Check Engine Light With E85

Get the code retrieved (OBD11) and report back here. This has got me
very curious. Just because the lites off, the code will still be
stored.

Pete

Refinish King

2007-12-23 03:41:47 UTC

I can also help:

Most likely the fuel sensor in the fuel line. But that's just a guess. The
computer sends a richer mix on E-85, because Ethanol does not have the BTU's
nor the flame propagation of gasoline.

RK

Get the code retrieved (OBD11) and report back here. This has got me
very curious. Just because the lites off, the code will still be
stored.
Pete

Neil

2007-12-23 05:27:18 UTC

Get the code retrieved (OBD11) and report back here. This has got me
very curious. Just because the lites off, the code will still be
stored.
Pete

Most likely the fuel sensor in the fuel line. But that's just a guess. The
computer sends a richer mix on E-85, because Ethanol does not have the
BTU's nor the flame propagation of gasoline.

I know the owner's manual says that the check engine light might come on
when you use cheaper gasoline. So that might be the same thing. However, the
check engine light's going to come on whenever I use E85, then the car's not
really made for using E85, is it?

maxpower

2007-12-23 10:19:34 UTC

with

Post by Neil
it.

Get the code retrieved (OBD11) and report back here. This has got me
very curious. Just because the lites off, the code will still be
stored.
Pete

Most likely the fuel sensor in the fuel line. But that's just a guess. The
computer sends a richer mix on E-85, because Ethanol does not have the
BTU's nor the flame propagation of gasoline.

Why not find out what the fault code is before you do anything!! A loose gas
cap fault code has nothing to do with E85.

Glenn Beasley
Chrysler Tech

Jeff DeWitt

2007-12-23 14:51:24 UTC

I wonder if the alochol in the E85 cleaned something (like a sensor) and
the change triggered the light. Then as things... settled down the
light went off.

In any case no doubt you noticed a significant drop in your gas mileage...

Jeff DeWitt

Post by maxpower

Post by Neil
I have 2003 Dodge Caravan SE, which takes E85 (has the E85 sticker on

the

Post by Neil
gas cap door), but I've never used it before. The other day my tank was half
full, and I filled it up with E85. A couple dozen miles later my check
engine light went on. It stayed on for a couple of days. Today the

check

Post by Neil
engine light didn't go on; but it's also much colder today than it's

been

Post by Neil
the past couple of days, so I don't know if that has anything to do

with

Post by Neil
it.

Get the code retrieved (OBD11) and report back here. This has got me
very curious. Just because the lites off, the code will still be
stored.
Pete

Most likely the fuel sensor in the fuel line. But that's just a guess.

The

Post by Refinish King
computer sends a richer mix on E-85, because Ethanol does not have the
BTU's nor the flame propagation of gasoline.

I know the owner's manual says that the check engine light might come on
when you use cheaper gasoline. So that might be the same thing. However,

the

Post by Neil
check engine light's going to come on whenever I use E85, then the car's

not

Post by Neil
really made for using E85, is it?

Why not find out what the fault code is before you do anything!! A loose gas
cap fault code has nothing to do with E85.
Glenn Beasley
Chrysler Tech

Neil

2008-01-02 01:41:32 UTC

Post by Neil
I have 2003 Dodge Caravan SE, which takes E85 (has the E85 sticker on the
gas cap door), but I've never used it before. The other day my tank was
half full, and I filled it up with E85. A couple dozen miles later my check
engine light went on. It stayed on for a couple of days. Today the check
engine light didn't go on; but it's also much colder today than it's been
the past couple of days, so I don't know if that has anything to do with it.
So I was wondering if anyone has heard of any problems using E85, such as
might cause the check engine light to come on, or otherwise. (The car
actually seems to ride a little smoother; but that could just be my
imagination.) I need to get my state inspection sticker next month, and I
certainly don't want any problems with the check engine light right when I
have to do my inspection.
Thanks!
Neil

Here's an interesting thing re. this. I didn't get the fault code yet
because, as noted, the check engine light was off.

The last time I had put half a tank of E85 in, so it was 50% E85. Tonight I
got gas again, and filled up with E85. The tank was 1/3 full, so it now is
about 85% E85.

Though, as noted, the check engine light has been off, about 5 miles after
filling up again on E85, the check engine light went on again.

So that's twice in a row that it went on after filling up on E85.

