Ford 2015 FLEX Owner's Manual
2015 FLEX Owner’s Manual
fordowner.com ford.ca
2015 FLEX Owner’s Manual
October 2014
First Printing
Owner’s Manual
Flex
Litho in U.S.A.
FA8J 19A321 AA
Table of Contents 1
Introduction 10
Child Safety 18
Installing child seats ....................................20
Booster seats .........................................32
Child seat positioning ...................................35
Child safety locks ......................................37
Safety Belts 38
Fastening the safety belts ................................40
Safety belt height adjustment .............................43
Safetybeltwarninglightandindicatorchime..................44
Safety belt-minder .....................................44
Rear inflatable safety belt ................................46
Child restraint and safety belt maintenance ...................48
Personal Safety System 49
Supplementary Restraints System 50
Driver and passenger airbags .............................52
Front passenger sensing system ...........................54
Side airbags ..........................................57
Safety canopy curtain airbags .............................59
Crash sensors and airbag indicator .........................61
Airbag disposal........................................62
Keys and Remote Control 63
General information on radio frequencies.....................63
Remote control .......................................64
Keys ...............................................64
Replacing a lost key or remote control.......................69
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2 Table of Contents
MyKey 70
Settings, MyKey .......................................70
Creating.............................................71
Clearing.............................................72
System status.........................................72
Remote start, MyKey ...................................72
Troubleshooting, MyKey .................................73
Locks 74
Locking and unlocking ..................................74
SecuriCode™ keyless entry keypad .........................82
Security 85
SecuriLock® passive anti-theft system.......................85
Anti-theft alarm .......................................88
Steering Wheel 90
Adjusting the steering wheel ..............................90
Steering wheel controls .................................92
Pedals 95
Adjustable pedals ......................................95
Wipers and Washers 96
Windshield wipers .....................................96
Rain-sensing wipers ....................................96
Windshield washers ....................................97
Rear-window wiper and washer ............................97
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Table of Contents 3
Lighting 98
Lighting control .......................................98
Autolamps ...........................................99
Instrument lighting dimmer ..............................100
Headlamp exit delay ...................................100
Daytime running lamps .................................101
Automatic high beam control.............................101
Front fog lamps ......................................103
Turn signal control ....................................103
Interior lamps........................................104
Windows and Mirrors 105
Power windows ......................................105
Exteriormirrors......................................106
Interior mirrors ......................................109
Sun visors ..........................................110
Moonroof ...........................................110
Instrument Cluster 112
Gauges.............................................112
Warning lamps and indicators ............................114
Audible warnings and indicators ..........................119
Information Displays 120
Controls............................................120
Trip computer .......................................123
Information messages ..................................130
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4 Table of Contents
Climate Control 138
Manual heating and air conditioning........................138
Dual automatic temperature control........................140
Auxiliary passenger climate control ........................143
Rear window defroster .................................147
Cabin air filter .......................................147
Remote Start ........................................148
Seats 149
Sitting in the correct position ............................149
Head restraints.......................................150
Manual seats ........................................153
Power seats .........................................154
Memory function .....................................156
Heated seats ........................................157
Heated and ventilated seats..............................159
Rear seats ..........................................161
Universal Garage Door Opener (If Equipped) 170
HomeLink® wireless control system .......................171
Auxiliary Power Points 175
Storage Compartments 178
Center console .......................................178
Overhead console .....................................180
Starting and Stopping the Engine 181
Ignition switch .......................................182
Engine block heater ...................................187
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Table of Contents 5
Fuel and Refueling 189
Fuel quality .........................................190
Running out of fuel....................................191
Refueling...........................................193
Fuel consumption .....................................195
Transmission 199
Automatic transmission.................................199
All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped) 204
All wheel drive .......................................204
Brakes 211
Brakes .............................................211
Hints on driving with anti-lock brakes ......................212
Parking brake........................................212
Traction Control 213
TractionControl™....................................213
Stability Control 214
AdvanceTrac® .......................................215
Parking Aids 216
Sensing system.......................................216
