Target Audience:
Full-size crossover buyers; families needing 7-passenger seating with SUV utility
Segment:
Three-row full-size crossover
Primary Competitors:
Chevrolet Traverse, Dodge Durango, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot
Distinctive Styling:
Boxy, retro-station-wagon-inspired design with flat roofline maximizing interior volume
Cargo Capacity:
Flat-roof design delivers class-leading cargo space and third-row headroom
Powertrain:
Available EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 with class-leading towing capacity
Seating:
7-passenger layout with available second-row console/refrigerator
Engines:
3.5L V6 or 3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6
Available Options:
Panoramic Vista Roof, SYNC infotainment, power liftgate, AWD
Coverage:
Complete service and repair information for 2009-2012 Ford Flex
Manual Type:
Service Repair Workshop Manual
Delivery Method:
Instant digital download - no shipping, no waiting
Usage:
Unlimited access, use as many times as needed
Intended User:
Professional technicians and knowledgeable DIY owners
Special Tools:
Ford special tool numbers referenced and illustrated where required
Advisories:
WARNING, CAUTION and NOTE callouts throughout
Scope:
Dealer-level procedures including specifications, diagnostics, overhaul and routine servicing
Engine:
Disassembly, inspection, overhaul and reassembly for 3.5L V6 and 3.5L EcoBoost
Fuel System:
Fuel delivery, injectors, tank, and electronic controls
Cooling System:
Radiator, thermostat, water pump, fans and testing
Lubrication:
Oil pump, filters, circuit diagrams and specifications
Ignition System:
Coil-on-plug ignition, spark plugs, timing controls
Starting and Charging:
Starter, alternator, battery, and electrical tests
Transmission:
6-speed automatic transmission service, diagnostics and overhaul
Driveline:
AWD system, driveshafts, differentials, CV joints
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment specifications
Steering:
Power steering system, racks, linkages, EPS diagnostics where equipped
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, discs, drums, ABS and traction control
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning components and recharge procedures
Electrical:
Wiring, connectors, switches, body control modules, lighting
Body and Chassis:
Panels, doors, lifts, glass, interior trim, restraints
Restraint Systems:
Airbags, seat belts, SRS diagnostics and safety precautions
Diagnostics:
Trouble code diagnosis, symptom charts, electrical testing
Routine Maintenance:
Scheduled service, fluid changes, inspections, adjustments
Removal and Installation:
Step-by-step procedures for all major components
Overhaul:
Complete teardown and rebuild instructions with torque specifications
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed schematics for electrical troubleshooting
Detail Level:
Complete, dealer-level detail covering every repair the vehicle may require
Assumed Knowledge:
Written for technicians familiar with general automobile practices
Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, capacities and adjustment data included
Parts Identification:
Component identification and special tool references throughout
Proprietary Components:
Instructions from respective component manufacturers included
File Format:
PDF (searchable, bookmarked, zoomable)
Compatibility:
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android — any device with a PDF reader
Requirements:
A PDF reader application (e.g. Adobe Acrobat Reader, free)
Searchability:
Fully text searchable for fast lookup of any topic
Print Quality:
High-resolution digital pages, printable at full clarity
Binding Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical binding
Paper Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical paper
Standard Engine:
3.5L Duratec V6 (naturally aspirated)
Optional Engine:
3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbocharged V6 (2009 1/2 onward)
Configuration:
60-degree V6, aluminum block and heads
3.5L Duratec Output:
Approximately 262 hp @ 6,250 rpm / 248 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm
3.5L EcoBoost Output:
Approximately 355 hp @ 5,700 rpm / 350 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm
Towing Capacity:
Up to 4,500 lb when properly equipped
Fuel Type:
Regular unleaded (Duratec); premium recommended for EcoBoost
Delivery:
Electronic sequential multi-port fuel injection
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approximately 18.6 gallons
Standard Transmission:
6-speed automatic (6F50) with SelectShift manual mode
Optional Transmission:
6-speed automatic paired with all-wheel drive
Drive Layout:
Front-wheel drive standard; AWD available
Shifter:
Column shifter with manual shift control
Service:
Transmission covered in manual with diagnostics and overhaul procedures
Fluid:
Mercon LV automatic transmission fluid
NHTSA Rating:
Five-star overall crash test rating for 2010-2012 model years
IIHS:
Good ratings in frontal offset and side impact tests for the era
Stability Control:
AdvanceTrac electronic stability control with rollover mitigation
Braking Aids:
ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution
Tire Monitoring:
Tire pressure monitoring system
Airbags:
Front, side-impact and side-curtain airbags including Safety Canopy
Restraints:
Three-point belts in all seating positions, LATCH child seat anchors
Audio:
AM/FM/CD with available Sony premium audio system
Connectivity:
Ford SYNC voice-activated control (available)
Displays:
Instrument panel message center; available navigation system
Available Aids:
Rear view camera (available), reverse sensing system
Convenience:
Power liftgate, keyless entry keypad, remote start (available)
Oil Change:
Per Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor, typically up to 7,500 miles
Tire Rotation:
Every oil change interval, approximately 7,500 miles
Air Filter:
Inspect regularly; replace approximately every 30,000 miles
Spark Plugs:
Replace approximately every 100,000 miles
Engine Oil:
5W-20 synthetic blend, Motorcraft specification
Transmission Fluid:
Mercon LV
Coolant:
Motorcraft Orange (Dex-Cool type) long-life coolant
Known Issues / Common Wear
Known Issue:
Early EcoBoost models: condensation in intercooler piping causing shudder (Ford issued updated components and service procedure)
Common Wear:
Brakes and suspension bushings subject to normal wear with vehicle weight and mileage
Common Wear:
Water pump replacement is an involved job on the 3.5L engines; follow manual procedure
Manufacturer:
Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Michigan, USA
Introduction:
Flex debuted as a 2009 model, previewed by the 2005 Fairlane concept
Mid-Cycle Updates:
2011 added Titanium trim; MyFord Touch and revised front styling arrived for 2013 (after this edition)
Production End:
Flex production continued through November 2019
Assembly Plant:
Oakville Assembly Complex, Ontario, Canada