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2012 Ford Flex Owner Guide 2nd Printing - Page 258

2012 Ford Flex Manual

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Driving 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 AdvanceTrac௡ with RSC௡ 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 AdvanceTrac௡ with RSC௡ system activates, SLOW DOWN. WARNING: If a failure has been detected within the AdvanceTrac௡ with RSC௡ system, the stability control light will illuminate steadily and you may hear a chime. If equipped with a message center, the vehicle will also indicate a failure with the brake system. Have the system serviced by an authorized dealer immediately. The AdvanceTrac௡ with RSC௡ system automatically enables each time the engine is started. All features of the AdvanceTrac௡ with RSC௡ system (TCS, ESC, and RSC௡) are active and monitor the vehicle from start-up. However, the system will only intervene if the driving situation requires it. The AdvanceTrac௡ with RSC௡ system includes an AdvanceTrac௡ button located on the center of the instrument panel. The stability control light and the stability control off light in the instrument cluster will illuminate temporarily during start-up as part of a normal system self-check. The stability control light may illuminate (flash) during certain driving situations which cause the AdvanceTrac௡ with RSC௡ system to operate. If the stability control light illuminates steadily, have the system serviced by an authorized dealer immediately. The message center will also indicate a failure with the AdvanceTrac௡ with RSC௡ system. Note: If the system cannot be turned off, refer to MyKey௡ in the Locks and Security chapter for more information. When AdvanceTrac௡ with RSC௡ performs a normal system self-check, some drivers may notice a slight movement of the brake, and/or a rumble, grunting, or grinding noise after startup and when driving off. 258 2012 Flex (471) Owners Guide, 2nd Printing USA (fus)

