🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Ford

Model:

Flex

Generation Codes:

First Generation (UN171)

Product Name:

Ford Flex 2009-2012 OEM Workshop Service Repair Manual

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Full-size crossover SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle), often characterized by its unique styling and spacious interior

Target Audience:

Families and individuals seeking a comfortable, versatile, and stylish vehicle for a variety of uses, from daily commuting to road trips

Key Competitors:

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

Design:

Distinctive, somewhat polarizing exterior styling; spacious three-row seating; upscale interior appointments for its class

Powertrain Options:

Primarily the 3.5L Duratec V6, with an optional 3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 available in later models (though this manual focuses on the Duratec)

Target User:

DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, and Ford Flex owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs

Benefit:

Provides OEM-level accuracy and detail, enabling professional-quality repairs and diagnostics, saving on labor costs

📋 Manual Details

Applicable Years:

2009, 2010, 2011, 2012

Applicable Engine:

3.5L Duratec

Estimated Page Count:

Thousands (typical for OEM workshop manuals)

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual (OEM Equivalent)

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Downloadable)

Compatibility:

Windows (95-98-ME-XP-7), MAC, LINUX

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

3.5L Duratec V6 (GZ4) - including diagnostics, disassembly, assembly, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions, timing, and performance tuning

Transmission:

6-Speed Automatic Transmission (6F50/6F55) - including removal, installation, overhaul, diagnostics, fluid specifications, and torque converter service

Drivetrain:

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) systems, including axle shafts, CV joints, differentials, and propeller shaft (for AWD)

Brakes:

Hydraulic brake system, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake assist, and parking brake system - including component replacement, bleeding procedures, and diagnostic trouble codes

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, including MacPherson struts, control arms, springs, shock absorbers, stabilizer bars, and bushings

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gear, steering column, and linkages - including hydraulic system checks and component replacement

Electrical:

Complete vehicle electrical system, including wiring diagrams, component location, battery, charging system (alternator, starter), lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), power windows, locks, mirrors, wipers, horns, and accessory circuits

Body:

Body structure, interior trim, exterior panels, doors, hood, liftgate, bumpers, glass, and seals - including removal and installation procedures, alignment, and collision repair basics

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, including refrigerant charging, component replacement (compressor, condenser, evaporator), blower motor, and climate control modules

Safety Restraint:

Airbag system, seatbelts, and SRS components - including diagnostic procedures and replacement guidelines

Infotainment Controls:

Audio system, navigation (if equipped), climate controls, and other electronic interfaces

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, cabin), spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, and brake inspections

Diagnostics:

Systematic troubleshooting procedures for all major vehicle systems, including identification of common problems, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), and symptom-based troubleshooting

Repair:

Detailed, step-by-step repair procedures for virtually every component, from simple bolt-on parts to complex internal engine and transmission rebuilds

Installation:

Procedures for installing new or replacement components, including torque specifications and alignment procedures

Overhaul:

Complete overhaul procedures for major components like the engine and transmission, detailing internal part replacement and assembly

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical wiring schematics for all vehicle systems, aiding in electrical troubleshooting and repair

Specifications:

All necessary technical specifications, torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, and test data required for accurate repair and maintenance

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and complete component overhauls, mirroring factory technician resources

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF, allowing quick navigation to specific topics

Clarity:

High-resolution PDFs typically offer clear text and sharp illustrations for easy reading and printing

Binding:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

Paper:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

GZ4

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated V6, DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft), 24 Valves

Displacement:

3.5 Liters (3496 cc)

Horsepower Estimate:

Approximately 262-265 hp @ 6250 rpm (varies slightly by model year)

Torque Estimate:

Approximately 248-251 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (varies slightly by model year)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with sequential port injection

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (minimum)

Coolant Type:

Ford Premium Gold Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent meeting specification WSS-M97B51-A1)

Oil Type:

SAE 5W-20 API SN or ILSAC GF-5 certified synthetic blend or full synthetic

Oil Capacity:

6.5 quarts (6.16 liters) with filter change

ECU Type:

Powertrain Control Module (PCM) - specific designation varies

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-Speed Automatic Transmission

Transmission Codes:

6F50 (FWD), 6F55 (AWD)

Optional Transmission:

