automatic transmission FORD FLEX 2013 1.G Owners Manual

Seats 163
Sitting in the correct position............................163
Head restraints.......................................164
Manual seats.........................................167
Power seats.........................................168
Memory function......................................169
Heated seats.........................................170
Heated and cooled seats................................172
Rear seats..........................................174
Universal Garage Door Opener 184
HomeLinkwireless control system........................184
Auxiliary Power Points 189
Storage Compartments 192
Center console.......................................192
Overhead console.....................................194
Starting and Stopping the Engine 195
Ignition switch.......................................196
Keyless starting......................................196
Engine block heater...................................199
Fuel and Refueling 201
Fuel quality.........................................202
Running out of fuel....................................203
Refueling ...........................................204
Fuel consumption.....................................206
Transmission 210
Automatic transmission.................................210
All-Wheel Drive 216
All wheel drive.......................................216
4Table of Contents
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Driving Hints 277
Economical driving....................................277
Floormats..........................................279
Roadside Emergencies 281
Getting roadside assistance..............................281
Hazard warning flashers................................282
Fuel cut-off switch....................................283
Jump-starting the vehicle...............................283
Customer Assistance 286
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only)........................293
Reporting safety defects (Canada only).....................293
Fuses 294
Changing a fuse......................................294
Fuse specification chart.................................295
Maintenance 303
General information...................................303
Opening and closing the hood............................304
Under hood overview..................................305
Engine oil dipstick....................................307
Engine oil check......................................307
Engine coolant check..................................308
Automatic transmission fluid check........................313
Brake fluid check.....................................317
Power steering fluid check..............................317
Fuel filter...........................................317
Washer fluid check....................................318
Battery.............................................318
Checking the wiper blades...............................320
Changing the wiper blades...............................320
Air filter(s)..........................................321
6Table of Contents
2013 Flex(471)
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USA(fus)

Display Mode
Use the up/down arrow buttons to choose between the
following display options.
Display mode †Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 †Option 4
XXX mi (km) to empty X
Fuel gaugeXXXX
Bar tachometer X X
Round tachometer X X
Engine coolant temp
gaugeX
Total odometer (lower
left corner)XXXX
†Vehicles with Intelligent AWD only. You can choose to have only the
fuel gauge show in this mode. Refer toDisplay>Gauge Display
found in the table under theSettingssection later in this chapter.
Regardless of display mode chosen, when SelectShift Automatic™
transmission (SST) is activated, the cluster will change to the round
tachometer if not already selected. After the round tachometer
displays, other display modes with the bar tachometer can also be
chosen.
•XXX mi (km) to empty: Shows approximate fuel level before the fuel
tank reaches empty. The value is dynamic and can change (raise or
lower) depending on driving style.
•Fuel gauge: Indicates approximately how much fuel is left in the fuel
tank. The fuel gauge may vary slightly when the vehicle is in motion or
on a grade. When the fuel level becomes low, the level indicator will
change to amber. When the fuel level becomes critically low, the level
indicator will change to red.
Note:When a MyKeyis in use, low fuel warnings will display earlier.
The fuel icon and arrow indicates which side of the vehicle the fuel
filler door is located.
•Bar/Round tachometer: Indicates the engine speed in revolutions per
minute. Driving with your tachometer pointer continuously at the top
of the scale may damage the engine. During SelectShift Automatic™
transmission (SST) use, the currently selected gear will appear in the
display.
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Alarm/Security
MessagesAction / Description
To Stop Alarm, Start
VehicleDisplayed when the perimeter alarm system is
armed and the vehicle is entered using the key
on the driver’s side door. In order to prevent
the perimeter alarm system from triggering,
the ignition must be turned to start or on
before the 12 second chime expires.
AWD Messages Action / Description
AWD Off Displayed when the AWD system has been
automatically disabled to protect itself. This is
caused by operating the vehicle with the
compact spare tire installed or if the system is
overheating. The AWD system will resume
normal function and clear this message after
driving a short distance with the road tire
re-installed or after the system is allowed to
cool.
