FORD Flex 2013 User Manual v.3

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2013 FLEX Owner’s Manual

Table of Contents 1

Introduction 9

Child Safety 17

Child seats...........................................19

Child seat positioning ...................................19

Booster seats .........................................21

Installing child safety seats ...............................24

Safety Belts 36

Fastening the safety belts ................................38

Safety belt height adjustment .............................41

Safetybeltwarninglightandindicatorchime..................42

Safety belt-minder .....................................42

Rear inflatable safety belt ................................45

Child restraint and safety belt maintenance ...................47

Personal Safety System 48

Supplementary Restraints System 49

Driver and passenger airbags .............................51

Front passenger sensing system ...........................52

Side airbags ..........................................56

Safety canopy curtain airbags .............................58

Crash sensors and airbag indicator .........................59

Airbag disposal........................................61

Keys and Remote Control 62

General information on radio frequencies.....................62

Remote control .......................................63

Keys ...............................................63

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 .........................81

Security 84

SecuriLock® passive anti-theft system.......................84

Anti-theft alarm .......................................87

Steering Wheel 88

Adjusting the steering wheel ..............................88

Steering wheel controls .................................89

Pedals 92

Adjustable pedals ......................................92

Wipers and Washers 93

Windshield wipers .....................................93

Rain-sensing wipers ....................................93

Windshield washers ....................................94

Rear-window wiper and washer ............................94

Lighting 95

Lighting control .......................................95

Autolamps ...........................................96

Instrument lighting dimmer...............................96

Headlamp exit delay ....................................96

Daytime running lamps ..................................97

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Table of Contents 3

Frontfoglamps.......................................98

Turn signal control .....................................98

Interior lamps ........................................98

Windows and Mirrors 100

Power windows ......................................100

Exteriormirrors......................................101

Interior mirrors ......................................104

Sun visors ..........................................104

Moonroof ...........................................105

Instrument Cluster 106

Gauges.............................................106

Warning lamps and indicators ............................107

Audible warnings and indicators ..........................112

Information Displays 113

Controls............................................113

Trip computer .......................................116

Information messages ..................................123

Audio System 132

MyFord™ system .....................................134

Auxiliary input jack ...................................141

USBport...........................................143

Satellite radio information ...............................144

Climate Control 147

Manual heating and air conditioning........................147

Dual automatic temperature control........................149

Auxiliary passenger climate control ........................152

Rear window defroster .................................155

Cabin air filter .......................................155

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4 Table of Contents

Seats 157

Sitting in the correct position ............................157

Head restraints.......................................158

Manual seats ........................................161

Power seats .........................................162

Memory function .....................................163

Heated seats ........................................164

Heated and cooled seats ................................166

Rear seats ..........................................168

Universal Garage Door Opener (If Equipped) 177

HomeLink® wireless control system .......................178

Auxiliary Power Points 182

Storage Compartments 185

Center console .......................................185

Overhead console .....................................187

Starting and Stopping the Engine 188

Ignition switch .......................................189

Engine block heater ...................................193

Fuel and Refueling 195

Fuel quality .........................................196

Running out of fuel....................................197

Refueling...........................................198

Fuel consumption .....................................200

Transmission 204

Automatic transmission.................................204

All-Wheel Drive (If Equipped) 209

All wheel drive .......................................209

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Table of Contents 5

Brakes 215

Brakes .............................................215

Hints on driving with anti-lock brakes ......................216

Parking brake........................................216

Traction Control 217

TractionControl™....................................217

Stability Control 218

AdvanceTrac® .......................................219

Parking Aids 220

Sensing system.......................................220

Active park assist .....................................222

Rear-view camera system ...............................226

Cruise Control 231

Using cruise control ...................................231

Using Adaptive Cruise Control............................232

Driving Aids 241

Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert

(CTA).............................................241

Collision warning system ................................246

Steering ............................................249

Load Carrying 251

Cargo net...........................................251

Roof racks and load carriers .............................251

Vehicle loading .......................................252

Towing 260

Trailertowing........................................260

Wrecker towing ......................................267

Recreational towing ...................................268

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6 Table of Contents

Driving Hints 270

Economical driving ....................................270

Driving through water..................................271

Floormats..........................................272

Roadside Emergencies 274

Getting roadside assistance ..............................274

Hazard warning flashers ................................276

Fuel cut-off switch ....................................276

Jump-starting the vehicle ...............................277

Customer Assistance 280

Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) .......................287

