Dodge Avenger: Flexible fuel (2.7L ONLY) — if equipped

Dodge Avenger: Flexible fuel (2.7L ONLY) — if equipped

E85 General Information

The information in this section is for Flexible Fuel vehiclesonly. These vehicles can be identified by a uniquefuel filler door label that states Ethanol (E85) or UnleadedGasoline Only. This section only covers thosesubjects that are unique to these vehicles. Please refer tothe other sections of this manual for information onfeatures that are common between Flexible Fuel andgasoline-only powered vehicles.

NOTE: The 2.7L engine is now rated for E85 Ethanoluse (EXCEPT CALIFORNIA EMISSION STATES). Onlyvehicles with the E85 fuel filler door label can operate onE85.

E85 Fuel Cap

CAUTION:

Only vehicles with the E85 fuel filler door label canoperate on E85.

E85 Badge

Ethanol Fuel (E85)

E85 is a mixture of approximately 85% fuel ethanol and15% unleaded gasoline.

WARNING:

Ethanol vapors are extremely flammable and couldcause serious personal injury. Never have any smokingmaterials lit in or near the vehicle when removingthe fuel filler tube cap (gas cap) or filling thetank. Do not use E85 as a cleaning agent and neveruse it near an open flame.

Fuel Requirements

If your vehicle is E85 compatible, it will operate onunleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87, or E85fuel, or any mixture of these two fuels.

For best results, a refueling pattern that avoids alternatingbetween E85 and unleaded gasoline is recommended.

When you do switch fuel types it is recommended that:

• you do not add less than 5 gal (19 L) when refueling.

• you drive the vehicle immediately after refueling for atleast 5 miles (8 km).

Observing these precautions will avoid possible hardstarting and/or significant deterioration in driveabilityduring warm up.

NOTE:

• Use seasonally adjusted E85 fuel (ASTM D5798). Withnon-seasonally adjusted E85 fuel, you may experiencehard starting and rough idle following start up even ifthe above recommendations are followed, especiallywhen the ambient temperature is below 32°F (0°C).

• Some additives used in regular gasoline are not fullycompatible with E85 and may form deposits in yourengine. To eliminate driveability issues that may becaused by these deposits, a supplemental gasolineadditive, such as MOPAR Injector Cleanup orTechron may be used.

Selection Of Engine Oil For Flexible Fuel Vehicles(E85) and Gasoline Vehicles

FFV vehicles operated on E85 require specially formulatedengine oils. These special requirements are includedin MOPAR engine oils, and in equivalent oils meetingChrysler Specification MS-6395. The manufacturer onlyrecommends engine oils that are API Certified and meetthe requirements of Material Standard MS-6395. MS-6395contains additional requirements, developed during extensivefleet testing, to provide additional protection toChrysler Group LLC engines. Use MOPAR or anequivalent oil meeting the specification MS-6395.

Starting

The characteristics of E85 fuel make it unsuitable for usewhen ambient temperatures fall below 0°F (-18°C). In therange of 0°F (-18°C) to 32°F (0°C), you may experience anincrease in the time it takes for your engine to start, anda deterioration in driveability (sags and/or hesitations)until the engine is fully warmed up.

NOTE: Use of the engine block heater (if equipped) isbeneficial for E85 startability when the ambient temperatureis less than 32°F (0°C).

Cruising Range

Because E85 fuel contains less energy per gallon/literthan gasoline, you will experience an increase in fuelconsumption. You can expect your miles per gallon(mpg)/miles per liter and your driving range to decreaseby about 30%, compared to gasoline operation.

Replacement Parts

Many components in your Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) aredesigned to be compatible with ethanol. Always be surethat your vehicle is serviced with correct ethanol compatibleparts.

CAUTION:

Replacing fuel system components with non-ethanolcompatible components can damage your vehicle.

Maintenance

If you operate the vehicle using E85 fuel, follow themaintenance schedule section of this manual.

CAUTION:

Do not use ethanol mixture greater than 85% in yourvehicle. It will cause difficulty in cold starting andmay affect driveability.

Fuel requirementsAdding fuel