towing FORD FLEX 2013 1.G Owners Manual

Brakes 223
Brakes.............................................223
Hints on driving with anti-lock brakes......................224
Parking brake........................................224
Traction Control 225
TractionControl™ ....................................225
Stability Control 226
AdvanceTrac........................................227
Parking Aids 228
Sensing system.......................................228
Active park assist.....................................230
Rear-view camera system...............................234
Cruise Control 239
Using cruise control...................................239
Using Adaptive Cruise Control............................240
Driving Aids 249
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert
(CTA) .............................................249
Collision warning system................................254
Steering............................................258
Load Carrying 260
Cargo net...........................................260
Roof racks and load carriers.............................261
Vehicle loading.......................................261
Towing 269
Trailertowing........................................269
Wrecker towing.......................................274
Recreational towing....................................275
Table of Contents5
2013 Flex(471)
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Settings
Convenience Auto Highbeam
Autolamp Delay Off or number of seconds
Compass Display
Calibrate (if
equipped)HoldOKto
Calibrate
Zone (1–15)
DTE Calculation Normal or Towing
Easy Entry/Exit
Locks Autolock
Autounlock
Remote Unlock All Doors or
Driver First
Oil life Reset Set XXX%
Power Liftgate Switch Enabled or Disabled
Remote Start Climate Control Heater – A/C /
Auto or Last
Setting
Heated Wheel /
AutoorOff
Front Defrost /
AutoorOff
Rear Defrost /
AutoorOff
Driver Seat /
AutoorOff
Passenger Seat /
AutoorOff
Duration (5, 10 or
15 minutes)
Quiet Start
System
Windows Remote Open
Wipers Courtesy Wipe
Rain Sensing
ReverseWiper
120Information Displays
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Vehicle
Auto Highbeam On / Off
Autolamp Delay Off or number of seconds
Easy Entry/Exit On / Off
DTE Calculation Normal / Towing
Locks Autolock On / Off
Autounlock On / Off
Remote
UnlockingAll doors / Driver’s door
Oil Life Reset Set to XXX %
Power Liftgate Enable / Disable
Remote StartClimate Control
(using this
feature allows
you to select
different climate
control modes
when the vehicle
is started using
the remote start
feature)Heater – A/C Auto / Last
Settings
Front Defrost Auto / Off
Rear Defrost Auto / Off
Driver Seat Auto / Off
Passenger Seat Auto / Off
Duration 5 / 10 /15 minutes
Quiet Start On / Off
System Enable / Disable
W ipersCourtesy Wipe On / Off
Rain Sensing On / Off
Reverse Wiper On / Off
*MyKey
Create MyKey Press and hold OK to create MyKey
911 Assist Always On / User Selectable
Traction Control Always On / User Selectable
Max Speed Set to 80 MPH (130 km/h) / Off
Speed Minder 45 mph (72 km/h), 55 mph (89 km/h), 65 mph
(105 km/h), Off
Information Displays127
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Stowing the third row seat
1. Remove all objects from the seat and stowage tub. Objects in the seat
or stowage tub may cause serious damage to the seat upholstery and
cause improper seat function.
2. From the rear of the vehicle, stow
the head restraints by pulling the
strap located on the middle of the
seatback just below the head
restraint, then fold seatback by
pulling and holding the number 1
strap while pushing the seatback
forward. Release the strap once the
seatback starts rotating forward.
3. Release the cushion latches by
pulling the number 2 strap while
pulling on the strap located at the
top of the seatback to tumble the
seat all the way into the floor tub.
Note:Do not use the seat anchors as cargo tie downs.
Note:Do not use the third row
seatback as a load floor when the
seatback is folded. Sharp objects
may result in damage to seat
upholstery.
Note:In order to allow the seat to latch in the stowed position, do not
stow objects under the seat before stowing.
2
180Seats
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Unstowing the third row seat
Note:Ensure that there are no objects such as books, purses or brief
cases on the load floor before unstowing the seat. Failure to remove all
objects from the top of the load floor prior to unstowing it may cause
damage to the seat.
Note:Ensure the area under the forward portion of the load floor is free
of objects before unstowing the third row seat.
1. Unlatch and lift the seat out of
the floor tub by squeezing and
pulling up on the handle. Once the
seat is at a vertical position, push
the seat over, letting it fall onto the
latches.
2. To return the seatback to upright
position, pull the number 1 strap,
then while holding the number 1
strap, pull the long strap located on
the seatback to raise the seatback.
3. Pull the head restraints up to
their normal adjusted positions.
WARNING:Ensure the seat is latched to vehicle floor by
pushing/pulling on seat. If not latched, the seat may cause injury
during a sudden stop.
1
Seats181
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Note:Ensure that there are no objects such as books, purses or brief
cases on the load floor before unstowing the seat. Failure to remove all
objects from the top of the load floor prior to unstowing it may cause
damage to the seat.
Note:In order to allow the seat to complete the stowed position, do not
place objects under the seat before stowing. Remove all objects from the
seat and stowage tub. Sharp objects may result in damage to the seat
upholstery and improper seat function.
Note:In the unlikely event that the third row power seat stops
prematurely, or travels to an unexpected position, press the FOLD button
(C) to reset the seat and return it to a normal position.
