2012 Ford FLEX Owners Manual

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ENGINE DATA

Engine

3.5L V6 engine

Cubic inches

214

See Octane

3.5L V6 EcoBoost™

engine

214

See Octane

Fuel

recommendations

recommendations earlier

Firing order

Spark plug gap

Ignition system Compression ratio

earlier in this chapter.

1–4–2–5–3–6

0.052–0.056 inch (1.32–1.42 mm)

Coil on plug

in this chapter. 1–4–2–5–3–6

0.033–0.037 inch (.84– .94 mm) Coil on plug

10.3:1

10.0:1

Engine drivebelt routing 3.5L V6 engine

1. Short drivebelt is on first pulley groove closest to engine (not applicable to vehicles with electric power assisted steering). 2. Long drivebelt is on second pulley groove farthest from engine.

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3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine

IDENTIFYING YOUR VEHICLE

Safety Compliance Certification Label The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Regulations require that a Safety Compliance Certification Label be affixed to a vehicle and prescribe where the Safety Compliance Certification Label may be located. The Safety Compliance Certification Label is located on the structure (B-Pillar) by the trailing edge of the driver’s door or the edge of the driver’s door.

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Vehicle identification number (VIN) The vehicle identification number is located on the driver side instrument panel. Please note that in the graphic, XXXX is representative of your vehicle identification number.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) contains the following information: 1. World manufacturer identifier 2. Brake system / Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) / Restraint Devices and their location 3. Make, vehicle line, series, body type 4. Engine type 5. Check digit 6. Model year 7. Assembly plant 8. Production sequence number

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TRANSMISSION CODE DESIGNATIONS You can find a transmission code on the Safety Compliance Certification Label. The following table tells you which transmission each code represents.

Description 6-speed automatic transmission (6F50) 6-speed automatic transmission (6F55)

Code

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Accessories

FORD CUSTOM ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR VEHICLE A wide selection of Ford Custom Accessories are available for your vehicle through your local Ford or Ford of Canada dealer. These quality accessories have been specifically engineered to fulfill your automotive needs; they are custom designed to complement the style and aerodynamic appearance of your vehicle. In addition, each accessory is made from high quality materials and meets or exceeds Ford’s rigorous engineering and safety specifications. Ford Motor Company will repair or replace any properly dealer-installed Ford Custom Accessories found to be defective in factory-supplied materials or workmanship during the warranty period, as well as any component damaged by the defective accessories. The accessories will be warranted for whichever provides you the greatest benefit: • 12 months or 12,000 miles (20,000 km) (whichever occurs first), or • the remainder of your new vehicle limited warranty. Contact your dealer for details and a copy of the warranty. The following is a list of several Ford Custom Accessories. Not all accessories are available for all models. For a complete listing of the accessories that are available for your vehicle, please contact your dealer or visit our online store at: www.fordaccessories.com (U.S. only).

Exterior style •Bug shield •Deflectors •Graphic kits •Spoiler Interior style •Ambient lighting •Backlit door sill plates •Floor mats

•Splash guards •Applique’ trim kit* •Chrome wheels

•Sport pedals •Interior trim kit* •Rear seat entertainment*

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•Wheel locks

Lifestyle •Roof racks and carriers* •Ash cup / coin holder •Cargo net •Navigation* •Conversation mirror •SUV camping net* •Trailer hitches, wiring harnesses and accessories •Cargo organization and management Peace of mind •Remote start •Vehicle security •Vehicle tracking and recovery* •Bumper and hitch mounted parking sensors* •Locking fuel plug for capless fuel systems *Ford Licensed Accessories (FLA) are warranted by the accessory manufacturer’s warranty. Ford Licensed Accessories are fully designed and developed by the accessory manufacturer and have not been designed or tested to Ford Motor Company engineering requirements. Contact your Ford dealer for details regarding the manufacturer’s limited warranty and/or a copy of the FLA product limited warranty offered by the accessory manufacturer. For maximum vehicle performance, keep the following information in mind when adding accessories or equipment to your vehicle: • When adding accessories, equipment, passengers and luggage to your vehicle, do not exceed the total weight capacity of the vehicle or of the front or rear axle (GVWR or GAWR as indicated on the Safety Compliance Certification label). Consult your authorized dealer for specific weight information.