Active park assist .....................................218
Rear-view camera system ...............................222
Cruise Control 227
Using cruise control ...................................227
Using Adaptive Cruise Control............................228
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6 Table of Contents
Driving Aids 237
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert
(CTA).............................................237
Collision warning system ................................241
Steering............................................245
Load Carrying 247
Cargonet...........................................247
Roof racks and load carriers .............................247
Vehicle loading .......................................248
Towing 256
Trailertowing........................................256
Wrecker towing ......................................264
Recreational towing ...................................265
Driving Hints 267
Economical driving ....................................267
Floormats..........................................268
Roadside Emergencies 270
Getting roadside assistance ..............................270
Hazard warning flashers ................................272
Fuel cut-off switch ....................................272
Jump-starting the vehicle ...............................273
Customer Assistance 276
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) .......................283
Reporting safety defects (Canada only) .....................283
Fuses 284
Changing a fuse ......................................284
Fuse specification chart ................................285
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Table of Contents 7
Maintenance 293
General information ...................................293
Opening and closing the hood ............................294
Under hood overview ..................................295
Engine oil dipstick ....................................297
Engine oil check......................................297
Engine coolant check ..................................298
Automatic transmission fluid check ........................304
Brake fluid check .....................................308
Fuel filter...........................................308
Washer fluid check ....................................309
Battery ............................................309
Checking the wiper blades ..............................311
Changing the wiper blades ..............................311
Air filter(s) .........................................312
Adjusting the headlamps ................................314
Changing a bulb ......................................315
Vehicle Care 320
Cleaning products.....................................320
Cleaning the exterior ..................................320
Waxing.............................................322
Repairing minor paint damage ............................322
Cleaning the engine ...................................322
Cleaning the windows and wiper blades .....................323
Cleaning the interior ...................................324
Cleaning the instrument panel and instrument cluster lens .......324
Cleaning leather seats ..................................325
Cleaning the alloy wheels ...............................326
Vehiclestorage.......................................327
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8 Table of Contents
Wheels and Tires 330
Tirecare...........................................332
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ...................348
Changing a road wheel .................................353
Technical specifications.................................359
Wheel lug nut torque ..................................359
Capacities and Specifications 361
Engine specifications ..................................361
Engine drivebelt ......................................361
Maintenance product specifications and capacities .............362
Part numbers ........................................366
Vehicle identification number ............................367
Vehicle certification label ...............................368
Transmission code designation............................368
Accessories 369
Accessories .........................................369
Extended Service Plan 371
Audio System 374
MyFord™ system .....................................376
Satellite radio information ...............................387
Auxiliary input jack ...................................390
USB port ...........................................391
SYNC® 392
Pairing your phone for the first time .......................397
911 Assist™ .........................................412
Vehicle Health Report ..................................415
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Table of Contents 9
MyFord Touch® (If Equipped) 442
Privacy Information ...................................448
Voice recognition .....................................450
Listening to music ....................................454
Phone features .......................................475
Information Menu .....................................483
Settings............................................495
Climatefeatures......................................507
Navigation system.....................................510
Appendices 528
Scheduled Maintenance 546
Normal scheduled maintenance and log .....................551
Index 563
The information contained in this publication was correct at the time of going to
print. In the interest of continuous development, we reserve the right to change
specifications, design or equipment at any time without notice or obligation. No
part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, stored in a retrieval
system or translated into any language in any form by any means without our
written permission. Errors and omissions excepted.
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© Ford Motor Company 2014
10 Introduction
ABOUT THIS MANUAL
Thank you for choosing Ford. We recommend that you take some time to
get to know your vehicle by reading this manual. The more that you
know about it, the greater the safety and pleasure you will get from
driving it.
WARNING: Always drive with due care and attention when
using and operating the controls and features on your vehicle.
