FORD 2012 Flex v.2 - Manual (Page 263)

experienced, SLOW DOWN. Always use caution when towing a trailer
and follow the tongue weight recommendations. Refer to Trailer towing
in the Tires, Wheels and Loading chapter for more information on
towing a trailer with your vehicle.
During trailer sway control events, the stability control light in the
instrument cluster will flash momentarily. The cluster message center
will also display TRAILER SWAY REDUCE SPEED. In some cases
when trailer sway is detected, the vehicle speed is too high and may be
at or above a speed at which trailer sway will grow continuously. This
may cause the system to activate multiple times, causing a gradual
reduction in speed.
Disabling trailer sway control
Trailer sway control can be disabled during any key cycle. To disable
trailer sway control, refer to the Message center in the Instrument
Cluster chapter. Note that regardless of chosen enable state, trailer sway
control will be re-enabled each new key cycle.
WARNING: Turning off trailer sway control increases the risk of
loss of vehicle control, serious injury, or death. Ford does not
recommend disabling this feature except in situations where speed
reduction may be detrimental (e.g., hill climbing), the driver has
significant trailer towing experience, and can control trailer sway and
maintain safe operation.
STEERING
3.5L EcoBoost™ engine: Your vehicle is equipped with an Electric
Power Steering (EPS) system. There is no fluid reservoir to check or fill.
If your vehicle loses electrical power while you are driving (or if the
ignition is turned off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes
more effort. Extreme continuous steering may increase the effort it takes
for you to steer. This occurs to prevent internal overheating and
permanent damage to your steering system. If this should occur, you will
neither lose the ability to steer the vehicle manually nor will it cause
permanent damage. Typical steering and driving maneuvers will allow the
system to cool and steering assist will return to normal.
The EPS system has diagnostic checks that continuously monitor the
EPS system to ensure proper operation. When a system error is
detected, the following message SERVICE POWER STEERING, SERVICE
POWER STEERING NOW or POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT may
display in the message center, refer to the Message center in the
Instrument Cluster chapter for more information.
Driving
262
2012 Flex (471)
Owners Guide, 2nd Printing
USA (fus)