towing FORD FLEX 2019 Owner's Guide

Less Cost to Properly Maintain Your
Vehicle
Ford Protect extended service plan also
offers a Premium Maintenance Plan that
covers all scheduled maintenance, and
selected wear items. The coverage is
prepaid, so you never have to worry about
the cost of your vehicle
’s maintenance.
Covered maintenance includes:
• Windshield wiper blades.
• Spark plugs.
• The clutch disc (if equipped).
• Brake pads and linings.
• Shock absorbers.
• Struts.
• Engine Belts.
• Engine coolant hoses, clamps and
o-rings.
• Diesel exhaust fluid replenishment (if
equipped).
• Cabin air filter replacement every
20,000 mi (32,000 km) (electric
vehicles only).
Interest Free Finance Options
Just a 10% down payment will provide you
with an affordable, no interest, no fee
payment program allowing you all the
security and benefits Ford Protect
extended service plan has to offer while
paying over time. You are pre-approved
with no credit check or hassles. To learn
more, call our Ford Protect extended
service plan specialists at 800-367-3377.
Ford Protect Extended Service Plan
P.O. Box 321067
Detroit, MI 48232 Ford Protect Extended Service
Plan (CANADA ONLY)
You can get more protection for your
vehicle by purchasing a Ford Protect
extended service plan. Ford Protect
extended service plan is the only service
contract backed by Ford Motor Company
of Canada, Limited. Depending on the plan
you purchase, Ford Protect extended
service plan provides benefits such as:
•
Rental reimbursement.
• Coverage for certain maintenance and
wear items.
• Protection against repair costs after
your New Vehicle Limited Warranty
Coverage expires.
• Roadside Assistance benefits.
There are several Ford Protect extended
service plans available in various time,
distance and deductible combinations.
Each plan is tailored to fit your own driving
needs, including reimbursement for towing
and rental. When you purchase Ford
Protect extended service plan, you receive
added peace-of-mind protection
throughout Canada, the United States and
Mexico, provided by a network of
participating authorized Ford Motor
Company dealers.
Note: Repairs performed outside of
Canada, the United States and Mexico are
not eligible for Ford Protect extended
service plan coverage.
This information is subject to change. For
more information; visit your local Ford of
Canada dealer or www.ford.ca to find the
Ford Protect extended service plan that is
right for you.
441
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Second-Printing Ford Protect

When to Expect the OIL CHANGE REQUIRED Message
Vehicle Use and Example
Interval
Normal
7,500– 10,000 mi
(12,000– 16,000 km) Normal commuting with highway driving
No, or moderate, load or towing
Flat to moderately hilly roads
No extended idling
Severe
5,000– 7,500 mi
(8,000– 12,000 km) Moderate to heavy load or towing
Mountainous or off-road conditions
Extended idling
Extended hot or cold operation
Extreme
3,000–5,000 mi
(5,000–8,000 km) Maximum load or towing
Extreme hot or cold operation
Normal Maintenance Intervals At Every Oil Change Interval as Indicated by the Information Display
1
Change engine oil and filter. 2
Rotate the tires.
Perform a multi-point inspection recommended.
Inspect the automatic transmission fluid level. Consult your dealer for requirements.
Inspect the brake pads, rotors, hoses and parking brake.
Inspect the engine cooling system strength and hoses.
Inspect the exhaust system and heat shields.
Inspect the rear axle and U-joints all wheel drive only.
Inspect the half-shaft boots.
Inspect the steering linkage, ball joints, suspension, tire-rod ends, driveshaft and U-
joints.
446
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Second-Printing Scheduled Maintenance

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. 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.
30,000 mi (48,000 km)
Replace spark plugs.
60,000 mi (96,000 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.
Change automatic transmission fluid.
30,000 mi (48,000 km)
Replace spark plugs.
60,000 mi (96,000 km) Extended Hot and Cold climate operation
Change engine oil and filter. *
5,000 mi (8,000 km)
* Hot Climates only
448
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Second-Printing Scheduled Maintenance

