Can I put E85 in my Ford Flex?
The short answer is no, you should not put E85 fuel in your Ford Flex. E85 is a high-ethanol blend of fuel that is not compatible with most standard gasoline vehicles, including the Ford Flex. Using E85 in a vehicle not designed for it can cause significant damage to the engine and fuel system.
What is E85 Fuel?
E85 is a fuel blend that contains up to 85% ethanol and only 15% gasoline. It is primarily used in flex-fuel vehicles, which are designed to run on either standard gasoline or E85. Ethanol has a lower energy density than gasoline, so E85 provides less fuel efficiency than regular gasoline.
Why Can't I Use E85 in My Ford Flex?
The Ford Flex is not a flex-fuel vehicle, meaning it is not designed to run on E85 fuel. Using E85 in a non-flex-fuel vehicle like the Flex can cause several problems:
- Fuel System Damage: The higher ethanol content in E85 can degrade and damage fuel system components like fuel pumps, fuel lines, and fuel injectors that are not compatible with the corrosive properties of ethanol.
- Engine Performance Issues: E85 has a lower energy density than gasoline, so using it in a vehicle not designed for it can result in reduced power, acceleration, and fuel efficiency.
- Emissions and Emissions Control System Damage: The higher ethanol content in E85 can also negatively impact a vehicle's emissions control system, leading to increased emissions and potential damage to catalytic converters and other components.
Using E85 in a non-flex-fuel vehicle like the Ford Flex can void the vehicle's warranty and lead to costly repairs down the line.
What Fuel Should I Use in My Ford Flex?
For your Ford Flex, you should use the fuel recommended by the manufacturer, which is regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87. Consult your owner's manual or the fuel information label inside the fuel door for the specific fuel requirements for your Ford Flex.
Can you burn E85 in a flex fuel vehicle?
Flex fuel vehicles can use E85 or regular unleaded; traditional gas engines cannot use E85 flex fuel. E85 costs around 60 cents less per gallon than regular gas, but vehicles using it travel fewer miles per gallon.
What Ford vehicles can use E85?
- TRANSIT CONNECT. Cargo Van/Passenger Wagon. Ethanol* CNG.
- TRANSIT. Cargo Van. Ethanol* Biodiesel.
- TRANSIT. Passenger Wagon. Ethanol* Biodiesel.
- E-SERIES. Cutaway Chassis* Ethanol (E85) CNG/Propane.
- F-SERIES SUPER DUTY. Pickup* Ethanol (E85) Biodiesel.
- F-SERIES SUPER DUTY. Chassis Cab* Ethanol (E85)
- F-650/F-750. Chassis Cab. Biodiesel.
Can I just put E85 in my flex fuel car?
Do NOT run E85 in your Flex. The fuel system and ECU are not designed to take advantage of it. High ethanol content can corrode portions of your fuel system if it was not designed with E85 in mind. Furthermore, ethanol requires a different fuel mix (air-to-fuel ratio) than gasoline.
Can a Ford Flex use E85 gas?
Ford Flex Fuel vehicles are designed to run on E85, a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline, as well as regular gasoline. The technology allows drivers to fuel up with either option, making it a convenient and adaptable choice.