Neil

2008-01-02 01:54:29 UTC

Post by Neil
I have 2003 Dodge Caravan SE, which takes E85 (has the E85 sticker on the
gas cap door), but I've never used it before. The other day my tank was
half full, and I filled it up with E85. A couple dozen miles later my
check engine light went on. It stayed on for a couple of days. Today the
check engine light didn't go on; but it's also much colder today than it's
been the past couple of days, so I don't know if that has anything to do
with it.
So I was wondering if anyone has heard of any problems using E85, such as
might cause the check engine light to come on, or otherwise. (The car
actually seems to ride a little smoother; but that could just be my
imagination.) I need to get my state inspection sticker next month, and I
certainly don't want any problems with the check engine light right when
I have to do my inspection.
Thanks!
Neil

Here's an interesting thing re. this. I didn't get the fault code yet
because, as noted, the check engine light was off.
The last time I had put half a tank of E85 in, so it was 50% E85. Tonight
I got gas again, and filled up with E85. The tank was 1/3 full, so it now
is about 85% E85.
Though, as noted, the check engine light has been off, about 5 miles after
filling up again on E85, the check engine light went on again.
So that's twice in a row that it went on after filling up on E85.

I think I found the solution to this. There's an article at
http://www.autobloggreen.com/2006/10/12/your-flex-fuel-ford-may-be-addicted-to-gasoline/
which says in part:

"Dee Rithman, the owner of a 2000 Ford Taurus, was happy to learn that her
car was designed to accept E85 even though there are currently no ethanol
filling stations in her area. On a recent trip to Austin, she came by an E85
station and decided fill up with the gas alternative. 'About three or four
days later, I'm getting the check engine light on my car,' she says. For
$70, a mechanic told her 'because you've been putting regular gas in it for
six years, the engine's not going to take it because it's not used to it.'

"WOAI contacted the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition who said that,
unfortunately, a lot of drivers experience this, but the problem is neither
serious nor permanent. They said that the check engine light should turn off
after the first few E85 fill-ups. They also suggest that you may be able to
avoid the problem altogether by slowly introducing ethanol to your engine a
few gallons at a time."

Refinish King

2008-01-02 04:53:22 UTC

The engine wasn't used to it?

Sounds like a Ford problem, but mechanical things don't get used to things.

LOL

Newer vehicles have a sensor that actually determines the ethanol content.
But, the few tanks of E-85 usually cleans off the sensor.

RK

Post by Neil
I have 2003 Dodge Caravan SE, which takes E85 (has the E85 sticker on the
gas cap door), but I've never used it before. The other day my tank was
half full, and I filled it up with E85. A couple dozen miles later my
check engine light went on. It stayed on for a couple of days. Today the
check engine light didn't go on; but it's also much colder today than
it's been the past couple of days, so I don't know if that has anything
to do with it.
So I was wondering if anyone has heard of any problems using E85, such
as might cause the check engine light to come on, or otherwise. (The car
actually seems to ride a little smoother; but that could just be my
imagination.) I need to get my state inspection sticker next month, and
I certainly don't want any problems with the check engine light right
when I have to do my inspection.
Thanks!
Neil

Here's an interesting thing re. this. I didn't get the fault code yet
because, as noted, the check engine light was off.
The last time I had put half a tank of E85 in, so it was 50% E85. Tonight
I got gas again, and filled up with E85. The tank was 1/3 full, so it now
is about 85% E85.
Though, as noted, the check engine light has been off, about 5 miles
after filling up again on E85, the check engine light went on again.
So that's twice in a row that it went on after filling up on E85.

I think I found the solution to this. There's an article at
http://www.autobloggreen.com/2006/10/12/your-flex-fuel-ford-may-be-addicted-to-gasoline/
"Dee Rithman, the owner of a 2000 Ford Taurus, was happy to learn that her
car was designed to accept E85 even though there are currently no ethanol
filling stations in her area. On a recent trip to Austin, she came by an
E85 station and decided fill up with the gas alternative. 'About three or
four days later, I'm getting the check engine light on my car,' she says.
For $70, a mechanic told her 'because you've been putting regular gas in
it for six years, the engine's not going to take it because it's not used
to it.'
"WOAI contacted the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition who said that,
unfortunately, a lot of drivers experience this, but the problem is
neither serious nor permanent. They said that the check engine light
should turn off after the first few E85 fill-ups. They also suggest that
you may be able to avoid the problem altogether by slowly introducing
ethanol to your engine a few gallons at a time."