Check AWD Displayed in conjunction with the Throttle
Control/Transmission/AWD light when the AWD
system is not operating properly. If the
warning stays on or continues to come on,
contact your authorized dealer as soon as
possible.
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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.
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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.
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Recalling memory positions with the remote control
The memory positions are also recalled when you press unlock on your
remote control (if the transmitter is programmed to a memory position)
or, when you enter a valid personal entry code that is programmed to a
memory position. If the easy entry feature is enabled, the seat will first
move to the easy entry position. The seat will move to the final position
when the key is in the ignition or when the push button start system (if
equipped) is put in accessory mode/started.
To program the memory feature to a remote control, refer toKeys and
remote control.
Easy entry/exit feature (if equipped)
This feature automatically moves the driver’s seat rearward 2 in. (5 cm)
when:
•the transmission is in N (Neutral) or P (Park)
•the key is removed from the ignition cylinder or the push button start
system (if equipped) is switched off.
The seat will move to the original position when:
•the transmission is in N (Neutral) or P (Park)
•the key is placed in the ignition cylinder or when the push button start
system (if equipped) is put in accessory mode/started.
The easy entry feature can be turned off or on through the information
display.
HEATED SEATS (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:Persons who are unable to feel pain to the skin
because of advanced age, chronic illness, diabetes, spinal cord
injury, medication, alcohol use, exhaustion, or other physical conditions,
must exercise care when using the seat heater. The seat heater may
cause burns even at low temperatures, especially if used for long
periods of time. Do not place anything on the seat that insulates against
heat, such as a blanket or cushion, because this may cause the seat
heater to overheat. Do not puncture the seat with pins, needles, or
other pointed objects because this may damage the heating element
which may cause the seat heater to overheat. An overheated seat may
cause serious personal injury.
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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure the
gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the off position
and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
Your vehicle has been designed to improve fuel economy by reducing fuel
usage while coasting or decelerating. When you take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and the vehicle begins to slow down, the torque
converter clutch locks up and aggressively shuts off fuel flow to the
engine while decelerating. This fuel economy benefit may be perceived as
a light to medium braking sensation when removing your foot from the
accelerator pedal.
P (Park)
This position locks the transmission
and prevents the front wheels from
turning.
To put your vehicle in gear:
•Press the brake pedal
•Move the gearshift lever into the desired gear
To put your vehicle in P (Park):
•Come to a complete stop
•Move the gearshift lever and securely latch it in P (Park)
R (Reverse)
With the gearshift lever in R (Reverse), the vehicle will move backward.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into and out of R (Reverse).
N (Neutral)
With the gearshift lever in N (Neutral), the vehicle can be started and is
free to roll. Hold the brake pedal down while in this position.
D (Drive) with Overdrive
The normal driving position for the best fuel economy. Transmission
operates in gears one through six.
PRNDL
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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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S (Sport)
Moving the gearshift lever to S (Sport):
•Provides additional grade (engine) braking and extends lower gear
operation to enhance performance for uphill climbs, hilly terrain or
mountainous areas. This will increase engine RPM during engine
braking.
•Provides additional lower gear operation through the automatic
transmission shift strategy which reacts to vehicle inputs (vehicle
acceleration, accelerator pedal, brake pedal and vehicle speed).
•Gears are selected more quickly and at higher engine speeds.
SelectShift Automatic™ Transmission (If Equipped)
Note:Your transmission must be in S (Sport) for SelectShift to operate
properly.
Your SelectShift automatic transmission gives you the ability to manually
change gears if you’d like. To use SelectShift, move the gearshift lever
into S (Sport). Now you can use select shift to manually change gears.
Note:The system will stay in S (Sport) until the gear shift lever is
moved into another gear for example P (park) or D (Drive).
If your vehicle is equipped with the +/– buttons on the side of your
gearshift lever:
•Press (–) on the gearshift lever
button to manually downshift the
transmission.
•Press (+) on the gearshift lever
button to manually upshift the
transmission.
212Transmission
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