roof rack FORD FLEX 2019 Owners Manual

Storage Compartments
Center Console
.............................................143
Overhead Console ......................................
144
Starting and Stopping the Engine
General Information ...................................
145
Ignition Switch ..............................................
145
Keyless Starting ...........................................
146
Starting a Gasoline Engine ......................
146
Engine Block Heater ...................................
149
Fuel and Refueling
Safety Precautions .......................................
151
Fuel Quality .....................................................
151
Fuel Filler Funnel Location .......................
152
Running Out of Fuel ....................................
152
Refueling .........................................................
154
Fuel Consumption ......................................
156
Engine Emission Control
Emission Law ................................................
158
Catalytic Converter .....................................
159
Transmission
Automatic Transmission ...........................
162
All-Wheel Drive
Using All-Wheel Drive ...............................
166
Brakes
General Information ....................................
173
Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes ........................................................................\
.
174
Parking Brake .................................................
174
Traction Control
Principle of Operation ................................
175
Using Traction Control ...............................
175Stability Control
Principle of Operation
................................
176
Using Stability Control ...............................
177
Parking Aids
Principle of Operation ................................
178
Rear Parking Aid ...........................................
178
Active Park Assist ........................................
179
Rear View Camera ......................................
183
Cruise Control
Principle of Operation ................................
187
Using Cruise Control ...................................
187
Using Adaptive Cruise Control ...............
188
Driving Aids
Blind Spot Information System .............
194
Cross Traffic Alert ........................................
196
Steering ...........................................................
199
Collision Warning System ........................
199
Load Carrying
Cargo Nets ....................................................
202
Roof Racks and Load Carriers ...............
202
Load Limit ......................................................
202
Towing
Towing a Trailer ...........................................
208
Trailer Sway Control ..................................
209
Recommended Towing Weights ..........
209
Essential Towing Checks ...........................
211
Towing the Vehicle on Four Wheels ......
214
Driving Hints
Breaking-In .....................................................
216
Economical Driving .....................................
216
Driving Through Water ...............................
217
Floor Mats .......................................................
217
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Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Second-Printing Table of Contents

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
WARNING: Vehicle modifications
involving braking system, aftermarket roof
racks, suspension, steering system, tire
construction and wheel and tire size may
change the handling characteristics of your
vehicle and may adversely affect the
performance of the electronic stability
control system. In addition, installing any
stereo loudspeakers may interfere with
and adversely affect the electronic stability
control system. Install any aftermarket
stereo loudspeaker as far as possible from
the front center console, the tunnel, and
the front seats in order to minimize the risk
of interfering with the electronic stability
control sensors. Reducing the
effectiveness of the electronic stability
control system could lead to an increased
risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle
rollover, personal injury and death. WARNING:
Remember that even
advanced technology cannot defy the laws
of physics. It’ s always possible to lose
control of a vehicle due to inappropriate
driver input for the conditions. Aggressive
driving on any road condition can cause
you to lose control of your vehicle
increasing the risk of personal injury or
property damage. Activation of the
electronic stability control system is an
indication that at least some of the tires
have exceeded their ability to grip the road;
this could reduce the operator ’s ability to
control the vehicle potentially resulting in
a loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover,
personal injury and death. If your electronic
stability control system activates, SLOW
DOWN.
The system automatically turns on each
time you switch the ignition on. If a fault occurs in either the stability
control or the traction control system, you
may experience the following conditions:
•
The stability and traction control light
illuminates steadily.
• The stability control and traction
control systems do not enhance your
vehicle's ability to maintain traction of
the wheels.
If a driving condition activates either the
stability control or the traction control
system you may experience the following
conditions:
• The stability and traction control light
flashes.
• Your vehicle slows down.
• Reduced engine power.
• A vibration in the brake pedal.
• The brake pedal is stiffer than usual.
• If the driving condition is severe and
your foot is not on the brake, the brake
pedal may move as the system applies
higher brake force.
The stability control system has several
features built into it to help you maintain
control of your vehicle:
Electronic Stability Control
The system enhances your vehicle ’s ability
to prevent skids or lateral slides by
applying brakes to one or more of the
wheels individually and, if necessary,
reducing engine power.
Roll Stability Control
The system enhances your vehicle ’s ability
to prevent rollovers by detecting your
vehicle ’s roll motion and the rate at which
it changes by applying the brakes to one
or more wheels individually.
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The system may not operate correctly in
any of the following conditions:
•
You use a spare tire or a tire
significantly worn more than the other
tires.
• One or more tires are improperly
inflated.
• You try to park on a tight curve.
• Something passes between the front
bumper and the parking space. For
example, a pedestrian or cyclist.
• The edge of the neighboring parking
vehicle is high off the ground. For
example, a bus, tow truck or flatbed
truck.
• The weather conditions are poor. For
example, during heavy rain, snow or
fog.
Note: Keep the sensors, located on the
fascia, free from now, ice and large
accumulations of dirt. Covered sensors can
affect the systems accuracy. Do not clean
the sensors with sharp objects.
Note: The sensors may not detect objects
with surfaces that absorb ultrasonic waves
or cause ultrasonic interference. For
example, motorcycle exhaust, truck air
brakes or horns. Note:
Following a change in tire size, the
system must recalibrate and operation may
be impaired for a short time.
Do not use the system if:
• You have attached a bike rack, trailer
or other object near the sensors on the
front or rear of your vehicle.
• You have attached an overhanging
object to the roof. For example, a
surfboard.
• A foreign object damages or obstructs
the sensors.
• The correct tire size is not in use. For
example, when using a mini-spare tire.
Using Active Park Assist Press the button to turn the
system on or off.
When driving at a speed less than 22 mph
(35 km/h), the system automatically scans
both sides of your vehicle for an available
parking space. The system displays a
message and a corresponding graphic to
indicate it is searching for a parking space.
Use the direction indicator to select
searching either to the left hand side or
right hand side of your vehicle. If the
direction indicator is not used, the system
defaults to the passenger side of your
vehicle. 180
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Second-Printing Parking AidsE146186 E130107