• The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Canadian Radio Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) regulate the use of mobile communications systems — such as two-way radios, telephones and theft alarms - that are equipped with radio transmitters. Any such equipment installed in your vehicle should comply with FCC or CRTC regulations and should be installed only by a qualified service technician.

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• Mobile communications systems may harm the operation of your

vehicle, particularly if they are not properly designed for automotive use. • To avoid interference with other vehicle functions, such as anti-lock braking systems, amateur radio users who install radios and antennas onto their vehicle should not locate the amateur radio antennas in the area of the driver’s side hood.

• Any non-Ford custom electrical or electronic accessories or

components that are added to the vehicle by the authorized dealer or the owner, may adversely affect battery performance and durability, and may also adversely affect the performance of other electrical systems in the vehicle.

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Ford Extended Service Plan

FORD ESP EXTENDED SERVICE PLANS (U.S. ONLY) More than 32 million Ford and Lincoln owners have discovered the powerful protection of Ford ESP. It is the only extended service plan backed by Ford Motor Company, and provides “peace of mind” protection beyond the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage. Up to 500+ Covered Vehicle Components There are four, new-vehicle Extended Service Plans with different levels of coverage. Ask your dealer for details. PremiumCare – Our most comprehensive coverage. With over 500
covered components, this plan is so complete that we generally only discuss what’s not covered! ExtraCare – Covers 113 components, and includes many high-tech items. BaseCare – Covers 84 components. PowertrainCare – Covers 29 critical components. Ford ESP is honored by all Ford and Lincoln Dealers in the U.S. and Canada It’s the only extended service plan authorized and backed by Ford Motor Company. That means you get: • Reliable, quality service anywhere you go. • Factory-trained technicians. • Ford Authorized Parts used with every covered repair. Rental car reimbursement If your vehicle is kept overnight for covered repairs, you are eligible for rental car coverage, including Bumper-to-Bumper warranty repairs, or manufacturer’s recalls. Transferable coverage If you sell your vehicle before your Ford ESP coverage expires, you can transfer any remaining coverage to the new owner. Whenever you’re ready to sell your car, prospective buyers may feel better about taking a risk on your used vehicle. Ford ESP may add resale value! Plus, exclusive 24/7 roadside assistance, including: • Towing, flat-tire change and battery jump starts. • Out-of-fuel and lock-out assistance. • Travel expense reimbursement for lodging, meals and rental car. • Destination assistance for taxi, shuttle, rental car coverage and

emergency transportation.

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Ford ESP Can Quickly Pay for Itself One service bill – the cost of parts and labor – can easily exceed the price of your Ford ESP Service Contract. With Ford ESP, you minimize your risk for unexpected repair bills and rising repair costs. Avoid the rising cost of properly maintaining your vehicle! Ford ESP also offers a Premium Maintenance Plan that covers items that routinely wear out. The coverage is prepaid, so you never have to worry about affording your vehicle maintenance. It covers regular checkups, routine inspections, preventive care and replacement of items that require periodic attention for normal “wear”: • Wiper blades • Brake pads and linings • Spark plugs (except California) • Shock absorbers • Belts and hoses • Clutch disc Contact your selling Ford or Lincoln dealership today so they can customize a Ford Extended Service Plan that fits your driving lifestyle and budget. Interest free finance options available Take advantage of our installment payment plan, just a 10% down payment will provide you with an affordable no interest, no-fee payment opportunity.

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FORD ESP EXTENDED SERVICE PLANS (CANADA ONLY) You can get more protection for your vehicle by purchasing a Ford Extended Service Plan (ESP). Ford ESP is the only service contract backed by Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited. Depending on the plan you purchase, Ford ESP 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 ESP 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 ESP, you receive added peace-of-mind protection throughout Canada and the United States, provided by a network of participating Ford Motor Company dealers. For more information, visit your local Ford of Canada dealer or www.ford.ca to find the Ford Extended Service Plan that is right for you. Note: Repairs performed outside of Canada and the United States are not eligible for Ford ESP coverage.

