service interval FORD FLEX 2013 1.G Owners Manual
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Items CapacityFord Part Name or
equivalentFord Part Number /
Ford Specification
3Automatic transmissions that require MERCONLV should only use MERCONLV fluid. Refer
toscheduled maintenance informationto determine the correct service interval. Use of any
fluid other than the recommended fluid may cause transmission damage.4See your authorized dealer for fluid level checking or filling.5Use of synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil is not mandatory. Engine oil need only meet the
requirements of Ford specification WSS-M2C945-A (3.5L V6 engine) or WSS-M2C946-A (3.5L V6
EcoBoost engine) and display the API Certification mark.6Your engine has been designed to be used with Ford engine oil, which gives a fuel economy
benefit while maintaining the durability of your engine.
Using oils other than the one specified can result in longer engine cranking periods, reduced
engine performance, reduced fuel economy and increased emission levels.7Add the coolant type originally equipped in your vehicle.
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GENERAL MAINTENANCE INFORMATION
Why Maintain Your Vehicle?
Carefully following the maintenance schedule helps protect against major
repair expenses resulting from neglect or inadequate maintenance and
may also help to increase the value of your vehicle when you sell or
trade it. Keep all receipts for completed maintenance with the vehicle.
Regular maintenance intervals for your vehicle have been established
based upon rigorous testing. It is important that you have your vehicle
serviced at the proper times. These intervals serve two purposes; one is
to maintain the reliability of your vehicle and the second is keep your
cost of owning the vehicle down.
It is your responsibility to see that all scheduled maintenance is
performed and that the materials used meet the specifications identified
in theCapacities and Specificationschapter. Failure to perform
scheduled maintenance invalidates warranty coverage on parts affected
by the lack of maintenance.
Why Maintain Your Vehicle at Your Dealership?
Factory-Trained Technicians
Service technicians participate in extensive factory-sponsored
certification training to help them become experts on the operation of
your vehicle. Ask your dealership about the training and certification
their technicians, have received. Your vehicle is very sophisticated and
built with multiple complex performance systems. Every manufacturer
develops these systems using different specifications and performance
features. That’s why it’s important to rely upon your dealership to
properly diagnose and repair your vehicle.
Genuine Ford and MotorcraftReplacement Parts
Dealerships stock Ford, Motorcraftand Ford-authorized remanufactured
parts branded replacement parts. These parts meet or exceed Ford
Motor Company’s specifications. Parts installed at your dealership carry a
nationwide, 12 month/12,000 mile (20,000 km) parts and labor limited
warranty. If you do not use Ford authorized parts they may not meet
Ford specifications and depending on the part it could affect emissions
compliance.
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Convenience
Many dealerships have extended evening and Saturday hours to make
your service visit more convenient and they offer one stop shopping.
They can perform any services that are required on your vehicle, from
general maintenance to collision repairs.
Note:Not all dealers have extended hours or bodyshops. Please contact
your dealer for details.
Protecting Your Investment
Maintenance is an investment that will pay dividends in the form of
improved reliability, durability and resale value. To maintain the proper
performance of your vehicle and its emission control systems, it is
imperative that scheduled maintenance be completed at the designated
intervals.
Your vehicle is equipped with the Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ (IOLM)
system which displays a message in the message center at the proper oil
change service interval; this interval may be up to one year or
10,000 miles (16,000 km). When ENGINE OIL CHANGE DUE or OIL
CHANGE REQUIRED appears in the message center display, it’s time for
an oil change; the oil change must be done within two weeks or
500 miles (800 km) of the ENGINE OIL CHANGE DUE or OIL CHANGE
REQUIRED message appearing. The Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ must
be reset after each oil change; refer to theInstrument Clusterchapter.
If your message center is prematurely reset or becomes inoperative, you
should perform the oil change interval at six months or 5,000 miles
(8,000 km) from your last oil change.
Your vehicle is very sophisticated and built with multiple complex
performance systems. Every manufacturer develops these systems using
different specifications and performance features. That’s why it’s
important to rely upon your dealership to properly diagnose and repair
your vehicle.
Ford Motor Company has recommended maintenance intervals for
various parts and component systems based upon engineering testing.
