🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Ford

Model:

Flex

Year:

2012

Platform Code:

D4

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Full-size Crossover SUV

Target Audience:

Families seeking a spacious, versatile, and stylish people mover.

Direct Competitors:

Chevrolet Traverse, Buick Enclave, Dodge Durango, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-9.

Distinctive Design:

Unique, somewhat polarizing 'futuristic' styling differentiating it from traditional SUV silhouettes. Offers a spacious and flexible interior.

Powertrain Options:

Available with potent V6 and EcoBoost V6 engines offering a balance of performance and efficiency.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Complete Workshop Service Repair

Engine Coverage:

All Petrol Engines

Transmission Coverage:

All Transmissions

Trim Coverage:

All Trim Levels

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, cooling system, lubrication system, ignition system, exhaust system, engine control systems (ECU, sensors), automatic transmission, torque converter, manual transmission (if applicable).

Chassis:

Brake system (ABS, EBD, ESC), steering system (power steering, rack and pinion), suspension system (front and rear, springs, shock absorbers, control arms), wheels and tires, chassis frame and body mounting.

Electrical:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior lights), instrument cluster, power windows, power locks, mirrors, horn, infotainment system, navigation system, climate control system electronics, body control module (BCM).

Body And Frame:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, roof, bumpers, interior trim, seating systems, glass, sunroof, structural components, chassis rigidity.

Maintenance:

Routine checks, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements (oil, air, fuel, cabin), spark plug replacement, battery maintenance, tire rotation and balancing.

Repair:

Engine component replacement (pistons, rings, bearings, gaskets), cylinder head service, timing belt/chain replacement, fuel injector service, transmission repair and overhaul, brake component replacement (pads, rotors, calipers), suspension component replacement, steering component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, symptom-based diagnostics, wiring diagrams, connector pinouts, sensor testing, actuator testing.

Installation:

Component installation and replacement procedures for all major systems, including engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, and electrical components.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and electrical schematics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text

Resolution:

High-resolution images and diagrams

Clarity:

Clear, easy-to-understand instructions and illustrations

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Device Compatibility:

All PC & MAC Computers, tablets, smartphones

Software Requirements:

Adobe Reader (free download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code 1:

3.5L Duratec V6 (Cyclone Architecture)

Displacement 1:

3.5 Liters

Horsepower 1:

262 hp @ 6250 rpm

Torque 1:

249 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

Fuel Induction 1:

Electronic Port Fuel Injection (PFI)

Bore X Stroke 1:

3.63 x 3.15 in (92.2 x 80.0 mm)

Compression Ratio 1:

10.8:1

Engine Code 2:

3.5L EcoBoost V6 (TT-V6)

Displacement 2:

3.5 Liters

Horsepower 2:

355 hp @ 5700 rpm

Torque 2:

380 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm

Fuel Induction 2:

Direct Injection with Twin Turbochargers

Compression Ratio 2:

10.0:1

Fuel Type Recommendation:

Regular Unleaded (87 Octane) for 3.5L, Premium Unleaded (91 Octane) recommended for 3.5L EcoBoost.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-Speed SelectShift Automatic Transmission

Drivetrain:

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) available on all models.

Selectshift Mode:

Manual shifting capability via steering wheel paddle shifters or gear selector.

Transmission Fluid Type:

MERCON LV Automatic Transmission Fluid

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approximately 9.5 quarts (9.0 liters) - varies by refill method.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

201.8 inches (5,126 mm)

Width Without Mirrors:

78.2 inches (1,986 mm)

Height:

68.0 inches (1,727 mm)

Wheelbase:

117.9 inches (2,995 mm)

Seating Capacity:

6 or 7 passengers (depending on second-row configuration).

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

20.0 cubic feet (566 liters)

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

43.2 cubic feet (1,223 liters)

Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:

83.2 cubic feet (2,356 liters)

Curb Weight Minimum:

Approximately 4,500 lbs (2,041 kg) for AWD models.

Towing Capacity:

Up to 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) when properly equipped with trailer tow package.

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5 x 114.3 mm (5 x 4.5 inch)

Standard Tire Size:

P255/50R20

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 stars (typically, varies slightly by year and testing procedure).

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Yes (Good ratings in most crash tests for the relevant period).

Electronic Stability Control:

Standard (AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control)

Traction Control:

Standard

Antilock Brakes:

Standard (4-wheel disc with ABS)

Brake Assist:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Optional (Blind Spot Information System - BLIS)

Airbags:

Front airbags, side-curtain airbags for all rows, front seat-mounted side airbags.

Seatbelts:

3-point safety belts with pretensioners, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.

Child Safety Locks:

Standard

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

MyFord Touch (an optional touchscreen-based system featuring voice control, navigation, climate control, and media playback).

Audio Options:

Ford SYNC infotainment system, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, premium Sony audio system available.

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Optional

Rear View Camera:

Optional

Parking Assist:

Optional (Reverse Sensing System).

Bluetooth:

Standard with Ford SYNC system for hands-free calling and audio streaming.

Usb Ports:

Available

Remote Start:

Optional

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, or as indicated by the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM) system.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles or 24 months, or as needed based on driving conditions.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.

Spark Plug Replacement:

3.5L Duratec: Every 100,000 miles (using iridium-tipped plugs). 3.5L EcoBoost: Every 60,000 miles (using specific Motorcraft or equivalent plugs).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 100,000 miles under normal driving conditions, or more frequently under severe driving conditions (towing, stop-and-go traffic).

Coolant Replacement:

Initial fill is long-life; check owner's manual for specific replacement interval (typically around 100,000 miles or 5 years).

Engine Oil Specification:

SAE 5W-30, meeting Ford specification WSS-M2C946-A or equivalent for 3.5L, and WSS-M2C937-A for 3.5L EcoBoost.

Engine Oil Capacity:

3.5L Duratec: 6.5 quarts (6.2 liters). 3.5L EcoBoost: 6.5 quarts (6.2 liters).

Coolant Specification:

Motorcraft Premium Engine Coolant, Yellow (Ford specification WSS-M97B51-A1).

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 Motorcraft High-Temperature Brake Fluid.

Powertrain Common Issues:

Occasional issues with transmission torque converter shudder, fuel pump failures, and ignition coil failures on some models.

Electrical Common Issues:

Problems with the infotainment system (MyFord Touch), backup camera glitches, and power liftgate malfunctions have been reported.

Chassis Common Issues:

Some owners have reported premature wear of suspension components like control arm bushings and tie rod ends.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand History:

Ford Motor Company, a long-standing American automotive manufacturer with a history of innovation and diverse vehicle offerings since 1903.

First Generation Introduction:

The Ford Flex was introduced for the 2009 model year, based on the Ford Fairlane concept vehicle.

Mid-Cycle Refresh:

The 2012 model year represented a significant mid-cycle refresh for the Ford Flex, featuring updated styling, interior enhancements, and powertrain improvements.

Manufacturing Location:

Oakville Assembly Plant, Ontario, Canada.

Production Years:

2009-2019

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Kbb Best Buy:

Kelley Blue Book's Best Buy Awards often recognized the Flex in its segment for its combination of space, features, and value.

Warden 10 Best Engines:

The 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine was recognized by Ward's AutoWorld as one of the 10 Best Engines in 2010.