Reporting safety defects (Canada only) .....................287

Fuses 288

Changing a fuse ......................................288

Fuse specification chart ................................289

Maintenance 298

General information ...................................298

Opening and closing the hood ............................299

Under hood overview ..................................300

Engine oil dipstick ....................................302

Engine oil check......................................302

Engine coolant check ..................................303

Automatic transmission fluid check ........................309

Brake fluid check .....................................313

Power steering fluid check ..............................313

Fuel filter...........................................313

Washer fluid check ....................................314

Battery ............................................314

Checking the wiper blades ..............................316

Changing the wiper blades ..............................316

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Table of Contents 7

Air filter(s) .........................................317

Adjusting the headlamps ................................319

Changing a bulb ......................................320

Vehicle Care 325

Cleaning products.....................................325

Cleaning the exterior ..................................325

Waxing.............................................327

Repairing minor paint damage ............................327

Cleaning the engine ...................................327

Cleaning the windows and wiper blades .....................328

Cleaning the interior ...................................328

Cleaning the instrument panel and instrument cluster lens .......329

Cleaning leather seats ..................................330

Cleaning the alloy wheels ...............................330

Vehiclestorage.......................................331

Wheels and Tires 334

Tire care ...........................................336

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ...................352

Changing a road wheel .................................356

Technical specifications.................................362

Wheel lug nut torque ..................................362

Capacities and Specifications 364

Engine specifications ..................................364

Engine drivebelt ......................................364

Maintenance product specifications and capacities .............365

Part numbers ........................................369

Vehicle identification number ............................370

Vehicle certification label ...............................371

Transmission code designation............................371

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8 Table of Contents

Accessories 372

Accessories .........................................372

Ford Extended Service Plan 374

Scheduled Maintenance 377

Normal scheduled maintenance and log .....................382

SYNC® 394

Pairing your phone for the first time .......................399

911 Assist™ .........................................413

Vehicle Health Report ..................................416

MyFord Touch® (If Equipped) 438

Privacy Information ...................................444

Infotainment display ...................................445

Voice recognition .....................................447

Listening to music ....................................452

Phone features .......................................473

Information Menu .....................................481

Settings............................................493

Climatefeatures......................................505

Navigation system.....................................508

Appendices 520

Index 539

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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Introduction 9

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 a range of product features and options, sometimes before they are generally available. Therefore, you may find options in this manual that are not found on your vehicle.

Note: Some of the illustrations in this manual may be used for different models, so they may appear different than your vehicle. However, the essential information in the illustrations is always correct.

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. 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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10 Introduction

SYMBOL GLOSSARY

WARNING: You risk death or serious injury to yourself and others if you do not follow the instruction highlighted by the

warning symbol.

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

Engine coolant

Front airbag Front fog

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Engine coolant temperature

lamps

Introduction 11

Symbol Description Symbol Description Symbol Description

Fuel pump reset

Heated rear window

Lighting control

Panic alarm Parking aid

Fuse compartment

Interior luggage compartment release

Low tire pressure warning

system

Hazard warning flasher

Jack

Maintain correct fluid level

Parking brake system

Power steering fluid

Service engine soon

Windshield defrost and demist

Power windows front and rear

Side airbag Stability

Windshield washer and wiper

Power window lockout

control

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12 Introduction

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.

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

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Introduction 13

(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.

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. Ford Motor Company and the vendors it uses to provide you with this information do not store your vehicle travel information. For more information, see Traffic, Directions and Information, Terms and Conditions. See your SYNC® chapter for more information.

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14 Introduction

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.

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.

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Introduction 15

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.

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.

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16 Introduction

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, accident and injury. Ford strongly recommends that you use extreme caution when using any device or feature 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, encourage the use of voice operated systems when possible and that you become aware of applicable state and local laws that may affect use of electronic devices while driving.

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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Child Safety 17

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 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 locate NHTSA on the internet. 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.

Recommendations for Safety Restraints for Children

Infants or toddlers

Child size, height, weight, or age

Children weighing 40 lb (18 kg) or less (generally age four or younger).

Recommended restraint type

Use a child safety seat (sometimes called an infant carrier, convertible seat, or toddler seat).

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18 Child Safety

Recommendations for Safety Restraints for Children

Child size, height, weight, or age

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 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 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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Child Safety 19

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).

CHILD SEAT POSITIONING

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 vehicle seat upon which the child seat is installed all the way back. When possible, all children age 12 and under should be properly restrained in a rear seating position. If all children cannot be seated and restrained properly in a rear seating position, properly restrain the largest child in the front seat.

WARNING: Always carefully follow the instructions and warnings

provided by the manufacturer of any child restraint to determine if the restraint device is appropriate for your child’s size, height, weight, or age. Follow the child restraint manufacturer’s instructions and warnings provided for installation and use in conjunction with the instructions and warnings provided by your vehicle manufacturer. A safety seat that is improperly installed or utilized, is inappropriate for your child’s height, age, or weight or does not properly fit the child may increase the risk of serious injury or death.

WARNING: Never let a passenger hold a child on his or her lap

while your vehicle is moving. The passenger cannot protect the child from injury in a crash, which may result in serious injury or death.