Ford Motor Company relies upon this testing to determine the most
appropriate mileage for replacement of oils and fluids to protect your
vehicle at the lowest overall cost to you and recommends against
maintenance schedules that deviate from the scheduled maintenance
information.
Ford strongly recommends the using only genuine Ford, Motorcraftor
Ford-authorized remanufactured replacement for parts because they are
engineered for your vehicle.
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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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Normal Scheduled Maintenance - At every oil change interval as
indicated by the message center
Change engine oil and filter
Rotate tires, inspect tire wear and measure tread depth
Perform multi-point inspection (recommended)
Inspect automatic transmission fluid level (if equipped with dipstick);
consult dealer for requirements
Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake linings, hoses and
parking brake
Inspect cabin air filter (if equipped)
Inspect engine cooling system strength and hoses
Inspect exhaust system and heat shields
Inspect rear axle and U-joints; lubricate if equipped with grease fittings
(AWD vehicles)
Inspect half-shaft boots (if equipped)
Inspect steering linkage, ball joints, suspension, tie-rod ends, driveshaft
and U-joints; lubricate if equipped with grease fittings
Inspect wheels and related components for abnormal noise, wear,
looseness or drag
Reset your Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ after each engine oil and filter
change; refer to theInstrument Clusterchapter
Do not exceed one year or 10,000 miles (16,000 km) between
service intervals
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EXCEPTIONS
There are several exceptions to the Normal Schedule. They are listed
below:
Normal vehicle axle maintenance:Rear axles and power take-off
(PTO) units with synthetic fluid and light-duty trucks equipped with
Ford-design axles are lubricated for life; do not check or change fluid
unless a leak is suspected, service is required or the assembly has been
submerged in water. During long periods of trailer towing with outside
temperatures above 70°F (21°C) and at wide-open throttle for long
periods above 45 mph (72 km/h), non-synthetic rear axle fluids should be
changed every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or three months, whichever comes
first. This interval can be waived if the axle is filled with 75W140
synthetic gear fluid meeting Ford specification WSL-M2C192-A, part
number F1TZ-19580-B or equivalent. Add friction modifier XL-3
(EST-M2C118-A) or equivalent for complete refill of Traction-Lok rear
axles (refer toTechnical specificationsin theCapacities and
Specificationschapter for details).
Police/Taxi/Livery vehicle axle maintenance:Change rear axle fluid
every 100,000 miles (160,000 km). Rear axle fluid change may be waived
if the axle was filled with 75W140 synthetic gear fluid meeting Ford
specification WSL-M2C192-A, part number FITZ-19580-B or equivalent.
Add four ounces (118 mL) of additive friction modifier XL-3
(EST-M2C118-A) or equivalent for complete refill of Traction-Lok rear
axles. The axle fluid should be changed anytime the axle has been
submerged in water
California fuel filter replacement:If the vehicle is registered in
California, the California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify the emission
warranty or limit recall liability prior to the completion of the vehicle’s
useful life. Ford Motor Company, however, urges you to have all
recommended maintenance services performed at the specified intervals
and to record all vehicle service.
Class A Motorhome:Change brake fluid every two years.
Hot climate oil change intervals:Vehicles operating in the Middle
East, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa or locations with similar climates
using an American Petroleum Institute (API) Certified for Gasoline
Engines (Certification mark) oil of SM or SN quality, the normal oil
change interval is 5,000 miles (8,000 km).
If the available API “SM” or “SN” oils are not available, then the oil
change service interval is 3,000 mile (4,800 km).
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911 Assist™ Privacy Notice
Once 911 Assist™ is set on, it may disclose to emergency services that
the vehicle has been in a crash involving the deployment of an airbag or
activation of the fuel pump shut-off. Certain versions or updates to 911
Assist™ may also be capable of electronically or verbally disclosing to
911 operators the vehicle location, and/or other details about the vehicle
or crash to assist 911 operators to provide the most appropriate
emergency services. If you do not want to disclose this information, do
not turn the feature on.
