check oil FORD FLEX 2015 1.G User Guide

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 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 month intervals.
Check every month
Engine oil level.
Function of all interior and exterior lights.
Tires (including spare) for wear and proper pressure.
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 and 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 and wiper operation. Clean or replace blades as
necessary.
548Scheduled Maintenance
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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
Accessory drive belt(s) Hazard warning system operation
Battery performance Horn operation
Engine air filter Radiator, cooler, heater and A/C hoses
Exhaust system Suspension components for leaks or
damage
Exterior lamps operation Steering and linkage
Fluid levels
*; fill if necessary Tires (including spare) for wear and
proper pressure**
For oil and fluid leaks Windshield for cracks, chips or pits
Half-shaft dust boots Washer spray and wiper operation
*Brake, coolant recovery reservoir, automatic transmission (with an
underhood dipstick) and window washer.
**If your vehicle is equipped with a temporary mobility kit, check the tire
sealant expiration Use By date on the canister. Replace as needed.
Be sure to ask your dealership service advisor or technician about the
multi-point vehicle inspection. It is a comprehensive way to perform a
thorough inspection of your vehicle. It is your checklist that gives you
immediate feedback on the overall condition of your vehicle. You will
know what has been checked, what is 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!
Scheduled Maintenance549
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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).
Scheduled Maintenance561
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Booster seats ...............................33
Brakes ........................................211
anti-lock ...................................212
anti-lock brake system (ABS)
warning light ...........................212
brake warning light ................212
fluid, checking and adding ....308
fluid, refill capacities ..............362
fluid, specifications .................362
lubricant specifications ..........362
parking ....................................212
shift interlock ..........................202
trailer .......................................261
C
Capacities for refilling fluids ....362
Cargo net ...................................247
CD ..............................376, 381–382
CD player ..........................374, 467
CD voice commands .................468
Cell phone use ............................16
Changing a tire .........................353
Child safety restraints ..........26, 28
Child safety seats
automatic locking mode
(retractor) .................................41
LATCH .......................................26
Child safety seats -
booster seats ...............................33
Cleaning the touchscreen ........445
Cleaning your vehicle ...............320
engine compartment ..............322
instrument panel ....................324
interior .....................................324
plastic parts ............................321
washing ....................................320
waxing .....................................322wheels ......................................326
wiper blades ............................323
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ..........138
Climate voice commands .........509
Clock ..................................376, 495
Collision Warning System .........241
Compass Display .......................123
Console ......................................178
overhead ..................................180
rear ..........................................178
Coolant ......................................298
checking and adding ..............298
refill capacities ........................362
specifications ..........................362
Cooler ........................................179
Cross Traffic Alert ....................237
Cruise control ...........................227
Customer Assistance ................270
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................371
Getting roadside assistance ...270
Getting the service you
need .........................................276
Ordering additional owner’s
literature .................................282
Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................280
D
Defrost .......................138, 140, 142
rear window ............................147
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................304
engine oil .................................297
564Index
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Display settings .........................496
Drivebelt ....................................361
Driving under special
conditions ..................203, 205, 208
sand .........................................207
snow and ice ...........................209
through water .................207, 268
Dual automatic temperature
control (DATC) .................140, 142
E
Electronic message center .......120
Electronic stability control ......215
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................273
running out of fuel .................191
Emergency brake
(see Parking brake) ..................212
Emission control system ..........196
End user license agreement ....528
Engine ........................................361
cleaning ...................................322
coolant .....................................298
fail-safe cooling .......................302
idle speed control ...................309
lubrication specifications .......362
refill capacities ........................362
service points ..........................296
Engine block heater .................187
Engine oil
checking and adding ..............297
dipstick ....................................297
filter, specifications ................366
refill capacities ........................362
specifications ..........................362
Event data recording ..................13
Exhaust fumes ..........................187F
Fail safe cooling ........................302
Fleet MyKey programming ........70
Floor mats .................................268
Fluid capacities .........................362
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
driving off road .......................205
Freezer ......................................179
Fuel
cap ...........................................194
capacity ...................................362
choosing the right fuel ...........190
filler funnel .............................191
filling your vehicle
with fuel ..................................194
filter, specifications ........308, 366
fuel pump shut-off ..................272
octane rating ...................191, 361
quality ......................................190
running out of fuel .................191
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................189
Fuel and distance computer ....123
outside temperature
indicator ..................................123
to empty indicator ..................123
trip distance ............................123
trip/reset button .....................123
Fuses ..................................284–285
G
Garage door opener ..................170
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............194
Gauges ...............................112–113
odometer .................................123
trip odometer ..........................123
Index565
2015 Flex(471)
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USA(fus)