Not applicable for the 3.5L Duratec engine in this period; the EcoBoost variant might have different options but this manual is specific to the Duratec

Drive Modes:

SelectShift™ Automatic with manual mode (allows driver to manually select gears)

Transmission Fluid:

Mercon LV Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) - meeting Ford specification XT-10-QLVC or equivalent

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approximately 10.5 quarts (9.9 liters) for refill; higher for complete overhaul

📐 Dimensions

Length:

201.8 inches (5126 mm)

Width:

78.2 inches (1986 mm)

Height:

68.0 inches (1727 mm)

Wheelbase:

117.9 inches (2995 mm)

Curb Weight Approximate:

4,500 - 4,800 lbs (2041 - 2177 kg) depending on drivetrain and options

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

20.0 cubic feet (0.56 cubic meters)

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

40.0 cubic feet (1.13 cubic meters)

Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:

83.2 cubic feet (2.36 cubic meters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash Test:

5-Star (for driver and front passenger, across model years)

NHTSA Side Crash Test:

5-Star (for front and rear passengers, across model years)

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Yes (typically awarded for its safety performance)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Standard Traction Control System (TCS)

Electronic Stability:

Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - Ford's AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™ (RSC®)

Brake Assist:

Standard Electronic Brake Assist (EBA)

Airbags:

Standard front airbags, front side-impact airbags, and full-length side curtain airbags

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, pretensioners for front seats

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Available on some trims/packages

Rearview Camera:

Available on some trims/packages

💡 Technology Features

System Name:

SYNC® (available on some trims, depending on model year)

Infotainment Features:

Voice-activated communications, Bluetooth connectivity for phone and audio, USB ports, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, available navigation system

Cruise Control:

Standard Adaptive Cruise Control was not common in this generation; traditional cruise control is standard.

Parking Assistance:

Available rear parking sensors and rearview camera on higher trims or optional packages.

Usb Ports:

Typically one or more USB ports for media playback and device charging.

Climate Features:

Available dual-zone automatic climate control or manual climate control.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Recommended every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, or based on the Intelligent Oil Life Monitor (IOLM) system.

Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km); replace as needed or every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Cabin Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km); replace as needed or every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically at 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for original iridium-tipped spark plugs.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Inspect fluid condition periodically; typically recommended for replacement around 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) under normal driving conditions, or sooner under severe use.

Coolant Replacement:

Initial replacement at 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 10 years, then every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 5 years thereafter.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 Motor Vehicle Brake Fluid (Ford specification WSS-M6C65-A1)

Power Steering Fluid:

Ford Power Steering Fluid (WS) or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSS-M2C195-A

Engine Mounts:

Some owners have reported premature failure of engine mounts, leading to vibrations.

Transmission Shudder:

Occasional reports of transmission shudder, often related to fluid condition or torque converter clutch.

Water Pump Leaks:

The water pump, integrated with the timing cover on the 3.5L Duratec, can sometimes develop leaks.

Door Latch Issues:

Some reports of malfunctioning door latches or interior door handle issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Ford SUV Legacy:

Ford has a long history in the SUV market with iconic models like the Bronco, Explorer, and Expedition. The Flex represented a departure from traditional SUV styling, aiming for a more car-like crossover appeal.

Introduction Year:

2008 (as a 2009 model year vehicle)

Design Philosophy:

Designed to blend the utility of an SUV with the comfort and driving dynamics of a minivan or station wagon, featuring a unique 'modernista' design influenced by American automotive styling of the 1960s and 70s.

Platform:

Based on Ford's D4 platform, shared with other Ford and Lincoln vehicles like the Taurus, Explorer, and Lincoln MKS/MKT.

Assembly Location:

Oakville Assembly Plant, Oakville, Ontario, Canada

Production Years Covered:

2009-2012 (specific to this manual's scope)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Awards:

Consistently received high safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, as noted in the safety section.

Ward Awards:

The 3.5L Duratec V6 engine was recognized by Ward's AutoWorld in its '10 Best Engines' list in 2005, prior to the Flex's introduction, highlighting its smoothness and efficiency for its time.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Reliability ratings varied by model year and specific components, but generally ranged from average to above average according to consumer surveys.

Emissions Certification:

Certified to meet Federal and California emissions standards for its model years, as detailed in the manual.