirt and
rust. Use only Ford recommended replacement fasteners.
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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
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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 make sure your vehicle keeps
running great.
Multi-point inspection – Recommended each visit
Accessory drive belt(s) Half-shaft dust boots (if equipped)
Battery performance Horn operation
Clutch operation (if equipped) Radiator, cooler, heater and A/C hoses
Engine air filter Suspension component for leaks or
damage
Exhaust system Steering and linkage
Exterior lamps and hazard
warning system operationTires for wear and proper pressure,
including spare
Fluid levels*; fill if necessary Windshield for cracks, chips or pits
For oil and fluid leaks Washer spray and wiper operation
*Brake, coolant recovery reservoir, manual and automatic transmission
(with an underhood dipstick), power steering (if equipped) and
window washer
Be sure to ask your dealership service advisor or technician about the
multi-point vehicle inspection. It’s a comprehensive way to perform a
thorough inspection of your vehicle. It’s your checklist that gives you
immediate feedback on the overall condition of your vehicle. You’ll know
what’s been checked, what’s okay, as well as those things that may
require future or immediate attention. The multi-point vehicle inspection
is one more way to keep your vehicle running great!
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Selecting your media source
(USB, Line in, BT audio) ......... 436
Sending new text messages ..... 494
Setting a destination ................ 521
Setting a destination by
voice ........................................... 522
Setting the clock ............... 140, 510
Setting your wallpaper ............. 510
Side air curtain ........................... 58
Side-curtain airbags system ....... 58
SIRIUSsatellite radio ..... 140, 475
SIRIUS satellite radio voice
commands ................................. 478
SIRIUS Travel Link ................... 502
SIRIUS Travel Link voice
commands ................................. 504
SOS Post Crash Alert ................. 50
Spare tire (see Changing the
Tire) ........................................... 364
Spark plugs,
specifications ..................... 370, 375
Specification chart,
lubricants ................................... 371
Stability system ......................... 227
Starting your vehicle ................ 198
jump starting .......................... 283
push button start system ....... 196
Steering wheel ............................ 90
controls ...................................... 92
tilting ................................... 90–91
Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS) (see airbags) .................... 51Supported media file types ...... 487
Supported player, media
formats and metadata
information ................................ 487
SYNCcustomer support ......... 404
SYNCServices ................. 429, 498
System settings ......................... 512
T
Temperature control (see
Climate control) ........ 153, 155, 157
Text messaging ................. 415, 494
Text messaging (sending,
downloading, deleting) ..... 416, 418
Third-row power fold seat ....... 182
Tilt steering wheel ................ 90–91
Tires ........................... 341–342, 362
alignment ................................ 355
care .......................................... 341
changing .......................... 362, 364
checking the pressure ............ 351
inflating ................................... 349
label ......................................... 348
replacing .................................. 353
rotating .................................... 356
safety practices ....................... 354
sidewall information ............... 343
snow tires and chains ............ 357
spare tire ................................. 362
terminology ............................. 342
tire grades ............................... 342
treadwear ........................ 341, 351
Touchscreen features
(climate) .................................... 519
Index557
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