service schedule FORD FLEX 2016 1.G User Guide

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 help to
increase the value of your vehicle when
you sell or trade it. Keep all receipts for
completed maintenance with your vehicle.
We have established regular maintenance
intervals for your vehicle 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 to keep your cost
of owning your vehicle down.
It is your responsibility to have all
scheduled maintenance performed and to
make sure that the materials used meet
the specifications identified in this owner's
manual. See Capacities and
Specifications (page 297).
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. Genuine Ford and Motorcraft®
Replacement Parts
Dealerships stock Ford, Motorcraft and
Ford-authorized branded re-manufactured
replacement parts. These parts meet or
exceed our specifications. Parts installed
at your dealership carry a nationwide
24-month or unlimited mile (kilometer)
parts and labor limited warranty.
If you do not use Ford authorized parts they
may not meet our specifications and
depending on the part, it could affect
emissions compliance.
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 body shops. Please contact your dealer
for details.
Protecting Your Investment
Maintenance is an investment that pays
dividends in the form of improved
reliability, durability and resale value. To
maintain the proper performance of your
vehicle and its emission control systems,
make sure you have scheduled
maintenance performed at the designated
intervals.
Your vehicle is equipped with the
Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system, which
displays a message in the information
display at the proper oil change interval.
This interval may be up to one year or
10000 miles (16000 kilometers).
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When the oil change message appears in
the information display, it is time for an oil
change. Make sure you perform the oil
change within two weeks or 500 miles
(800 kilometers) of the message
appearing. Make sure you reset the
Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor after each oil
change. See Oil Change Indicator Reset
(page 247).
If your information display resets
prematurely or becomes inoperative, you
should perform the oil change interval at
six months or 5000 miles (8000
kilometers) from your last oil change.
Never exceed one year or 10000 miles
(16000 kilometers) between oil change
intervals.
Your vehicle is very sophisticated and built
with multiple, complex, performance
systems. Every manufacturer develops
these systems using different
specifications and performance features.
That is why it is 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.
We strongly recommend the use of only
genuine Ford, Motorcraft or
Ford-authorized re-manufactured
replacement parts engineered for your
vehicle. Additives and Chemicals
This owner's manual and the Ford
Workshop Manual list the recommended
additives and chemicals for your vehicle.
We do not recommend using chemicals or
additives not approved by us as part of
your vehicle
’s normal maintenance. Please
consult your 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, a qualified expert, such
as the factory-trained technicians at your
dealership, should inspect discolored fluids
that also show signs of overheating or
foreign material contamination
immediately.
Make sure to change your vehicle ’s oils and
fluids 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
Make sure you perform the following basic
maintenance checks and inspections every
month or at six-month intervals.
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Multi-Point inspection
Hazard warning system operation
Accessory drive belt(s)
Horn operation
Battery performance
Radiator, cooler, heater and air conditioninghoses
Engine air filter
Suspension components for leaks ordamage
Exhaust system
Steering and linkage
Exterior lamps operation
Tires (including spare) for wear and properpressure**
Fluid levels *
; fill if necessary
Windshield for cracks, chips or pits
For oil and fluid leaks
Washer spray and wiper operation
Half-shaft dust boots
* Brake, coolant recovery reservoir, automatic transmission 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. Your checklist gives you
immediate feedback on the overall
condition of your vehicle.
NORMAL SCHEDULED
MAINTENANCE
Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor™
Your vehicle is equipped with an Intelligent
Oil-Life Monitor that determines when you
should change the engine oil based on how
your vehicle is used. By using several
important factors in its calculations, the
monitor helps reduce the cost of owning
your vehicle and reduces environmental
waste at the same time. This means you do not have to remember
to change the oil on a mileage-based
schedule. Your vehicle lets you know when
an oil change is due by displaying a
message in the information display.
The following table provides examples of
vehicle use and its impact on oil change
intervals. It is a guideline only. Actual oil
change intervals depend on several factors
and generally decrease with severity of
use.