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GENERAL MAINTENANCE INFORMATION

Why maintain your vehicle? Carefully following this schedule helps protect against major repair expenses resulting from neglect or inadequate maintenance and may also help to increase the value of your vehicle when you sell or trade it. It is your responsibility to see that all scheduled maintenance is performed and that the materials used meet Ford engineering specifications as identified in the Maintenance and Specifications chapter. Failure to perform scheduled maintenance specific in this guide will invalidate warranty coverage on parts affected by the lack of maintenance. Be sure receipts for completed maintenance are kept with the vehicle and confirmation of the work performed is always recorded in this guide. Your dealer has factory-trained technicians who can perform the required maintenance using genuine Ford parts. They are committed to meeting your service needs and to assuring your continuing satisfaction.

Protecting your investment Maintenance is an investment that will pay dividends in the form of improved reliability, durability and resale value. To ensure the proper performance of your vehicle and its emission control systems, it is imperative that scheduled maintenance be completed at the designated intervals. Your vehicle is equipped with the Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ (IOLM) system which displays a message in the message center at the proper oil change service interval; this interval may be up to one year or 10,000 miles (16,000 km). When ENGINE OIL CHANGE DUE or OIL CHANGE REQUIRED appears in the message center display, it’s time for an oil change; the oil change must be done within two weeks or 500 miles (800 km) of the ENGINE OIL CHANGE DUE or OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message appearing. The Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ must be reset after each oil change; refer to the Instrument Cluster chapter. If your message center is prematurely reset or becomes inoperative, you should perform the oil change interval at six months or 5,000 miles (8,000 km) from your last oil change.

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Your vehicle is very sophisticated and built with multiple complex performance systems. Every manufacturer develops these systems using different specifications and performance features. That’s why it’s 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. Ford strongly recommends the use of genuine Ford replacement parts. Parts other than Ford, Motorcraft威 or Ford-authorized remanufactured parts that are used for maintenance replacement or for the service of components affecting emission control must be equivalent to genuine Ford Motor Company parts in performance and durability. It is the owner’s responsibility to determine the equivalency of such parts. Please consult your Warranty Guide for complete warranty information. Chemicals or additives not approved by Ford are not required for factory recommended maintenance. In fact, Ford Motor Company recommends against the use of such additive products unless specifically recommended by Ford for a particular application. 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, discolored fluids that also show signs of overheating and/or foreign material contamination should be inspected immediately by a qualified expert such as the factory-trained technicians at your dealership. Your vehicle’s oils and fluids should be changed 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.

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Genuine Ford parts and service When planning your maintenance services, consider your dealership for all your vehicle’s needs. There are a lot of reasons why visiting your dealership for all your service needs is a great way to help keep your vehicle running great. Convenience Many dealerships have extended evening and Saturday hours to make your service visit more convenient. How’s that for quality service? 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姞 replacement parts Dealerships stock Ford and Motorcraft威 branded replacement parts. These parts meet or exceed Ford Motor Company’s specifications, and we stand behind them. Parts installed at your dealership carry a nationwide, 12 month/12,000 mile (20,000 km) parts and labor limited warranty. Your dealer can give you details. Value shopping for your vehicle’s maintenance needs Your dealership recognizes the competitive landscape of maintenance and light repair automotive services. With factory-trained technicians, and one-stop service from routine maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations to repairs like brake service, check out the value your dealers can offer.

Owner Checks and Services Certain basic maintenance checks and inspections should be performed by the owner or a service technician at the intervals indicated. Service information and supporting specifications are provided in this owner’s guide.

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Any adverse condition should be brought to the attention of your dealer or qualified service technician as soon as possible for the proper service advice. The owner maintenance service checks are generally not covered by warranties so you may be charged for labor, parts or fluids used.

