Fuel e85 (85% ethanol), Fuel e85 (85% ethanol) -8 – Saturn 2010 AURA User Manual

Page 278

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Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)

The 8th digit of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
shows the code letter or number that identifies the
vehicle’s engine. The VIN is at the top left of the
instrument panel. See Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN)
on page 6-95.

If the vehicle has the 2.4L L4 engine (VIN Code 0), you
can use either unleaded gasoline or ethanol fuel
containing up to 85% ethanol (E85). See Fuel on
page 6-5
. In all other engines, use only the unleaded
gasoline described under Gasoline Octane on page 6-6.

Only vehicles that have the 2.4L L4 engine (VIN
Code 0) can use 85% ethanol fuel (E85). We encourage
the use of E85 in vehicles that are designed to use it.
The ethanol in E85 is a “renewable” fuel, meaning
it is made from renewable sources such as corn and
other crops.

Many service stations will not have an 85% ethanol
fuel (E85) pump available. The U.S. Department
of Energy has an alternative fuels website
(www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/infrastructure/locator.html)
that can help you find E85 fuel. Those stations that
do have E85 should have a label indicating ethanol
content. Do not use the fuel if the ethanol content
is greater than 85%.

At a minimum, E85 should meet ASTM
Specification D 5798. By definition, this means that fuel
labeled E85 will have an ethanol content between
70% and 85%. Filling the fuel tank with fuel mixtures
that do not meet ASTM specifications can affect
driveability and could cause the malfunction indicator
lamp to come on.

To ensure quick starts in the wintertime, the E85 fuel
must be formulated properly for your climate according
to ASTM specification D 5798. If you have trouble
starting on E85, it could be because the E85 fuel is not
properly formulated for your climate. If this happens,
switching to gasoline or adding gasoline to the fuel tank
can improve starting. For good starting and heater
efficiency below 32°F (0°C), the fuel mix in the fuel tank
should contain no more than 70% ethanol. It is best
not to alternate repeatedly between gasoline and E85. If
you do switch fuels, it is recommended that you add
as much fuel as possible — do not add less than
three gallons (11 L) when refueling. You should drive
the vehicle immediately after refueling for at least
seven miles (11 km) to allow the vehicle to adapt to the
change in ethanol concentration.

6-8

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