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At every oil change interval as indicated by the information display
*
Inspect the tires, tire wear and measure the tread depth.
Inspect the wheels and related components for abnormal noise, wear, looseness or
drag.
* Do not exceed one year or 10000 miles (16000 kilometers) between service intervals.
** Reset the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor after engine oil and filter changes. See Engine
Oil Check (page 247). Other maintenance items
1
Replace cabin air filter.
Every 20000 miles (32000
km)
Replace engine air filter.
Every 30000 miles (48000
km)
Change engine coolant.2
At 100000 miles (160000
km)
Replace spark plugs.
Every 100000 miles
(160000 km) Inspect accessory drive belt(s). 3
Change automatic transmission fluid.
Every 150000 miles
(240000 km)
Replace accessory drive belt(s). 4
1 Perform these maintenance items within 3000 miles (4800 kilometers) of the last
engine oil and filter change. Do not exceed the designated distance for the interval.
2 Initial replacement at six years or 100000 miles (160000 kilometers), then every three
years or 50000 miles (80000 kilometers).
3 After initial inspection, inspect every other oil change until replaced.
4 If not replaced within the last 100000 miles (160000 kilometers).
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SPECIAL OPERATING
CONDITIONS SCHEDULED
MAINTENANCE
If you operate your vehicle primarily in any
of the following conditions, you need to
perform extra maintenance as indicated.
If you operate your vehicle
occasionally
under any of these conditions, it is not
necessary to perform the extra
maintenance. For specific
recommendations, see your dealership
service advisor or technician. Perform the services shown in the
following tables when specified or within
3000 miles (4800 kilometers) of the
message appearing in your information
display prompting you to change your oil.
•
Example 1: The message comes on at
28751 miles (46270 kilometers).
Perform the 30000-mile
(48000-kilometer) automatic
transmission fluid replacement.
• Example 2
: The message has not
come on, but the odometer reads
30000 miles (48000 kilometers) (for
example, the Intelligent Oil-Life
Monitor was reset at 25000 miles
[40000 kilometers]). Perform the
engine air filter replacement. Towing a trailer or using a car-top carrier
Change engine oil and filter as indicated by the information
display and perform services listed in the Normal Sched-
uled Maintenance chart.
As required
Inspect rear axle and U-joints (AWD only).
Inspect frequently, service
as required
Inspect half-shaft boots.
See axle maintenance items under
Exceptions.
Change automatic transmission fluid.
Every 30000 miles (48000
km)
Change PTU and rear axle fluid (AWD only). See axle
maintenance items under
Exceptions.
Replace spark plugs.
Every 60000 miles (96000
km) Extensive idling or low-speed driving for long distances, as in heavy commercial use
Change engine oil and filter as indicated by the information
display and perform services listed in the Normal Sched-
uled Maintenance chart.
As required
Replace cabin air filter.*
Inspect frequently, service
as required
Replace engine air filter.
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Extensive idling or low-speed driving for long distances, as in heavy commercial use
Change automatic transmission fluid.
Every 30000 miles (48000
km)
Change PTU and rear axle fluid (AWD only). See axle
maintenance items under Exceptions.
Replace spark plugs.
Every 60000 miles (96000
km)
* This is an optional feature. Operating in dusty or sandy conditions (such as unpaved or dusty roads)
Replace cabin air filter. *
Inspect frequently, service
as required
Replace engine air filter.
Inspect the wheels and related components for abnormal
noise, wear, looseness or drag.
Every 5000 miles (8000
km)
Rotate tires, inspect tires for wear and measure tread
depth.
Change engine oil and filter.**
Every 5000 miles (8000
km) or six months
Perform multi-point inspection.
Change automatic transmission fluid.
Every 30000 miles (48000
km)
Change PTU and rear axle fluid (AWD only). See axle
maintenance items under
Exceptions.
* This is an optional feature.
** Reset your Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor after engine oil and filter changes. See
Engine
Oil Check (page 247). Exclusive use of E85 (flex fuel vehicles only)
If ran exclusively on E85, fill the fuel tank full with regular
unleaded fuel.