Note: This manual describes product features and options available
throughout the range of available models, sometimes even before they
are generally available. It may describe options not fitted to your vehicle.
Note: Some of the illustrations in this manual may show features as used
in different models, so may appear different to you on your vehicle.
Note: Always use and operate your vehicle in line with all applicable
laws and regulations.
Note: Pass on this manual when selling your vehicle. It is an integral
part of the vehicle.
This manual may qualify the location of a component as left-hand side or
right-hand side. The side is determined when facing forward in the seat.
A
A. Right-hand side
B. Left-hand side
Protecting the Environment
You must play your part in protecting the environment. Correct
vehicle usage and the authorized disposal of waste, cleaning
and lubrication materials are significant steps toward this aim.
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B
Introduction 11
SYMBOL GLOSSARY
These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.
Symbol Description Symbol Description Symbol Description
Safety alert See Owner’s
Manual
Avoid
smoking,
flames, or
sparks
Brake fluid –
non
petroleum
base
Check fuel
cap
Child seat
tether anchor
Battery Battery acid
Brake system Cabin air
Child Safety
Door Lock
and Unlock
Cruise
control
Anti-lock
braking
system
filter
Child seat
lower anchor
Do not open
when hot
Engine air
filter
Engine oil Explosive gas Fan warning
Fasten safety
belt
Fuel pump
reset
Heated rear
window
Engine
coolant
Front airbag Front fog
Fuse
compartment
Interior
luggage
compartment
release
Engine
coolant
temperature
lamps
Hazard
warning
flasher
Jack
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12 Introduction
Symbol Description Symbol Description Symbol Description
Lighting
control
Panic alarm Parking aid
Low tire
pressure
warning
system
Maintain
correct fluid
level
Parking
brake system
Power
steering fluid
Service
engine soon
Windshield
defrost and
demist
DATA RECORDING
Service Data Recording
Service data recorders in your vehicle are capable of collecting and
storing diagnostic information about your vehicle. This potentially
includes information about the performance or status of various systems
and modules in the vehicle, such as engine, throttle, steering or brake
systems. In order to properly diagnose and service your vehicle, Ford
Motor Company, Ford of Canada, and service and repair facilities may
access or share among them vehicle diagnostic information received
through a direct connection to your vehicle when diagnosing or servicing
your vehicle. Additionally, when your vehicle is in for service or repair,
Ford Motor Company, Ford of Canada, and service and repair facilities
may access or share among them data for vehicle improvement purposes.
For U.S. only (if equipped), if you choose to use the SYNC® Vehicle
Health Report, you consent that certain diagnostic information may also
be accessed electronically by Ford Motor Company and Ford authorized
service facilities, and that the diagnostic information may be used for any
purpose. See the SYNC® chapter for more information.
Power
windows
front and
rear
Side airbag Stability
Windshield
washer and
wiper
Power
window
lockout
control
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Introduction 13
Event Data Recording
This vehicle is equipped with an event data recorder (EDR). The
main purpose of an EDR is to record, in certain crash or near
crash-like situations, such as an airbag deployment or hitting a
road obstacle; this data will assist in understanding how a
vehicle’s systems performed. The EDR is designed to record data
related to vehicle dynamics and safety systems for a short period
of time, typically 30 seconds or less. The EDR in this vehicle is
designed to record such data as:
• How various systems in your vehicle were operating;
• Whether or not the driver and passenger safety belts were
buckled/fastened;
• How far (if at all) the driver was depressing the accelerator
and/or the brake pedal;
• How fast the vehicle was travelling;
• Where the driver was positioning the steering wheel.
This data can help provide a better understanding of the
circumstances in which crashes and injuries occur.