Neil

2008-01-02 05:37:10 UTC

Post by Neil
I have 2003 Dodge Caravan SE, which takes E85 (has the E85 sticker on
the gas cap door), but I've never used it before. The other day my tank
was half full, and I filled it up with E85. A couple dozen miles later
my check engine light went on. It stayed on for a couple of days. Today
the check engine light didn't go on; but it's also much colder today
than it's been the past couple of days, so I don't know if that has
anything to do with it.
So I was wondering if anyone has heard of any problems using E85, such
as might cause the check engine light to come on, or otherwise. (The
car actually seems to ride a little smoother; but that could just be my
imagination.) I need to get my state inspection sticker next month, and
I certainly don't want any problems with the check engine light right
when I have to do my inspection.
Thanks!
Neil

Here's an interesting thing re. this. I didn't get the fault code yet
because, as noted, the check engine light was off.
The last time I had put half a tank of E85 in, so it was 50% E85.
Tonight I got gas again, and filled up with E85. The tank was 1/3 full,
so it now is about 85% E85.
Though, as noted, the check engine light has been off, about 5 miles
after filling up again on E85, the check engine light went on again.
So that's twice in a row that it went on after filling up on E85.

I think I found the solution to this. There's an article at
http://www.autobloggreen.com/2006/10/12/your-flex-fuel-ford-may-be-addicted-to-gasoline/
"Dee Rithman, the owner of a 2000 Ford Taurus, was happy to learn that
her car was designed to accept E85 even though there are currently no
ethanol filling stations in her area. On a recent trip to Austin, she
came by an E85 station and decided fill up with the gas alternative.
'About three or four days later, I'm getting the check engine light on my
car,' she says. For $70, a mechanic told her 'because you've been putting
regular gas in it for six years, the engine's not going to take it
because it's not used to it.'
"WOAI contacted the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition who said that,
unfortunately, a lot of drivers experience this, but the problem is
neither serious nor permanent. They said that the check engine light
should turn off after the first few E85 fill-ups. They also suggest that
you may be able to avoid the problem altogether by slowly introducing
ethanol to your engine a few gallons at a time."

The engine wasn't used to it?
Sounds like a Ford problem, but mechanical things don't get used to things.
LOL
Newer vehicles have a sensor that actually determines the ethanol content.
But, the few tanks of E-85 usually cleans off the sensor.
RK

So you're saying that the sensor isn't working right until the first few
tankfuls? And then, once it gets cleaned off, it works properly?

I wonder about my situation where the light went on when I was using 50%
E85, then turned itself off after a couple of days, and then went back on
right after I increased the E85 in the tank to 85%.

maxpower

2008-01-02 18:20:11 UTC

Post by Neil
I have 2003 Dodge Caravan SE, which takes E85 (has the E85 sticker on
the gas cap door), but I've never used it before. The other day my tank
was half full, and I filled it up with E85. A couple dozen miles later
my check engine light went on. It stayed on for a couple of days. Today
the check engine light didn't go on; but it's also much colder today
than it's been the past couple of days, so I don't know if that has
anything to do with it.
So I was wondering if anyone has heard of any problems using E85, such
as might cause the check engine light to come on, or otherwise. (The
car actually seems to ride a little smoother; but that could just be my
imagination.) I need to get my state inspection sticker next month, and
I certainly don't want any problems with the check engine light right
when I have to do my inspection.
Thanks!
Neil

Here's an interesting thing re. this. I didn't get the fault code yet
because, as noted, the check engine light was off.
The last time I had put half a tank of E85 in, so it was 50% E85.
Tonight I got gas again, and filled up with E85. The tank was 1/3 full,
so it now is about 85% E85.
Though, as noted, the check engine light has been off, about 5 miles
after filling up again on E85, the check engine light went on again.
So that's twice in a row that it went on after filling up on E85.

I think I found the solution to this. There's an article at

http://www.autobloggreen.com/2006/10/12/your-flex-fuel-ford-may-be-addicted-to-gasoline/

Post by Neil
"Dee Rithman, the owner of a 2000 Ford Taurus, was happy to learn that
her car was designed to accept E85 even though there are currently no
ethanol filling stations in her area. On a recent trip to Austin, she
came by an E85 station and decided fill up with the gas alternative.
'About three or four days later, I'm getting the check engine light on my
car,' she says. For $70, a mechanic told her 'because you've been putting
regular gas in it for six years, the engine's not going to take it
because it's not used to it.'
"WOAI contacted the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition who said that,
unfortunately, a lot of drivers experience this, but the problem is
neither serious nor permanent. They said that the check engine light
should turn off after the first few E85 fill-ups. They also suggest that
you may be able to avoid the problem altogether by slowly introducing
ethanol to your engine a few gallons at a time."

