ECO mode FORD FLEX 2013 1.G Owner's Guide

D (Drive) with Grade Assist (if equipped)
Press the transmission control
switch on the side of the gearshift
lever to activate grade assist.
Grade assist:
•Improves driving experience in hilly terrain or mountainous areas by
providing additional grade (engine) braking and extends lower gear
operation on uphill climbs.
•Provides additional engine braking through the automatic transmission
shift strategy which reacts to vehicle inputs (vehicle acceleration,
accelerator pedal, brake pedal and vehicle speed).
•Allows the transmission to select gears that will provide the desired
engine braking based on the vehicle inputs mentioned above. This will
increase engine RPM during engine braking.
•The grade assist lamp in the instrument cluster is
illuminated.
Grade assist is designed to provide optimal gear selection in hilly terrain
or mountainous areas. It is recommended that you return to D (Drive) on
flat terrain to provide the best fuel economy and transmission function.
Press the transmission control switch again to return to O/D (overdrive
mode).
•The grade assist lamp in the instrument cluster will not be illuminated.
•The transmission will operate in gears one through six.
L (Low)
•Provides maximum engine braking
•Will downshift to the lowest available gear for the current vehicle
speed; allows for first gear when vehicle reaches lower speeds
•Is not intended for use under extended or normal driving conditions
and results in lower fuel economy.
PRNDL
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USING YOUR ALL-WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED)
AWD uses all four wheels to power the vehicle. This increases traction,
enabling you to drive over terrain and road conditions that a
conventional two-wheel drive vehicles cannot. The AWD system is active
all the time and requires no input from the operator.
Note:Your AWD vehicle is not intended for off-road use. The AWD
feature gives your vehicle some limited off-road capabilities in which
driving surfaces are relatively level, obstruction-free and otherwise
similar to normal on-road driving conditions. Operating your vehicle
under other than those conditions could subject the vehicle to excessive
stress which might result in damage which is not covered under your
warranty.
Note:When an AWD system fault is present, the warning Check AWD
will display in the message center. The AWD system is not functioning
correctly and defaulted to front-wheel drive. When this warning is
displayed, have your vehicle serviced at an authorized dealer.
Note:The AWD Off message may also be displayed in the message
center if the AWD system has overheated and defaulted to front-wheel
drive. This condition may occur if the vehicle was operated in extreme
conditions with excessive wheel slip, such as deep sand. To resume
normal AWD function as soon as possible, stop the vehicle in a safe
location and stop the engine for at least 10 minutes. After the engine has
been restarted and the AWD system has adequately cooled, the AWD Off
message will turn off and normal AWD function will return. The AWD Off
message will turn off when the system cools and normal AWD function
returns.
If your vehicle is equipped with AWD, a spare tire of a different size
other than the tire provided should never be used. If the mini-spare tire
is installed, the AWD system may disable automatically and enter
front-wheel drive only mode to protect driveline components. This
condition may be indicated by an AWD Off message in the information
display. If there is an AWD Off message in the message center from using
the spare tire, this indicator should turn off after reinstalling the repaired
or replaced normal road tire and cycling the ignition off and on. It is
recommended to reinstall the repaired or replaced road tire as soon as
possible. Major dissimilar tire sizes between the front and rear axles
could cause the AWD system to stop functioning and default to
front-wheel drive or damage the AWD system.
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Note:When a vehicle passes quickly through the blind zone (typically
fewer than two seconds), the system does not trigger.
Using the Systems
BLISturns on when the engine is started and the vehicle is driven
forward above 3 mph (5 km/h); it remains on while the transmission is in
D (Drive) and N (Neutral). If shifted out of D (Drive) or N (Neutral), the
system enters CTA mode. Once shifted back into D (Drive), BLISturns
back on when the vehicle is driven above 3 mph (5 km/h).
Note:BLISdoes not function in R (Reverse) or P (Park) or provide
any additional warning when a turn signal is on.
CTA detects approaching vehicles from up to 45 feet (14 meters) away
though coverage decreases when the sensors are blocked. Reversing
slowly helps increase the coverage area and effectiveness.