Note: EDR data is recorded by your vehicle only if a non-trivial
crash situation occurs; no data is recorded by the EDR under
normal driving conditions and no personal data or information
(e.g., name, gender, age, and crash location) is recorded (see
limitations regarding 911 Assist and Traffic, Directions and
Information privacy below). However, parties, such as law
enforcement, could combine the EDR data with the type of
personally identifying data routinely acquired during a crash
investigation.
To read data recorded by an EDR, special equipment is required,
and access to the vehicle or the EDR is needed. In addition to the
vehicle manufacturer, other parties, such as law enforcement,
that have such special equipment, can read the information if
they have access to the vehicle or the EDR. Ford Motor Company
and Ford of Canada do not access event data recorder
information without obtaining consent, unless pursuant to court
order or where required by law enforcement, other government
authorities or other third parties acting with lawful authority.
Other parties may seek to access the information independently
of Ford Motor Company and Ford of Canada.
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14 Introduction
Note: Including to the extent that any law pertaining to Event
Data Recorders applies to SYNC® or its features, please note the
following: Once 911 Assist (if equipped) is enabled (set ON), 911
Assist may, through any paired and connected cell phone, disclose
to emergency services that the vehicle has been in a crash
involving the deployment of an airbag or, in certain vehicles, the
activation of the fuel pump shut-off. Certain versions or updates
to 911 Assist may also be capable of being used to electronically
or verbally provide to 911 operators the vehicle location (such as
latitude and longitude), and/or other details about the vehicle or
crash or personal information about the occupants to assist 911
operators to provide the most appropriate emergency services. If
you do not want to disclose this information, do not activate the
911 Assist feature. See your SYNC® chapter for more
information.
Additionally, when you connect to Traffic, Directions and
Information (if equipped, U.S. only), the service uses GPS
technology and advanced vehicle sensors to collect the vehicle’s
current location, travel direction, and speed (“vehicle travel
information”), only to help provide you with the directions,
traffic reports, or business searches that you request. If you do
not want Ford or its vendors to receive this information, do not
activate the service. For more information, see Traffic, Directions
and Information, Terms and Conditions. See your SYNC® chapter
for more information.
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
WARNING: Some constituents of engine exhaust, certain vehicle
components, certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain
products of component wear contain or emit chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm.
PERCHLORATE MATERIAL
Note: Certain components in your vehicle, such as airbag modules,
safety belt pretensioners, and remote control batteries, may contain
perchlorate material. Special handling may apply for service or vehicle
end of life disposal. See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate for
more information.
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Introduction 15
FORD CREDIT (U.S. ONLY)
Ford Credit offers a full range of financing and lease plans to help you
acquire your vehicle. If you have financed or leased your vehicle through
Ford Credit, thank you for your business.
For your convenience, we offer a number of ways to contact us, as well
as help manage your account.
Phone: 1-800-727-7000
For more information regarding Ford Credit, as well as access to
Account Manager, please go to www.fordcredit.com.
REPLACEMENT PARTS RECOMMENDATION
Your vehicle has been built to the highest standards using quality parts.
We recommend that you demand the use of genuine Ford and Motorcraft
parts whenever your vehicle requires scheduled maintenance or repair.
You can clearly identify genuine Ford and Motorcraft parts by looking for
the Ford, FoMoCo or Motorcraft branding on the parts or their
packaging.
Scheduled Maintenance and Mechanical Repairs
One of the best ways for you to make sure that your vehicle provides
years of service is to have it maintained in line with our
recommendations using parts that conform to the specifications detailed
in this owner’s manual. Genuine Ford and Motorcraft parts meet or
exceed these specifications.
Collision Repairs
We hope that you never experience a collision, but accidents do happen.
Genuine Ford replacement collision parts meet our stringent
requirements for fit, finish, structural integrity, corrosion protection and
dent resistance. During vehicle development, we validate that these parts
deliver the intended level of protection as a whole system. A great way
to know for sure you are getting this level of protection is to use genuine
Ford replacement collision parts.