CARGO NETS (If Equipped)
WARNING:
This net is not designed
to restrain objects during a collision or
heavy braking. The cargo net secures lightweight objects
in the cargo area. Attach the net to the
provided anchors. Do not put more than
50 lb (22 kg)
in the net. ROOF RACKS AND LOAD
CARRIERS WARNING:
When loading the roof
racks, we recommend you evenly distribute
the load, as well as maintain a low center
of gravity. Loaded vehicles, with higher
centers of gravity, may handle differently
than unloaded vehicles. Take extra
precautions, such as slower speeds and
increased stopping distance, when driving
a heavily loaded vehicle.
The maximum recommended load, evenly
distributed on the roof rack, is
100 lb
(45 kg).
Note: Never place loads directly on the roof
panel. The roof panel is not designed to
directly carry a load.
You must place loads directly on the
crossbars fitted to the roof rack side rails.
When using the roof rack system, we
recommend that you use genuine Ford
accessory crossbars specifically designed
for your vehicle.
Make sure that you securely fasten the
load. Check the tightness of the load
before driving and at each fuel stop.
LOAD LIMIT
Vehicle Loading - with and
without a Trailer
This section guides you in the
proper loading of your vehicle,
trailer, or both. Keep your loaded
vehicle weight within its design
rating capability, with or without
a trailer. Properly loading your
vehicle provides maximum return
of vehicle design performance.
202
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Second-Printing Load CarryingE210596

