Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
System Description
When an E85 compatible vehicle is built, an engine control module (ECM) or powertrain control module (PCM) replaced, or when the learned alcohol content has been reset with a scan tool, the fuel system will need to contain ASTM gasoline with 10 percent or less ethanol content. If the fuel in the fuel system needs to be drained and replaced with ASTM gasoline, the engine will need to run at operating temperature and consume at least 1 liter (0.3 gallon) of fuel before the system will recognize the correct alcohol content. Either ASTM gasoline or ASTM E85 fuel can then be used.
| Step | Action | Values | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle? | - | Go to Step 2 | Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle |
| 2 | Observe the Fuel Composition Learn parameter using the scan tool. Does the parameter display Inactive? |
- | Go to Step 4 | Go to Step 3 |
| 3 |
IMPORTANT:
Drive the vehicle until the Fuel Composition Learn parameter displays Inactive.Does the parameter display Inactive?
|
- | Go to Step 4 | - |
| 4 |
|
- | Go to Step 11 | Go to Step 5 |
| 5 | Is the actual ethanol content measured with the J 44175 or J-44175-A less than 15 percent? | - | Go to Step 7 | Go to Step 6 |
| 6 |
|
- | Go to Step 7 | - |
| 7 | Use the scan tool to reset the fuel alcohol content parameter to the specified value. Was fuel drained from the vehicle in a previous step? |
3% | Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 10 |
| 8 |
IMPORTANT:
In order to ensure the non-blended gasoline has reached the fuel injectors, the vehicle may need to be driven more than 11 km (7 mi) with the engine at operating temperature. Drive the vehicle until the Fuel Composition Learn parameter displays Inactive.Does the parameter display Inactive? |
- | Go to Step 9 | - |
| 9 |
IMPORTANT:
In order that the ECM/PCM recognizes a proper next fuel fill, the amount must be 11 liters (3 gallons) or more, and the ethanol content must be between 0-85 percent. Refill the vehicle with drained fuel.Is the action complete? |
- | Go to Step 10 | - |
| 10 | Use the scan tool to reset the fuel trim values. Is the action complete? |
- | Go to Step 11 | - |
| 11 | Observe the Capture Info with a scan tool. Are there any DTCs that have not been diagnosed? |
- | Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle | System OK |
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.