Warranty on Replacement Parts
Genuine Ford and Motorcraft replacement parts are the only
replacement parts that benefit from a Ford Warranty. Damage caused to
your vehicle as a result of the failure of non-Ford parts may not be
covered by the Ford Warranty. For additional information, see the terms
and conditions of the Ford Warranty.
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16 Introduction
SPECIAL NOTICES
New Vehicle Limited Warranty
For a detailed description of what is covered and what is not covered by
your vehicle’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty, see the warranty
information that is provided to you along with your owner’s manual.
Special Instructions
For your added safety, your vehicle is fitted with sophisticated electronic
controls.
WARNING: Please read the Supplementary Restraints System
chapter. Failure to follow the specific warnings and instructions
could result in personal injury.
WARNING: Front seat mounted rear-facing child or infant seats
should NEVER be placed in front of an active passenger airbag.
MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT
Using mobile communications equipment is becoming increasingly
important in the conduct of business and personal affairs. However, you
must not compromise your own or others’ safety when using such
equipment. Mobile communications can enhance personal safety and
security when appropriately used, particularly in emergency situations.
Safety must be paramount when using mobile communications
equipment to avoid negating these benefits.
Mobile communication equipment includes, but is not limited to, cellular
phones, pagers, portable email devices, text messaging devices and
portable two-way radios.
WARNING: Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle
control, crash and injury. We strongly recommend that you use
extreme caution when using any device that may take your focus off
the road. Your primary responsibility is the safe operation of your
vehicle. We recommend against the use of any handheld device while
driving and encourage the use of voice-operated systems when possible.
Make sure you are aware of all applicable local laws that may affect the
use of electronic devices while driving.
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Introduction 17
EXPORT UNIQUE (NON–UNITED STATES/CANADA) VEHICLE
SPECIFIC INFORMATION
For your particular global region, your vehicle may be equipped with
features and options that are different from the features and options that
are described in this owner’s manual. A market unique supplement may
be supplied that complements this book. By referring to the market
unique supplement, if provided, you can properly identify those features,
recommendations and specifications that are unique to your vehicle. This
owner’s manual is written primarily for the U.S. and Canadian Markets.
Features or equipment listed as standard may be different on units built
for Export. See this owner’s manual for all other required
information and warnings.
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18 Child Safety
GENERAL INFORMATION
See the following sections for directions on how to properly use safety
restraints for children.
WARNING: Always make sure your child is secured properly in a
device that is appropriate for their height, age and weight. Child
safety restraints must be bought separately from your vehicle. Failure
to follow these instructions and guidelines may result in an increased
risk of serious injury or death to your child.
WARNING: All children are shaped differently. The
recommendations for safety restraints are based on probable
child height, age and weight thresholds from NHTSA and other safety
organizations, or are the minimum requirements of law. Ford
recommends checking with a NHTSA Certified Child Passenger Safety
Technician (CPST) and consulting your pediatrician to make sure your
child seat is appropriate for your child, and is compatible with and
properly installed in your vehicle. To locate a child seat fitting station
and CPST, contact the NHTSA toll free at 1-888-327-4236 or on the
internet at http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov. In Canada, check with your local
St. John Ambulance office for referral to a CPST or for further
information, contact your provincial ministry of transportation, or locate
your local St. John Ambulance office by searching for St. John
Ambulance on the internet, or Transport Canada at 1–800–333–0371
(http://www.tc.gc.ca). Failure to properly restrain children in safety
seats made especially for their height, age, and weight may result in an
increased risk of serious injury or death to your child.
WARNING: Do not leave children or animals unattended in the
vehicle. On hot days, the temperature in the trunk or vehicle
interior can rise very quickly. Exposure of people or animals to these
high temperatures for even a short time can cause death or serious
heat-related injuries, including brain damage. Small children are
particularly at risk.
