🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Ford

Model:

Flex

Model Years:

2009, 2010, 2011, 2012

First Generation Designation:

DF-200

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Full-size crossover SUV, positioned as a stylish and spacious alternative to traditional SUVs.

Key Competitors:

Chevrolet Traverse, Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, Mazda CX-9, Toyota Highlander.

Design Philosophy:

Unique, somewhat polarizing styling with a focus on interior space and comfort, often compared to a 'mini-minivan' for its practicality.

Interior Attributes:

Spacious, three-row seating, flexible cargo configurations, and a comfortable ride.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Maintenance, Repair, Troubleshooting, Electrical Systems, Mechanical Systems, Bodywork

Specific Systems Covered:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, HVAC, Body Electrical, Interior Electronics

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 2500-3500 (typical for a comprehensive factory service manual of this scope)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed information on engine disassembly, assembly, component testing, and specifications for all available engine variants.

Engine Control System:

Diagnosis and repair of powertrain control modules (PCM), sensors, actuators, and ignition systems.

Transmission Automotive:

Coverage for automatic transmissions including removal, installation, internal component repair, and fluid specifications.

Drivetrain And Axles:

Information on front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) systems, including differentials and half-shafts.

Suspension And Steering:

Procedures for diagnosing and repairing suspension components, steering gear, power steering systems, and wheel alignment specifications.

Brake System:

Detailed instructions for brake component inspection, replacement (pads, rotors, calipers), hydraulic system servicing, and ABS diagnostics.

Fuel System:

Coverage of fuel delivery, injectors, fuel pump, fuel filter replacement, and evaporative emission control (EVAP) system.

Cooling System:

Procedures for radiator, water pump, thermostat, and cooling fan replacement, as well as coolant specifications and bleed procedures.

Exhaust System:

Information on exhaust components, catalytic converters, and muffler replacement.

HVAC System:

Diagnosis and repair of air conditioning, heating, and ventilation systems, including refrigerant handling and component replacement.

Body Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, component locations, and diagnostic procedures for lighting, power windows, locks, mirrors, and exterior trim.

Interior Electronics:

Coverage for instrument cluster, audio systems, navigation, and other interior electronic modules.

Safety Systems:

Information on airbags, seat belts, and related sensors and control modules.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, tire rotations, fluid level checks, and inspections.

Scheduled Maintenance:

Detailed service intervals and required tasks based on mileage and time.

Troubleshooting Guide:

Systematic diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting for common and uncommon issues.

Component Replacement:

Step-by-step instructions for replacing virtually all serviceable components.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Utilizing scan tools for retrieving diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and performing live data analysis.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Testing circuits, component verification, and use of multimeters and oscilloscopes.

Torque Specifications:

Precise torque values for all critical fasteners, essential for proper assembly and safety.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, and in-depth electrical system diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable, allowing for quick information retrieval.

Zoom Capability:

High-resolution digital format allowing for significant zoom for detailed inspection of diagrams and text.

Print Readability:

Designed for clarity when printed, with professional formatting.

Digital Format:

N/A (digital file)

Digital Format:

N/A (digital file)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Option 1:

3.5L Duratec 35 V6

Engine Option 1 Displacement:

3.5 Liters (3496 cc)

Engine Option 1 Configuration:

V6, DOHC, 24 Valves

Engine Option 1 Horsepower:

262 hp @ 6250 RPM

Engine Option 1 Torque:

248 lb-ft @ 4500 RPM

Engine Option 2:

3.7L Duratec 37 V6 (Optional for later years or higher trims)

Engine Option 2 Displacement:

3.7 Liters (3721 cc)

Engine Option 2 Configuration:

V6, DOHC, 24 Valves

Engine Option 2 Horsepower:

275-300 hp @ 6000-6250 RPM (depending on model year and tune)

Engine Option 2 Torque:

270-280 lb-ft @ 4000-4500 RPM (depending on model year and tune)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Recommended Octane:

87 Octane (Minimum)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-speed SelectShift™ Automatic Transmission

Drivetrain Options:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) standard, All-Wheel Drive (AWD) optional

Selectshift Capability:

Allows manual gear selection via paddle shifters or gear selector.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 117.9 inches

Length:

Approx. 201.8 inches

Width:

Approx. 78.2 inches

Height:

Approx. 68.0 inches

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

Approx. 20.0 cubic feet

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

Approx. 40.0 cubic feet

Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:

Approx. 83.2 cubic feet

Curb Weight FWD:

Approx. 4,400 - 4,700 lbs

Curb Weight AWD:

Approx. 4,550 - 4,850 lbs

Towing Capacity:

Up to 2,000 lbs (with proper equipment and trailer brakes)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars (for most configurations across model years)

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

The Ford Flex has received positive ratings from IIHS for its crashworthiness.

Traction Control:

Standard Electronic Traction Control (TCS).

Electronic Stability Control:

Standard AdvanceTrac® with Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

Antilock Brakes:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Airbags:

Front airbags, front-side airbags, and full-length side-curtain airbags.

Seat Belts:

3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System Options:

Available SYNC® voice-recognition communication and entertainment system, MyFord Touch infotainment system (later models/trims), and premium audio options.

Driver Assistance Features:

Available features include rearview camera, rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring system (BLIS), and adaptive cruise control.

Connectivity Options:

Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming, USB ports, auxiliary audio input.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to manual for specific recommendations).

Engine Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles).

Cabin Air Filter:

Replace every 15,000 to 20,000 miles or annually.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Consult manual; typically around 50,000-100,000 miles for severe service, or as indicated by the vehicle's maintenance minder system.

Coolant Change:

Initial change at 100,000 miles or 5 years, then every 50,000 miles or 2.5 years thereafter (using Ford specified coolant).

Engine Oil Specification:

SAE 5W-20, API SN/SP certified, ILSAC GF-5/GF-6 (refer to manual for exact specification for each engine).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 5.5 - 6.0 quarts (5.2 - 5.7 liters) for 3.5L V6; Approx. 6.0 quarts (5.7 liters) for 3.7L V6 (with filter change, check manual).

Transmission Fluid Type:

Mercon® LV Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF).

Coolant Type:

Ford Gold Premium Engine Coolant (or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B51-A1).

Powertrain Control Module Failure:

Some reports of PCM failure, leading to various engine performance issues.

Transmission Solenoid Issues:

Occasional reports of transmission shifting problems potentially related to solenoids.

Rear Air Suspension Failures:

Models equipped with optional rear air suspension can experience leaks or compressor failures.

Water Pump Leaks:

Some Duratec engines have shown a tendency for water pump seals to leak over time.

Interior Rattles And Squeaks:

As with many large vehicles, some owners report minor interior trim rattles.

📚 Vehicle History

Ford History:

Ford Motor Company, founded in 1903, is one of the world's oldest and largest automakers, known for its innovation and mass production techniques.

Flex Introduction:

The Ford Flex was introduced for the 2009 model year, based on the Ford Fairlane concept and later the Ford Fairlane concept shown at the 2007 North American International Auto Show. It was designed to offer a unique alternative in the three-row crossover segment.

Flex Design Platform:

Built on Ford's D3 platform, shared with vehicles like the Ford Taurus, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT.

Manufacturing Location:

Oakville Assembly Plant, Oakville, Ontario, Canada.

Production Years:

2008 - 2019

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Initial Reception:

The Ford Flex received generally positive reviews for its unique styling, spacious interior, and comfortable ride, though its unconventional design was polarizing for some.

Segment Awards:

Frequently cited for its practicality and comfort within the three-row crossover segment.