Ford Flex 2017 Owner's Manual

owner.ford.com ford.ca

2017 FLEX Owner’s Manual

September 2016

First Printing

Owner’s Manual

Flex

Litho in U.S.A.

HA8J 19A321 AA

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.

Part Number: 20160903133647

Introduction

About This Manual...........................................7

Symbols Glossary.............................................7

Data Recording..................................................9

California Proposition 65..............................11

Perchlorate.........................................................11

Ford Credit..........................................................11

Replacement Parts

Recommendation.......................................12

Special Notices................................................12

Mobile Communications

Equipment.....................................................13

Export Unique Options..................................13

Environment

Protecting the Environment........................15

At a Glance

Instrument Panel Overview........................16

Child Safety

General Information.......................................18

Installing Child Restraints............................19

Booster Seats..................................................28

Child Restraint Positioning.........................30

Child Safety Locks..........................................32

Seatbelts

Principle of Operation..................................34

Fastening the Seatbelts...............................35

Seatbelt Height Adjustment......................38

Seatbelt Warning Lamp and Indicator

Chime.............................................................39

Seatbelt Reminder........................................39

Child Restraint and Seatbelt

Maintenance.................................................41

Seatbelt Extension.........................................41

Personal Safety System™

Personal Safety System™..........................43

Supplementary Restraints

System

Principle of Operation..................................44

Driver and Passenger Airbags...................45

Front Passenger Sensing System............46

Side Airbags.....................................................48

Safety Canopy™............................................49

Crash Sensors and Airbag Indicator.......50

Airbag Disposal................................................51

Keys and Remote Controls

General Information on Radio

Frequencies..................................................52

Remote Control..............................................53

Replacing a Lost Key or Remote

Control...........................................................56

MyKey™

Principle of Operation...................................57

Creating a MyKey...........................................58

Clearing All MyKeys.......................................59

Checking MyKey System Status..............60

Using MyKey With Remote Start

Systems..........................................................61

MyKey Troubleshooting................................61

Doors and Locks

Locking and Unlocking.................................63

Manual Liftgate..............................................66

Power Liftgate.................................................67

Keyless Entry....................................................70

Security

Passive Anti-Theft System.........................73

Anti-Theft Alarm............................................74

Steering Wheel

Adjusting the Steering Wheel - Vehicles

With: Manual Adjustable Steering

Column...........................................................75

Flex (), enUSA, First Printing

Table of Contents

Adjusting the Steering Wheel - Vehicles

With: Power Adjustable Steering

Column...........................................................75

Audio Control...................................................76

Voice Control....................................................77

Cruise Control...................................................77

Information Display Control........................77

Heated Steering Wheel................................77

Pedals

Adjusting the Pedals.....................................78

Wipers and Washers

Windshield Wipers.........................................79

Autowipers........................................................79

Windshield Washers.....................................80

Rear Window Wiper and Washers..........80

Lighting

General Information......................................82

Lighting Control..............................................82

Autolamps........................................................83

Instrument Lighting Dimmer.....................84

Headlamp Exit Delay....................................84

Daytime Running Lamps............................85

Front Fog Lamps............................................85

Adaptive Headlamps...................................85

Direction Indicators.......................................86

Interior Lamps.................................................86

Ambient Lighting............................................87

Windows and Mirrors

Power Windows.............................................88

Exterior Mirrors................................................89

Interior Mirror....................................................91

Sun Visors..........................................................91

Moonroof............................................................91

Instrument Cluster

Gauges...............................................................93

Warning Lamps and Indicators................94

Audible Warnings and Indicators.............97

Information Displays

General Information.....................................99

Information Messages................................107

Climate Control

Manual Climate Control..............................116

Automatic Climate Control........................117

Automatic Climate Control - Vehicles

With: Premium AM/FM/CD...................119