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Child Safety 19
Recommendations for Safety Restraints for Children
Child size, height, weight, or
age
Infants
or
toddlers
Small
children
Larger
children
• You are required by law to properly use safety seats for infants and
toddlers in the United States and Canada.
• Many states and provinces require that small children use approved
booster seats until they reach age eight, a height of 4 feet 9 inches
(1.45 meters) tall, or 80 pounds (36 kilograms). Check your local and
state or provincial laws for specific requirements about the safety of
children in your vehicle.
• When possible, always properly restrain children twelve (12) years of
age and under in a rear seating position of your vehicle. Accident
statistics suggest that children are safer when properly restrained in
the rear seating positions than in a front seating position. See Front
Passenger Sensing System in the Supplementary Restraints System
chapter for more information.
Children weighing 40 lb (18 kg) or
less (generally age four or
younger).
Children who have outgrown or no
longer properly fit in a child safety
seat (generally children who are
less than 4 ft. 9 in. (1.45 m) tall,
are greater than age four (4) and
less than age twelve (12), and
between 40 lb (18 kg) and 80 lb
(36 kg) and upward to 100 lb
(45 kg) if recommended by your
child restraint manufacturer).
Children who have outgrown or no
longer properly fit in a
belt-positioning booster seat
(generally children who are at
least 4 ft. 9 in. (1.45 m) tall or
greater than 80 lb (36 kg) or
100 lb (45 kg) if recommended by
child restraint manufacturer).
Recommended
restraint type
Use a child safety seat
(sometimes called an
infant carrier,
convertible seat, or
toddler seat).
Use a belt-positioning
booster seat.
Use a vehicle safety
belt having the lap belt
snug and low across the
hips, shoulder belt
centered across the
shoulder and chest, and
seat back upright.
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20 Child Safety
INSTALLING CHILD SEATS
Child Seats
Use a child safety seat (sometimes
called an infant carrier, convertible
seat, or toddler seat) for infants,
toddlers or children weighing
40 pounds (18 kilograms) or less
(generally age four or younger).
Using Lap and Shoulder Belts
WARNING: Airbags can kill or injure a child in a child seat.
Never place a rear-facing child seat in front of an active airbag. If
you must use a forward-facing child seat in the front seat, move the
seat upon which the child seat is installed all the way back.
WARNING: Airbags can kill or injure a child in a child seat.
Children 12 and under should be properly restrained in the rear
seat whenever possible.
WARNING: Depending on where you secure a child restraint,
and depending on the child restraint design, you may block
access to certain safety belt buckle assemblies or LATCH lower
anchors, rendering those features potentially unusable. To avoid risk of
injury, occupants should only use seating positions where they are able
to be properly restrained.
When installing a child safety seat with combination lap and shoulder
belts:
• Use the correct safety belt buckle for that seating position.
• Insert the belt tongue into the proper buckle until you hear a snap
and feel it latch. Make sure the tongue is securely fastened in the
buckle.
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Child Safety 21
• Keep the buckle release button pointing up and away from the safety
seat, with the tongue between the child seat and the release button,
to prevent accidental unbuckling.
• Place the vehicle seat upon which the child seat will be installed in
the upright position.
• For second-row seating positions, the recliner may be adjusted slightly
to improve child seat fit. If needed, the head restraints may be
removed.
• For third-row seating positions, the head restraints may be stowed to
improve child seat fit. See the Seats chapter for information on folding
the head restraints.
• Put the safety belt in the automatic locking mode. See Step 5 below.
This vehicle does not require the use of a locking clip.
Perform the following steps when installing the child seat with
combination lap and shoulder belts:
Note: Although the child seat illustrated is a forward-facing child seat,
the steps are the same for installing a rear-facing child seat.
Note: The lock-off device on some child restraints may not
accommodate the shoulder portion of the inflatable safety belt. Follow all
instructions provided by the manufacturer of the child restraint
regarding the necessary and proper use of the lock-off device. In some
instances these devices have been provided only for use in vehicles with
safety belt systems that would otherwise require a locking clip.
