fuel filter FORD FLEX 2014 1.G Owners Manual

Roadside Emergencies 265
Getting roadside assistance..............................265
Hazard warning flashers................................266
Fuel cut-off switch....................................266
Jump-starting the vehicle...............................267
Customer Assistance 270
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only).......................277
Reporting safety defects (Canada only).....................277
Fuses 278
Changing a fuse......................................278
Fuse specification chart................................279
Maintenance 287
General information...................................287
Opening and closing the hood............................288
Under hood overview..................................289
Engine oil dipstick....................................291
Engine oil check......................................291
Engine coolant check..................................292
Automatic transmission fluid check........................298
Brake fluid check.....................................302
Power steering fluid check..............................302
Fuel filter...........................................302
Washer fluid check....................................303
Battery ............................................303
Checking the wiper blades..............................305
Changing the wiper blades..............................305
Air filter(s).........................................306
Adjusting the headlamps................................308
Changing a bulb......................................310
6Table of Contents
2014 Flex(471)
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USA(fus)

SYMBOL GLOSSARY
WARNING:You risk death or serious injury to yourself and
others if you do not follow the instruction highlighted by the
warning symbol.
These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.
Symbol Description Symbol Description Symbol Description
Safety alertSee Owner’s
ManualAnti-lock
braking
system
Avoid
smoking,
flames, or
sparksBatteryBattery acid
Brake fluid –
non
petroleum
baseBrake systemCabin air
filter
Check fuel
capChild Safety
Door Lock
and UnlockChild seat
lower anchor
Child seat
tether anchorCruise
controlDo not open
when hot
Engine air
filterEngine
coolantEngine
coolant
temperature
Engine oilExplosive gasFan warning
Fasten safety
beltFront airbagFront fog
lamps
10Introduction
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HEATED WINDOWS AND MIRRORS (IF EQUIPPED)
Heated Rear Window
Note:The ignition must be switched on to use this feature.
Press the button to clear the rear window of thin ice and fog. Press the
button again within 10 minutes to switch it off. It switches off
automatically after 10 minutes, or when you switch the ignition off.
Do not use razor blades or other sharp objects to clean the inside
of the rear window or to remove decals from the inside of the
rear window. This may cause damage to the heated grid lines.
Your warranty does not cover this damage.
Heated Exterior Mirror (If Equipped)
Note:Do not remove ice from the mirrors with a scraper or attempt to
readjust the mirror glass if it is frozen in place. These actions could
cause damage to the glass and mirrors.
Note:Do not clean the housing or glass of any mirror with harsh
abrasives, fuel or other petroleum-based cleaning products.
Both mirrors are heated to remove ice, mist and fog when the rear
window defroster is activated.
CABIN AIR FILTER
Note:A cabin air filter must be installed at all times to prevent foreign
objects from entering the system. Running the system without a filter in
place could result in degradation or damage to the system.
Your vehicle is equipped with a cabin air filter, which is located just in front
of the windshield under the cowl grille on the passenger side of the vehicle.
The particulate air filtration system is designed to reduce the
concentration of airborne particles, such as dust, spores and pollen, in
the air being supplied to the interior of the vehicle. The particulate
filtration system gives the following benefits to customers:
•Improves the customer’s driving comfort by reducing particle
concentration.
•Improves the interior compartment cleanliness.
•Protects the climate control components from particle deposits.
For more information regarding the interval at which you should replace
the cabin air filter, see theScheduled Maintenancechapter.
For additional cabin air filter information, or to replace the filter, see an
authorized dealer.
Climate Control143
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4. Seat the air filter assembly back into the grommets by pushing down
on the air filter assembly.
5. Tighten the clamp.
6. Install and tighten two bolts that attach air filter assembly to the front
of the vehicle.
7. Install the bolt cover (if equipped).
8. Reinstall the harness retaining clip into the front of the air filter
assembly.
BRAKE FLUID CHECK
Fluid levels between the MIN and MAX lines are within the normal
operating range; there is no need to add fluid. If the fluid levels are
outside of the normal operating range, the performance of the system
could be compromised; seek service from your authorized dealer
immediately.
POWER STEERING FLUID CHECK
Your vehicle is equipped with an electric power steering system. There is
no fluid reservoir to check or fill.
FUEL FILTER
Your vehicle is equipped with a lifetime fuel filter that is integrated with
the fuel tank. Regular maintenance or replacement is not needed.
WASHER FLUID CHECK
WARNING:If you operate your vehicle in temperatures below
40°F (5°C), use washer fluid with antifreeze protection. Failure
to use washer fluid with antifreeze protection in cold weather could
result in impaired windshield vision and increase the risk of injury or
accident.
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the level is low. Only use a washer fluid
that meets Ford specifications. See the technical specifications chart in
theCapacities and Specificationschapter.
Note:The front and rear washer systems are supplied from the same
reservoir.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
302Maintenance
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•Spray Motorcraft® Engine Shampoo and Degreaser on all parts that
require cleaning and pressure rinse clean. In Canada, use Motorcraft®
Engine Shampoo.
•Never wash or rinse the engine while it is hot or running; water in the
running engine may cause internal damage.
•Never wash or rinse any ignition coil, spark plug wire or spark plug
well, or the area in and around these locations.
•Cover the battery, power distribution box, and air filter assembly to
prevent water damage when cleaning the engine.
CLEANING THE WINDOWS AND WIPER BLADES
The windows and wiper blades should be cleaned regularly. If the wipers
do not wipe properly, substances on the vehicle’s glass or the wiper
blades may cause squeaking or chatter noise from the blades, and
streaking and smearing of the windshield. To clean these items, follow
these tips:
•The windows may be cleaned with a non-abrasive cleaner such as
Motorcraft Ultra-Clear Spray Glass Cleaner.
•The wiper blades can be cleaned with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
Motorcraft Premium Windshield Washer Concentrate with Bitterant
in the U.S., or Premium Quality Windshield Washer Fluid in Canada.
Be sure to replace wiper blades when they appear worn or do not
function properly.
•Do not use abrasives, as they may cause scratches.
•Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint thinner to clean any parts.
If you cannot remove those streaks after cleaning with the glass cleaner
or if the wipers chatter and move in a jerky motion, clean the outer
surface of the windshield and the wiper blades using a sponge or soft
cloth with a neutral detergent or mild-abrasive cleaning solution. After
cleaning, rinse the windshield and wiper blades with clean water. The
windshield is clean if beads do not form when you rinse the windshield
with water.
Note:Do not use sharp objects, such as a razor blade, to clean the
inside of the rear window or to remove decals, as it may cause damage
to the rear window defroster’s heated grid lines.
318Vehicle Care
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Body
•Wash vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt, grease, oil, tar or mud from
exterior surfaces, rear-wheel housing and underside of front fenders.
•Periodically wash vehicles stored in exposed locations.
•Touch up raw or primed metal to prevent rust.
•Cover chrome and stainless steel parts with a thick coat of auto wax
to prevent discoloration. Re-wax as necessary when the vehicle is
washed.
•Lubricate hood latch, all door latches and trunk lid hinges with a light
grade oil.
•Cover interior trim to prevent fading.
•Keep all rubber parts free from oil and solvents.
Engine
•The engine oil and filter should be changed prior to storage, as used
engine oil contains contaminates that may cause engine damage.
•Start the engine every 15 days. Run at fast idle until it reaches normal
operating temperature.
•With your foot on the brake, shift through all the gears while the
engine is running.
Fuel system
•Fill the fuel tank with high-quality fuel until the first automatic shutoff
of the fuel pump nozzle.
Note:During extended periods of vehicle storage (30 days or more),
fuel may deteriorate due to oxidation. Add a quality gas stabilizer
product to the vehicle fuel system whenever actual or expected storage
periods exceed 30 days. Follow the instructions on the additive label.
The vehicle should then be operated at idle speed to circulate the
additive throughout the fuel system.
Cooling system
•Protect against freezing temperatures.
•When removing vehicle from storage, check coolant fluid level.
Confirm there are no cooling system leaks, and fluid is at the
recommended level.
322Vehicle Care
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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
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 3000 miles (4800 kilometers) 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 (seeTechnical specificationsin theCapacities
and Specificationschapter for details).
Police, Taxi and Livery vehicle axle maintenance:Change rear axle
fluid every 100000 miles (160000 kilometers). 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.
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 5000 miles (8000 kilometers).
If the available API SM or SN oils are not available, then the oil change
service interval is 3000 miles (4800 kilometers).
Engine air filter & cabin air filter replacement:Engine air filter and
cabin air filter life is dependent on exposure to dusty and dirty
conditions. Vehicles operated in these conditions require frequent
inspection and replacement of the engine air filter and cabin air filter.
544Scheduled Maintenance
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USA(fus)

