traction control FORD FLEX 2019 Owner's Manual

Note:
Your vehicle may be
equipped with a dissimilar spare
wheel and tire assembly. A
dissimilar spare wheel and tire
assembly is defined as a spare
wheel and tire assembly that is
different in brand, size or
appearance from the road tires and
wheels. If you have a dissimilar
spare wheel and tire assembly, it is
intended for temporary use only
and should not be used in a tire
rotation.
Note: After having your tires
rotated, inflation pressure must be
checked and adjusted to the
vehicle requirements.
Rotating your tires at the
recommended interval will help
your tires wear more evenly,
providing better tire performance
and longer tire life. Sometimes
irregular tire wear can be
corrected by rotating the tires. See
Scheduled Maintenance (page
442). USING SNOW CHAINS
WARNING:
Snow tires must be the
same size, load index, and speed rating as
those originally provided by Ford. Use of
any tire or wheel not recommended by
Ford can affect the safety and
performance of your vehicle, which could
result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover, personal injury,
and death. Additionally, the use of
non-recommended tires and wheels could
cause steering, suspension, axle, transfer
case, or power transfer unit failure. It is also
strongly advised to follow the Ford
recommended tire inflation pressure found
on the Safety Compliance Certification
Label (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), or Tire Label
which is located on the B-Pillar or the edge
of the driver door. Failure to follow the tire
pressure recommendations can cause
uneven treadwear patterns and adversely
affect the way your vehicle handles.
Note: The suspension insulation and
bumpers will help prevent vehicle damage.
Do not remove these components from your
vehicle when using snow tires and chains.
The tires on your vehicle have all-weather
treads to provide traction in rain and snow.
However, in some climates, you may need
to use snow tires and cables. If you need
to use cables, it is recommended that steel
wheels (of the same size and
specifications) be used, as cables may chip
aluminum wheels.
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Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Second-Printing Wheels and TiresE142547

Follow these guidelines when using snow
tires and chains:
•
If possible, avoid fully loading your
vehicle.
• Use only SAE Class S snow chains,
snow cables or equivalent on the front
axle for P235/60R17, P235/60R18, and
P235/55R19 equipped vehicles. The
use of snow chains, snow cables or
other traction assist devices that are
larger than SAE Class S may cause
damage to your vehicle ’s wheel house,
suspension and/or body.
• Do not install tire chains, cables, or
optional traction devices on the rear
tires. This could cause damage to the
vehicle ’s wheel house or body.
• Do not use tire chains, cables, or
optional traction devices with
255/45R20 tires.
• Install cable chains securely, verifying
that the cables do not touch any wiring,
brake lines or fuel lines.
• Do not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h) with
tire cables on your vehicle.
• Drive cautiously. If you hear the cables
rub or bang against your vehicle, stop
and retighten the cables. If this does
not work, remove the cables to prevent
damage to your vehicle.
• Remove the tire cables when they are
no longer needed. Do not use tire
cables on dry roads. TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEM WARNING:
The tire pressure
monitoring system is not a substitute for
manually checking tire pressures. You
should periodically check tire pressures
using a pressure gauge. Failure to correctly
maintain tire pressures could increase the
risk of tire failure, loss of control, vehicle
rollover and personal injury.
Note: You should only use tire sealants in
roadside emergencies as they may cause
damage to the tire pressure monitoring
system sensor.
Note: If the tire pressure monitoring system
sensor becomes damaged, it may not
function. Each tire, including the spare, if
provided, should be checked
monthly when cold and inflated
to the inflation pressure recommended by
the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label.
Installation of any tires that are not the
original equipment tire size can cause the
speedometer to display incorrect vehicle
speed.
As an added safety feature, your vehicle
has been equipped with a Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) that
illuminates a low tire pressure telltale
when one or more of your tires is
significantly under-inflated. Accordingly,
when the low tire pressure telltale
illuminates, you should stop and check
your tires as soon as possible, and inflate
them to the proper pressure. Driving on a
significantly under-inflated tire causes the
tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency
and tire tread life, and may affect the
vehicle ’s handling and stopping ability.
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Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Second-Printing Wheels and Tires