Hints on Controlling the Interior

Climate.........................................................120

Rear Passenger Climate Controls...........123

Heated Windows and Mirrors...................123

Cabin Air Filter................................................124

Remote Start..................................................124

Seats

Sitting in the Correct Position..................125

Head Restraints.............................................125

Manual Seats.................................................128

Power Seats....................................................129

Memory Function.........................................130

Rear Seats........................................................131

Heated Seats.................................................138

Climate Controlled Seats..........................139

Universal Garage Door

Opener

Universal Garage Door Opener...............140

Auxiliary Power Points

Auxiliary Power Points................................145

Storage Compartments

Center Console..............................................147

Overhead Console.......................................148

Flex (), enUSA, First Printing

Table of Contents

Starting and Stopping the

Engine

General Information....................................149

Ignition Switch...............................................149

Keyless Starting............................................149

Starting a Gasoline Engine.......................150

Engine Block Heater....................................153

Fuel and Refueling

Safety Precautions.......................................155

Fuel Quality....................................................156

Fuel Filler Funnel Location........................156

Running Out of Fuel....................................156

Refueling..........................................................157

Fuel Consumption.......................................160

Emission Control System...........................161

Transmission

Automatic Transmission...........................164

All-Wheel Drive

Using All-Wheel Drive................................168

Brakes

General Information.....................................175

Hints on Driving With Anti-Lock

Brakes............................................................175

Parking Brake.................................................176

Traction Control

Principle of Operation..................................177

Using Traction Control.................................177

Stability Control

Principle of Operation.................................178

Using Stability Control................................179

Parking Aids

Principle of Operation................................180

Rear Parking Aid...........................................180

Active Park Assist..........................................181

Rear View Camera.......................................185

Cruise Control

Principle of Operation................................188

Using Cruise Control...................................188

Using Adaptive Cruise Control................189

Driving Aids

Blind Spot Information System..............195

Cross Traffic Alert.........................................197

Steering..........................................................200

Collision Warning System........................200

Load Carrying

Cargo Nets.....................................................203

Roof Racks and Load Carriers................203

Load Limit......................................................203

Towing

Towing a Trailer............................................209

Trailer Sway Control....................................210

Recommended Towing Weights............210

Essential Towing Checks...........................212

Towing the Vehicle on Four Wheels......215

Driving Hints

Breaking-In......................................................217

Economical Driving.......................................217

Driving Through Water................................218

Floor Mats........................................................218

Roadside Emergencies

Roadside Assistance..................................220

Hazard Warning Flashers...........................221

Fuel Shutoff....................................................221

Jump Starting the Vehicle.........................222

Post-Crash Alert System..........................224

Flex (), enUSA, First Printing

Table of Contents

Transporting the Vehicle...........................224

Customer Assistance

Getting the Services You Need...............226

In California (U.S. Only).............................227

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Auto

Line Program (U.S. Only)......................228

Utilizing the Mediation/Arbitration

Program (Canada Only).......................229

Getting Assistance Outside the U.S. and

Canada........................................................229

Ordering Additional Owner's

Literature....................................................230

Reporting Safety Defects (U.S.

Only)..............................................................231

Reporting Safety Defects (Canada

Only)..............................................................231

Fuses

Fuse Specification Chart...........................233

Changing a Fuse...........................................242

Maintenance

General Information...................................244

Opening and Closing the Hood..............244

Under Hood Overview - 3.5L

Duratec........................................................246

Under Hood Overview - 3.5L

Ecoboost™................................................247

Engine Oil Dipstick......................................248

Engine Oil Check..........................................248

Oil Change Indicator Reset......................249

Engine Coolant Check...............................250

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Check...........................................................254

