How do I know if my Ford Taurus is flex fuel?
Flex fuel vehicles (FFVs) are designed to run on more than one type of fuel, typically a blend of gasoline and ethanol. If you own a Ford Taurus and are wondering whether it is a flex fuel vehicle, there are several ways to confirm this. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to identify if your Taurus is flex fuel capable.
What is a Flex Fuel Vehicle?
A flex fuel vehicle is equipped with an internal combustion engine that can run on gasoline, ethanol, or a mixture of both. Ethanol blends, such as E85 (85% ethanol and 15% gasoline), are commonly used in FFVs. These vehicles are designed to adjust the fuel mixture automatically, making them versatile and environmentally friendly.
Steps to Identify if Your Ford Taurus is Flex Fuel
Here are some simple steps to determine if your Ford Taurus is a flex fuel vehicle:
- Check the Owner’s Manual: The easiest way to confirm if your Taurus is flex fuel is by consulting the owner’s manual. Look for information about fuel compatibility or flex fuel capabilities.
- Inspect the Fuel Cap: Many flex fuel vehicles have a yellow fuel cap or a label on the cap indicating that the vehicle is E85 compatible. If your Taurus has a yellow cap, it is likely a flex fuel vehicle.
- Look for Badging: Check the exterior of your vehicle for any badges or emblems that say "Flex Fuel" or "E85." These are often located on the rear of the car or near the fuel door.
- VIN Lookup: Your vehicle identification number (VIN) can provide detailed information about your car. Use an online VIN decoder or contact your local Ford dealership to check if your Taurus is flex fuel capable.
- Fuel Door Label: Open the fuel door and look for a label or sticker that specifies the types of fuel your vehicle can use. If it mentions E85 or ethanol blends, your Taurus is a flex fuel vehicle.
Why It’s Important to Know
Understanding whether your Ford Taurus is flex fuel capable is crucial for several reasons:
- Fuel Options: Knowing your vehicle’s fuel compatibility allows you to take advantage of ethanol blends, which are often cheaper and more environmentally friendly.
- Engine Performance: Using the correct fuel ensures optimal engine performance and prevents potential damage.
- Cost Savings: Ethanol blends like E85 can be more affordable than regular gasoline, helping you save money at the pump.
Conclusion
Determining if your Ford Taurus is a flex fuel vehicle is straightforward with the steps outlined above. Whether it’s checking the owner’s manual, inspecting the fuel cap, or using a VIN lookup, these methods will help you confirm your vehicle’s fuel compatibility. If you’re still unsure, don’t hesitate to visit your local auto repair shop or Ford dealership for assistance. At Kevin’s Autos, we’re always here to help with all your car maintenance and repair needs!
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