For restaurants, cityseeker can provide
information such as star rating, average
cost, review, handicap access, hours of
operation, and website address.
For hotels, cityseeker can provide
information such as star rating, price
category, review, check-in and checkout
times, hotel service icons and website
address. Hotel service icons include:
•
Restaurant
• Business center
• Handicap facilities
• Laundry
• Refrigerator
• 24 hour room service
• Fitness center
• Internet access
• Pool
• Wi-Fi
Attractions include nearby landmarks,
amusement parks, historic buildings and
more. cityseeker can provide information
such as star rating, reviews, hour of
operation and admission price.
SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link
SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link is available
on vehicles equipped with navigation and
only in select markets. You must activate
and subscribe to receive SiriusXM Traffic
and Travel Link information. It helps you
locate the best gas prices, find movie
listings, get current traffic alerts, view the
weather map, get accurate ski conditions
and see current sports scores. See Apps
(page 408). The system calculates a reasonable
efficient route based on available speed
limits, traffic, and road conditions. You may
know a local short cut that is more efficient
at a given time than the route provided by
SYNC 3, but you should expect a slight
difference in minutes or miles with the
SYNC 3 route.
Navigation Map Updates
Annual navigation map updates are
available for purchase through your
dealership, by calling 1-866-462-8837 in
the United States and Canada or
01-800-557-5539 in Mexico. You can also
visit:
Website
www.navigation.com/sync
You need to specify the make and model
of your vehicle to determine if there is an
update available.
HERE is the digital map provider for the
navigation application. If you find map data
errors, you may report them directly to
HERE by going to
www.here.com/mapcreator. HERE
evaluates all reported map errors and
responds with the result of their
investigation by e-mail.
Map coverage includes the USA (including
Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands),
Canada and Mexico.
APPS
The system enables voice, steering wheel,
and touch screen control of SYNC 3
AppLink enabled smartphone apps.
Once an app is running through AppLink,
you can control main features of the app
through voice commands and steering
wheel controls.
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Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Second-Printing SYNC™ 3

SYNC® Automotive Important Safety
Information Read and follow
instructions:
•
Before using your SYNC® system, read
and follow all instructions and safety
information provided in this end user
manual ("Owner Guide".) Not
following precautions found in the
Owner Guide can lead to an accident
or other serious injuries.
General Operation
• Voice Command Control: Certain
functions within the SYNC® system
may be accomplished using voice
commands. Using voice commands
while driving helps you to operate the
system without removing your hands
from the wheel or eyes from the road.
• Prolonged Views of Screen:
Do not
access any function requiring a
prolonged view of the screen while you
are driving. Pull over in a safe and legal
manner before attempting to access a
function of the system requiring
prolonged attention.
• Volume Setting:
Do not raise the
volume excessively. Keep the volume
at a level where you can still hear
outside traffic and emergency signals
while driving. Driving while unable to
hear these sounds could cause an
accident.
• Navigation Features:
Any navigation
features included in the system are
intended to provide turn by turn
instructions to get you to a desired
destination. Please make certain all
persons using this system carefully
read and follow instructions and safety
information fully. •
Distraction Hazard:
Any navigation
features may require manual
(non-verbal) setup. Attempting to
perform such set-up or insert data
while driving can distract your attention
and could cause an accident or other
serious injury. Stop the vehicle in a safe
and legal manner before attempting
these operations.
• Let Your Judgment Prevail:
Any
navigation features are provided only
as an aid. Make your driving decisions
based on your observations of local
conditions and existing traffic
regulations. Any such feature is not a
substitute for your personal judgment.
Any route suggestions made by this
system should never replace any local
traffic regulations or your personal
judgment or knowledge of safe driving
practices.
• Route Safety: Do not follow the route
suggestions if doing so would result in
an unsafe or illegal maneuver, if you
would be placed in an unsafe situation,
or if you would be directed into an area
that you consider unsafe. The driver is
ultimately responsible for the safe
operation of the vehicle and therefore,
must evaluate whether it is safe to
follow the suggested directions.
• Potential Map Inaccuracy:
Maps
used by this system may be inaccurate
because of changes in roads, traffic
controls or driving conditions. Always
use good judgment and common sense
when following the suggested routes.
• Emergency Services:
Do not rely on
any navigation features included in the
system to route you to emergency
services. Ask local authorities or an
emergency services operator for these
locations. Not all emergency services
such as police, fire stations, hospitals
and clinics are likely to be contained in
the map database for such navigation
features.
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Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Second-Printing Appendices

Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock
Brakes.............................................................174
Home Screen.................................................374
Hood Lock See: Opening and Closing the Hood..........243
I
Ignition Switch
...............................................145
In California (U.S. Only).............................226
Information Display Control.......................75
Information Displays.....................................95
General Information............................................ 95
Information Messages
................................103
Adaptive Cruise Control................................... 104
AdvanceTrac ™.................................................... 104
Alarm...................................................................... 104
Automatic Engine Shutdown........................ 104
AWD
........................................................................\
105
Battery and Charging System........................ 105
Blind Spot Information and Cross Traffic Alert System.................................................... 106
Brake System....................................................... 106
Collision Warning System................................ 107
Doors and Locks.................................................. 107
Fuel........................................................................\
... 107
Keys and Intelligent Access............................ 108
Maintenance........................................................ 108
MyKey..................................................................... 109
Park Aid.................................................................. 109
Power Steering..................................................... 110
Seats........................................................................\
110
Tire Pressure Monitoring System.................. 110
Towing....................................................................... 111
Traction Control..................................................... 111
Transmission.......................................................... 111
Installing Child Restraints
............................18
Child Restraints...................................................... 18
Using Lap and Shoulder Belts.......................... 19
Using Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH)........................................... 24
Using Tether Straps............................................. 26
Instrument Cluster
........................................90
Instrument Lighting Dimmer.....................82
Instrument Panel Overview
.........................15
Interior Lamps.................................................83
Second Row Reading Lamps.......................... 83
Third Row Dome Lamps................................... 84Interior Mirror...................................................88
Auto-Dimming Mirror......................................... 88
Introduction.........................................................7
J
Jump Starting the Vehicle..........................221 Connecting the Jumper Cables..................... 221
Jump Starting...................................................... 222
Preparing Your Vehicle...................................... 221
Removing the Jumper Cables....................... 222
K
Keyless Entry
...................................................64
SECURICODE™ Keyless Entry
Keypad................................................................ 64
Keyless Starting............................................146 Ignition Modes..................................................... 146
Keys and Remote Controls.........................52
L
Liftgate...............................................................67
Lighting Control
..............................................80
Flashing the Headlamp High Beam...............81
Headlamp High Beam....................................... 80
Lighting
..............................................................80
General Information........................................... 80
Load Carriers See: Roof Racks and Load Carriers.............202
Load Carrying
................................................202
Load Limit.......................................................202
Special Loading Instructions for Owners of
Pick-up Trucks and Utility-type
Vehicles............................................................. 207
Vehicle Loading - with and without a Trailer................................................................. 202
Locking and Unlocking..................................61 Activating Intelligent Access............................ 62
Autolock................................................................... 63
Autounlock ............................................................ 63
Battery Saver......................................................... 64
Enabling or Disabling Autounlock.................63
Illuminated Entry.................................................. 64
Illuminated Exit..................................................... 64
Locking and Unlocking the Doors with the Key Blade............................................................. 61
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Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Second-Printing Index

Supplementary Restraints System.........44
Principle of Operation........................................ 44
Symbols Glossary.............................................7
SYNC™ 3........................................................362 General Information......................................... 362
SYNC™ 3 Troubleshooting......................424
SYNC™ Applications and Services........................................................342
911 Assist............................................................... 342
SYNC™............................................................324 General Information......................................... 324
SYNC™ Troubleshooting.........................354
T
Technical Specifications See: Capacities and Specifications............299
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Auto Line Program (U.S. Only).......................227
Tire Care...........................................................275 Glossary of Tire Terminology.......................... 277
Information About Uniform Tire Quality Grading.............................................................. 275
Information Contained on the Tire Sidewall............................................................ 278
Temperature A B C............................................ 276
Traction AA A B C............................................... 276
Treadwear............................................................. 276
Tire Pressure Monitoring System..........289 Changing Tires With a Tire Pressure
Monitoring System....................................... 290
Understanding Your Tire Pressure Monitoring System ...................................... 290
Tires See: Wheels and Tires...................................... 273
Towing a Trailer............................................208 Load Placement................................................ 208
Towing the Vehicle on Four Wheels...........................................................214
Emergency Towing............................................. 214
Recreational Towing.......................................... 214
Towing.............................................................208
Traction Control.............................................175 Principle of Operation....................................... 175
Trailer Sway Control...................................209
Transmission Code Designation............304
Transmission..................................................162
Transporting the Vehicle
...........................223 Type Approvals
............................................488
Radio Frequency Certification Logos for
Blind Spot Information System..............495
Radio Frequency Certification Logos for Mid Range Radar.................................................. 490
Radio Frequency Certification Logos for Passive Anti-Theft System........................ 491
Radio Frequency Certification Logos for Radio Transceiver Module........................ 494
Radio Frequency Certification Logos for SYNC 3.............................................................. 497
Radio Frequency Certification Logos for Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensor(s)...............488
Radio Frequency Certification Logos for Wireless Charging........................................ 496
U
Under Hood Overview - 3.5L Duratec.........................................................244
Under Hood Overview - 3.5L Ecoboost™.................................................245
Universal Garage Door Opener...............136 HomeLink Wireless Control System............136
USB Port..........................................................323
Using Adaptive Cruise Control................188 Automatic Cancellation.................................... 191
Blocked Sensor.................................................... 192
Canceling the Set Speed.................................. 191
Changing the Set Speed................................... 191
Detection Issues................................................... 191
Following a Vehicle............................................ 189
Hilly Condition Usage......................................... 191
Overriding the Set Speed................................ 190
Resuming the Set Speed.................................. 191
Setting the Adaptive Cruise Speed.............189
Setting the Gap Distance................................ 190
Switching Adaptive Cruise Control Off........................................................................\
191
Switching Adaptive Cruise Control On........................................................................\
189
Switching to Normal Cruise Control............193
System Not Available........................................ 192
Using All-Wheel Drive................................166 Driving In Special Conditions With
All-Wheel Drive (AWD)............................... 168
Operating AWD Vehicles With Mismatched Tires..................................................................... 167
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Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Second-Printing Index