Vehicle Health Report
WARNING:Always follow scheduled maintenance instructions,
regularly inspect your vehicle, and seek repair for any damage or
problem you suspect. Vehicle Health Report supplements, but cannot
replace normal maintenance and vehicle inspection. Vehicle Health
Report only monitors certain systems that are electronically monitored
by the vehicle and will not monitor or report the status of any other
system, (i.e., brake lining wear). Failure to perform scheduled
maintenance and regularly inspect your vehicle may result in vehicle
damage and serious injury.
Note:Your Vehicle Health Report feature requires activation prior to use.
Visit www.SYNCMyRide.com to register. There is no fee or subscription
associated with Vehicle Health Report, but you must register to use this
feature.
Note:This feature may not function properly if you have enabled caller
ID blocking on your mobile phone. Before running a report, review
Vehicle Health Report privacy notice.
Note:In order to allow a break-in period for your vehicle, you may not
be able to create a Vehicle Health Report until your vehicle odometer has
reached 200 miles.
Register for Vehicle Health Report and set your report preferences at
www.SYNCMyRide.com. After registering you can request a Vehicle
Health Report (inside your vehicle). Return to your account at
www.SYNCMyRide.com to view your report. You can also choose for
SYNC to automatically remind you to run reports at specific mileage
intervals. Cellular phone airtime usage may apply when reporting.
SYNC427
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The system allows you to check your vehicle’s overall health in the form
of diagnostic report card. The vehicle health report contains valuable
information such as:
•Vehicle Diagnostic Information
•Scheduled maintenance
•Open Recalls and Field Service Actions
•Unserviced items from vehicle inspections by your authorized dealer
To run a report (after the vehicle has been running a minimum of
60 seconds):
1. Press the phone button to enter Phone Menu.
2. Scroll until Vehicle Health is selected and press OK.
3. Scroll to select from the following options:
Vehicle Health Report options
User Preferences:
Press OK to select
and enter the menu.
Scroll to select from:Automatic Reports:Press OK and select on
or off. Select “On” to have SYNC automatically
prompt you to run a health report at certain
mileage intervals.Note:You must first turn
this feature on before you can select the
mileage intervals at which you would like to
be prompted.
Mileage Intervals:Press OK. Scroll to select
between 5,000, 7,500 or 10,000 mile intervals
and press OK to make your selection.
Return:Press OK to exit the menu.
Run ReportPress OK for SYNC to run a health report of
your vehicle’s diagnostic systems and send the
results to Ford where it is combined with
scheduled maintenance information, open
recalls and other field service actions and
un-serviced vehicle inspection items from
your authorized dealer.
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Note:In order to allow a break-in period for your vehicle, you may not
be able to create a Vehicle Health Report until your vehicle odometer has
reached 200 miles.
Note:Cellular phone and SMS charges may apply when making a report.
Register for Vehicle Health Report and set your report preferences at
www.SYNCMyRide.com. After registering you can request a Vehicle
Health Report (inside your vehicle). Return to your account at
www.SYNCMyRide.com to view your report. You can also choose for
SYNC to automatically remind you to run reports at specific mileage
intervals. Cellular phone airtime usage may apply when reporting.
The system allows you to check your vehicle’s overall health in the form
of diagnostic report card. The Vehicle Health Report contains valuable
information such as:
•Vehicle Diagnostic Information
•Scheduled maintenance
•Open Recalls and Field Service Actions
•Unserviced items from vehicle inspections by your authorized dealer
Making a Report
To run a report by touchscreen, touch the information button >
SYNC Apps > Vehicle Health Report.
To run a report by voice command, press the voice button on
the steering wheel and, when prompted, say “Vehicle Health
Report”.
Vehicle Health Report Privacy Notice
When you run a Vehicle Health Report, Ford Motor Company may collect
your cellular phone number (to process your report request) and
diagnostic information about your vehicle. Certain versions or updates to
Vehicle Health Report may also collect additional vehicle information.
Ford may use the vehicle information it collects for any purpose. If you
do not want to disclose your cellular phone number or vehicle
information, do not run the feature or set up your Vehicle Health Report
profile at www.SYNCMyRide.com. Refer to www.SYNCMyRide.com -
Vehicle Health Report Terms and Conditions, and Privacy Statement - for
more information.
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