Ford Flex & Light: 14 Questions Answered (For Newbies)

The Ford Flex combines minivan-like versatility with station wagon looks, an SUV profile, and car-like driving dynamics.

The Flex comes with state-of-the-art automotive systems, including advanced lighting. Should you buy a Flex, you’ll need to learn how the lights work.

This article outlines everything involved with managing the lighting system on your Ford Flex.

Which Light Bulbs Sizes and Types Do Ford Flex Use?

Here are the light sizes and types on the Ford Flex:

Headlights

From 2009 to 2019, the Ford Flex uses headlight bulb number H13 for high beam and low beam with halogen headlights.

Also, high beam and low beam (with HID headlights) use bulb D3S.

Fog Light

The Flex model years from 2009 to 2019 use H11 LED/H16 LED for the fog light.

Center High Mount Light

The Center High Mount Stop Light Bulb of the Flex model 2009 to 2019 is LED.

Taillight

The Flex taillight outer bulb (with halogen headlights) from 2009 to 2019 uses bulb number 4157R while the taillight inner bulb (with halogen headlights) uses bulb number 168.

From 2013 to 2019, the taillight outer bulb (with HID headlights) uses LED.

Click here for the best Ford Flex light prices on Amazon

How to Turn Off Daytime Running Lights On a Ford Flex?

The Daytime Running Lights of the Flex are configured from the factory.

Therefore, you need an expert to change the configuration. Visit your dealer to fix it.

Ford Flex Light Indicator Symbols Explained

Here are some of the most important Ford Flex light indicator symbols and what they mean:

1. Adaptive Cruise Control: It shows a speedometer in which the needle is pointing to a car and an arrow is pointing to a spot further to the right on the speedometer. The indicator shows cruise control is active.

2. Service Engine Soon: The symbol is the classic engine-block appearance. It shows that there is a problem with the engine and you need to service it soon. Note that minor issues can trigger the light. 

3. Anti-Lock Braking System: The symbol illuminates letters ABS inside a circle. When this light pops up, it shows that there is an issue with your anti-lock brake.

4. Battery Indicator: It is an indicator symbol that pops up when your battery isn’t charging properly or the car battery is faulty. If the light comes up while driving, switch off all electrical appliances in the car and have your Flex checked as soon as possible.

5. Brake System Indicator: The symbol is an exclamation point inside a circle followed by a P inside a circle; it shows a problem with your car’s overall braking system. If this pops up while driving, pull over carefully and get it checked right away. Make sure you check your parking brake first, as leaving it engaged will also cause this light to come on.

6. Powertrain Fault Indicator: It is a wrench look-alike symbol that shows a problem with your powertrain. This is a serious issue, so get your Flex to a service center as soon as possible.

Please also read our article about the Ford Flex in snow and winter driving.

How Do You Adjust the Light on a Ford Flex?

To adjust the lights on your Ford Flex, follow the following steps;

• Park your Flex about 4-5 feet from a light-colored wall.
• Verify your tire pressure cautiously.
• Verify that the height adjustment knob for the lights is set to 0.
• Try doing that with a half-full tank and take out all needless weight from the vehicle, just one person should be in the driver’s seat.
• Turn on your dipped beam and make a cross-shaped mark (one horizontal and one vertical section) in the middle of the beam that will be projected on the wall.
• Then back your vehicle up to a distance of about 25 Feet.
• Open your hood; identify the screws for horizontal and vertical control of the headlights of your Ford Flex.
  1. The screw-on top adjusts the verticality of headlights.
  2. The one on the side controls the horizontality of the headlight.
• Use the screws to make the horizontal adjustment; the most intense part of the beam should be a little to the right of the vertical line marked on the wall.
• For vertical correction, you will have to use the screw to position the upper end of the beam at the level of the horizontal marking on the wall, or slightly down below.
• Once finished, verify that the headlights setting of your Ford Flex is coherent.
• You can go a step further to verify it after you have driven it; it may move if the adjustment screws are not well tightened.

Does Ford Flex Have Automatic Headlamps?

The Flex has auto headlights. However, it does not have automatic high beam headlights.

Make sure to also read our article about how long the Ford Flex lasts.

How Do I Turn Off the Lights On a Ford Flex?

The headlight switch is on the left side of the steering wheel. In a clockwise direction, the positions on the switch are off, parking lights, Headlights, and the last is auto lamp setting.

Turn the knob to the off position on the switch to switch the headlights off.

How Do I Turn Off the Ford Flex Trunk Light?

The Flex’ trunk light goes off automatically after closing the trunk. If you still have the lights on while the trunk is closed, do these:

• Jam the trunk until it clicks twice.
• Remember not to press the “Open Hatch” button on the key fob before actually closing the hatch as it automatically flips the hatch latch back to the open position.

Also read our article about Ford Flex statistics you should know.

How Does the Auto Light Sensitivity Work?

Ford mounted the sensor of the Flex for the auto light sensitivity on the dash.

It triggers the automatic headlights of the Flex to come on if the switch is in the auto position and it is dark enough to require them.

What Can Cause the Drive Light to Blink?

The blinking Drive light on the Ford Flex shows that there is a problem with the transmission.

It may result from a mechanical fault such as a shift in the solenoid or possibly some electrical faults such as a transmission speed sensor.

It may also show that the transmission fluid may be low. It is advisable to call an expert to check it out.

Can I Use Headlight Covers On a Flex?

The headlight cover is suitable and available for the different Flex models. It can as well serve as a protective shield for the headlight.

Before buying headlight covers, make sure it is legal in your area.

The Dome/Interior Light Isn’t Working

The dome light is probably not working because of the following reasons:

• The dimmer switch: Check to confirm if the dimmer switch is too low and set the switch to the middle setting for the door.
• Dome Light Bulb: If you come to find both the dimmer switch and fuses are not the issue, replace the physical bulb in your dome light.
• Check Relay: If the dimmer switch and bulb are good, investigate your relays.

Ford Flex Light Sensors Explained

The Flex light sensor works by detecting changes in the surrounding light or even lighting in a zone around your vehicle.

When the sensor detects a level of darkness beyond its programmed acceptable threshold, your Flex headlights turn on automatically.

Do Ford Flex Have LED Lights?

Ford started installing LED lights on its Flex model in 2009 when it debuted.

The Lights Come On But the Car Won’t Start

Just because the electrical components seem to work in your car doesn’t mean that everything runs smoothly and properly in the other internal systems. Therefore, if your light comes on and the car won’t start, it might be because of the reasons highlighted below:

• The battery might be faulty.
• The starter might have issues.
• A damaged ignition can also stop your car from starting, even if the light is on.

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