The engine wasn't used to it?
Sounds like a Ford problem, but mechanical things don't get used to things.
LOL
Newer vehicles have a sensor that actually determines the ethanol content.
But, the few tanks of E-85 usually cleans off the sensor.
RK

So you're saying that the sensor isn't working right until the first few
tankfuls? And then, once it gets cleaned off, it works properly?
I wonder about my situation where the light went on when I was using 50%
E85, then turned itself off after a couple of days, and then went back on
right after I increased the E85 in the tank to 85%.

Find a place that will tell you what the stored fault code is!!

Neil

2008-01-02 20:37:22 UTC

Post by Neil
I have 2003 Dodge Caravan SE, which takes E85 (has the E85 sticker on
the gas cap door), but I've never used it before. The other day my

tank

Post by Neil
was half full, and I filled it up with E85. A couple dozen miles later
my check engine light went on. It stayed on for a couple of days.

Today

Post by Neil
the check engine light didn't go on; but it's also much colder today
than it's been the past couple of days, so I don't know if that has
anything to do with it.
So I was wondering if anyone has heard of any problems using E85,

such

Post by Neil
as might cause the check engine light to come on, or otherwise. (The
car actually seems to ride a little smoother; but that could just be

Post by Neil
imagination.) I need to get my state inspection sticker next month,

and

Post by Neil
I certainly don't want any problems with the check engine light right
when I have to do my inspection.
Thanks!
Neil

full,

Post by Neil
so it now is about 85% E85.
Though, as noted, the check engine light has been off, about 5 miles
after filling up again on E85, the check engine light went on again.
So that's twice in a row that it went on after filling up on E85.

I think I found the solution to this. There's an article at

http://www.autobloggreen.com/2006/10/12/your-flex-fuel-ford-may-be-addicted-to-gasoline/

Post by Neil
car,' she says. For $70, a mechanic told her 'because you've been

putting

Post by Neil
regular gas in it for six years, the engine's not going to take it
because it's not used to it.'
"WOAI contacted the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition who said that,
unfortunately, a lot of drivers experience this, but the problem is
neither serious nor permanent. They said that the check engine light
should turn off after the first few E85 fill-ups. They also suggest

that

Post by Neil
you may be able to avoid the problem altogether by slowly introducing
ethanol to your engine a few gallons at a time."

The engine wasn't used to it?
Sounds like a Ford problem, but mechanical things don't get used to things.
LOL
Newer vehicles have a sensor that actually determines the ethanol

content.

Post by Refinish King
But, the few tanks of E-85 usually cleans off the sensor.
RK

So you're saying that the sensor isn't working right until the first few
tankfuls? And then, once it gets cleaned off, it works properly?
I wonder about my situation where the light went on when I was using 50%
E85, then turned itself off after a couple of days, and then went back on
right after I increased the E85 in the tank to 85%.

Find a place that will tell you what the stored fault code is!!

I'm not worried about it, after reading that article. I was just replying to
Refinish King and asking for clarity about what he was saying. Thanks,
though.

maxpower

2008-01-02 20:38:41 UTC

Post by Neil
I have 2003 Dodge Caravan SE, which takes E85 (has the E85 sticker on
the gas cap door), but I've never used it before. The other day my

tank

Post by Neil
was half full, and I filled it up with E85. A couple dozen miles later
my check engine light went on. It stayed on for a couple of days.

Today

such

Post by Neil
as might cause the check engine light to come on, or otherwise. (The
car actually seems to ride a little smoother; but that could just be

Post by Neil
imagination.) I need to get my state inspection sticker next month,

and

Post by Neil
I certainly don't want any problems with the check engine light right
when I have to do my inspection.
Thanks!
Neil

full,

I think I found the solution to this. There's an article at

http://www.autobloggreen.com/2006/10/12/your-flex-fuel-ford-may-be-addicted-to-gasoline/

Post by Neil
car,' she says. For $70, a mechanic told her 'because you've been

putting

that

Post by Neil
you may be able to avoid the problem altogether by slowly introducing
ethanol to your engine a few gallons at a time."

The engine wasn't used to it?
Sounds like a Ford problem, but mechanical things don't get used to things.
LOL
Newer vehicles have a sensor that actually determines the ethanol

content.