Suppose your vehicle has a
1400-pound (635-kilogram) cargo
and luggage capacity. You and
one of your friends decide to pick
up cement from the local home
improvement store to finish that
patio you have been planning for
the past two years. Measuring the
inside of the vehicle with the rear
seat folded down, you have room
for twelve 100-pound
(45-kilogram) bags of cement. Do
you have enough load capacity to
transport the cement to your
home? If you and your friend each
weigh 220 pounds (99 kilograms),
the calculation would be: 1400 -
(2 x 220) - (12 x 100) = 1400 - 440
- 1200 = - 240 pounds. No, you do
not have enough cargo capacity
to carry that much weight. In
metric units, the calculation would
be: 635 kilograms - (2 x 99
kilograms) - (12 x 45 kilograms) =
635 - 198 - 540 = -103 kilograms.
You will need to reduce the load
weight by at least 240 pounds
(104 kilograms). If you remove
three 100-pound (45-kilogram)
cement bags, then the load
calculation would be:1400 - (2 x
220) - (9 x 100) = 1400 - 440 -
900 = 60 pounds. Now you have
the load capacity to transport the
cement and your friend home. In
metric units, the calculation would
be: 635 kilograms - (2 x 99
kilograms) - (9 x 45 kilograms) =
635 - 198 - 405 = 32 kilograms.
The above calculations also
assume that the loads are
positioned in your vehicle in a
manner that does not overload
the front or the rear gross axle
weight rating specified for your
vehicle on the Safety Compliance
Certification label.
Special Loading Instructions
for Owners of Pick-up Trucks
and Utility-type Vehicles
WARNING: When loading
the roof racks, we recommend you
evenly distribute the load, as well
as maintain a low center of
gravity. Loaded vehicles, with
higher centers of gravity, may
handle differently than unloaded
vehicles. Take extra precautions,
such as slower speeds and
increased stopping distance, when
driving a heavily loaded vehicle.
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Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Second-Printing Load Carrying

WAXING
Regular waxing is necessary to protect your
car's paint from the elements. We
recommend that you wash and wax the
painted surface once or twice a year.
When washing and waxing, park your
vehicle in a shaded area out of direct
sunlight. Always wash your vehicle before
applying wax.
•
Use a quality wax that does not contain
abrasives.
• Follow the manufacturer ’s instructions
to apply and remove the wax.
• Apply a small amount of wax in a
back-and-forth motion, not in circles.
• Do not allow wax to come in contact
with any non-body (low-gloss black)
colored trim. The wax will discolor or
stain the parts over time.
•Roof racks.
• Bumpers.
• Grained door handles.
• Side moldings.
• Mirror housings.
• Windshield cowl area.
• Do not apply wax to glass areas.
• After waxing, your car's paint should
feel smooth, and be free of streaks and
smudges.
CLEANING THE ENGINE
Engines are more efficient when they are
clean because grease and dirt buildup keep
the engine warmer than normal. When washing:
•
Take care when using a power washer
to clean the engine. The high-pressure
fluid could penetrate the sealed parts
and cause damage.
• Do not spray a hot engine with cold
water to avoid cracking the engine
block or other engine components.
• Spray Motorcraft Engine Shampoo and
Degreaser on all parts that require
cleaning and pressure rinse clean. In
Canada, use Motorcraft Engine
Shampoo.
• Never wash or rinse the engine while it
is hot or running; water in the running
engine may cause internal damage.
• Never wash or rinse any ignition coil,
spark plug wire or spark plug well, or
the area in and around these locations.
• Cover the battery, power distribution
box, and air filter assembly to prevent
water damage when cleaning the
engine.
CLEANING THE WINDOWS AND
WIPER BLADES
Car wash chemicals and environmental
fallout can result in windshield and wiper
blade contamination. Dirty windshield and
wipers will result in poor windshield wiper
operation. Keep the windshield and wiper
blades clean to maintain windshield wiper
performance.
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Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Second-Printing Vehicle Care

For a complete listing of the accessories
that are available for your vehicle, please
contact your authorized dealer or visit the
online store web site:
Web Address (United States)
www.Accessories.Ford.com Web Address (Canada)
www.Accessories.Ford.ca
Ford Accessories are available for your
vehicle through an authorized Ford dealer.
Ford Motor Company will repair or replace
any properly authorized dealer-installed
Ford Original Accessory found to be
defective in factory-supplied materials or
workmanship during the warranty period,
as well as any component damaged by the
defective accessories.
Ford Motor Company will warrant your
Ford Original Accessory through the
warranty that provides the greatest
benefit:
• 24 months, unlimited mileage.
• The remainder of your new vehicle
limited warranty.
Contact an authorized dealer for details
and a copy of the warranty.
Exterior Style
• Hood deflectors.
• Side-window deflectors*.
• Splash guards.
• Spoiler.
Interior Style
• Ambient lighting.
• Door sill plates with logo.
• Floor mats. •
Illuminated door sill plate.
• Rear seat entertainment*.
Lifestyle
• Ash cup or coin holder.
• Bluetooth speakers*.
• Camping tent*.
• Cargo area protector.
• Cargo net.
• Cargo organization and management.
• Conversation mirror.
• Roof racks and carriers*.
• Roof rails.
• Seat covers*.
• Trailer hitches, wiring harnesses and
accessories.
• Tablet cradle.
Peace of Mind
• Full vehicle covers*.
• Locking fuel plug.
• Remote start.
• Roadside assistance kits*.
• Vehicle security systems.
• Wheel locks.
*Ford Licensed Accessories. The accessory
manufacturer designs, develops and
therefore warrants Ford Licensed
Accessories, and does not design or test
these accessories to Ford Motor Company
engineering requirements. Contact an
authorized Ford dealer for the
manufacturer's limited warranty details
and request a copy of the Ford Licensed
Accessories product limited warranty from
the accessory manufacturer.
438
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Second-Printing Accessories