WARNING:Do not drive the vehicle when the third row seat is
rotated backwards. During a sudden stop, the safety belts are not
functional in this position and the third row seat can rapidly tip back to
the forward position, all of which may result in serious injury.
Closing the liftgate
WARNING:To avoid injury to third row occupants when closing
the liftgate, ensure that the head of any occupant is not in the
path of the closing liftgate.
Seats183
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Using the Rear View Camera System
The rear view camera system displays what is behind your vehicle when
you place the transmission in R (Reverse). The system uses fixed
guidelines which show the actual path the vehicle is moving in while
reversing in a straight line. This can be helpful when backing into a
parking space or aligning the vehicle with another object behind the
vehicle.
Note:Do not use the camera system if the trunk is ajar.
Note:If the image comes on while the transmission is not in R
(Reverse), have the system inspected by your authorized dealer.
Note:When towing, the camera only sees what is being towed behind
the vehicle. This might not provide adequate coverage as it usually
provides in normal operation and some objects might not be seen. In
some vehicles, the guidelines may disappear once the trailer tow
connector is engaged.
Note:The camera may not operate correctly under the following
conditions:
•Nighttime or dark areas if one or both reverse lamps are not
operating.
•The camera’s view is obstructed by mud, water or debris. Clean the
lens with a soft, lint-free cloth and non-abrasive cleaner.
•The rear of the vehicle is hit or damaged, causing the camera to
become misaligned.
Guidelines and the Centerline
Note:Active guidelines and fixed guidelines are only available when the
transmission is in R (Reverse).
Note:The centerline is only available if Active or Fixed guidelines are
on.
236Parking Aids
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Blocked Sensor
WARNING:Do not use ACC when towing a trailer with brake
controls. Aftermarket trailer brakes will not function properly when
ACC is activated because the brakes are electronically controlled. Failing to
do so may result in loss of vehicle control, which could result in serious
injury.
WARNING:Do not use tires sizes other than those recommended
because this can affect the normal operation of ACC. Failing to do so
may result in a loss of vehicle control, which could result in serious injury.
A message regarding a blocked
sensor is displayed if the radar
signals from the sensor have been
obstructed. The sensor is located
behind a fascia cover near the driver
side of the lower grille. A vehicle
ahead cannot be detected and the
system will not function when the
radar signals are obstructed. The following table lists possible causes and
actions for this message being displayed.
Cause Action
The surface of the radar in the
grille is dirty or obstructed in
some wayClean the grille surface in front of
the radar or remove the object
causing the obstruction
The surface of the radar in the
grille is clean but the message
remains in the displayWait a short time. It may take
several minutes for the radar to
detect that it is no longer
obstructed
Heavy rain or snow is interfering
with the radar signalsDo not use ACC in these condition
because it may not detect, warn,
or respond to potential collisions.
Swirling water, or snow or ice on
the surface of the road may
interfere with the radar signalsDo not use ACC in these condition
because it may not detect, warn,
or respond to potential collisions.
Desert / remote area with no other
vehicles and no roadside objectsWait a short time or switch to
normal cruise control.
Cruise Control247
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Reasons for messages being displayed
The radar surface is
dirty or obstructedClean the fascia area in front of the radar or
remove the obstruction.
The radar surface is
not dirty or obstructedDrive normally in traffic for a few minutes to
allow the radar to detect passing vehicles so it
can clear the blocked state.
Heavy rainfall/snowfall
interferes with the
radar signalsNo action required. The system automatically
resets to an unblocked state once the
rainfall/snowfall rate decreases or stops. Do
not use BLISand/or CTA in these conditions.
System Limitations
The BLISand CTA systems do have their limitations; situations such as
severe weather conditions or debris build-up on the sensor area may
limit vehicle detection.
The following are other situations that may limit the BLIS:
•Certain maneuvering of vehicles entering and exiting the blind zone.
•Vehicles passing through the blind zone at very fast rates.
•When several vehicles forming a convoy pass through the blind zone.
The following are other situations that may limit the CTA system:
•Adjacently parked vehicles or objects obstructing the sensors.
•Approaching vehicles passing at speeds greater than 15 mph
(24 km/h).
•Driving in reverse faster than 3 mph (5 km/h).
•Backing out of an angled parking spot.
False Alerts
Note:When towing a trailer, the sensors detect may detect the trailer,
causing a false alert. You may want to turn the BLISoff if the false
alerts become annoying.
There may be certain instances when either the BLISor CTA systems
illuminate the alert indicator with no vehicle in the coverage zone; this is
known as a false alert. Some amount of false alerts are normal; they are
temporary and self-correct.
Driving Aids253
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Cargo Weight– includes all weight added to the Base Curb Weight,
including cargo and optional equipment. When towing, trailer tongue load
weight is also part of cargo weight.
GAW (Gross Axle Weight)– is the total weight placed on each axle
(front and rear) – including vehicle curb weight and all payload.
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)– is the maximum allowable
weight that can be carried by a single axle (front or rear).These
numbers are shown on the Safety Compliance Certification Label.
The label shall be affixed to either the door hinge pillar,
door-latch post, or the door edge that meets the door-latch post,
next to the driver’s seating position. The total load on each axle
must never exceed its GAWR.
Note:For trailer towing information refer toTrailer towingfound in
this chapter or theRV and Trailer Towing Guideprovided by your
authorized dealer.
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)– is the Vehicle Curb Weight + cargo +
passengers.
264Load Carrying
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