Operating AWD Vehicles With Spare
Tires..................................................................... 167
Using Cruise Control....................................187 Canceling the Set Speed................................. 187
Changing the Set Speed.................................. 187
Resuming the Set Speed................................ 188
Setting the Cruise Speed................................. 187
Switching Cruise Control Off......................... 188
Switching Cruise Control On.......................... 187
Using MyKey With Remote Start Systems..........................................................59
Using Snow Chains.....................................288
Using Stability Control................................177
Using SYNC™ With Your Media Player............................................................344
Accessing Your Play Menu............................. 349
Connecting Your Digital Media Player to the USB Port.......................................................... 344
Media Menu Features....................................... 347
Media Voice Commands................................ 346
System Settings.................................................. 351
What's Playing?................................................. 345
Using SYNC™ With Your Phone
............329
Accessing Features Through the Phone
Menu.................................................................. 333
Accessing Your Phone Settings.................... 337
Making a Call....................................................... 332
Pairing a Cell Phone for the First Time................................................................... 329
Pairing Subsequent Cell Phones.................330
Phone Options during an Active Call.........332
Phone Voice Commands................................ 330
Receiving Calls.................................................... 332
System Settings................................................. 339
Text Messaging................................................... 335
Using Traction Control................................175 Switching the System Off................................ 175
System Indicator Lights and Messages........................................................... 175
Using a Switch...................................................... 175
Using the Information Display Controls............................................................. 175
Using Voice Recognition...........................326 Audio Voice Commands.................................. 376
Climate Voice Commands.............................. 377
Initiating a Voice Session................................ 326
Mobile App Voice Commands..................... 380
Navigation Voice Commands........................ 379Phone Voice Commands.................................
377
SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link Voice Commands..................................................... 380
System Interaction and Feedback...............327
Voice Settings Commands............................. 381
Utilizing the Mediation/Arbitration Program (Canada Only)
........................228
V
Vehicle Care...................................................265 General Information......................................... 265
Vehicle Certification Label.......................304
Vehicle Identification Number................303
Vehicle Storage.............................................270 Battery..................................................................... 271
Body........................................................................\
270
Brakes...................................................................... 271
Cooling system..................................................... 271
Engine...................................................................... 271
Fuel system........................................................... 271
General.................................................................. 270
Miscellaneous....................................................... 271
Removing Vehicle From Storage................... 271
Tires........................................................................\
.. 271
Ventilation See: Climate Control........................................... 112
VIN See: Vehicle Identification Number............303
Voice Control....................................................75
W
Warning Lamps and Indicators..................91 Adaptive Cruise Control...................................... 91
Airbag Readiness.................................................. 92
Anti-Lock Braking System................................ 92
Battery...................................................................... 92
Brake System......................................................... 92
Charging System.................................................. 92
Cruise Control........................................................ 92
Directional Indicator............................................ 92
Door Ajar.................................................................. 92
Engine Coolant Temperature........................... 92
Engine Oil................................................................ 93
Fasten Seatbelt Warning Lamp...................... 93
Front Airbag............................................................ 93
Front Fog Lamps.................................................. 93
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Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Second-Printing Index