1. Position the child safety seat in a
seat with a combination lap and
shoulder belt.
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22 Child Safety
2. After positioning the child safety seat in the proper seating position,
do the following:
• Standard safety belt: pull down
on the shoulder belt and then
grasp the shoulder belt and lap
belt together behind the belt
tongue.
• Inflatable safety belt: grasp the
shoulder belt and lap belt together
behind the belt tongue.
3. While holding the shoulder and
lap belt portions together, route the
tongue through the child seat
according to the child seat
manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure
the belt webbing is not twisted.
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Child Safety 23
4. Insert the belt tongue into the proper buckle (the buckle closest to
the direction the tongue is coming from) for that seating position until
you hear a snap and feel the latch engage. Make sure the tongue is
latched securely by pulling on it.
• Standard safety belt buckle
• Inflatable safety belt buckle
5. To put the retractor in the automatic locking mode, do the following;
• Standard safety belt: grasp the
shoulder portion of the belt and
pull downward until all of the
belt is pulled out.
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24 Child Safety
• Inflatable safety belt: grasp the lap
portion of the inflatable safety belt
and pull upward until all of the belt
is pulled out.
Note: Unlike the standard safety belt, the inflatable safety belt’s unique
lap portion locks the child seat for installation. The ability for the
shoulder portion of the belt to move freely is normal, even after the lap
belt has been put into the automatic locking mode.
6. Allow the belt to retract to remove slack. The belt will click as it
retracts to indicate it is in the automatic locking mode.
7. Try to pull the belt out of the retractor to make sure the retractor is
in the automatic locking mode (you should not be able to pull more belt
out). If the retractor is not locked, repeat Steps 5 and 6.
8. Remove remaining slack from the belt. Force the seat down with extra
weight, for example, by pressing down or kneeling on the child restraint
while pulling up on the shoulder belt (for standard safety belt) or pulling
down on the lap belt (for inflatable safety belt) in order to force slack
from the belt. This is necessary to remove the remaining slack that will
exist once the extra weight of the child is added to the child restraint. It
also helps to achieve the proper snugness of the child seat to your
vehicle. Sometimes, a slight lean toward the buckle will provide extra
help to remove remaining slack from the belt.
• Standard safety belt
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Child Safety 25
• Inflatable safety belt
9. Attach the tether strap (if the child seat is equipped). See Using
Tether Straps later in this chapter.
10. Before placing the child in the
seat, forcibly move the seat forward
and back to make sure the seat is
securely held in place. To check
this, grab the seat at the belt path
and attempt to move it side to side
and forward and back. There should
be no more than 1 inch (2.5
centimeters) of movement for
proper installation.
Ford recommends checking with a NHTSA Certified Child Passenger
Safety Technician to make certain the child restraint is properly installed.
In Canada, check with your local St. John Ambulance office for referral
to a Child Passenger Safety Technician.
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26 Child Safety
Using Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH)
WARNING: Never attach two child safety seats to the same
anchor. In a crash, one anchor may not be strong enough to hold
two child safety seat attachments and may break, causing serious injury
or death.
WARNING: Depending on where you secure a child restraint,
and depending on the child restraint design, you may block
access to certain safety belt buckle assemblies or LATCH lower
anchors, rendering those features potentially unusable. To avoid risk of
injury, occupants should only use seating positions where they are able
to be properly restrained.
The LATCH system is composed of three vehicle anchor points: two
lower anchors located where seat back and seat cushion meet (called the
seat bight) and one top tether anchor located behind that seating
position.
LATCH compatible child safety seats have two rigid or webbing mounted
attachments that connect to the two lower anchors at the LATCH
equipped seating positions in your vehicle. This type of attachment
method eliminates the need to use safety belts to attach the child seat,
however the safety belt can still be used to attach the child seat. For
forward-facing child seats, the top tether strap must also be attached to
the proper top tether anchor, if a top tether strap has been provided
with your child seat.
