Flexible Fuel Engines

FUEL SYSTEM SERVICE
NOTE: If available, use system bleed--schrader valve--to relieve fuel system pressure.

- Put a "CAUTION: FLAMMABLE" sign in the workshop.
- Furnish shop with proper fire extinguisher.
- Disconnect battery ground cable--before beginning any service work.
- Place a suitable container under fuel connections to be opened.
- Open fuel connections slowly--to allow pressure to escape--and catch spilled fuel in container.
- Plug all fittings--after disconnecting lines or hoses.
- Store fuel drained in a suitable--explosive-proof--container with a secure lid.

CATALYTIC CONVERTER
The catalytic converter routinely reaches operating temperatures of 1200° F (650° C) and will stay hot for some time after the engine has been shut off. Do NOT park the vehicle over any object or material that could ignite (i.e. dry leaves, cardboard, puddles of oil, or other combustibles).

CARBON MONOXIDE
Exhaust gas contains toxic carbon monoxide. Do not run the engine in confined areas or breathe concentrated exhaust gases. Breathing exhaust gases may cause loss of consciousness or even death.

EXHAUST SYSTEM LEAKS
Repair any leaks in the exhaust system as soon as possible. Hot gases escaping from the leak can ignite flammable materials and may set the vehicle on fire.

Also, exhaust may circulate through the passenger compartment causing throat, sinus, and eye irritation, light headedness, headaches, and increased irritability, especially while driving with windows closed.

FUEL ODORS/EXCESSIVE EMISSIONS
Be alert for fuel odors and excessive tailpipe emissions (black smoke etc...). These are problem indicators.

E-85 GENERAL INFORMATION
This information applies only to components or subjects that are specific to Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFV) only. These vehicles can be identified by the unique Fuel Filler Door Label that states "Ethanol (E-85) or Unleaded Gasoline Only".

ETHANOL FUEL (E-85)
E-85 is a mixture of approximately 85% fuel ethanol and 15% unleaded gasoline.

WARNING: Ethanol vapors are extremely flammable and could cause serious personal injury. Never have any smoking materials lit in or near the vehicle when removing the fuel filler cap (gas cap) or filling the tank. Do not use E-85 as a cleaning agent and never use E-85 near and open flame.

FUEL REQUIREMENTS
This vehicle will operate on both unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87, or E-85 fuel, or any mixture of these two fuels.

For best results, a refueling pattern that alternates between E-85 and unleaded gasoline should be avoided. When you do switch fuels, it is recommended that:
- You do not switch when the fuel gauge indicates less than 1/4 tank.
- You do not add less than 5 gallons when refueling.
- You operate the vehicle immediately after refueling for a period of at least 5 minutes.

Observing these precautions will avoid possible hard starting and / or significant deterioration in driveablity during warm up.

NOTE: When the ambient temperature is above 90°F, you may experience hard starting and rough idle following start-up even if the above recommendations are followed.

STARTING
The characteristics of E-85 fuel make it unsuitable for use when ambient temperatures fall below 0°F. In the range of 0°F to 32°F, you may experience an increase in the time it takes for your engine to start, and a deterioration in driveability (sags and/or hesitation) until the engine is fully warmed up.

CRUISING RANGE
Because E-85 fuel contains less energy per gallon than gasoline, you will experience an increase in fuel consumption. You can expect your MPG and your driving range to decrease by about 30% compared to gasoline operation.

REPLACEMENT PARTS
Many components in your Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) are designed to be compatible with ethanol. Always be sure that your vehicle is serviced with correct ethanol compatible parts.

CAUTION: Replacing fuel system components with non-ethanol compatible components can damage your vehicle and may void the warranty.

FUEL SYSTEM SERVICE
NOTE: If available, use system bleed--schrader valve--to relieve fuel system pressure.

- Put a "CAUTION: FLAMMABLE" sign in the workshop.
- Furnish shop with proper fire extinguisher.
- Disconnect battery ground cable--before beginning any service work.
- Place a suitable container under fuel connections to be opened.
- Open fuel connections slowly--to allow pressure to escape--and catch spilled fuel in container.
- Plug all fittings--after disconnecting lines or hoses.
- Store fuel drained in a suitable--explosive-proof--container with a secure lid.

CATALYTIC CONVERTER
The catalytic converter routinely reaches operating temperatures of 1200° F (650° C) and will stay hot for some time after the engine has been shut off. Do NOT park the vehicle over any object or material that could ignite (i.e. dry leaves, cardboard, puddles of oil, or other combustibles).

CARBON MONOXIDE
Exhaust gas contains toxic carbon monoxide. Do not run the engine in confined areas or breathe concentrated exhaust gases. Breathing exhaust gases may cause loss of consciousness or even death.

EXHAUST SYSTEM LEAKS
Repair any leaks in the exhaust system as soon as possible. Hot gases escaping from the leak can ignite flammable materials and may set the vehicle on fire.

Also, exhaust may circulate through the passenger compartment causing throat, sinus, and eye irritation, light headedness, headaches, and increased irritability, especially while driving with windows closed.

FUEL ODORS/EXCESSIVE EMISSIONS
Be alert for fuel odors and excessive tailpipe emissions (black smoke etc...). These are problem indicators.