How do I know if my Ford Taurus is flex fuel?
If you own a Ford Taurus, you may be wondering whether your vehicle is equipped to run on flex fuel, a blend of gasoline and ethanol. Knowing if your Taurus is flex fuel-compatible is important, as it can impact the type of fuel you should use and the performance of your vehicle. In this article, we'll provide a detailed guide on how to determine if your Ford Taurus is a flex fuel model.
Identifying Flex Fuel Compatibility
The easiest way to determine if your Ford Taurus is a flex fuel vehicle is to check the fuel door or fuel tank cap. Many flex fuel vehicles have a label or badge that clearly indicates the vehicle is capable of running on E85 ethanol fuel, in addition to regular gasoline. If you see a label that says "Flex Fuel" or "E85", then your Taurus is a flex fuel model.
Another way to check is to look for a flex fuel emblem on the exterior of the vehicle, usually on the rear or side. This emblem will typically feature the letters "FFV" (Flex Fuel Vehicle) or the words "Flex Fuel".
If you don't see any obvious flex fuel indicators, you can also check your owner's manual or the vehicle information sticker located on the driver's side door jamb. This sticker will list the vehicle's engine type and fuel requirements, including whether it is compatible with E85 ethanol fuel.
Understanding Flex Fuel Benefits and Considerations
Flex fuel vehicles are designed to run on a blend of gasoline and ethanol, typically up to 85% ethanol (E85). Using E85 fuel can provide several benefits, including:
- Increased horsepower and torque: The higher octane rating of E85 can result in improved engine performance.
- Reduced emissions: Ethanol is a cleaner-burning fuel, which can lead to lower tailpipe emissions.
- Potential cost savings: In some regions, E85 fuel may be priced lower than regular gasoline.
However, it's important to note that E85 fuel also has a lower energy content than regular gasoline, which can result in reduced fuel economy when using the higher ethanol blend. Additionally, not all gas stations offer E85 fuel, so availability may be a consideration if you plan to use it regularly.
If your Ford Taurus is a flex fuel model, you have the flexibility to choose between regular gasoline and E85 fuel, depending on your driving needs and the availability of E85 in your area. Be sure to consult your owner's manual for specific fuel recommendations and any other important information related to using flex fuel in your vehicle.
What happens if I accidentally put flex fuel in my car?
If your car isn't a flex-fuel vehicle and you mistakenly add E85 to your tank, you may notice reduced performance and gas mileage. Your check engine light may also appear, but the mishap likely won't damage the engine. They recommend topping the tank off with regular gasoline several times.
What fuel does Ford recommend?
regular unleaded gasoline
We recommend regular unleaded gasoline with a pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87. Some stations offer fuels posted as regular with an octane rating below 87, particularly in high altitude areas.
What class is a Ford Taurus?
Mid-size car
| Ford Taurus | |
|---|---|
| Model years | 1986–2019 (2007 sold only to fleets) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Mid-size car (1985–2007) Full-size car (2007–2019) |
| Layout | Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive Transverse front-engine, all-wheel drive (2008–2019) |
Does VIN tell you fuel type?
The engine block, cylinders, number of valves and displacement are always specific to VIN, while aspiration and fuel type --though almost always captured by the VIN-- can be excluded. The drive type(s), aka drivetrains, available for each vehicle are almost always captured in the VIN.
What kind of gas does a Ford Taurus take?
93-octane premium unleaded gasoline
1 Figures achieved using 93-octane premium unleaded gasoline. Turning circle, curb-to-curb 39.5 ft. Total passenger volume 102.2 cu. ft.
How do I know if my Ford is flex fuel?
But determining whether your truck runs on flex fuel is very simple:
- There is badging that says “flex fuel” on the rear of your truck.
- The gas cap is yellow and the words “flex-fuel vehicle” or “E85” appear on the inside of the fuel door.
- Your truck's owner's manual indicates it is a flex fuel vehicle.
How do I know if my vehicle is flex fuel by the VIN number?
Determining if a vehicle is flex fue
You can also check for Flex Fuel or E85 badging on the vehicle, or take a look at the eighth character of the VIN. Refer to service or application information that will tell you whether the vehicle is a flex fuel application.
When did Ford start making flex fuel?
1996
According to Esurance, Ford was the first manufacturer to introduce commercial flex-fuel vehicles (FFV) in 1996. By 2006, Ford, GM, and Chrysler had made pledges to double their FFV production. Audi, Nissan, VW, Mercedes, and Toyota also produce FFVs.
What Ford models are flex fuel?
Ford F-150 pickup trucks (select models and trims) Ford Explorer SUVs. Ford E-Series Vans. F-Series SuperDuty Trucks (various models)
Which Ford Taurus is flex fuel?
The 1998 Ford Taurus is available with an optional 3.0 liter, V6 engine capable of operating on E85 (85% ethanol and 15% gaso- line), unleaded gasoline, or any blend of the two. Ford has offered an E85 Taurus in its AFV lineup since 1994.
