Vehicle Type:
The Ford Flex is a distinctive full-size crossover SUV known for its unique styling, spacious interior, and comfortable ride.
Target Audience:
Appeals to families and individuals seeking a practical, yet stylish, and versatile vehicle with three-row seating capability.
Key Competitors 2013-2015:
Chevrolet Traverse, Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, Dodge Durango, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot.
Distinctive Design:
Station wagon-like profile with SUV proportions, offering a unique aesthetic.
Spacious Interior:
Generous passenger and cargo room, with comfortable seating for up to seven occupants.
Powertrain Options:
Available with capable V6 engines and optional all-wheel drive for enhanced traction.
Engine Service And Repair:
Detailed procedures for all engine variants, including disassembly, assembly, diagnostics, and component replacement.
Transmission Service And Repair:
Comprehensive coverage for automatic transmissions, including fluid service, component replacement, and troubleshooting.
Drivetrain Service And Repair:
Includes front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) systems, including differentials, axles, and transfer case (if applicable).
Suspension And Steering Service And Repair:
Covers struts, shock absorbers, control arms, steering rack, power steering system, and wheel alignment procedures.
Brake System Service And Repair:
Details on brake pad replacement, rotor service, caliper repair, hydraulic system bleeding, and ABS system diagnostics.
Electrical System Service And Repair:
Extensive coverage of wiring diagrams, component testing, fuse and relay locations, power distribution, and diagnostic procedures for various electrical modules.
Heating Ventilation And Air Conditioning HVAC:
Includes refrigerant servicing, component replacement (compressor, condenser, evaporator), blower motor, and climate control system diagnostics.
Exhaust System Service And Repair:
Procedures for exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, and pipe replacement.
Fuel System Service And Repair:
Covers fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel filter, fuel pressure testing, and evaporative emission control (EVAP) system diagnostics.
Cooling System Service And Repair:
Includes radiator, thermostat, water pump, coolant hoses, and cooling fan diagnostics and replacement.
Body And Frame Service And Repair:
Covers exterior panel repair, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim, and basic frame alignment procedures.
Lighting System Service And Repair:
Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, and related electrical circuits.
Safety And Restraint Systems:
Airbag system diagnostics, seat belt repair, and related safety components.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotations.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting for common and complex issues.
Component Replacement:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for replacing virtually all vehicle components.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Utilizing OBD-II scanners, specialized tools, and diagnostic logic to identify faults.
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all critical fasteners.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems.
Depth Of Coverage:
Covers basic maintenance to advanced engine and transmission rebuilds.
Engine Code And Description:
3.5L Ti-VCT V6 (Cyclone) - Naturally Aspirated
Displacement:
3.731 L (227.7 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
92.5 mm x 94.2 mm (3.64 in x 3.71 in)
Compression Ratio:
10.8:1
Horsepower:
Approx. 287 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque:
Approx. 254 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Engine Placement:
Transverse, Front
Optional Engine 2013-2015
Engine Code And Description:
3.5L EcoBoost V6 - Twin-Turbocharged
Horsepower:
Approx. 365 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
Approx. 350 lb-ft @ 1500-5250 rpm
Fuel System:
Direct Injection (DI) with Twin-Turbocharging
Engine Management System:
Ford Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane (for 3.5L Ti-VCT), Premium Unleaded (recommended for 3.5L EcoBoost for optimal performance)
Type:
6-speed SelectShift Automatic Transmission
Drive Configuration:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) standard on most models
Type:
6-speed SelectShift Automatic Transmission
Drive Configuration:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) available on most models, often standard with EcoBoost
Selectshift Functionality:
Driver-selectable manual shifting mode.
Transmission Fluid Type:
MERCON LV Automatic Transmission Fluid
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 10.4 quarts (9.8 Liters) for complete refill
Length:
Approx. 201.8 inches (5126 mm)
Width Without Mirrors:
Approx. 78.2 inches (1986 mm)
Height:
Approx. 67.9 inches (1725 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 117.9 inches (3000 mm)
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 135.4 cu ft
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
Approx. 20.0 cu ft
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
Approx. 43.2 cu ft
Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:
Approx. 83.2 cu ft
Curb Weight FWD:
Approx. 4,500 - 4,700 lbs (2041 - 2132 kg), varies by engine and trim.
Curb Weight AWD:
Approx. 4,700 - 4,900 lbs (2132 - 2223 kg), varies by engine and trim.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 5,980 - 6,250 lbs (2712 - 2835 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) with optional towing package
NHTSA Overall Safety Rating:
Generally received 4 out of 5 stars in NHTSA testing for models in this range.
Traction Control:
Standard Electronic Traction Control (TCS)
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control (RSC)
Antilock Brakes:
Standard Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Parking Assist:
Optional Rearview Camera and Parking Sensors
Airbags:
Front airbags, front-seat side airbags, and Safety Canopy System (side-curtain airbags) for all three rows.
Seatbelts:
3-point safety belts with pretensioners for all occupants.
Infotainment System Availability:
Available with Ford's SYNC infotainment system, offering voice commands, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB integration.
Navigation System:
Optional factory-installed navigation system.
Audio Systems:
Various audio system options, including premium Sony branded systems.
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Optional Blind Spot Information System (BLIS).
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Optional Adaptive Cruise Control.
Keyless Entry And Start:
Available Keyless Entry and Push-Button Start.
Usb Ports:
Available USB ports for device charging and media playback.
Bluetooth:
Standard or optional Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming.
Service Intervals General
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, with synthetic oil. Consult manual for specific interval based on driving conditions.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km).
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 45,000 miles (48,000 - 72,000 km), or as needed based on driving environment.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km), or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement 3.5L Ti-Vct:
Typically iridium spark plugs with a service interval of 100,000 - 105,000 miles (160,000 - 168,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement 3.5L Ecoboost:
Typically iridium spark plugs with a service interval of 100,000 - 105,000 miles (160,000 - 168,000 km).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Full Synthetic Motor Oil (meeting Ford WSS-M2C946-A specification)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5.5 - 6.0 quarts (5.2 - 5.7 Liters), depending on engine variant. Refer to dipstick for accurate level.
Coolant Type:
Motorcraft Yellow Prediluted Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix) (meeting Ford WSS-M97B51-A1 specification)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 15.1 - 16.0 quarts (14.3 - 15.1 Liters)
Brake Fluid Type:
Motorcraft DOT 3 High Performance Brake Fluid (meeting Ford specification ESA-M2C170-A)
Powertrain Issues:
Some reports of occasional transmission shudder, particularly on earlier models. EcoBoost engines may require careful monitoring for carbon buildup on intake valves if direct injection systems are not properly maintained.
Suspension Issues:
Front suspension components like control arms and sway bar links can experience wear over time, leading to clunking noises.
Electrical Issues:
While generally reliable, some users have reported minor electrical glitches, such as issues with infotainment or sensor malfunctions, which the manual would help diagnose.
Ford Legacy:
Ford Motor Company has a long and storied history in automotive manufacturing, known for innovation and popular vehicles like the F-Series trucks and Mustang.
Flex Introduction:
The Ford Flex was introduced for the 2009 model year, replacing the Ford Taurus X. It was designed to offer a more upscale and distinctive alternative in the crossover market.
Updates 2013-2015:
The 2013 model year saw a significant facelift for the Ford Flex, including updated exterior styling (grille, front and rear fascias), a revised interior with improved materials and technology, and the introduction of the powerful 3.5L EcoBoost engine as an option.
Assembly Location:
Oakville Assembly Plant, Oakville, Ontario, Canada.