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

Roadside Assistance...................................219
Vehicles Sold in Canada: Getting Roadside
Assistance....................................................... 220
Vehicles Sold in Canada: Roadside Assistance Program Coverage................220
Vehicles Sold in Canada: Using Roadside Assistance....................................................... 220
Vehicles Sold in the United States: Getting Roadside Assistance.................................... 219
Vehicles Sold in the United States: Using Roadside Assistance.................................... 219
Roadside Emergencies...............................219
Roof Racks and Load Carriers................202
Running-In See: Breaking-In.................................................. 216
Running Out of Fuel.....................................152 Adding Fuel From a Portable Fuel
Container.......................................................... 153
Filling a Portable Fuel Container................... 152
S
Safety Canopy ™
............................................49
Safety Precautions........................................151
Scheduled Maintenance Record
...........450
Scheduled Maintenance...........................442
Seatbelt Extension.........................................41
Seatbelt Height Adjustment
......................38
Seatbelt Reminder........................................39 Belt-Minder™........................................................ 39
Seatbelts...........................................................34 Principle of Operation........................................ 34
Seatbelt Warning Lamp and Indicator Chime
..............................................................39
Conditions of operation..................................... 39
Seats...................................................................121
Security
................................................................71
Settings.............................................................411 911 Assist................................................................ 416
Ambient Lighting............................................... 422
Bluetooth............................................................... 413
Clock........................................................................\
413
Display................................................................... 423
General.................................................................. 420
Media Player......................................................... 412
Mobile Apps.......................................................... 419
Navigation.............................................................. 417
Phone...................................................................... 413Radio.......................................................................
416
Sound....................................................................... 411
Valet Mode........................................................... 424
Vehicle.................................................................... 422
Voice Control....................................................... 424
Wi-Fi & Hotspot.................................................. 421
Side Airbags
.....................................................48
Sitting in the Correct Position...................121
Snow Chains See: Using Snow Chains................................. 288
Spare Wheel See: Changing a Road Wheel....................... 293
Special Notices................................................12 New Vehicle Limited Warranty......................... 12
On Board Diagnostics Data Link Connector............................................................ 13
Special Instructions.............................................. 12
Special Operating Conditions Scheduled Maintenance..............................................448
Exceptions........................................................... 449
Speed Control See: Cruise Control............................................. 187
Stability Control
............................................176
Principle of Operation....................................... 176
Starter Switch See: Ignition Switch........................................... 145
Starting a Gasoline Engine.......................146 Automatic Engine Shutdown........................ 148
Failure to Start..................................................... 148
Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes................149
Important Ventilating Information...............149
Stopping the Engine When Your Vehicle is Moving............................................................... 149
Stopping the Engine When Your Vehicle is Stationary......................................................... 148
Vehicles with an Ignition Key.......................... 147
Vehicles with Keyless Start............................. 147
Starting and Stopping the Engine..........145 General Information.......................................... 145
Steering............................................................199 Electric Power Steering.................................... 199
Steering Wheel................................................73
Storage Compartments
.............................143
Sunroof See: Moonroof...................................................... 88
Sun Visors.........................................................88 Illuminated Vanity Mirror................................... 88
507
Flex (TP3) , enUSA, Edition date: 201803, Second-Printing Index