Post by Refinish King
But, the few tanks of E-85 usually cleans off the sensor.
RK

So you're saying that the sensor isn't working right until the first few
tankfuls? And then, once it gets cleaned off, it works properly?
I wonder about my situation where the light went on when I was using 50%
E85, then turned itself off after a couple of days, and then went back on
right after I increased the E85 in the tank to 85%.

Find a place that will tell you what the stored fault code is!!

I'm not worried about it, after reading that article. I was just replying to
Refinish King and asking for clarity about what he was saying. Thanks,
though.

But just because you read an article does not mean it pertains to your
vehicle until you find out what the fault code is.

Neil

2008-01-02 21:52:03 UTC

Post by maxpower
But just because you read an article does not mean it pertains to your
vehicle until you find out what the fault code is.

That's true, and good point. I guess it was the article, combined with the
fact that the light went off by itself (and then only went on again when I
increased the concentration of E85) that makes me feel comfortable about it.
But, I need to get my state inspection this month, and am hoping the light
goes off before that. So, whether the light goes off or stays on, I'll have
to bring it in and I'll get the code read. Or would I need to bring it to
the dealer to get the code read?

maxpower

2008-01-02 23:03:23 UTC

Post by maxpower
But just because you read an article does not mean it pertains to your
vehicle until you find out what the fault code is.

If there is a fault code , it may have disabled an IM monitor. The vehicle
will not pass if all monitors have not been run. That's why I say to have
the fault code checked and make sure the problem is fixed. Some monitors
could take days to run and pass

Refinish King

2008-01-03 03:11:19 UTC

I would have to agree.

What fails on one vehicle, isn't necessarily the same failure on another.

RK

Post by Neil
I have 2003 Dodge Caravan SE, which takes E85 (has the E85 sticker

Post by Neil
the gas cap door), but I've never used it before. The other day my

tank

Post by Neil
was half full, and I filled it up with E85. A couple dozen miles later
my check engine light went on. It stayed on for a couple of days.

Today

Post by Neil
the check engine light didn't go on; but it's also much colder

today

Post by Neil
than it's been the past couple of days, so I don't know if that has
anything to do with it.
So I was wondering if anyone has heard of any problems using E85,

such

Post by Neil
as might cause the check engine light to come on, or otherwise.

(The

Post by Neil
car actually seems to ride a little smoother; but that could just

Post by Neil
my

Post by Neil
imagination.) I need to get my state inspection sticker next

month,

Post by Neil
and

Post by Neil
I certainly don't want any problems with the check engine light right
when I have to do my inspection.
Thanks!
Neil

Here's an interesting thing re. this. I didn't get the fault code

yet

Post by Neil
because, as noted, the check engine light was off.
The last time I had put half a tank of E85 in, so it was 50% E85.
Tonight I got gas again, and filled up with E85. The tank was 1/3

full,

Post by Neil
so it now is about 85% E85.
Though, as noted, the check engine light has been off, about 5

miles

Post by Neil
after filling up again on E85, the check engine light went on

again.

Post by Neil
So that's twice in a row that it went on after filling up on E85.

I think I found the solution to this. There's an article at

http://www.autobloggreen.com/2006/10/12/your-flex-fuel-ford-may-be-addicted-to-gasoline/

Post by Neil
"Dee Rithman, the owner of a 2000 Ford Taurus, was happy to learn

that

Post by Neil
her car was designed to accept E85 even though there are currently

Post by Neil
ethanol filling stations in her area. On a recent trip to Austin,

she

Post by Neil
came by an E85 station and decided fill up with the gas
alternative.
'About three or four days later, I'm getting the check engine light

Post by Neil
my

Post by Neil
car,' she says. For $70, a mechanic told her 'because you've been

putting

Post by Neil
regular gas in it for six years, the engine's not going to take it
because it's not used to it.'
"WOAI contacted the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition who said

that,

Post by Neil
unfortunately, a lot of drivers experience this, but the problem is
neither serious nor permanent. They said that the check engine light
should turn off after the first few E85 fill-ups. They also suggest

that

Post by Neil
you may be able to avoid the problem altogether by slowly

introducing

Post by Neil
ethanol to your engine a few gallons at a time."

The engine wasn't used to it?
Sounds like a Ford problem, but mechanical things don't get used to things.
LOL
Newer vehicles have a sensor that actually determines the ethanol

content.