Brake Fluid Check........................................255

Power Steering Fluid Check.....................256

Washer Fluid Check....................................256

Changing the 12V Battery.........................256

Checking the Wiper Blades.....................258

Changing the Wiper Blades.....................258

Adjusting the Headlamps........................259

Removing a Headlamp.............................260

Changing a Bulb..........................................260

Bulb Specification Chart...........................263

Changing the Engine Air Filter................265

Vehicle Care

General Information...................................266

Cleaning Products.......................................266

Cleaning the Exterior..................................266

Waxing.............................................................267

Cleaning the Engine...................................268

Cleaning the Windows and Wiper

Blades..........................................................268

Cleaning the Interior...................................269

Cleaning the Instrument Panel and

Instrument Cluster Lens.......................269

Cleaning Leather Seats.............................270

Repairing Minor Paint Damage...............270

Cleaning the Wheels..................................270

Vehicle Storage..............................................271

Wheels and Tires

General Information....................................273

Tire Care..........................................................275

Using Snow Chains.....................................289

Tire Pressure Monitoring System..........290

Changing a Road Wheel...........................293

Technical Specifications..........................298

Capacities and Specific-

ations

Engine Specifications - 3.5L

Duratec........................................................299

Engine Specifications - 3.5L

Ecoboost™................................................299

Motorcraft Parts - 3.5L Duratec............300

Motorcraft Parts - 3.5L Ecoboost™......301

Vehicle Identification Number................302

Vehicle Certification Label.......................303

Flex (), enUSA, First Printing

Table of Contents

Transmission Code Designation............303

Capacities and Specifications - 3.5L

Duratec.......................................................304

Capacities and Specifications - 3.5L

Ecoboost™...............................................308

Audio System

General Information....................................313

Audio Unit - Vehicles With: AM/FM/CD/

SYNC/Satellite Radio.............................314

Audio Unit - Vehicles With: Premium AM/

FM/CD..........................................................318

Audio Unit - Vehicles With: Sony AM/FM/

CD...................................................................319

USB Port.........................................................320

Media Hub......................................................320

SYNC™

General Information....................................321

Using Voice Recognition............................323

Using SYNC™ With Your Phone............326

SYNC™ Applications and Services......339

SYNC™ AppLink™......................................341

Using SYNC™ With Your Media

Player...........................................................342

SYNC™ Troubleshooting..........................352

SYNC™ 3

General Information...................................360

Home Screen.................................................373

Using Voice Recognition............................374

Entertainment...............................................381

Climate.............................................................391

Phone...............................................................393

Navigation......................................................399

Apps.................................................................407

Settings............................................................410

SYNC™ 3 Troubleshooting......................422

Accessories

Accessories....................................................435

Ford Protect

Ford Protect...................................................437

Scheduled Maintenance

General Maintenance Information.......439

Normal Scheduled Maintenance..........442

Special Operating Conditions Scheduled

Maintenance.............................................445

Scheduled Maintenance Record...........447

Appendices

End User License Agreement..................457

Flex (), enUSA, First Printing

Table of Contents

Flex (), enUSA, First Printing

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 your vehicle, the greater the safety and pleasure you will get from driving it.

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 hand-held 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.

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 the vehicle you have purchased.

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 your 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.

E154903

Right-hand side.A Left-hand side.B

SYMBOLS GLOSSARY

These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.

