🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Ford

Model:

Flex

Year:

2009

Vehicle Type:

SUV/Crossover

Market Segment:

Full-size Crossover SUV

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Ford Flex was positioned as a stylish and practical alternative to traditional SUVs and minivans, offering a blend of car-like comfort and SUV utility with a distinctive design.

Competitors:

Competed against vehicles like the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Chevrolet Traverse, and Buick Enclave in the three-row crossover segment.

Design:

Unique 'modernistic' styling, spacious interior, available all-wheel drive (AWD).

Powertrain Options:

Offered with a standard naturally aspirated 3.5L V6, with a more powerful EcoBoost twin-turbocharged 3.5L V6 becoming available in later model years for enhanced performance.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

2009 Ford Flex

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive (likely over 2000 pages based on typical factory service manuals for this era)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Downloadable)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

3.5L Duratec V6, 3.5L EcoBoost V6 (if applicable for 2009 models, though EcoBoost was more common later), engine overhaul, rebuilding, performance tuning, diagnostics, troubleshooting

Transmission:

6-Speed SelectShift Automatic Transmission (6F50/6F55), transmission overhaul, rebuilding, diagnostics, fluid types and capacities, torque converter service

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS system, electronic brake force distribution (EBD), brake fluid specifications, caliper and rotor service, parking brake

Suspension:

Front independent suspension (MacPherson struts), rear independent suspension (multi-link), shock absorber replacement, spring replacement, alignment specifications, wheel bearing service

Steering:

Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS), steering column, steering rack and pinion, power steering fluid (if applicable), tie rod ends

Electrical System:

Battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, power distribution, ground points

Climate Control:

Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, refrigerant types and capacities, HVAC system diagnostics, cabin air filter replacement

Body And Chassis:

Body panel repair, door mechanisms, glass replacement, sunroof operation and repair, interior trim removal and installation, chassis structural components

Safety Systems:

Airbag system (SRS), seatbelt operation and repair, restraint system diagnostics, passive safety features

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance schedules, oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel, cabin), spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes

Diagnostics:

OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), fault diagnosis for all major systems, using diagnostic scan tools

Repair:

Component removal and installation, component overhaul and rebuilding, replacement procedures for all major parts

Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon problems, symptom-based diagnostics

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of special tools required for specific repairs

Wiring Diagrams:

Complete electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, component location diagrams for wiring harnesses

Torque Specifications:

Comprehensive list of torque specifications for all fasteners and critical components

Depth:

Factory-level detail suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers; covers everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Compatibility:

Windows, Mac, Linux (requires PDF reader)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable within the PDF

File Size Estimate:

Up to 5 GB (as stated in product info, indicative of comprehensive nature)

Printability:

Printable on any computer and printer

Illustration Quality:

Hundreds of illustrations, including zoomable images, exploded views, and component breakdowns

Type:

Digital Download (Not a physical product)

Type:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

3.5L Duratec V6 (likely based on Ford's Cyclone engine architecture)

Displacement:

3.5 Liters (approx. 3496 cc)

Configuration:

V6, 60-degree bank angle

Valvetrain:

DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 4 valves per cylinder, Variable Cam Timing (VCT)

Horsepower Estimate:

Approximately 262 hp @ 6250 rpm (for the 3.5L Duratec)

Torque Estimate:

Approximately 248 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (for the 3.5L Duratec)

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum recommended)

Coolant Type:

Ford Premium Gold Coolant or equivalent (ethylene glycol based, typically orange)

Oil Type:

SAE 5W-20 API SN, ILSAC GF-5 (meeting Ford WSS-M2C945-A specification)

Oil Capacity:

Approximately 6.0 quarts (5.7 liters) with filter change

Spark Plug Type:

Typically Iridium tipped, e.g., Motorcraft SP-516 or equivalent

Timing Mechanism:

Timing Chains (likely dual overhead camshafts driven by chains, not belts)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

6-Speed Automatic (6F50/6F55)

Drivetrain:

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) was available as an option on most trims.