Post by Refinish King
But, the few tanks of E-85 usually cleans off the sensor.
RK

So you're saying that the sensor isn't working right until the first

few

Post by Neil
tankfuls? And then, once it gets cleaned off, it works properly?
I wonder about my situation where the light went on when I was using

50%

Post by Neil
E85, then turned itself off after a couple of days, and then went back

Post by Neil
right after I increased the E85 in the tank to 85%.

Find a place that will tell you what the stored fault code is!!

I'm not worried about it, after reading that article. I was just replying

Post by Neil
Refinish King and asking for clarity about what he was saying. Thanks,
though.

But just because you read an article does not mean it pertains to your
vehicle until you find out what the fault code is.

c***@mts.net

2008-01-02 22:18:35 UTC

Post by maxpower
Find a place that will tell you what the stored fault code is!!

Said maxpower.

Post by Neil
I'm not worried about it, after reading that article. I was just replying to
Refinish King and asking for clarity about what he was saying. Thanks,
though.

Said the same thing said me a while ago. Just because the lite went
out, doen't mean the fault code isn't there. Instead of relying on
an article and thinking you know, get the fault code read and then
know for sure.

Pete

Refinish King

2008-01-03 03:08:19 UTC

Ethanol has more water than anything else:

There's always garbage on the bottom of the tank, so increasing the alcohol
content, tends to loosen up the water soluble; i.e.: Rust, sand, metal
filings that haven't stratified to the bottom of the tank yet.

So, usually the sensor will clean it self, with the fuel flow. But, on the
other hand. Sometimes the garbage solidifies on the sensor, or renders it's
ability to measure the conductance of either fuel in the mix, and can be
removed and with a little luck, cleaned off.

Otherwise, you'll need a new one. I helped a friend at a dealer diagnose
one, and the sensor was about $87.00 plus tax.

I hope this helps.

RK

PS
I think in your case, the sensor might be covered under the federal
emissions warranty, which I believe is 7/70 or 8/80.

Post by Neil
I have 2003 Dodge Caravan SE, which takes E85 (has the E85 sticker on
the gas cap door), but I've never used it before. The other day my tank
was half full, and I filled it up with E85. A couple dozen miles later
my check engine light went on. It stayed on for a couple of days. Today
the check engine light didn't go on; but it's also much colder today
than it's been the past couple of days, so I don't know if that has
anything to do with it.
So I was wondering if anyone has heard of any problems using E85, such
as might cause the check engine light to come on, or otherwise. (The
car actually seems to ride a little smoother; but that could just be
my imagination.) I need to get my state inspection sticker next month,
and I certainly don't want any problems with the check engine light
right when I have to do my inspection.
Thanks!
Neil

Here's an interesting thing re. this. I didn't get the fault code yet
because, as noted, the check engine light was off.
The last time I had put half a tank of E85 in, so it was 50% E85.
Tonight I got gas again, and filled up with E85. The tank was 1/3 full,
so it now is about 85% E85.
Though, as noted, the check engine light has been off, about 5 miles
after filling up again on E85, the check engine light went on again.
So that's twice in a row that it went on after filling up on E85.

I think I found the solution to this. There's an article at
http://www.autobloggreen.com/2006/10/12/your-flex-fuel-ford-may-be-addicted-to-gasoline/
"Dee Rithman, the owner of a 2000 Ford Taurus, was happy to learn that
her car was designed to accept E85 even though there are currently no
ethanol filling stations in her area. On a recent trip to Austin, she
came by an E85 station and decided fill up with the gas alternative.
'About three or four days later, I'm getting the check engine light on
my car,' she says. For $70, a mechanic told her 'because you've been
putting regular gas in it for six years, the engine's not going to take
it because it's not used to it.'
"WOAI contacted the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition who said that,
unfortunately, a lot of drivers experience this, but the problem is
neither serious nor permanent. They said that the check engine light
should turn off after the first few E85 fill-ups. They also suggest that
you may be able to avoid the problem altogether by slowly introducing
ethanol to your engine a few gallons at a time."

The engine wasn't used to it?
Sounds like a Ford problem, but mechanical things don't get used to things.
LOL
Newer vehicles have a sensor that actually determines the ethanol
content. But, the few tanks of E-85 usually cleans off the sensor.
RK

So you're saying that the sensor isn't working right until the first few
tankfuls? And then, once it gets cleaned off, it works properly?
I wonder about my situation where the light went on when I was using 50%
E85, then turned itself off after a couple of days, and then went back on
right after I increased the E85 in the tank to 85%.

MAlvarez

2019-03-29 22:18:01 UTC