WARNING:To help avoid personal injury, NEVER use the CTA
system as a replacement for using the interior and exterior
mirrors and looking over your shoulder before backing out of a parking
space. CTA is not a replacement for careful driving and only an assist.
In this first example, the left sensor is only partially obstructed; zone
coverage is nearly maximized.
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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.
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BREAKING-IN
Your vehicle does not need an extensive break-in. Try not to drive
continuously at the same speed for the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of
new vehicle operation. Vary your speed frequently in order to give the
moving parts a chance to break in.
Drive your new vehicle at least 1,000 miles (1,600 km) before towing a
trailer.
Do not add friction modifier compounds or special break-in oils since
these additives may prevent piston ring seating.
ECONOMICAL DRIVING
Fuel economy is affected by several things such as how you drive, the
conditions you drive under and how you maintain your vehicle.
There are some things to keep in mind that may improve your fuel
economy:
•Accelerate and slow down in a smooth, moderate fashion.
•Drive at steady speeds without stopping.
•Anticipate stops; slowing down may eliminate the need to stop.
•Combine errands and minimize stop-and-go driving.
•Close the windows for high-speed driving.
•Drive at reasonable speeds (traveling at 55 mph [88 km/h] uses 15%
less fuel than traveling at 65 mph [105 km/h]).
•Keep the tires properly inflated and use only the recommended size.
•Use the recommended engine oil.
•Perform all regularly scheduled maintenance.
There are also some things you may not want to do because they may
reduce your fuel economy:
•Sudden or hard accelerations.
•Rev the engine before turning it off.
•Idle for periods longer than one minute.
•Warm up your vehicle on cold mornings.
•Use the air conditioner or front defroster.
•Use the speed control in hilly terrain.
•Rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving.
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FUEL CUT-OFF SWITCH
WARNING:Failure to inspect and if necessary repair fuel leaks
after a collision may increase the risk of fire and serious injury.
Ford Motor Company recommends that the fuel system be inspected by
an authorized dealer after any collision.
In the event of a moderate to severe collision, this vehicle is equipped
with a fuel pump shut-off feature that stops the flow of fuel to the
engine. Not every impact will cause a shut-off.
Should your vehicle shut off after a collision, you may restart your
vehicle by doing the following:
1. Turn the ignition off and wait approximately 10 seconds.
2. Turn the ignition on.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 to re-enable fuel pump.
JUMP-STARTING THE VEHICLE
WARNING:The gases around the battery can explode if exposed
to flames, sparks, or lit cigarettes. An explosion could result in
injury or vehicle damage.
WARNING:Batteries contain sulfuric acid which can burn skin,
eyes and clothing, if contacted.
Do not attempt to push-start your automatic transmission vehicle.
Automatic transmissions do not have push-start capability. Attempting to
push-start a vehicle with an automatic transmission may cause
transmission damage.
Preparing Your Vehicle
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the
automatic transmission must relearn its shift strategy. As a result, the
transmission may have firm soft shifts, firm shifts or both. This operation
is considered normal and will not affect function or durability of the
transmission. Over time, the adaptive learning process will fully update
transmission operation.
1. Use only a 12–volt supply to start your vehicle.
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle as this could
damage the vehicle’s electrical system.
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WARNING:Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the
engine is running or hot.
You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. The vehicle will not be able to maintain high-speed
operation and the engine will run rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent engine
damage, therefore:
1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to an authorized dealer.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low.
5. Re-start the engine and take your vehicle to an authorized dealer.
Note:Driving the vehicle without repairing the engine problem increases
the chance of engine damage. Take your vehicle to an authorized dealer
as soon as possible.
TRANSMISSION FLUID CHECK
6F50/6F55 Transmission
WARNING:The dipstick cap and surrounding components may
be hot; gloves are recommended.
WARNING:Use gloves when moving the air filter assembly;
components will be hot.
Note:Automatic transmission fluid expands when warmed. To obtain an
accurate fluid check, drive the vehicle until it is warmed up (approximately
20 miles [30 km]). 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 to allow the fluid to cool before checking. Depending on vehicle
use, cooling times could take up to 30 minutes or longer.
