🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Ford Model: Flex Year: 2012 Codes Platform: D4 (Volvo P2 derived) 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: The Ford Flex is a distinctive three-row crossover utility vehicle (CUV) known for its bold styling, spacious interior, and comfortable ride, targeting families and individuals seeking an alternative to traditional SUVs and minivans. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Chevrolet Traverse, Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-9. Key Features Design: Boxy, distinctive 'modernist' styling, 'cab-forward' design, spacious and flexible interior with fold-flat seating. Powertrain Options: Available with naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 and a more powerful 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine, with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Manual Value Proposition Benefit: Provides factory-level repair and maintenance information, enabling DIY enthusiasts and professional technicians to accurately diagnose and repair the 2012 Ford Flex, saving time and money. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: 2012 Ford Flex Engine Coverage: 3.5L V6, 3.5L V6 EcoBoost Transmission Coverage: 6F75 (6-speed automatic) Page Count Estimated Pages: Over 2,500 (Digital) Manual Type Type: Online Service and Repair Manual (Software) Language Language: English Format Format: Web-based, Accessible via Browser 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine (3.5L Ti-VCT V6, 3.5L V6 EcoBoost), Transmission (6F75 Automatic) Chassis: Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (Front & Rear), Wheels & Tires Electrical: Power Distribution, Lighting, Instrument Cluster, Audio Systems, Navigation, Body Control Modules, Powertrain Control Modules HVAC: Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning System Components & Operation Body: Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Seats Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Lubrication Repair: Component Diagnosis, Troubleshooting, Removal, Installation, Overhaul Diagnostics: Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II), System Testing Procedures Wiring: Wiring Diagrams, Connector Pinouts, Circuit Descriptions Technical Depth Depth: Factory-Level Detail: From basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures, including torque specifications, clearances, and diagnostic flowcharts. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format: Web-based Application (HTML, JavaScript) Print Quality Printability: Digital; printable sections available through browser interface. Binding Type Binding: Not Applicable (Digital) Paper Type Paper: Not Applicable (Digital) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine 1 Variant: 3.5L Ti-VCT V6 (Duratec) Engine 1 Displacement: 3.5 Liters (3496 cc) Engine 1 Configuration: 60-degree V6, DOHC, 24 Valves Engine 1 Horsepower: 262 hp @ 6250 rpm Engine 1 Torque: 248 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm Performance Engine 2 Variant: 3.5L V6 EcoBoost Engine 2 Displacement: 3.5 Liters (3496 cc) Engine 2 Configuration: 60-degree V6, DOHC, 24 Valves, Twin-Turbocharged Engine 2 Horsepower: 355 hp @ 5700 rpm Engine 2 Torque: 384 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Fuel Type: Regular Unleaded (87 Octane) for 3.5L, Premium Unleaded (91 Octane Recommended) for 3.5L EcoBoost Engine Management ECU: Ford Powertrain Control Module (PCM) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 6F75 6-Speed Automatic Optional AWD Option: Available with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Features Transmission Features: SelectShift™ Automatic with Paddle Shifters (on certain trims/options) Fluid Specifications Transmission Fluid Type: Mercon® LV Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 201.8 inches Width: 78.2 inches Height: 68.3 inches Wheelbase: 117.9 inches Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 4,600 - 4,900 lbs (depending on configuration) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Approx. 6,400 lbs Cargo Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row: 20.0 cubic feet Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row: 40.2 cubic feet Cargo Volume Max: 83.2 cubic feet 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Overall Rating: 5-Star (for models tested during the 2012 model year) IIHS Top Safety Pick: Yes (for models tested) Active Features ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Esc: Electronic Stability Control (AdvanceTrac®) Traction Control: Traction Control System (TCS) Passive Features Airbags: Front, Side-Impact (front and second row), Curtain (all rows) Seatbelts: 3-point safety belts with pretensioners and load limiters 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Infotainment System: Ford SYNC® with MyFord Touch™ (optional, depending on trim level and package) Audio Options: Sony Premium Audio System (optional) Driver Assistance Parking Aids: Rearview Camera, Parking Sensors (optional) Cruise Control: Adaptive Cruise Control (optional on some trims) Connectivity Usb Ports: Available USB ports for media and device charging. Bluetooth: Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming via SYNC®. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, or based on the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system. Tire Rotation: Every 7,500 miles Engine Air Filter: Inspect every 30,000 miles, replace as needed. Cabin Air Filter: Inspect every 15,000 miles or 12 months, replace as needed. Transmission Fluid Service: Refer to manual for specific intervals based on driving conditions; generally recommended around 60,000-100,000 miles for severe use. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: SAE 5W-30, meeting Ford Specification WSS-M2C946-A or equivalent. Engine Oil Capacity: 6.5 quarts (6.2 liters) with filter for 3.5L V6; 6.5 quarts (6.2 liters) for 3.5L EcoBoost. Coolant Type: Ford Gold Coolant (or equivalent) - Prediluted. Known Issues Common Concerns: Water pump leaks, occasional transmission shift quality issues, potential for fuel injectors in...