Every oil change
Exceptions
There are several exceptions to the Normal
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Axle and PTU maintenance: The Power
Transfer Unit (PTU) and rear axle (AWD
only) in your vehicle does not require any
normal scheduled maintenance. Vehicles
are electronically monitored and notify the
driver required service by displaying a
message in the information display. The
PTU lubricant will be more likely to require
a change if the vehicle has experienced
extended periods of extreme/severe duty
cycle driving. Changing or checking the PTU
lubricant is not necessary unless the unit
has been submerged in water, shows signs
of leakage or a message indicating required
service is displayed. Contact your
authorized dealer for service.
California fuel filter replacement: If you
register your vehicle in California, the
California Air Resources Board has
determined that the failure to perform this
maintenance item does not nullify the
emission warranty or limit recall liability before the completion of your 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 interval is
3,000 mi (4,800 km)
.
Engine air filter and cabin air filter
replacement
: The life of the engine air
filter and cabin air filter 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.
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE RECORD 377
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Repair Order #:Distance:
Engine hours (optional): Multi-point inspection (recommended): Signature:
Dealer stamp

Side Airbags.....................................................45
Sitting in the Correct Position..................123
Snow Chains See: Using Snow Chains................................. 287
Special Notices................................................12 New Vehicle Limited Warranty......................... 12
On-board Diagnostics (OBD-II)....................... 12
Special Instructions.............................................. 12
Special Operating Conditions Scheduled Maintenance...............................................375
Exceptions............................................................ 376
Speed Control See: Cruise Control............................................ 185
Stability Control
.............................................175
Principle of Operation....................................... 175
Starter Switch See: Ignition Switch............................................ 147
Starting a Gasoline Engine.......................148 Automatic Engine Shutdown........................ 150
Failure to Start..................................................... 150
Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes.................151
Important Ventilating Information................151
Stopping the Engine When Your Vehicle is Moving................................................................. 151
Stopping the Engine When Your Vehicle is Stationary......................................................... 150
Vehicles with an Ignition Key......................... 148
Vehicles with Keyless Start............................. 149
Starting and Stopping the Engine..........147 General Information........................................... 147
Steering............................................................197 Electric Power Steering..................................... 197
Steering Wheel
................................................72
Storage Compartments.............................145
Sunroof See: Moonroof...................................................... 89
Sun Visors.........................................................89 Illuminated Vanity Mirror................................... 89
Supplementary Restraints System..........41 Principle of Operation......................................... 41
Symbols Glossary
.............................................7 SYNC™ Applications and
Services........................................................336
911 Assist............................................................... 336
SYNC Services: Traffic, Directions & Information (TDI) (If Equipped, United
States Only)................................................... 340
Vehicle Health Report (If Equipped, United States Only).................................................... 338
SYNC™ AppLink ™
.....................................344
SYNC Mobile Apps............................................ 344
SYNC™............................................................318 General Information.......................................... 318
SYNC™ Troubleshooting
.........................356
T
Tailgate See: Manual Liftgate........................................... 63
See: Power Liftgate............................................. 64
Technical Specifications See: Capacities and Specifications............297
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Auto Line Program (U.S. Only)
.......................228
Tire Care...........................................................273 Glossary of Tire Terminology......................... 275
Information About Uniform Tire Quality Grading.............................................................. 273
Information Contained on the Tire Sidewall............................................................ 276
Temperature A B C............................................. 274
Traction AA A B C............................................... 274
Treadwear............................................................. 274
Tire Pressure Monitoring System..........288 Changing Tires With a Tire Pressure
Monitoring System....................................... 289
Understanding Your Tire Pressure Monitoring System ...................................... 289
Tires See: Wheels and Tires....................................... 271
Towing a Trailer
............................................209
Load Placement................................................ 209
Towing the Vehicle on Four Wheels...........................................................216
Emergency Towing............................................. 216
Recreational Towing.......................................... 216
Towing.............................................................209
Traction Control.............................................174 Principle of Operation....................................... 174
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