Oxygenated Fuels and Additives

Fuel Standards

The fuel must meet ASTM Standard: D4814 (U.S.), CGSB 3.5-M87 (Canada).

Octane Requirements

Minimum Octane requirement: 91 [(R+M)/2] (pump) octane where R=research octane number and M=motor octane number.

Gasoline with Alcohol

Notice: Do Not spill fuel containing alcohol on the vehicle. Alcohol can cause damage to the paint finish and the trim.

Methyl Tertiary-Butyl Ether

Fuel containing Methyl Tertiary-Butyl Ether (MTBE) may be used, providing there is no more than 15% by volume.

Ethanol

Fuel containing ethanol (ethyl) or grain alcohol may be used, providing that there is no more than 10% ethanol alcohol by volume.

Methanol

Notice: In order to prevent damage and corrosion to the fuel system, do not use any fuels which contain methanol.

Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl

If a vehicle is certified to meet California Emission Standards (indicated on the under-hood tune-up label), it is designed to operate on fuels that meet California specifications. If such fuels are not available in states adopting California emissions standards, a vehicle will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting federal specifications, but emission control system performance may be affected. The malfunction indicator lamp on the instrument panel may turn on. The vehicle may also fail a smog-check test.

Some gasoline that are not reformulated for low emissions contain an octane-enhancing additive called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT). General Motors does not recommend the use of such gasoline. If fuels containing MMT are used, spark plug life may be reduced, and emission control system performance can be affected. The malfunction indicator lamp on the instrument panel can turn on.

To provide cleaner air, all gasoline are now required to contain additives that will help prevent deposits from forming in the engine and fuel system. These additives will allow the emission system to function properly. Therefore, there does not need to be anything added to the fuel. In addition, gasoline containing oxygenates, such as ethers and ethanol, and reformulated gasoline, may be available in the area to help clean the air. General Motors recommends that the above mentioned gasoline be used if they comply with fuel specifications.