Check Engine Light With E85

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
wrote in message
> On Sun, 23 Dec 2007 02:06:13 GMT, "Neil" wrote:
>
>>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.
>>
> 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
 >> Stay informed about: Check Engine Light With E85 

> wrote in message
>> On Sun, 23 Dec 2007 02:06:13 GMT, "Neil" wrote:
>>
>>>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.
>>>
>> 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" wrote in message

>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.
>

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?
 >> Stay informed about: Check Engine Light With E85 

"Neil" wrote in message

> > wrote in message
> >> On Sun, 23 Dec 2007 02:06:13 GMT, "Neil" wrote:
> >>
> >>>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.
> >>>
> >> 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" wrote in message
>
> >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.
> >
>
> 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?
>
>
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
 >> Stay informed about: Check Engine Light With E85 

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

maxpower wrote:
> "Neil" wrote in message
>
>
>>> wrote in message
>>>
>>>>On Sun, 23 Dec 2007 02:06:13 GMT, "Neil" wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>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.
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>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" wrote in message
>>
>>
>>>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.
>>>
>>
>>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?
>>
>>
>
> 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
>
>
 >> Stay informed about: Check Engine Light With E85 

"Neil" wrote in message

>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.
 >> Stay informed about: Check Engine Light With E85 

"Neil" wrote in message

>
> "Neil" wrote in message
>
>>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-add...ed-to-g
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."
 >> Stay informed about: Check Engine Light With E85 

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
"Neil" wrote in message

>
> "Neil" wrote in message
>
>>
>> "Neil" wrote in message
>>
>>>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-add...ed-to-g
> 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."
>
 >> Stay informed about: Check Engine Light With E85 

> "Neil" wrote in message
>
>>
>> "Neil" wrote in message
>>
>>>
>>> "Neil" wrote in message
>>>
>>>>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-add...ed-to-g
>> 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" wrote in message

> 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%.
 >> Stay informed about: Check Engine Light With E85 

"Neil" wrote in message

>
> > "Neil" wrote in message
> >
> >>
> >> "Neil" wrote in message
> >>
> >>>
> >>> "Neil" wrote in message
> >>>
> >>>>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-add...ed-to-g
> >> 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" wrote in message
>
> > 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!!
 >> Stay informed about: Check Engine Light With E85 

"maxpower" wrote in message

>
> "Neil" wrote in message
>
>>
>> > "Neil" wrote in message
>> >
>> >>
>> >> "Neil" wrote in message
>> >>
>> >>>
>> >>> "Neil" wrote in message
>> >>>
>> >>>>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-add...ed-to-g
>> >> 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" wrote in message
>>
>> > 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!!
>

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.
 >> Stay informed about: Check Engine Light With E85 

"Neil" wrote in message

>
> "maxpower" wrote in message
>
> >
> > "Neil" wrote in message
> >
> >>
> >> > "Neil" wrote in message
> >> >
> >> >>
> >> >> "Neil" wrote in message
> >> >>
> >> >>>
> >> >>> "Neil" wrote in message
> >> >>>
> >> >>>>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-add...ed-to-g
> >> >> 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" wrote in message
> >>
> >> > 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!!
> >
>
> 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.
 >> Stay informed about: Check Engine Light With E85 

> 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?
 >> Stay informed about: Check Engine Light With E85 

"Neil" wrote in message

>
> > 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?
>
>

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
 >> Stay informed about: Check Engine Light With E85