Monday, March 17, 2008

Will E85 F-up my Saab?

I don't think so. Here is what GM says (Saabs are GM cars, believe it or not, that's why I drive it):

Bulletin 05-06-04-035B Customer Interest in E85 Fuel Use

Subject: Usage of E85 Fuels in GM Vehicles #05-06-04-035B - (05/31/2006)

Years: 1997-2007 All GM Cars and Trucks

Models: All GM Corp. Vehicles & Commercial or Medium Duty Trucks

As the retail price of gasoline increases, some locations in the country are seeing price differentials between regular gasoline and E85 where E85 is selling for substantially less than regular grade gasoline. One result of this is that some customers have inquired if they are able to use E85 fuel in non-E85 compatible vehicles.

Important: Only vehicles designated for use with E85 should use E85 blended fuel.

E85 compatibility is designated for vehicles that are certified to run on up to 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. All other gasoline engines are designed to run on fuel that contains no more than 10% ethanol.

Notice: containing greater than 10% ethanol in non-E85 designated vehicles can cause drivability issues, service engine soon indicators as well as increased fuel system corrosion. Using E85 in Non-Compatible Vehicles General Motors is aware of an increased number of cases where customers have fueled non-Flex Fuel designated vehicles with E85. Fueling non-Flex Fuel designated vehicles with E85, or with fuels where the concentration of ethanol exceeds the ASTM specification of 10%, will result in one or more of the following conditions:

1. Lean Drivability concerns such as hesitations, sags and / or possible stalling.
2. SES lights due to OBD codes.
3. Fuel Trim codes P0171 and / or P0174.
4. Misfire codes (P0300).
5. Various O2 sensor codes.
6. Disabled traction control or Stability System disabled messages.
7. Harsh / Firm transmission shifts.
8. Fuel system and / or engine mechanical component degradation.

Notice: Use of fuel containing greater than 10% ethanol in non-E85 designated vehicles can cause drivability issues, service engine soon indicators as well as increased fuel system corrosion. If the dealer suspects that a non-Flex Fuel designated vehicle brought in for service has been fueled with E85, the fuel in the vehicle's tank should be checked for alcohol content with tool J-44175. If the alcohol content exceeds 10%, the fuel should be drained and the vehicle refilled with gasoline - preferably one of the Top Tier brands.

Repairs to non-Flex Fuel vehicles that have been fueled with E85 are not covered under the terms of the New Vehicle Warranty. A complete list of GM’s Flex Fuel vehicles can be found in this Service

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