Your vehicle has LATCH lower anchors for child seat installation at the
seating positions marked with the child seat symbol.
• Second-row bucket seats and
third-row passenger side
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• Second-row bench seats and
third-row passenger side
The LATCH anchors are located at
the rear section of the rear seat
between the cushion and seat back
below the symbols as shown. Follow
the child seat manufacturer’s
instructions to properly install a
child seat with LATCH attachments.
Follow the instructions on attaching child safety seats with tether straps.
See Using Tether Straps later in this chapter.
Attach LATCH lower attachments of the child seat only to the anchors
shown.
Using Inboard Lower Anchors From the Outboard Seating
Positions (Center Seating Use)
WARNING: The standardized spacing for LATCH lower anchors
is 11 inches (280 millimeters) center to center. Do not use
LATCH lower anchors for the center seating position unless the child
seat manufacturer’s instructions permit and specify using anchors
spaced at least as far apart as those in this vehicle.
The lower anchors at the center of the second row rear seat are spaced
20.5 inches (520 millimeters apart). The standardized spacing for LATCH
lower anchors is 11 inches (280 millimeters) center to center. A child
seat with rigid LATCH attachments cannot be installed at the center
seating position. LATCH compatible child seats (with attachments on belt
webbing) can only be used at this seating position provided that the
child seat manufacturer’s instructions permit use with the anchor spacing
stated. Do not attach a child seat to any lower anchor if an adjacent
child seat is attached to that anchor.
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28 Child Safety
Each time you use the safety seat, check that the seat is properly
attached to the lower anchors and tether anchor, if applicable. Tug the
child seat from side to side and forward and back where it is secured to
the vehicle. The seat should move less than one inch when you do this
for a proper installation.
If the safety seat is not anchored properly, the risk of a child being
injured in a crash greatly increases.
Combining Safety Belt and LATCH Lower Anchors for Attaching
Child Safety Seats
When used in combination, either the safety belt or the LATCH lower
anchors may be attached first, provided a proper installation is achieved.
Attach the tether strap afterward, if included with the child seat.
Using Tether Straps
Many forward-facing child safety seats include a tether strap
which extends from the back of the child safety seat and hooks
to an anchoring point called the top tether anchor. Tether
straps are available as an accessory for many older safety seats.
Contact the manufacturer of your child seat for information about
ordering a tether strap, or to obtain a longer tether strap if the tether
strap on your safety seat does not reach the appropriate top tether
anchor in your vehicle.
Once the child safety seat has been installed using either the safety belt,
the lower anchors of the LATCH system, or both, you can attach the top
tether strap.
The tether strap anchors in your vehicle are in the following positions
(shown from top view):
• Second row bucket seats and
third-row passenger side
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• Second row bench seats and
third-row passenger side
Perform the following steps to install a child safety seat with tether anchors:
Note: If you install a child seat with rigid LATCH attachments, do not
tighten the tether strap enough to lift the child seat off your vehicle seat
cushion when the child is seated in it. Keep the tether strap just snug
without lifting the front of the child seat. Keeping the child seat just
touching your vehicle seat gives the best protection in a severe crash.
1. Route the tether strap.
• Second-row outboard seat positions: Route the child safety seat tether
strap over the seat back, under the head restraint and between the
head restraint posts. If needed, remove the head restraint to improve
the fit of the child safety seat or tether strap.
• Second-row center seat positions: Route the child safety seat tether
strap over the top of the head restraint. If needed, remove the head
restraint to improve the fit of the child safety seat or tether strap. See
Rear Seats in this chapter for head restraint information.
• Third-row seat position: Route the child safety seat tether strap over
the seat back, under the head restraint and between the head
restraint posts. If needed, fold the head restraint down to improve the
fit of the child safety seat or tether strap. See Rear seats in the Seats
chapter for head restraint information.
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