Cruise Control..................................................75
Principle of Operation....................................... 187
Cruise control See: Using Cruise Control................................ 187
Customer Assistance.................................225
D
Data Recording
..................................................9
Event Data Recording.......................................... 10
Service Data Recording........................................ 9
Daytime Running Lamps
.............................82
Direction Indicators.......................................83
Doors and Locks
..............................................61
Driver and Passenger Airbags...................45 Children and Airbags.......................................... 46
Proper Driver and Front Passenger Seating Adjustment........................................................ 45
Driving Aids.....................................................194
Driving Hints
...................................................216
Driving Through Water................................217
DRL See: Daytime Running Lamps......................... 82
E
Economical Driving
......................................216
Electromagnetic Compatibility.............460
Emission Law.................................................158 Noise Emissions Warranty, Prohibited
Tampering Acts and Maintenance..........159
Tampering With a Noise Control System............................................................... 158
End User License Agreement.................462 VEHICLE SOFTWARE END USER LICENSE
AGREEMENT (EULA) ................................. 462
Engine Block Heater
....................................149
Using the Engine Block Heater...................... 150
Engine Coolant Check...............................249 Adding Coolant.................................................. 249
Coolant Change................................................... 251
Engine Coolant Temperature Management.................................................. 252
Fail-Safe Cooling................................................ 251
Recycled Coolant................................................ 251
Severe Climates.................................................. 251
Engine Emission Control...........................158 Engine Immobilizer
See: Passive Anti-Theft System...................... 71
Engine Oil Check
...........................................247
Adding Engine Oil............................................... 247
Engine Oil Dipstick.......................................247
Engine Specifications - 3.5L Duratec
.........................................................299
Drivebelt Routing............................................... 299
Engine Specifications - 3.5L Ecoboost™
.................................................299
Drivebelt Routing.............................................. 300
Entertainment..............................................382 AM/FM Radio...................................................... 383
Apps........................................................................\
391
Bluetooth Stereo or USB................................ 390
CD (If equipped)................................................ 389
HD Radio ™ Information (If
Available)........................................................ 386
SiriusXM® Satellite Radio (If Activated)........................................................ 384
Sources.................................................................. 383
Supported Media Players, Formats and Metadata Information................................. 391
USB Ports.............................................................. 391
Environment......................................................14
Essential Towing Checks............................211 Before Towing a Trailer..................................... 213
Hitches.................................................................... 212
Launching or Retrieving a Boat or Personal Watercraft (PWC)......................................... 214
Safety Chains....................................................... 212
Trailer Brake Controller Connector...............212
Trailer Brakes........................................................ 212
Trailer Lamps........................................................ 213
Trailer Towing Connector (Vehicles with a Trailer Towing Package and 7 –Pin
Connector)........................................................ 211
When Towing a Trailer....................................... 213
Event Data Recording See: Data Recording.............................................. 9
Export Unique Options..................................13
Exterior Mirrors................................................86 Blind Spot Information System...................... 87
Direction Indicator Mirrors................................. 87
Fold-Away Exterior Mirrors............................... 86
Heated Exterior Mirrors ......................................87
Integrated Blind Spot Mirror............................. 87
Memory Mirrors .................................................... 87
502
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Second-Printing Index

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
504
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Second-Printing Index

Parking Brake..................................................174
Passive Anti-Theft System..........................71 SecuriLock®............................................................ 71
PATS See: Passive Anti-Theft System...................... 71
Pedals..................................................................77
Perchlorate.........................................................11
Personal Safety System ™
..........................43
How Does the Personal Safety System
Work?.................................................................. 43
Phone...............................................................394 During a Phone Call.......................................... 398
Making Calls......................................................... 397
Pairing Your Cell Phone for the First Time................................................................... 395
Phone Menu........................................................ 395
Receiving Calls................................................... 398
Smartphone Connectivity.............................. 399
Text Messaging.................................................. 399
Post-Crash Alert System
...........................223
Power Door Locks See: Locking and Unlocking.............................. 61
Power Liftgate
.................................................68
Obstacle Detection............................................. 69
Opening and Closing the Liftgate.................. 68
Stopping the Liftgate Movement.................. 69
Power Seats
....................................................125
Power Lumbar..................................................... 126
Power Steering Fluid Check.....................255
Power Windows.............................................85 Accessory Delay................................................... 85
Bounce-Back......................................................... 85
One-Touch Down................................................. 85
One-Touch Up....................................................... 85
Window Lock......................................................... 85
Protecting the Environment........................14
Puncture See: Changing a Road Wheel....................... 293
R
Rear Parking Aid............................................178
Rear Passenger Climate Controls...........118 Directing Air to the Overhead Air
Vents................................................................... 118
Directing Air to the Overhead and Rear Footwell Air Vents.......................................... 118Directing Air to the Rear Footwell Air
Vents................................................................... 118
Rear Control Lock Indicator............................. 119
Setting the Rear Blower Motor Speed.........119
Setting the Rear Temperature........................ 119
Switching the Rear Heated Seats On and Off........................................................................\
119
Rear Seats
........................................................127
Adjusting the Rear Seats.................................. 127
Rear View Camera.......................................183 Using the Rear View Camera System.........184
Rear View Camera See: Rear View Camera.................................... 183
Rear Window Wiper and Washers...........79 Rear Camera Washer.......................................... 79
Rear Window Washer......................................... 79
Rear Window Wiper Blade................................ 79
Recommended Towing Weights
...........209
Refueling..........................................................154 Refueling System Overview........................... 154
Refueling System Warning............................. 156
Refueling Your Vehicle...................................... 154
Remote Control..............................................53 Car Finder................................................................ 55
Integrated Keyhead Transmitter..................... 53
Intelligent Access Key......................................... 53
Memory Feature................................................... 56
Remote Start......................................................... 55
Replacing the Battery......................................... 54
Sounding the Panic Alarm................................ 55
Remote Start
.................................................120
Automatic Settings............................................ 120
Removing a Headlamp.............................260
Repairing Minor Paint Damage...............270
Replacement Parts Recommendation........................................12
Collision Repairs.................................................... 12
Scheduled Maintenance and Mechanical Repairs.................................................................. 12
Warranty on Replacement Parts..................... 12
Replacing a Lost Key or Remote Control............................................................56
Reporting Safety Defects (Canada Only)
..............................................................230
Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Only)
..............................................................230
506
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
508
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Second-Printing Index