Engine oil/coolant change intervals

Engine oil

Engine coolant, initial change Engine coolant, after initial change

As indicated by the message center: do not exceed one year or 10,000 miles (16,000 km) 6 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km) (whichever comes first) Every 3 years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km)

Check every month

Engine oil level Function of all interior and exterior lights Tires for wear and proper pressure, including spare Windshield washer fluid level

Check every six months

Battery connections; clean if necessary Body and door drain holes for obstructions; clean if necessary Cooling system fluid level and coolant strength Door weatherstrips for wear; lubricate if necessary Hinges/latches/outside locks for proper operation; lubricate if necessary Parking brake for proper operation Safety belts and seat latches for wear and function Safety warning lamps (brake, ABS, airbag, safety belt) for operation Washer spray/wiper operation; clean or replace blades as necessary

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Multi-point inspection In order to keep your vehicle running right, it is important to have the systems on your vehicle checked regularly. This can help identify potential issues and prevent major problems. Ford Motor Company recommends the following multi-point inspection be performed at every scheduled maintenance interval to help ensure your vehicle keeps running great.

Multi-point inspection – Recommended each visit

Accessory drive belt(s) Battery performance Clutch operation (if equipped) Radiator, cooler, heater and A/C hoses Engine air filter

Half-shaft dust boots (if equipped) Horn operation

Suspension component for leaks or damage Steering and linkage Tires for wear and proper pressure, including spare Windshield for cracks, chips or pits Washer spray and wiper operation

Exhaust system Exterior lamps and hazard warning system operation Fluid levels*; fill if necessary For oil and fluid leaks *Brake, coolant recovery reservoir, manual and automatic transmission (with an underhood dipstick), power steering (if equipped) and window washer Be sure to ask your dealership service advisor or technician about the multi-point vehicle inspection. It’s a comprehensive way to perform a thorough inspection of your vehicle. It’s your checklist that gives you immediate feedback on the overall condition of your vehicle. You’ll know what’s been checked, what’s okay, as well as those things that may require future or immediate attention. The multi-point vehicle inspection is one more way to keep your vehicle running great!

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NORMAL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE AND LOG

Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ Your vehicle is equipped with an Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ that determines when the engine oil should be changed based on how your vehicles is used. By using several important factors in its calculations, the monitor helps reduce the cost of owning your vehicle and reduce environmental waste at the same time. This means you won’t have to remember to change the oil on a mileage-based schedule; the vehicle lets you know when an oil change is due by displaying ENGINE OIL CHANGE DUE or OIL CHANGE REQUIRED in the message center. The following table is intended to provide examples of vehicle use and its impact on engine oil change intervals; it is provided as a guideline only. Actual engine oil change intervals will depend on several factors and will generally decrease with severity of use.

When to expect the OIL CHANGE REQUIRED message Miles (km)

Vehicle use and examples

7500-10000

(12000-16000)

5000-7499

(8000-11999)

3000-4999
(4000-7999)

Normal

– Normal commuting with highway driving – No, or moderate, load/towing – Flat to moderately hilly roads – No extended idling

Severe

– Moderate to heavy load/towing – Mountainous or off-road conditions – Extended idling – Extended hot or cold operation

Extreme

– Maximum load/towing – Extreme hot or cold operation

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Normal Scheduled Maintenance

At every oil change interval as indicated by the message center

Change engine oil and filter Rotate tires, inspect tire wear and measure tread depth Perform multi-point inspection (recommended) Inspect automatic transmission fluid level (if equipped with dipstick); consult dealer for requirements Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, brake linings, hoses and parking brake Inspect cabin air filter (if equipped) Inspect engine cooling system strength and hoses Inspect exhaust system and heat shields Inspect rear axle and U-joints; lubricate if equipped with grease fittings (AWD vehicles) Inspect half-shaft boots (if equipped) Inspect steering linkage, ball joints, suspension, tie-rod ends, driveshaft and U-joints; lubricate if equipped with grease fittings Inspect wheels and related components for abnormal noise, wear, looseness or drag

Reset your Intelligent Oil Life Monitor™ after each engine oil and filter

change; refer to the Instrument Cluster chapter

Do not exceed one year or 10,000 miles (16,000 km) between

service intervals

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