Section	Page
Table of Contents	1
Introduction	5
Congratulations	5
Safety and Environment Protection	6
Warning symbols in this guide	6
Warning symbols on your vehicle	6
Protecting the environment	6
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING	6
PERCHLORATE MATERIAL	7
Breaking-in your vehicle	7
SPECIAL NOTICES	7
New Vehicle Limited Warranty	7
Special instructions	7
DATA RECORDING	8
Service Data Recording	8
Event Data Recording	8
CELL PHONE USE	10
EXPORT UNIQUE (NON–UNITED STATES/CANADA) VEHICLE SPECIFIC INFORMATION	11
Instrument Cluster	14
Warning lights and chimes	14
Gauges	18
Message center	20
Info	20
System check and vehicle feature customization	22
System warnings	24
Entertainment Systems	30
Audio systems	30
AM/FM CD/MP3 satellite compatible sound system	30
Setting the clock	30
AM/FM Radio	31
RDS Radio	32
CD/MP3 Player	32
Satellite Radio (if equipped)	34
Sound Adjustments	37
Extra Features	38
Audio system–Navigation system based (if equipped)	39
Auxiliary input jack (Line in)	39
USB port (if equipped)	41
General audio information	41
Satellite radio information (if equipped)	44
Family Entertainment DVD System (if equipped)	48
Quick start	48
To play a DVD	48
To play a CD or MP3 disc	49
To play an auxiliary source through the DVD system	49
DVD player controls	51
Remote control	53
Battery replacement	56
Headphones	56
Wireless headphones	56
Wired headphones	58
Operation	58
Single play/dual play	58
Setup menu options	60
Aspect ratio (TV display type)	61
OSD language	61
Angle mark	62
Speaker setup	63
Video setup	63
General setup — screen exit	64
Parental control for the DVD system	64
General information	65
Safety information	66
Federal Communication Commission (FCC) Compliance	67
Care and service of the DVD player	67
Environmental extremes	67
Temperature extremes	67
Humidity and moisture condensation	68
Foreign substances	68
Cleaning the liquid crystal display (LCD) screen	68
Cleaning DVD and CD discs	68
Navigation system (if equipped)	68
SYNC? (if equipped)	68
Climate Controls	69
Single Zone Climate Control with rear passenger compartment climate control	69
Operating tips	71
Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control with heated seats and rear passenger compartment climate control (if equipped)	72
Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control (navigation based–if equipped)	75
Touchscreen functions	77
Voice commands in climate mode	78
Operating tips	78
Auxiliary climate control	80
Rear window defroster	81
Cabin air filter	81
Lights	82
Headlamp Control	82
Autolamp control (if equipped)	82
Autolamps - programmable exit delay	82
Fog lamp control	83
High beams	83
Flash-to-pass	83
Daytime running lamps (DRL) (if equipped)	84
PANEL DIMMER CONTROL	84
Aiming the headlamps	84
Vertical aim adjustment	85
TURN SIGNAL CONTROL	86
INTERIOR LAMPS	86
Front map lamps	86
Ambient lighting (if equipped)	87
Bulb Replacement	87
Lamp assembly condensation	87
Using the right bulbs	88
Replacing interior bulbs	88
Replacing exterior bulbs	88
Replacing headlamp (high beam/low beam) halogen bulbs	89
Replacing HID headlamp bulbs (if equipped)	89
Replacing front parking lamp/turn signal bulbs	89
Replacing rear stop/tail/turn/backup and side marker lamp bulbs (non LED)	90
Replacing license plate lamp bulbs	91
Replacing fog lamp bulbs	91
Driver Controls	92
Multi-function lever	92
Windshield wiper rainlamp feature	92
Rear window wiper/washer controls	93
Tilt/Telescope Steering Wheel	93
Illuminated visor mirror	94
Overhead console	94
Storage compartment	94
Clock (if equipped)	95
Electronic compass	95
Compass zone adjustment	96
Compass calibration adjustment	97
Center Console	97
Console refrigerator/freezer (if equipped)	98
Auxiliary Power Point (12V DC)	99
Power point (110V AC) (if equipped)	100
Power Windows	102
One-touch up or down (driver’s window only)	102
Bounce-back (driver’s window only)	102
Security override	103
Window lock	103
Accessory delay	103
Interior mirror	103
Automatic dimming interior rear view mirror	103
Exterior Mirrors	104
Power side view mirrors	104
Heated outside mirrors (if equipped)	104
Power Adjustable Foot Pedals (if equipped)	105
Speed control	105
Using speed control	106
Setting speed control	106
Disengaging speed control	106
Resuming a set speed	106
Increasing speed while using speed control	107
Reducing speed while using speed control	107
Turning off speed control	107
STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS (IF EQUIPPED)	107
Radio control features	107
Multi-panel Vista Roof™ (if equipped)	109
Universal garage door opener (if equipped)	110
HomeLink? Wireless Control System (if equipped)	110
Programming	111
Gate Operator & Canadian Programming	112
Operating the HomeLink? Wireless Control System	113
Erasing HomeLink? buttons	113
Reprogramming a single HomeLink? button	113
Positive Retention Floor Mat	114
Manual Liftgate	115
Power liftgate (if equipped)	116
Cargo Area Features	120
Cargo net (if equipped)	120
Roof Rack System (if equipped)	120
Locks and Security	122
Keys	122
MyKey?	123
Power door locks	128
Smart locks	128
Autolock feature (if enabled)	128
Deactivating/activating autolock feature	129
Power door lock switch autolock enable/disable procedure	129
Autounlock feature (if enabled)	129
Deactivating/activating autounlock feature	130
Power door lock switch autounlock enable/disable procedure	130
Childproof door locks	131
Remote entry system	131
Unlocking the doors/two stage unlock	133
Locking the doors	133
Car finder	133
Sounding a panic alarm	133
Opening the power liftgate (if equipped)	134
Memory feature (seat, mirrors and adjustable pedals)	134
Programming memory feature to the transmitter	134
Deprogramming memory feature from the transmitter	135
