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.
Testing Gasoline For Ethanol Content (MT-005/09)
Reference number: MT-005/09
Supersedes refnos: MT-002/21
TESTING GASOLINE FOR ETHANOL CONTENT
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
| MAZDA: | 2003-2021 Mazda6; 2006-2015 Mazda5; 2007-2021 CX-9; 2016-2021 CX-3; 2004-2021 Mazda3; 2006-2021 MX-5; 2011-2014 Mazda2; 2020-2021 CX-30; 2004-2011 RX-8; 2007-2012 CX-7; 2013-2021 CX-5 |
BULLETIN NOTES
This M-Tip supersedes the previously issued M-Tip listed below. The changes are below.
| Previous M-Tip | Date(s) Issued |
|---|---|
| MT-002/21 | 9/24/2021, 10/13/2021 |
| MT-005/09 | 2009 |
APPLICABLE MODEL(S)/VINS
| 2003-2021 Mazda6 | 2006-2015 Mazda5 | 2007-2021 CX-9 | 2016-2021 CX-3 |
| 2004-2021 Mazda3 | 2006-2021 MX-5 | 2011-2014 Mazda2 | 2020-2021 CX-30 |
| 2004-2011 RX-8 | 2007-2012 CX-7 | 2013-2021 CX-5 |
DESCRIPTION
Ethanol is becoming a common additive in gasoline. Gasoline containing ethanol is likely available at your local gasoline station. Typical blends of ethanol include E10 and E85.
- E10: A blend of 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline
- E85: A blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline
All Mazda vehicles can run on gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (E10) but only some 1999-2001 B3000 trucks can run on gasoline with more than 10% ethanol blended.
- E10 compatible vehicles: All Mazda vehicles
- E85 compatible vehicles: 1999-2001 B3000 Mazda trucks with the 8th VIN digit is V.
What if a customer puts E85 in there Mazda vehicle?
Symptoms include:
- Rough Running
- Engine hard start
- Lean Codes (Examples: P0171 and/or P2096)
- Misfires and/or misfire codes (Examples: P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303 OR P0304)
- Lack of power
- Poor fuel economy
- Spark knock
- Mechanical engine damage
How do I test for Ethanol in gasoline?
We can add water to a gasoline sample to determine how much ethanol is in the gasoline.
- Pour 8ml of the fuel sample into the graduated cylinder.
- Add 2ml of water to the fuel sample bringing the total height of the fuel and water mixture to 10ml.
- Cover the open end of the graduated cylinder and shake the fuel sample.
- Let fuel sample sit until the water and gasoline separate.
- Inspect the water/fuel separation. If the separation line on graduated cylinder is:
- 2ml = No ethanol in gasoline
- 2ml - 3ml = 10% ethanol in gasoline
- 3ml - 10ml = More than 10% ethanol in gasoline
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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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.
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