climate control FORD FLEX 2015 1.G User Guide
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: FORD, Model Year: 2015, Model line: FLEX, Model: FORD FLEX 2015 1.GPages: 571, PDF Size: 5.52 MB
Page 145 of 571

F.Passenger side heated seat controls (if equipped)Press to switch
the heated seats off and on. SeeHeated seatsin theSeatschapter for
more information.
G.REAR LOCK:Illuminates when the rear climate system is being
controlled by the front controls. The rear climate controls do not work
when this is illuminated.
H.Driver side heated seat controls (if equipped):Press to switch
the heated seats off and on. SeeHeated seatsin theSeatschapter for
more information.
GENERAL OPERATING TIPS
General Hints
Note:Prolonged use of recirculated air may cause the windows to fog
up.
Note:You may feel a small amount of air from the footwell air vents
regardless of the air distribution setting.
Note:To reduce humidity build-up inside your vehicle, do not drive with
the system switched off or with recirculated air always switched on.
Note:Do not place objects under the front seats as this may interfere
with the airflow to the rear seats.
Note:Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area at the
base of the windshield.
Note:To improve the time to reach comfort in hot weather, drive with
the windows slightly open for 2-3 minutes after start-up or until your
vehicle airs out.
Manual Climate Control
Note:To reduce fogging of the windshield during humid weather, adjust
the air distribution control to the windshield air vents position.
Automatic Climate Control
Note:Adjusting the settings when your vehicle interior is extremely hot
or cold is not necessary. The system automatically adjusts to heat or cool
the cabin to your selected temperature as quickly as possible. For the
system to function efficiently, the instrument panel and side air vents
should be fully open.
Note:If you selectAUTOduring cold outside temperatures, the system
directs airflow to the windshield and side window vents. In addition, the
fan may run at a slower speed until the engine warms up.
144Climate Control
2015 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, October 2014
USA(fus)
Page 146 of 571

Note:If you selectAUTOduring hot outside temperatures, or when the
inside of the vehicle is hot, the system automatically uses recirculated air
to maximize interior cooling. When the interior reaches the selected
temperature, the system automatically switches to using outside air.
Heating the Interior Quickly
Vehicles with manual climate
controlVehicles with automatic
climate control
1 Adjust the fan speed to the
highest speed setting.Press theAUTObutton.
2 Adjust the temperature control
to the highest setting.Adjust the temperature control
to the desired setting.
3 Select the footwell air vents
using the air distribution
buttons.
Recommended Settings for Heating
Vehicles with manual climate
controlVehicles with automatic
climate control
1 Adjust the fan speed to the
center setting.Press theAUTObutton.
2 Adjust the temperature control
to the midway point of the hot
settings.Adjust the temperature control
to the desired setting. Use 72°F
(22°C) as a starting point, then
adjust the setting as necessary.
3 Select the footwell air vents
using the air distribution
buttons.
Cooling the Interior Quickly
Vehicles with manual climate
controlVehicles with automatic
climate control
1 Adjust the temperature control
to theMAX A/Cposition.Press theMAX A/Cbutton.
2 Drive with the windows open for
2-3 minutes.
Climate Control145
2015 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, October 2014
USA(fus)
Page 147 of 571

Recommended Settings for Cooling
Vehicles with manual climate
controlVehicles with automatic
climate control
1 Adjust the fan speed to the
center setting.Press theAUTObutton.
2 Adjust the temperature control
to the midway point of the cold
settings.Adjust the temperature control
to the desired setting. Use 72°F
(22°C) as a starting point, then
adjust the setting as necessary.
3 Select the instrument panel air
vents using the air distribution
buttons.
Side Window Defogging in Cold Weather
Vehicles with manual climate
controlVehicles with automatic
climate control
1 Select the instrument panel and
footwell air vents positions
through the air distribution
control.Press the defrost button.
2 Press theA/Cbutton. Adjust the temperature control
to the desired setting. Use 72°F
(22°C) as a starting point, then
adjust the setting as necessary.
3 Adjust the temperature control
to the desired setting.Direct the instrument panel side
air vents toward the side
windows.
4 Adjust the fan speed to the
highest setting.Close the instrument panel
vents.
5 Direct the instrument panel side
air vents toward the side
windows.
6 Close the instrument panel
vents.
146Climate Control
2015 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, October 2014
USA(fus)
Page 148 of 571