Replacing the battery	135
Replacing lost integrated keyhead transmitters (IKTs)	136
How to reprogram your integrated keyhead transmitters (IKTs)	136
Illuminated entry	136
Illuminated exit	136
Battery saver	136
SecuriCode™ keyless entry system	137
Programming a personal entry code and keypad association to memory seats, mirrors, and adjustable pedals (if equipped)	137
Erasing personal code	138
Anti-scan feature	138
Unlocking and locking the doors using keyless entry	138
Securilock? passive anti-theft system	139
Anti-theft indicator	140
Automatic arming	140
Automatic disarming	140
Replacement of integrated keyhead transmitters (IKT) and coded keys	140
Programming spare keys	141
Perimeter alarm system (if equipped)	142
Arming the system	143
Disarming the system	144
Seating and Safety Restraints	145
Front seats	145
Adjustable head restraints	145
Adjusting the front manual seat (if equipped)	148
Using the manual lumbar support (if equipped)	149
Adjusting the front power seat (if equipped)	150
Using the power lumbar support (if equipped)	152
Heated seats (if equipped)	152
Memory seat/power mirrors/adjustable pedals (if equipped)	153
Folding down the front passenger seatback	153
Easy entry/exit feature (if equipped)	154
Rear seats	154
Second and third row head restraints	154
Adjusting second row bucket and bench seat back	157
Adjusting second row seats (six–passenger vehicles only)	157
Accessing the third row seats	157
Exiting the third row seat	160
Second row heated seats (if equipped)	162
Stowing the third row seat	163
Unstowing the third row seat	164
PowerFold? 3rd-row seat (if equipped)	164
Closing the liftgate	166
Personal Safety System™	167
How does the Personal Safety System™ work?	167
Driver and passenger dual-stage airbag supplemental restraints	168
Front crash severity sensor	168
Driver’s seat position sensor	168
Front passenger sensing system	168
Front safety belt usage sensors	169
Front safety belt pretensioners	169
Front safety belt energy management retractors	169
Determining if the Personal Safety System is operational	169
Safety Belt System	170
Combination lap and shoulder belts	171
Restraint of pregnant women	172
Safety belt locking modes	172
Energy management feature — front outboard	174
Safety belt pretensioner	174
Safety belt extension assembly	175
Front safety belt height adjustment	175
Safety belt warning light and indicator chime	175
Conditions of operation	176
Belt-Minder?	176
Deactivating/activating the Belt-Minder? feature	179
AIRBAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS)	181
Important SRS precautions	181
Children and airbags	183
How does the airbag supplemental restraint system work?	183
Front passenger sensing system	185
Determining if the system is operational	189
Seat-mounted side airbag system	190
How does the side airbag system work?	190
Safety Canopy? System	192
How does the Safety Canopy? System work?	193
Determining if the system is operational	195
SOS Post-Crash Alert System™	195
Disposal of airbags and airbag equipped vehicles (including pretensioners)	195
Safety restraints for children	195
Important child restraint precautions	196
Recommendations for attaching child safety restraints for children	198
Transporting children	199
Safety seats for children	200
Infant and/or toddler seats	200
Installing child safety seats with combination lap and shoulder belts	201
Attaching child safety seats with LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) attachments	204
Use of inboard lower anchors from the outboard seating positions (center seating use)	206
Combining safety belt and LATCH lower anchors for attaching child safety seats	206
Attaching child safety seats with tether straps	207
Child booster seats	209
When children should use booster seats	210
Types of booster seats	211
The importance of shoulder belts	212
Child restraint and safety belt maintenance	213
Tires, Wheels and Loading	214
Notice to crossover vehicle owners	214
Vehicle characteristics	214
All-wheel drive (AWD) system (if equipped)	214
How your vehicle differs from other vehicles	215
Information about uniform tire quality grading	216
Treadwear	216
Traction AA A B C	216
Temperature A B C	217
Tires	217
Glossary of Tire Terminology	217
Inflating your tires	218
Tire care	220
Inspecting your tires and wheel valve stems	220
Tire wear	221
Damage	221
U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN)	222
Tire Replacement Requirements	222
Safety Practices	224
Highway hazards	224
Tire and Wheel Alignment	224
Tire rotation	225
Information contained on the tire sidewall	226
Information on “P” type tires	226
Additional information contained on the tire sidewall for “LT” type tires	229
Information on “T” type tires	230
Location of the tire label	230
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)	231
Changing Tires with a TPMS	232
Understanding your tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)	232
When your temporary spare tire is installed	232
When you believe your system is not operating properly	233
When inflating your tires	234
How temperature affects your tire pressure	234
Snow tires and cables/chains	235
Vehicle loading – with and without a trailer	236
Trailer towing	243
Preparing to tow	244
Hitches	244
Weight-distributing hitch	244
Safety chains	245
Trailer brakes	245
Trailer brake controller connector (if equipped)	246
Trailer lamps	246
Driving while you tow	247
Trailer towing tips	247
Recreational towing	247
Driving	249
Starting	249
Positions of the ignition	249
Starting your vehicle	249
Important safety precautions	250
Starting the engine	252
Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes	252
Important Ventilating Information	252
Engine block heater (if equipped)	253