Display settings .........................485
Drivebelt ....................................355
Driving under special
conditions ..................199, 201, 204
sand .........................................202
snow and ice ...........................205
through water .................203, 262
Dual automatic temperature
control (DATC) .................137–138
E
Electronic message center .......117
Electronic stability control ......211
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................267
running out of fuel .................188
Emergency brake
(see Parking brake) ..................208
Emission control system ..........192
End user license agreement ....510
Engine ........................................355
cleaning ...................................317
coolant .....................................292
fail-safe cooling .......................296
idle speed control ...................303
lubrication specifications .......356
refill capacities ........................356
service points ..........................290
Engine block heater .................184
Engine oil
checking and adding ..............291
dipstick ....................................291
filter, specifications ................359
refill capacities ........................356
specifications ..........................356
Event data recording ..................12
Exhaust fumes ..........................183F
Fail safe cooling ........................296
Fleet MyKey programming ........71
Floor mats .................................263
Fluid capacities .........................356
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
driving off road .......................200
Freezer ......................................176
Fuel
cap ...........................................190
capacity ...................................356
choosing the right fuel ...........187
filler funnel .............................188
filling your vehicle with fuel ..190
filter, specifications ........302, 359
fuel pump shut-off ..................266
octane rating ...................187, 355
quality ......................................187
running out of fuel .................188
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................186
Fuel and distance computer ....120
outside temperature
indicator ..................................120
to empty indicator ..................120
trip distance ............................120
trip/reset button .....................120
Fuses ..................................278–279
G
Garage door opener ..................167
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............190
Gauges ...............................110–111
odometer .................................120
trip odometer ..........................120
H
Hazard flashers .........................266
548Index
2014 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, April 2013
USA(fus)