Air conditioning system

E231157

Air conditioning system lubricant type

Anti-lock braking system

Avoid smoking, flames or sparks

Battery

Battery acid

Brake fluid - non petroleum based

Brake system

Flex (), enUSA, First Printing

Introduction

Cabin air filter

Check fuel cap

Child safety door lock or unlock

Child seat lower anchor

Child seat tether anchor

E71340

Cruise control

Do not open when hot

Engine air filter

Engine coolant

Engine coolant temperature

Engine oil

Explosive gas

Fan warning

Fasten seatbelt

E231160

Flammable

Front airbag

Front fog lamps

Fuel pump reset

Fuse compartment

Hazard warning flashers

Heated rear window

Heated windshield

Interior luggage compartment release

Jack

Keep out of reach of children

Lighting control

Low tire pressure warning

Maintain correct fluid level

Note operating instructions

Panic alarm

Flex (), enUSA, First Printing

Introduction

E139213

Parking aid

Parking brake

Power steering fluid

Power windows front/rear

Power window lockout

E231159

Requires registered technician

Safety alert

See Owner's Manual

E231158

See Service Manual

Service engine soon

Side airbag

Shield the eyes

E138639

Stability control

Windshield wash and wipe

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 in 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, Ford Motor Company (Ford of Canada, in Canada) may, where permitted by law, use vehicle diagnostic information for vehicle improvement or with other information we may have about you, (for example, your contact information), to offer you products or services that may interest you. Data may be provided to our service providers such as part suppliers that may help diagnose malfunctions, and who are similarly obligated to protect data. We retain this data only as long as necessary to perform these functions or to comply with law. We may provide information where required in response to official requests to law enforcement or other government authorities or third parties acting with lawful authority or court order, and such information may be used in legal proceedings. For U.S. only (if equipped), if you choose to use connected apps and services, such as SYNC Vehicle Health Report or MyFord Mobile App, 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 to provide

Flex (), enUSA, First Printing

Introduction

services to you, personalizing your experience, troubleshoot, and to improve products and services and offer you products and services that may interest you, where permitted by law. For Canada only, for more information, please review the Ford of Canada privacy policy at www.ford.ca, including our U.S. data storage and use of service providers in other jurisdictions who may be subject to legal requirements in Canada, the United States and other countries applicable to them, for example, lawful requirements to disclose personal information to governmental authorities in those countries. See SYNC™ (page 321).

Event Data Recording

This vehicle is equipped with an event data recorder. The main purpose of an event data recorder 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 event data recorder is designed to record data related to vehicle dynamics and safety systems for a short period of time, typically 30 seconds or less.

The event data recorder 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; and

• How fast the vehicle was traveling; and

• 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: Event data recorder data is

recorded by your vehicle only if a non-trivial crash situation occurs; no data is recorded by the event data recorder 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 event data recorder data with the type of personally identifying data routinely acquired during a crash investigation.

To read data recorded by an event data recorder, special equipment is required, and access to the vehicle or the event data recorder 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 event data recorder. 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.

Flex (), enUSA, First Printing

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 SYNC™ (page 321).

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 SYNC™

(page 321).

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65

WARNINGS

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.

Battery posts, terminals and related

accessories contain lead and lead

compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Batteries also contain other chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer. Wash your hands after handling.

PERCHLORATE

Certain components in your vehicle such as airbag modules, seatbelt pretensioners and remote control batteries may contain perchlorate material. Special handling may apply for service or vehicle end of life disposal.

For more information visit:

Web Address

www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazard-

ouswaste/perchlorate

FORD CREDIT

US 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.

Flex (), enUSA, First Printing

Introduction

We offer a number of convenient ways for you to contact us, and to manage your account.

Call 1-800-727-7000. For more information about Ford Credit

and access to the Account Manager, go to www.fordcredit.com.

REPLACEMENT PARTS RECOMMENDATION

We have built your vehicle 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. The Ford Warranty may not cover damage caused to your vehicle as a result of failed non-Ford parts. For additional information, refer to 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 Manual 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.

WARNINGS

You risk death or serious injury to yourself and others if you do not

follow the instruction highlighted by the warning symbol. Failure to follow the specific warnings and instructions could result in personal injury.

Never place front seat mounted

rear-facing child or infant seats in

front of an active passenger airbag.

Flex (), enUSA, First Printing

Introduction

On Board Diagnostics Data Link Connector

WARNING

Do not connect wireless plug-in devices to the data link connector.

Unauthorized third parties could gain access to vehicle data and impair the performance of safety related systems. Only allow repair facilities that follow our service and repair instructions to connect their equipment to the data link connector.

Your vehicle has an OBD Data Link Connector (DLC) that is used in conjunction with a diagnostic scan tool for vehicle diagnostics, repairs and reprogramming services. Installing an aftermarket device that uses the DLC during normal driving for purposes such as remote insurance company monitoring, transmission of vehicle data to other devices or entities, or altering the performance of the vehicle, may cause interference with or even damage to vehicle systems. We do not recommend or endorse the use of aftermarket plug-in devices unless approved by Ford. The vehicle Warranty will not cover damage caused by an aftermarket plug-in device.

MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT

WARNING

Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle control, crash and

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.

EXPORT UNIQUE OPTIONS

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,

Flex (), enUSA, First Printing

Introduction

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. Refer to this Owner’s

Manual for all other required information and warnings.

Flex (), enUSA, First Printing

Introduction

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.

Flex (), enUSA, First Printing

Environment

INSTRUMENT PANEL OVERVIEW

E232260

Air vent.A Wiper lever. See Windshield Wipers (page 79).B Direction Indicators. See Direction Indicators (page 86).C Information display control. See Information Display Control (page 77).D Instrument cluster. See Instrument Cluster (page 93).E Information display control. See Information Display Control (page 77).F Audio system. See Audio System (page 313).G Hazard flasher switch. See Hazard Warning Flashers (page 221).H Information and entertainment display. See Information Displays (page 99).I Passenger airbag indicator light. See Front Passenger Sensing System (page

46).

Climate controls. See Climate Control (page 116).K Keyless start button. See Keyless Starting (page 149).L Audio control. See Audio Control (page 76).M

Flex (), enUSA, First Printing

At a Glance

Horn.N Steering wheel adjustment. See Adjusting the Steering Wheel (page 75).O Cruise control switches. See Using Cruise Control (page 188).P Hood release. See Opening and Closing the Hood (page 244).Q Instrument panel dimmer control. See Instrument Lighting Dimmer (page

84).

Lighting control. See Lighting (page 82).S

Flex (), enUSA, First Printing

At a Glance

GENERAL INFORMATION

See the following sections for directions on how to properly use safety restraints for children.

WARNINGS

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.

All children are shaped differently.

The National Highway Traffic Safety

Administration and other safety organizations, base their recommendations for child restraints on probable child height, age and weight thresholds, or on the minimum requirements of the law. We recommend that you check with a NHTSA Certified Child Passenger Safety

WARNINGS

Technician (CPST) to make sure that you properly install the child restraint in your vehicle and that you consult your pediatrician to make sure you have a child restraint appropriate for your child. To locate a child restraint fitting station and CPST, contact NHTSA toll free at 1-888-327-4236 or go to www.nhtsa.dot.gov. In Canada, contact Transport Canada toll free at 1-800-333-0371 or go to www.tc.gc.ca to find a Child Car Seat Clinic in your area. Failure to properly restrain children in child restraints made especially for their height, age and weight, may result in an increased risk of serious injury or death to your child.

On hot days, the temperature inside the vehicle 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.

Flex (), enUSA, First Printing

Child Safety

Recommendations for Safety Restraints for Children

Recommended restraint

type

Child size, height, weight, or ageChild

Use a child safety seat

(sometimes called an

infant carrier, convertible

seat, or toddler seat).

Children weighing 40 lb (18 kg) or less

(generally age four or younger).

Infants or

toddlers

Use a belt-positioning

booster seat.

Children who have outgrown or no longer

properly fit in a child safety seat (gener-

ally children who are less than 4 ft. 9 in.

(1.45 m) tall, are greater than age four

and less than age 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).

Small children

Use a vehicle safety belt having the lap belt snug and low across the hips,

shoulder belt centered

across the shoulder and

chest, and seatback

upright.

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 recom-

mended by child restraint manufacturer).

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 lb (36 kg). 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 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

(page 46).

INSTALLING CHILD RESTRAINTS

Child Seats

E142594

Flex (), enUSA, First Printing

Child Safety

Use a child safety seat (sometimes called an infant carrier, convertible seat, or toddler seat) for infants, toddlers or children weighing 40 lb (18 kg) or less (generally age four or younger).

Using Lap and Shoulder Belts

WARNINGS

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.

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.