Refer to yourscheduled maintenance informationfor scheduled
intervals for fluid checks and changes. Your transmission does not
consume fluid. However, the fluid level should be checked if the
transmission is not working properly, i.e., if the transmission slips or
shifts slowly or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
1. Drive the vehicle 20 miles (30 km) or until it reaches normal operating
temperature.
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Initiating a Voice Session
Push the voice icon; a tone sounds and “Listening” appears in
the display. Say any of the following:
Say: If you want to:
“Phone” Make calls.
“USB” Access the device connected to your USB
port.
“Bluetooth Audio” Stream audio from your phone.
“Line in” Access the device connected to the auxiliary
input jack.
“Cancel” Cancel the requested action.
“SYNC” Return to the main menu.
“Voice settings” Adjust the level of voice interaction and
feedback.
“Vehicle Health Report” Run a vehicle health report.*
“Services” Access the SYNC Services portal.*
“Mobile Apps” Access mobile applications.*
“Help” Hear a list of voice commands available in the
current mode.
*If equipped, U.S. only
System Interaction and Feedback
The system provides feedback through audible tones, prompts, questions
and spoken confirmations depending on the situation and the chosen
level of interaction (voice settings). You can customize the voice
recognition system to provide more or less instruction and feedback.
The default setting is to a higher level of interaction in order to help you
learn to use the system. You can change these settings at any time.
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Helpful Hints
•Make sure the interior of the vehicle is as quiet as possible. Wind noise
from open windows and road vibrations may prevent the system from
correctly recognizing spoken commands.
•After pressing the voice icon, wait until after the tone sounds and
“Listening” appears before saying a command. Any command spoken
prior to this does not register with the system.
•Speak naturally, without long pauses between words.
•At any time you can interrupt the system while it is speaking by
pressing the voice icon.
PHONE FEATURES
Hands-free calling is one of the main features of SYNC. While the system
supports a variety of features, many are dependent on your cellular
phone’s functionality. At a minimum, most cellular phones with Bluetooth
wireless technology support the following functions:
•Answering an incoming call
•Ending a call
•Using privacy mode
•Dialing a number
•Redialing
•Call waiting notification
•Caller ID
Other features such as text messaging using Bluetooth and automatic
phonebook download are phone-dependent features. To check your
phone’s compatibility, refer to your phone’s user manual and visit
www.SYNCMyRide.com or www.syncmaroute.ca.
Pairing a Phone for the First Time
Note:SYNCcan support downloading up to approximately 2,000 entries
per Bluetooth-enabled cellular phone.
Note:Make sure the vehicle ignition and radio are turned on and the
transmission is in P (Park).
Note:To scroll through the menus, press the up and down arrows on
your audio system.
Wirelessly pairing your phone with SYNC allows you to make and receive
hands-free calls.
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If you select: You can:
Add Bluetooth
Device
1Pair additional phones to the system.
1. Press OK to select, then again when Find
SYNC appears in the display.
2. Follow the directions in your phone’s user
guide to put your phone into discovery mode. A
six-digit PIN appears in the display.
3. When prompted on your phone’s display, enter
the six-digit PIN provided by SYNC.
4. When Set As Primary Phone? appears, press
OK. Scroll to toggle between Yes and No, then
press OK.
5. Depending on the functionality of your phone,
you may be asked additional questions (i.e. if you
would like to download your phonebook). Scroll
and use OK to select your responses.
Connect Bluetooth
DeviceConnect a previously paired Bluetooth-enabled
phone.
1. Press OK to select and view a list of
previously paired phones.
2. Scroll until the desired device is chosen,
then press OK to connect the phone.
Note:Only one device can be connected at a
time. When another phone is connected, the
previous one is disconnected.
Set As Primary
Phone?
Set a previously paired phone as your primary
phone.
Press OK to select and scroll to select the
desired phone. Press OK to confirm
Note:SYNC attempts to connect with the
primary phone at every ignition cycle. When a
phone is selected as primary, it appears first in
the list and is marked with an *.
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