Brakes	254
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)	255
Using ABS	255
Brake assist	255
ABS warning lamp	255
Brake over accelerator	256
Parking brake	256
AdvanceTrac? with Roll Stability Control™ (RSC?) stability enhancement system	257
Steering	262
Brake-shift interlock	264
Automatic transmission operation	265
Automatic transmission adaptive learning	265
Understanding the gearshift positions of the 6–speed automatic transmission with transmission control switch (if equipped)	266
Understanding the gearshift positions of the 6–speed with SelectShift Automatic™ transmission (SST) (if equipped)	268
Understanding your SelectShift Automatic™ Transmission (SST) (if equipped)	270
Reverse sensing system	271
Rearview camera system (if equipped)	273
Active park assist (APA) (if equipped)	275
All-wheel drive (AWD) system (if equipped)	280
Driving on slippery surfaces with AWD vehicles	281
Basic operating principles	281
If your vehicle goes off the edge of the pavement	281
If your vehicle gets stuck	282
Emergency maneuvers	282
AWD systems (if equipped)	283
Sand	283
Mud and water	283
Driving on hilly or sloping terrain	284
Driving on snow and ice	285
Maintenance and modifications	286
Driving through water	286
Roadside Emergencies	287
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE	287
Vehicles sold in the U.S. : Getting roadside assistance	287
Vehicles sold in the U.S. : Using roadside assistance	287
Vehicles sold in Canada : Getting roadside assistance	288
Vehicles sold in Canada : Using roadside assistance	288
Hazard flasher control	288
Fuel Pump Shut-off	288
Fuses and relays	289
Fuses	289
Standard fuse amperage rating and color	289
Passenger compartment fuse panel	290
Power distribution box	293
Changing the tires	297
Dissimilar spare tire/wheel information	297
Stopping and securing the vehicle	299
Removing the spare tire and jack	299
Tire change procedure	300
Stowing the tire and jack	302
Wheel Lug Nut Torque Specifications	303
Running out of fuel	304
Jump starting	305
Preparing your vehicle	305
Connecting the jumper cables	306
Jump starting	306
Removing the jumper cables	307
Wrecker towing	308
Emergency towing	309
Customer Assistance	310
GETTING THE SERVICES YOU NEED	310
Away from home	310
Additional assistance	311
IN CALIFORNIA (U.S. ONLY)	312
THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU (BBB) AUTO LINE PROGRAM (U.S. ONLY)	313
UTILIZING THE MEDIATION/ARBITRATION PROGRAM (CANADA ONLY)	314
GETTING ASSISTANCE OUTSIDE THE U.S. AND CANADA	314
ORDERING ADDITIONAL OWNER’S LITERATURE	316
Obtaining a French Owner’s Guide	316
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS (U.S. ONLY)	316
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS (CANADA ONLY)	317
Cleaning	318
Washing the exterior	318
Waxing	319
Paint chips	319
Aluminum wheels and wheel covers	319
Engine	319
Plastic (non-painted) exterior parts	321
Windows and wiper blades	321
Instrument panel/Interior trim and cluster lens	322
Interior	323
Leather seats (if equipped)	324
Underbody	324
Ford and Lincoln car care products	325
Maintenance and Specifications	326
Service recommendations	326
Precautions when servicing your vehicle	326
Working with the engine off	326
Working with the engine on	326
Opening the hood	327
Identifying components in the engine compartment	328
Windshield washer fluid	330
Checking and adding washer fluid for the liftgate	331
CHANGING THE WIPER BLADES	331
Changing rear window wiper blade	331
Engine oil	332
Checking the engine oil	332
Adding engine oil	333
Engine oil and filter recommendations	334
Use SAE 5W-20 engine oil	334
Use SAE 5W-30 engine oil	335
Battery	336
Engine coolant	338
Checking engine coolant	338
Adding engine coolant	339
Recycled engine coolant	341
Coolant refill capacity	341
Severe climates	342
Engine fluid temperature management (EcoBoost™ engine only)	342
What you should know about fail-safe cooling	344
How fail-safe cooling works	344
When fail-safe mode is activated	344
Fuel Filter	345
What you should know about automotive fuels	345
Important safety precautions	345
Refueling	347
Easy Fuel? “no cap” fuel system	347
Choosing the right fuel	348
Octane recommendations	349
Fuel quality	349
Cleaner air	350
Running out of fuel	350
Refilling with a portable fuel container	350
Essentials of good fuel economy	351
Measuring techniques	351
Filling the tank	351
Calculating fuel economy	352
Driving style — good driving and fuel economy habits	353
Habits	353
Maintenance	353
Conditions	354
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM	354
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II)	355
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing	356
Power steering fluid (except EcoBoost™ engine)	357
Brake fluid	358
Transmission fluid	358
Checking automatic transmission fluid	358
Low fluid level	361
Correct fluid level	361
High fluid level	361
Adjusting automatic transmission fluid levels	362
Air filter	363
Changing the air filter element	363
Vehicle storage	364
Motorcraft part numbers	366
Maintenance product specifications and capacities	367
Engine data	371
Engine drivebelt routing	371
Identifying your vehicle	372
Safety Compliance Certification Label	372
Vehicle identification number (VIN)	373
Transmission code designations	374
Accessories	375
Ford Custom Accessories for your vehicle	375
Exterior style	375
Interior style	375
Lifestyle	376
Peace of mind	376
Ford Extended Service Plan	378
FORD ESP EXTENDED SERVICE PLANS (U.S. ONLY)	378
FORD ESP EXTENDED SERVICE PLANS (CANADA ONLY)	381
Scheduled Maintenance	382
GENERAL MAINTENANCE INFORMATION	382
Why maintain your vehicle?	382
Protecting your investment	382
Oils, fluids and flushing	383
Genuine Ford parts and service	384

