gas type Mercury Sable 2001 Flex Fuel Vehicle Supplement

REFUELING
Use only fuels which meet the type specified for the calibration number
printed on the calibration decal. Use of other fuels may cause powertrain
damage as well as loss of vehicle performance. It will also invalidate the
Ford Warranty and any extended service agreement.
WHAT FUELS SHOULD BE USED?
Your Sable FFV uses fuel ethanol. Unleaded gasoline may be also used.
However,do notuse fuel methanol. The correct fuel for your FFV is
shown on a decal, located on the inside surface of the fuel filler door.
These vehicles will operate well on ordinary commercial quality unleaded
regular gasoline, but only the highest quality fuel ethanol will provide the
same level protection and performance.
Standards for these fuels have been developed to provide FFVs the best
possible performance, safety and durability. To assist alcohol fuel
providers in meeting these standards, guidelines have also been
developed which prescribe ªEthanol Fuel Compatibleº dispensing station
equipment. Fuel stations may apply to be certified as meeting these
standards. However, not all stations meet these standards at this time. To
ensure proper operation of your Sable FFV on fuel ethanol, refuel at
certified stations. These standards and guidelines can be obtained from
the Ford Motor Company Alternative Fuels Program (call toll-free
1-800-ALT-FUEL (258-3835) or contact the U.S Dept of Energy
Altertnative Fuels Data Center (call toll±free 1-800-423-1DOE
(423-1363).
WHAT IS FUEL ETHANOL (E
D85)?
Pure ethanol is the alcohol which is the intoxicating agent in liquor, beer
and wine. It is distilled from the fermentation of plants such as field corn
and sugar cane. When ethanol is used in the making of motor fuels, a
small amount of a bad tasting chemical is added to discourage beverage
use. The resulting fuel is called E
d100 meaning 100% pure ethanol
diluted by 2% to 5% gasoline as the ªdenaturant.º
Fuel ethanol (E
d85) is then made by adding 15% more unleaded
gasoline. The resulting fuel also has a higher octane rating than unleaded
regular gasoline and other properties which allow engine designs with
greater efficiency and power.
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Use of a specific oil is mandatory for proper operation of flexible fueled
engines throughout the warranty period and for validation of the
extended service agreement.
Oil change intervals must be maintained at the recommended intervals.
Refer to the ªService Guideº for the service interval schedules.
SPARK PLUGS
The spark plugs used in the flexible fuel vehicle are different than those
used in the gasoline-powered vehicle. This is necessary to prevent engine
damage due to pre-ignition.
Standard spark plugs must never be installed on the FFV engine,
because disabling and expensive engine damage may occur. Proper spark
plugs may be purchased through your dealer.
The FFV vehicle recommended Motorcraft spark plugs part number
AGSF-22PP, which is installed as original equipment,mustalways be
used foralltypes of fuels.
LONG-TERM STORAGE
Due to the small amounts of corrosive impurities that may be found in
E
d85, it is recommended that the fuel be switched over to 100%
high-quality unleaded gasoline prior to long-term storage of your FFV.
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