Depending on where you secure a

child restraint, and depending on the

child restraint design, you may block access to certain seatbelt buckle assemblies and 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 seatbelt 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 the vehicle seat upon which the

child seat will be installed in the upright position.

• For second-row seating positions, adjust the recliner slightly to improve child seat fit. If needed, remove the head restraints.

• For third-row seating positions, stow the head restraints to improve child seat fit. See Head Restraints (page

125).

• Put the seatbelt in the automatic locking mode. See Step 5. 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 seatbelt. 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 seatbelt systems that would otherwise require a locking clip.

Standard seatbelts

E142528

Flex (), enUSA, First Printing

Child Safety

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

E142529

2. After positioning the child safety seat in the proper seating position, pull down on the shoulder belt and then grasp the shoulder belt and lap belt together behind the belt tongue.

E142530

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.

E142531

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.

E142875

5. To put the retractor in the automatic locking mode, grasp the shoulder portion of the belt and pull downward until all of the belt is pulled out.

Note: The automatic locking mode is available on the front passenger and rear seats.

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.

Flex (), enUSA, First Printing

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, unbuckle the belt and repeat Steps 5 and 6.

E142533

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 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.

9. Attach the tether strap (if the child seat is equipped).

E142534

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.

We recommend checking with a NHTSA Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician to make certain the child restraint is properly installed. In Canada, check with Transport Canada for referral to a Child Car Seat Clinic.

Inflatable seatbelts

E142528

1. Position the child safety seat in a seat

with a combination lap and shoulder belt.

Flex (), enUSA, First Printing

Child Safety

E146522

2. After positioning the child safety seat in the proper seating position, grasp the shoulder belt and lap belt together behind the belt tongue.

E142530

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.

E146523

E146524

5. To put the retractor in the automatic locking mode, grasp the lap portion of the inflatable seatbelt and pull upward until all of the belt is pulled out.

Note: The automatic locking mode is available on the front passenger and rear seats.

Flex (), enUSA, First Printing

Child Safety

Note: Unlike the standard seatbelt, the

inflatable seatbelt'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.

Note: The lock-off device on some child restraints may not accommodate the shoulder portion of the inflatable seatbelt. 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 seatbelt systems that would otherwise require a locking clip.

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.

E146525

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 down on the lap 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.

9. Attach the tether strap (if the child seat is equipped).

E142534

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.

Flex (), enUSA, First Printing

Child Safety

Using Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH)

WARNINGS

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.

Depending on where you secure a

child restraint, and depending on the

child restraint design, you may block access to certain seatbelt 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 the seatback 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 seatbelts to attach the child seat, however the seatbelt 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

E190825

Second-row bench seats and third-row passenger side

E190826

E144054

The LATCH anchors are located at the rear section of the rear seat between the cushion and seatback 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.

Flex (), enUSA, First Printing

Child Safety

Attach LATCH lower attachments of the child seat only to the anchors shown.

Use of Inboard Lower Anchors from the Outboard Seating Positions (Center Seating Use)

WARNING

The standardized spacing for LATCH lower anchors is 11 inches (28

centimeters) 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 bench seat are spaced 20.5 inches (52 centimeters) apart. The standardized spacing for LATCH lower anchors is 11 inches (28 centimeters) 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.

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 your 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 Seatbelt and LATCH Lower Anchors for Attaching Child Safety Seats

When used in combination, either the seatbelt 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

E190827

Flex (), enUSA, First Printing

Child Safety

Second row bench seats and third row passenger side

E190828

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.

Placement of the tether strap

• Second row outboard seat positions: Route the child safety seat tether strap over the seatback, 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 Head Restraints (page 125).

• 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 Head Restraints (page 125).

1. Route the tether strap.

2. Locate the correct anchor for the selected seating position.

3. Clip the tether strap to the anchor as shown. The tether hook may be twisted ½ turn to improve installation. If the tether strap is clipped incorrectly, the child safety seat may not be retained properly in the event of a crash.

E190833

Flex (), enUSA, First Printing

Child Safety

+ 466 hidden pages