Shift Control:

SelectShift Automatic with paddle shifters or manual mode

Fluid Type:

Mercon LV Automatic Transmission Fluid

Fluid Capacity:

Approximately 9.5 quarts (9.0 liters) for a dry fill, less for a fluid change

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 197.5 inches

Width:

Approx. 78.2 inches

Height:

Approx. 68.0 inches

Wheelbase:

Approx. 117.9 inches

Curb Weight:

Varies by trim and drivetrain, typically between 4,400 - 4,700 lbs

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

GVWR typically around 5,700 - 6,100 lbs

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

Approx. 20.0 cubic feet

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

Approx. 40.3 cubic feet

Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:

Approx. 83.2 cubic feet

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test:

5 Stars (for driver and passenger, typically for models of this era)

NHTSA Side Crash Test:

5 Stars (for front and rear passengers, typically for models of this era)

IIHS Crash Test Rating:

Good (for most applicable tests, check specific 'Top Safety Pick' status for the year)

Electronic Stability Control:

Standard AdvanceTrac with Electronic Stability Control

Traction Control:

Standard Traction Control

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Airbags:

Front airbags, front side impact airbags, Safety Canopy® side curtain airbags for all three rows.

Seat Belts:

3-point seat belts with pretensioners in all seating positions, Belt Minder® system.

💡 Technology Features

System Name:

Ford SYNC (optional, depending on trim level and package).

Features:

Voice-activated control of phone and music, USB port, Bluetooth connectivity (on equipped models).

Available Features:

Rearview camera, parking assist sensors, adaptive cruise control (less common on early 2009 models, but possible).

Connectivity Options:

Bluetooth hands-free calling, USB audio input (on equipped models).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500 miles or 6 months, or when the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor™ indicates. Consult manual for specific conditions.

Tire Rotation:

Every 7,500 miles

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 30,000 miles, replace as needed. Often recommended around 45,000-60,000 miles depending on driving conditions.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 30,000 miles, replace as needed. Often recommended around 30,000-45,000 miles.

Transmission Fluid Change:

No scheduled fluid change by Ford for the Mercon LV fluid, but recommended for severe service or high mileage (e.g., 100,000-150,000 miles) by many technicians. Consult manual or specialist advice.

Coolant Flush Replacement:

Initial service at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles thereafter, or when indicated by the Intelligent Coolant Monitoring System.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically at 100,000 miles for iridium-tipped plugs.

Common Complaints:

Potential for transmission torque shudder, some electronic module issues, early model transmission fluid leaks, occasional power steering assist failures, water pump leaks.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 meeting Ford specification WSS-M6C65-A1

Power Steering Fluid:

Ford specifies a specific type of Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) fluid or, in some cases, Mercon V for certain components if needed. The manual will clarify specific EPAS requirements.

Coolant Capacity:

Approximately 11.0 quarts (10.4 liters) for vehicles with standard cooling, 13.5 quarts (12.8 liters) for vehicles with towing package.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand History:

Ford Motor Company, a historic American automotive manufacturer founded in 1903 by Henry Ford, is known for its innovation, mass production, and a wide range of vehicles from trucks to sedans and SUVs.

Flex Introduction:

The Ford Flex was introduced for the 2009 model year, based on the Ford Fairlane concept car. It was designed to fill a niche as a stylish, versatile, and spacious family vehicle.

Platform:

Built on Ford's D3 platform, shared with other Ford and Volvo vehicles like the Ford Taurus, Ford Five Hundred, and Volvo XC90.

Manufacturing Location:

Produced at the Oakville Assembly Plant in Oakville, Ontario, Canada.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Trophy Award 1:

The Ford Flex was recognized for its innovative design and spacious interior in various automotive reviews and consumer publications upon its release.

Trophy Award 2:

Often highlighted for its unique styling that stood out in the crowded crossover SUV market.