Segment:
Full-size three-row crossover SUV
Target Audience:
Families needing 7-passenger seating with car-like driving dynamics and ample cargo space
Key Competitors:
Chevrolet Traverse, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Dodge Durango
Design:
Distinctive boxy retro-station-wagon styling unique in its class
Seating Flexibility:
Available second-row captain's chairs and refrigerated console
Interior Volume:
Class-leading passenger and cargo space with flat load floor
Engine Options:
3.5L V6 and 3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive standard, all-wheel drive available
Optional Features:
Power liftgate, panoramic roof, Sony audio, navigation
Manual Type:
Factory-style service and repair manual
Coverage Areas:
Every system of the 2012 Ford Flex, all diagnostic and repair procedures
Delivery:
Instant download upon completion of payment
Shipping:
None required - no waiting for a CD or paper manual
Printable:
Yes - all pages printable for shop use
Illustrations:
Detailed illustrations and diagrams throughout
Wiring:
Complete wiring schematics included
Specifications:
Full specifications for all procedures
Instructions:
Step-by-step repair instructions
Engine:
3.5L V6 and 3.5L EcoBoost turbocharged V6, complete mechanical service and rebuild
Transmission:
6-speed automatic transaxle, removal, overhaul and adjustment
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive systems, differentials and driveshaft
Suspension:
Front strut and rear multilink suspension, alignment specifications
Steering:
Power steering system, service and diagnosis
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, disc brakes front and rear
Heating and Air Conditioning:
Climate control system, refrigerant service, components
Electrical:
Charging, starting, lighting, gauges and accessories
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete wiring schematics for all circuits
Body and Interior:
Panels, trim, seats, glass, doors and liftgate
Restraints:
Airbag system and seat belt service
Entertainment and Navigation:
Audio, SYNC and navigation systems
Diagnostics:
Trouble code diagnosis and troubleshooting charts
Scheduled Maintenance:
Service intervals and fluid specifications
Engine Repair:
Removal, disassembly, rebuild and reassembly
Engine Tune-Up:
Spark plugs, filters, drive belt and ignition service
Transmission Service:
Fluid change, adjustment and major overhaul
Brake Service:
Pad, rotor, caliper and hydraulic component replacement
Suspension Repair:
Strut, spring, bushing and ball joint replacement
Electrical Testing:
Component testing and circuit troubleshooting
Body Repair:
Panel removal, alignment and trim service
Torque Specifications:
Factory torque values for all fasteners
Detail Level:
Complete teardown and rebuild procedures for every major system
Illustrations:
Detailed diagrams and photos for each procedure
Audience:
Professional technicians and DIY owners alike
Part Numbers:
Factory part references where applicable
Specifications:
Clearance, torque and adjustment data for rebuild work
Fluid Capacities:
Factory fill capacities and recommended fluids
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
Type:
3.5L Duratec V6, naturally aspirated
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 24 valves, Ti-VCT variable cam timing
Horsepower:
Approximately 285 hp
Torque:
Approximately 253 lb-ft
Type:
3.5L EcoBoost V6, twin turbocharged and intercooled
Horsepower:
Approximately 355 hp
Torque:
Approximately 350 lb-ft
Availability:
Standard on Flex EcoBoost, paired with AWD
Fuel Delivery:
Port injection on 3.5L V6; EcoBoost uses direct injection - verify exact parameters in the manual
Recommended Fuel:
Regular unleaded; premium recommended for EcoBoost
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approximately 18.6 gallons
Type:
6-speed automatic transaxle
Configuration:
Longitudinal transverse-mounted with console shifter
Selectable Modes:
Available manual shift control
Type:
6-speed automatic with SelectShift
Pairing:
Standard with EcoBoost and AWD applications
Service:
Fluid and filter service procedures covered in manual
Drivetrain Pairings:
Front-wheel drive standard; all-wheel drive optional
NHTSA Rating:
High overall scores in government crash testing; consult NHTSA for exact 2012 figures
IIHS:
Good ratings in most 2012 crash tests; refer to IIHS for details
ABS:
4-wheel anti-lock braking system
Stability Control:
AdvanceTrac electronic stability control with rollover mitigation
Traction Control:
Standard all-speed traction control
Tire Pressure Monitoring:
Standard TPMS
Airbags:
Front, side-impact and side curtain airbags with Safety Canopy
Seat Belts:
Three-point belts all seating positions, pretensioners
LATCH:
Child seat anchors in second row
Audio System:
AM/FM/CD audio; premium Sony sound system available on Limited
SYNC:
Ford SYNC voice-activated connectivity available
Navigation:
Voice-activated navigation system available
Rear Entertainment:
Available dual-headrest DVD entertainment system
Rear Parking Sensors:
Available reverse sensing system
Rear View Camera:
Available backup camera integrated with display
Power Liftgate:
Available power-operated rear liftgate
Oil and Filter:
Approximately every 7,500 miles or 6 months under normal conditions
Tire Rotation:
Every oil change interval, approximately 7,500 miles
Air Filter:
Inspect at 30,000 mile intervals
Spark Plugs:
Approximately every 100,000 miles
Coolant:
Initial change at approximately 100,000 miles, then per schedule
Engine Oil:
5W-20 synthetic blend, refer to manual for exact capacity
Transmission Fluid:
Mercon LV
Coolant:
Motorcraft Orange long-life coolant
Power Steering:
Mercon LV or equivalent per manual
Known Issues / Common Wear Items
Brakes:
Front pads and rotors are common wear items on this heavy vehicle
Suspension:
Sway bar links and bushings wear with mileage
Water Pump:
EcoBoost models have internal water pump; plan replacement proactively
Transmission:
Fluid service recommended for towing and severe duty use
Manufacturer:
Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Michigan
Platform:
Derived from the Ford D4 platform shared with the Taurus X and Lincoln MKT
Introduction:
Flex debuted for the 2009 model year
2009-2012:
Launch of boxy full-size crossover with SE, SEL and Limited trims; EcoBoost twin-turbo option added in 2010
2012 Updates:
Continued EcoBoost availability and expanded SYNC technology
Assembly Plant:
Oakville Assembly Plant, Ontario, Canada