Target Audience:
Families needing 7-passenger seating; DIY owners and professional technicians servicing the first-generation Flex
Key Advantage:
Distinctive boxy wagon-style crossover with optional EcoBoost turbo power and AWD
Segment Competitors:
Chevrolet Traverse, Dodge Journey, Toyota Highlander, GMC Acadia
Signature Features:
Three-row seating, optional multi-panel Vista Roof, optional 3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6
Availability:
Front-wheel drive standard, all-wheel drive optional
Manual Type:
Complete workshop service repair manual
Coverage Scope:
All service and repair procedures A-Z for all models, engines, trims, and transmissions
Delivery Method:
Instant download via email link after payment
Software Required:
Adobe Reader (free download)
Compatible Devices:
PC, Mac, tablets, and mobile phones
Printing:
Print single pages, chapters, or the entire manual
License:
Download once, yours to keep forever
Engine Mechanical:
Complete teardown, rebuild, and reassembly procedures
Engine Cooling:
Radiator, thermostat, water pump, and fan service
Fuel and Emissions:
Fuel delivery, injection, and emissions control systems
Ignition System:
Spark plugs, coils, and ignition timing diagnostics
Lubrication:
Oil circuits and lubrication specifications
Starting and Charging:
Starter, alternator, and battery testing
Transmission - Automatic:
6-speed automatic service, overhaul, and adjustments
Transmission - AWD System:
Transfer case and driveline service
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension repair and alignment specs
Steering:
Power steering system diagnostics and repair
Brakes:
Disc brake service, ABS, and hydraulic systems
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning service
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, connectors, and component testing
Body and Interior:
Panels, trim, doors, glass, and power accessories
Restraints:
Airbag and seatbelt system service procedures
Wheels and Tires:
Specifications, balancing, and rotation
Scheduled Maintenance:
Full service interval charts and fluid capacities
Diagnostics:
Fault code tables and troubleshooting charts
Torque Specifications:
Factory torque values for all fasteners
Technical Depth:
Professional workshop level with step-by-step instructions and pictures
Parts Information:
Part identification and specifications within procedures
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
Base Engine:
3.5L Duratec V6 (naturally aspirated)
Optional Engine:
3.5L EcoBoost V6 twin-turbo (2010-2012)
Aspiration:
Naturally aspirated base; twin-turbocharged EcoBoost
Fuel System:
Sequential multi-port electronic fuel injection
Recommended Fuel:
Regular unleaded (premium recommended for EcoBoost)
Base Horsepower:
Approximately 262 hp (3.5L V6)
EcoBoost Horsepower:
Approximately 355 hp
Towing Capacity:
Up to approximately 4,500 lb when properly equipped
Active and Passive Safety
Crash Test Rating:
N/A - consult NHTSA/IIHS databases for official ratings
Airbags:
Dual front, front side, and side curtain airbags with rollover sensor
Antilock Brakes:
4-wheel ABS standard
Stability Control:
AdvanceTrac electronic stability control with rollover mitigation
Traction Control:
Standard
Tire Pressure Monitoring:
Standard TPMS
Seatbelts:
Three-point belts all rows with pretensioners
Audio System:
AM/FM/CD audio; premium Sony audio available on Limited trims
Connectivity:
Ford SYNC available (voice control, USB, Bluetooth)
Navigation:
Voice-activated navigation available on upper trims
Rear Parking Sensors:
Available reverse sensing system
Rearview Camera:
Available on later model years
Adaptive Cruise:
N/A - not offered on this generation
Service Intervals and Fluids
Oil Change Interval:
Per Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor, typically up to 7,500 miles
Engine Oil:
5W-20 synthetic blend per factory specification
Transmission Fluid:
Mercon LV for the 6-speed automatic
Coolant:
Motorcraft long-life coolant per factory specification
Spark Plugs:
Inspect/replace per scheduled interval chart in the manual
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 motor vehicle brake fluid
Tire Rotation:
Every oil change interval for even wear
Common Wear Items:
Brake pads/rotors, water pump, ignition coils, and turbo-related service on EcoBoost models
Manufacturer:
Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Michigan, USA
Model Introduction:
Flex launched for the 2009 model year as Ford's full-size crossover
Generation:
First generation (2009-2012 covered by this manual)
Model Evolution:
EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 and available SYNC added through 2010-2012
Production Location:
Oakville Assembly Plant, Ontario, Canada