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:Make sure you have a cabin air filter installed at all times. This
prevents 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
your vehicle.
The particulate air filtration system reduces the concentration of
airborne particles, such as dust, spores and pollen, in the air supplied to
the interior of your 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.
Climate Control147
2015 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, October 2014
USA(fus)
Page 149 of 571

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.
REMOTE START (IF EQUIPPED)
The remote start feature allows you to pre-condition the interior of your
vehicle. The climate control system works to achieve comfort according
to your previous settings.
Note:You cannot adjust the system during remote start operation.
Turn the ignition on to return the system to its previous settings. You
can now make adjustments normally, but you need to turn certain
vehicle-dependent features back on, such as:
•Heated seats.
•Cooled seats.
•Heated steering wheel.
•Heated mirrors.
•Heated rear window.
You can adjust the default remote start settings using the information
display controls. See theInformation Displayschapter.
Manual Climate Systems
In hot weather, the climate control system is set to MAX A/C.
In moderate weather, the system either heats or cools (based on
previous settings). The rear defroster and heated mirrors are not
automatically turned on.
In cold weather, maximum heat is provided in floor/defrost mode. The
rear defroster and heated mirrors are automatically turned on.
Automatic Settings
In hot weather, the system is set to 72°F (22°C). The cooled seats are set
to high (if available, and selected to AUTO in the information display).
In moderate weather, the system either heats or cools (based on
previous settings). The rear defroster, heated mirrors and heated seats
do not automatically turn on.
In cold weather, the system is set to 72°F (22°C). The heated seats are
set to high (if available, and selected to AUTO in the information
display). The rear defroster and heated mirrors automatically turn on.
148Climate Control
2015 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, October 2014
USA(fus)
Page 160 of 571

CLIMATE CONTROLLED SEATS (IF EQUIPPED)
Heated Seats
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.
The heated seats will only function when the engine is running.
Note:Do not do the following:
•Place heavy objects on the seat
•Operate the seat heater if water or any other liquid is spilled on the
seat. Allow the seat to dry thoroughly.
To operate the heated seats:
Press the heated seat symbol to cycle through the various
heat settings and off. Warmer settings are indicated by
more indicator lights.
If the engine falls below 350 RPM while the heated seats are on, the
feature will turn itself off. You will need to reactivate it.
Cooled Seats
The cooled seats will only function when the engine is running.
To operate the cooled seats:
Press the cooled seat symbol to cycle through the various
cooling settings and off. Cooler settings are indicated by
more indicator lights.
A/C
Seats159
2015 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, October 2014
USA(fus)
Page 161 of 571

If the engine falls below 350 RPM while the cooled seats are on, the
feature will turn itself off. You will need to reactivate it.
Note:When the heated or cooled front seat is active, you will be able to
hear the fan operating inside the seat. This is normal.
Climate Controlled Seat Air Filter Replacement (If Equipped)
The climate controlled seat system includes air filters. You must replace
them periodically. See thescheduled maintenance information.
Locate the filters under each front seat and access them from the
second-row foot-well area. Move the front seats all the way forward and
to the full up positions to ease access.
To remove an air filter:
1. Turn the vehicle off.
2. Push up on the outside rigid edge
of the filter and rotate
counterclockwise once the tabs are
released, then remove the filter.
To install a filter:
1. First, position the filter in its
housing making sure that the far
forward end is all the way up in the
housing.
2. Push in on the center of the
outside edge of the filter and rotate
up into the housing until it clips
into position.
160Seats
2015 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, October 2014
USA(fus)
Page 179 of 571

