Can I use Ethanol fuel in my Vehicle?
All auto manufacturers approve the use
of low level ethanol blends. Ethanol blends (10% or less) can be used
in all types of vehicles and engines that require gasoline. Most of the time on
new vehicles there is no noticeable difference in vehicle performance when
low-level ethanol blends are used. Because there is a difference in the
energy content of ethanol and gasoline, there will be a reduction in
vehicle fuel economy when using low level blends of ethanol.
More information on using 10% ethanol.
What about E85, can I use it in
my Vehicle?
E85 is a blend of 85% ethanol and 15%
unleaded gasoline for use in only in flexible fuel vehicles
(FFVs). E85 is classified as an alternative fuel by the U.S. Department of
Energy.
What is a flexible fuel vehicle?
A flexible fuel vehicle (FFV) is a vehicle that can "sense" how much alcohol is
in the fuel and can operate on any blend of ethanol up to 85% by adjusting
injector pulse width and ignition timing to compensate. A FFV vehicle also has a
modified fuel system for the corrosiveness of alcohol.
Many major automakers including
DaimlerChrysler, Ford, General Motors, Mazda, Mercury, Isuzu, and Mercedes
manufacture vehicles that can operate on E85. FFVs have been produced for
several years, and the number of E85-compatible makes and models is increasing
each year.
Notes about using E85.
Mileage may drop by 30% when using E85
instead of normal gasoline.
Engines running on E85 may be harder to start in cold weather and have minor
driveability problems in hot weather. E85 should not be used when temperatures
are below 32 degrees F. or above 90 degrees F.
Ethanol produces more water during combustion than regular gasoline which can
cause more oil sludging during short trip driving. Oil changes may need to be
done more often.
What happens if I fuel my
gasoline-only powered vehicle with E85?
The largest difference between
an E85 powered vehicle and a gasoline powered vehicle is that their computers
are programmed for normal gasoline. E85 contains a higher amount of oxygen than
gasoline and E85 compatible vehicles are made to read that higher amount. When a
higher amount of oxygen is read by a gasoline powered vehicle, your "check
engine light" may appear and performance problems are very likely. A number of
other parts on the FFV's fuel delivery system are modified to be
ethanol-compatible. The fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel injectors, computer system
and anti-siphon device have been modified slightly. Alcohol fuels can be more
corrosive than gasoline. Therefore; fuel system parts have been upgraded to be
ethanol-compatible.
Biofuels May Hinder Antiglobal-Warming Efforts
By Gautam Naik of the Wall Street
Journal
While the U.S. and others race to expand the use and production
of bio-fuels, two new studies suggest these gasoline alternatives
actually will increase carbon-dioxide levels.
A study published in the latest issue of Science finds that
corn-based ethanol, a type of bio-fuel pushed heavily in the
U.S., will nearly double the output of greenhouse-gas emissions
instead of reducing them by about one-fifth by some estimates. A
separate paper in Science concludes that clearing native
habitats to grow crops for bio-fuel generally will lead to more
carbon emissions. |
Identifying a Flexible Fuel Vehicle.
When looking at your Vehicle Identification Number (visible on left side of
dash through the windshield), if the characters in the
number match the characters listed below, your vehicle is a Flexible Fuel
Vehicle. FFVs are designed to safely burn VE85, an alternative fuel consisting
of 85% ethanol and 15% unleaded gasoline. This covers 2007 and older models.
|
Ford Motor Company
|
|
Vehicle
|
Character 8
|
| Ford Crown Victoria |
V
|
| Ford F-150 |
V
|
| Ford Explorer |
K
|
| Ford Ranger |
V
|
| Ford Taurus |
2
|
| Lincoln Town Car |
V
|
| Mercury Mountaineer |
K
|
| Mercury Sable |
2
|
| Mercury Grand Marquis |
V
|
|
General Motors
|
|
Vehicle
|
Character 8
|
|
|
W |
|
|
Prior to Model Year 2007: Z
Model Year 2007:
3 or 0 |
|
|
Z |
|
|
K |
|
|
K |
|
|
5 |
|
|
Model Year 2006 and prior: Z; Model Year 2007: 0
or 3 or Z
|
|
|
Prior to Model Year 2007: Z
Model Year 2007:
3 or 0 |
| Chevrolet Tahoe |
Prior to Model Year 2007: Z
Model Year 2007:
3 or 0 |
| Chevrolet Uplander |
W |
|
GMC Yukon & Yukon XL
|
Prior to Model Year 2007: Z
Model Year 2007:
3 or 0 |
| GMC Savana |
Z |
| GMC Sierra |
Model Year 2006 and prior: Z; Model Year 2007: 0
or 3 or Z |
| GMC Sonoma |
5 |
| Pontiac Montana (available ONLY in Canada and Mexico) |
W |
| Saturn Relay |
W |
|
Daimler-Chrysler
|
|
Vehicle
|
Character 8
|
| Chrysler Aspen |
P |
| Chrysler Sebring |
T |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Dodge Cargo Minivan |
E, G or 3 |
| Dodge Dakota |
P |
| Dodge Durango |
P |
| Dodge Ram |
P |
| Dodge Stratus |
T |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee |
P |
| Jeep Commander |
P |
|
|
|
|
Mazda
|
|
Vehicle
|
Character 8
|
|
B3000 Pickup
|
V
|
|
Nissan
|
|
Vehicle
|
Character 4
|
|
Armada
|
B
|
|
Titan
|
B
|
|
Mercedes Benz
|
|
All models listed in year are E85 compatible
|
|
|