The Ford Flex is a distinctive three-row crossover utility vehicle (CUV) known for its bold styling, spacious interior, and comfortable ride, targeting families and individuals seeking an alternative to traditional SUVs and minivans.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Chevrolet Traverse, Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-9.
Key Features
Design:
Boxy, distinctive 'modernist' styling, 'cab-forward' design, spacious and flexible interior with fold-flat seating.
Powertrain Options:
Available with naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 and a more powerful 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine, with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
Manual Value Proposition
Benefit:
Provides factory-level repair and maintenance information, enabling DIY enthusiasts and professional technicians to accurately diagnose and repair the 2012 Ford Flex, saving time and money.
Factory-Level Detail: From basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures, including torque specifications, clearances, and diagnostic flowcharts.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Digital Format:
Web-based Application (HTML, JavaScript)
Print Quality
Printability:
Digital; printable sections available through browser interface.
Binding Type
Binding:
Not Applicable (Digital)
Paper Type
Paper:
Not Applicable (Digital)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine 1 Variant:
3.5L Ti-VCT V6 (Duratec)
Engine 1 Displacement:
3.5 Liters (3496 cc)
Engine 1 Configuration:
60-degree V6, DOHC, 24 Valves
Engine 1 Horsepower:
262 hp @ 6250 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
248 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Performance
Engine 2 Variant:
3.5L V6 EcoBoost
Engine 2 Displacement:
3.5 Liters (3496 cc)
Engine 2 Configuration:
60-degree V6, DOHC, 24 Valves, Twin-Turbocharged
Engine 2 Horsepower:
355 hp @ 5700 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
384 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded (87 Octane) for 3.5L, Premium Unleaded (91 Octane Recommended) for 3.5L EcoBoost
Engine Management
ECU:
Ford Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
6F75 6-Speed Automatic
Optional
AWD Option:
Available with All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Features
Transmission Features:
SelectShift™ Automatic with Paddle Shifters (on certain trims/options)
Fluid Specifications
Transmission Fluid Type:
Mercon® LV Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
201.8 inches
Width:
78.2 inches
Height:
68.3 inches
Wheelbase:
117.9 inches
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 4,600 - 4,900 lbs (depending on configuration)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 6,400 lbs
Cargo
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
20.0 cubic feet
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
40.2 cubic feet
Cargo Volume Max:
83.2 cubic feet
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Overall Rating:
5-Star (for models tested during the 2012 model year)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (for models tested)
Active Features
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Esc:
Electronic Stability Control (AdvanceTrac®)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Front, Side-Impact (front and second row), Curtain (all rows)
Seatbelts:
3-point safety belts with pretensioners and load limiters
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment System:
Ford SYNC® with MyFord Touch™ (optional, depending on trim level and package)
Audio Options:
Sony Premium Audio System (optional)
Driver Assistance
Parking Aids:
Rearview Camera, Parking Sensors (optional)
Cruise Control:
Adaptive Cruise Control (optional on some trims)
Connectivity
Usb Ports:
Available USB ports for media and device charging.
Bluetooth:
Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming via SYNC®.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, or based on the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system.
Tire Rotation:
Every 7,500 miles
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 30,000 miles, replace as needed.
Cabin Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles or 12 months, replace as needed.
Transmission Fluid Service:
Refer to manual for specific intervals based on driving conditions; generally recommended around 60,000-100,000 miles for severe use.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30, meeting Ford Specification WSS-M2C946-A or equivalent.
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 quarts (6.2 liters) with filter for 3.5L V6; 6.5 quarts (6.2 liters) for 3.5L EcoBoost.
Coolant Type:
Ford Gold Coolant (or equivalent) - Prediluted.
Known Issues
Common Concerns:
Water pump leaks, occasional transmission shift quality issues, potential for fuel injectors in EcoBoost engines, HVAC system blend door actuator failures.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Ford Heritage:
Ford Motor Company, founded in 1903, has a long history of innovation and mass production in the automotive industry, known for iconic vehicles like the Model T, F-Series trucks, Mustang, and Explorer.
Model Evolution
Flex Introduction:
The Ford Flex was introduced for the 2009 model year as a 2010 model, replacing the Ford Freestar minivan and Mercury Monterey. It was designed to offer a unique alternative in the crossover segment.