WARNING: Never use pillows, books, or towels to boost a child.

They can slide around and increase the likelihood of injury or death in a crash.

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20 Child Safety

WARNING: Always restrain an unoccupied child seat or booster seat. These objects may become projectiles in a crash or sudden

stop, which may increase the risk of serious injury.

WARNING: Never place, or allow a child to place, the shoulder

belt under a child’s arm or behind the back because it reduces the protection for the upper part of the body and may increase the risk of injury or death in a crash.

WARNING: Do not leave children or pets unattended in your

vehicle.

Use any attachment method as indicated below

by X.

LATCH

(lower Restraint Type

Rear-facing child seat

Forwardfacing child seat

Note: The child seat must rest tightly against the vehicle seat upon which it is installed. It may be necessary to lift or remove the head restraint. See the Seats chapter for information on head restraints.

Child

Weight

Up to 48 lb (21 kg)

Over 48 lb (21 kg)

anchors

and top

tether

anchor)

LATCH (lower anchors only)

XXX

Safety belt and top tether anchor

Safety belt and LATCH (lower anchors and top tether anchor)

Safety belt only

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Child Safety 21

BOOSTER SEATS

WARNING: Never place, or allow a child to place, the shoulder

belt under a child’s arm or behind the back because it reduces the protection for the upper part of the body and may increase the risk of injury or death in a crash.

Use a belt-positioning booster seat for children who have outgrown or no longer properly fit in a child safety seat (generally children who are less than 4 feet 9 inches (1.45 meters) tall, are greater than age four (4) and less than age twelve (12), and between 40 pounds (18 kilograms) and 80 pounds (36 kilograms) and upward to 100 pounds (45 kilograms) if recommended by your child restraint manufacturer). Many state and provincial laws require that children use approved booster seats until they reach age eight (8), a height of 4 feet 9 inches (1.45 meters) tall, or 80 pounds (36 kilograms).

Booster seats should be used until you can answer YES to ALL of these questions when the child is seated without a booster seat.

• Can the child sit all the way back against their vehicle seat with knees bent comfortably at the edge of the seat cushion?

• Can the child sit without slouching?

• Does the lap belt rest low across the hips?

• Is the shoulder belt centered on the shoulder and chest?

• Can the child stay seated like this for the whole trip?

Always use booster seats in conjunction with your vehicle lap and shoulder belt.

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22 Child Safety

Types of Booster Seats

• Backless booster seats

If your backless booster seat has a removable shield, remove the shield. If a vehicle seating position has a low seat back or no head restraint, a backless booster seat may place your child’s head (as measured at the tops of the ears) above the top of the seat. In this case, move the backless booster to another seating position with a higher seat back or head restraint and lap and shoulder belts, or consider using a high back booster seat.

• High back booster seats

If, with a backless booster seat, you cannot find a seating position that adequately supports your child’s head, a high back booster seat would be a better choice.

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Child Safety 23

Children and booster seats vary in size and shape. Choose a booster that keeps the lap belt low and snug across the hips, never up across the stomach, and lets you adjust the shoulder belt to cross the chest and rest snugly near the center of the shoulder. The following drawings compare the ideal fit (center) to a shoulder belt uncomfortably close to the neck and a shoulder belt that could slip off the shoulder. The drawings also show how the lap belt should be low and snug across the child’s hips.

If the booster seat slides on the vehicle seat upon which it is being used, placing a rubberized mesh sold as shelf or carpet liner under the booster seat may improve this condition. Do not introduce any item thicker than this under the booster seat. Check with the booster seat manufacturer’s instructions.

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24 Child Safety

INSTALLING CHILD SEATS

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 all the way back.

WARNING: 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 and/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/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.

• 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 your vehicle seat back in the upright position.

• For second row seating positions, if needed, 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, if needed. See Rear seats in 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.

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Child Safety 25

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. This vehicle does not require the use of a locking clip.

1. Position the child safety seat in a seat with a combination lap and shoulder belt.

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.

2013 Flex (471) Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012 USA (fus)

26 Child Safety

• 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.

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

2013 Flex (471) Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012 USA (fus)

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• 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.

• 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.

2013 Flex (471) Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012 USA (fus)

28 Child Safety

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, e.g., 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 additionally help to remove remaining slack from the belt.

• Standard safety belt

• Inflatable safety belt

9. Attach the tether strap (if the child seat is equipped). See Using Tether Straps later in this chapter.

2013 Flex (471) Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012 USA (fus)

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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 cm) of movement for proper installation.

Ford recommends checking with a NHTSA Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) to make certain the child restraint is properly installed. In Canada, check with your local St. John Ambulance office for referral to a CPST.

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.

2013 Flex (471) Owners Guide gf, 3rd Printing, December 2012 USA (fus)

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