Ford 2013 Flex Owner's Manual page 210

Brake-shift interlock
WARNING: Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the
brakelamps are working.
WARNING: When doing this procedure, you will be taking the
vehicle out of park which means the vehicle can roll freely. To
avoid unwanted vehicle movement, always fully set the parking brake
prior to doing this procedure. Use wheel chocks if appropriate.
WARNING: If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake
warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be
working properly. See your authorized dealer.
Note: See your authorized dealer as soon as possible if this procedure is
used.
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is
on unless the brake pedal is pressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with the ignition on
and the brake pedal pressed, it is possible that a fuse has blown or the
vehicle's brake lamps are not operating properly. Refer to the Fuses chapter.
If the fuse is not blown and the brake lamps are working properly, the
following procedure will allow you to move the gearshift lever from P
(Park):
A
2013 Flex (471)
Owners Guide gf, 4th Printing, December 2012
USA (fus)
Transmission
1. Apply the parking brake, turn the
ignition off, and remove the key.
B
2. Using a screwdriver (or similar
tool), carefully pry off and remove
the chrome trim ring (A) from the
shifter base.
3. Open the storage compartment
lid and carefully pry the trim panel
(B) up from rear attachments on
the storage compartment and
disconnect it from the console.
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