CENTER CONSOLE
Stow items in the cupholder carefully as items may become loose during
hard braking, acceleration or collisions, including hot drinks which may
spill.
Available console features include:
A. Cupholders.
B. Utility compartment with audio input
jack, USB port, power point and SD card
reader.
C. Storage drawer with cupholders.
D. Rear power point outlet, 110-volt power
point outlet and rear climate controls.
Second Row Center Console (If Equipped)
Available console features include:
A. Cupholders.
B. Flip forward armrest to provide a
flat load floor.
C. Utility compartment or
refrigerator unit.
178Storage Compartments
2015 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, October 2014
USA(fus)
Page 188 of 571

Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes
WARNING:If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have
this checked immediately. Do not drive your vehicle if you smell
exhaust fumes. Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take
precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.
Important Ventilating Information
If you stop your vehicle and leave the engine idling for long periods, we
recommend that you do one of the following:
•Open the windows at least 1 inch (2.5 centimeters).
•Set your climate control to outside air.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:Failure to follow engine block heater instructions
could result in property damage or personal injury.
WARNING:Do not use your heater with ungrounded electrical
systems or two-pronged (cheater) adapters. There is a risk of
electrical shock.
Note:The heater is most effective when outdoor temperatures are below
0°F (-18°C).
The heater acts as a starting aid by warming the engine coolant. This
allows the climate control system to respond quickly. The equipment
includes a heater element (installed in the engine block) and a wire
harness. You can connect the system to a grounded 120–volt A/C
electrical source.
We recommend that you do the following for safe and correct operation:
•Use a 16-gauge outdoor extension cord that is product certified by
Underwriter’s Laboratory or Canadian Standards Association. This
extension cord must be suitable for use outdoors, in cold
temperatures, and be clearly markedSuitable for Use with Outdoor
Appliances.Never use an indoor extension cord outdoors; it could
result in an electric shock or become a fire hazard.
•Use as short an extension cord as possible.
•Do not use multiple extension cords.
Starting and Stopping the Engine187
2015 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, October 2014
USA(fus)
Page 266 of 571

Front-wheel drive vehicles must have the front wheels placed on a tow
dolly when towing your vehicle from the rear using wheel lift equipment.
This prevents damage to the transmission.
Towing an all-wheel drive vehicle requires that all wheels be off the
ground, such as using a wheel lift and dollies or flatbed equipment. This
prevents damage to the transmission, all-wheel drive system and vehicle.
TOWING THE VEHICLE ON FOUR WHEELS
Emergency Towing
If your vehicle becomes inoperable (without access to wheel dollies,
car-hauling trailer, or flatbed transport vehicle), it can be flat-towed (all
wheels on the ground, regardless of the powertrain and transmission
configuration) under the following conditions:
•Your vehicle is facing forward for towing in a forward direction.
•Place the transmission in positionN.SeeAutomatic transmissionin
theTransmissionchapter if you cannot move the transmission into
N.
•Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).
•Maximum distance is 50 miles (80 kilometers).
Recreational Towing
Note:Put your climate control system in recirculated air mode to
prevent exhaust fumes from entering your vehicle. See theClimate
Controlchapter.
Follow these guidelines if you have a need for recreational towing, such
as towing your vehicle behind a motorhome or truck. We designed these
guidelines to prevent damage to your vehicle after it is hooked-up to the
recreational vehicle or tow dolly.
You can tow your front-wheel drive vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground or with the front wheels off the ground by using a tow dolly. If
you are using a tow dolly, follow the instructions specified by the
equipment provider. If you are towing with all four wheels on the ground,
see the following instructions.
Towing265
2015 Flex(471)
Owners Guide gf, 1st Printing, October 2014
USA(fus)