Driving; Starting - Ford 2012 Flex Owner's Manual

Driving

STARTING

Positions of the ignition
1. Off— locks the automatic
transmission gearshift lever and
allows key removal. This position
also shuts the engine and all
electrical accessories off without
locking the steering wheel. To lock
the steering wheel, remove the key
then turn the steering wheel. Note:
In order to switch off the engine while the vehicle is in motion, shift to
neutral and use the brakes to bring the vehicle to a safe stop. After the
vehicle has stopped, turn the engine off and shift into park. Then, turn
the key to the accessory or off position.
2. Accessory— allows the electrical accessories such as the radio to
operate while the engine is not running. This position also unlocks the
steering wheel.
3. On— all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights illuminated. Key
position when driving.
4. Start— cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine
starts.
Note: Do not store the key in the ignition after the vehicle is turned off
and you have left the vehicle. This could cause a drain on the battery.
Starting your vehicle
This system meets all Canadian interference-causing equipment standard
requirements regulating the impulse electrical field strength of radio
noise.
Don't press the accelerator before or during starting. Only use the
accelerator when you have difficulty starting the engine. For more
information on starting the vehicle, refer to Starting the engine in this
chapter.
To avoid potential transmission damage at extremely cold temperatures
(below -20°F [-30°C]), it is recommended that the vehicle be warmed up
to normal operating temperature before driving at highway speeds above
50 mph (80 km/h). Normal operating temperature is normally reached
after 10 minutes of moderate driving or idling.
249
2012 Flex (471)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA (fus)