Match case Limit results 1 per page

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 AdvanceTrac

with RSC

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 AdvanceTrac

with RSC

system

activates, SLOW DOWN.

WARNING:

If a failure has been detected within the

AdvanceTrac

with RSC

system, the stability control light will

illuminate steadily and you may hear a chime. If equipped with a

message center, the vehicle will also indicate a failure with the brake

system. Have the system serviced by an authorized dealer immediately.

The AdvanceTrac

with RSC

system automatically enables each time

the engine is started. All features of the AdvanceTrac

with RSC

system

(TCS, ESC, and RSC

) are active and monitor the vehicle from start-up.

However, the system will only intervene if the driving situation requires

it.

The AdvanceTrac

with RSC

system includes an AdvanceTrac

button located on the center of the

instrument panel.

The stability control light and the stability control off light in the

instrument cluster will illuminate temporarily during start-up as part of a

normal system self-check. The stability control light may illuminate

(flash) during certain driving situations which cause the AdvanceTrac

with RSC

system to operate. If the stability control light illuminates

steadily, have the system serviced by an authorized dealer immediately.

The message center will also indicate a failure with the AdvanceTrac

with RSC

system.

Note:

If the system cannot be turned off, refer to

MyKey

in the

Locks

and Security

chapter for more information.

When AdvanceTrac

with RSC

performs a normal system self-check,

some drivers may notice a slight movement of the brake, and/or a

rumble, grunting, or grinding noise after startup and when driving off.

Driving

258

2012 Flex

(471)

Owners Guide, 2nd Printing

USA

(fus)