FUEL REQUIREMENTS
2.0L And 2.4L Engine
This engine is designed to meet all emis- sions regulations and provide excellent fuel economy and performance when us- ing high-quality unleaded “regular” gaso- line having an octane rating of 87. The use of premium gasoline is not recommended,
as it will not provide any benefit over regular gasoline in these engines. Light spark knock at low engine speeds is not harmful to your engine. However, continued heavy spark knock at high speeds can cause damage and immediate service is required. Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as hard starting, stalling, and hesitations. If you experi- ence these symptoms, try another brand of gasoline before considering service for the vehicle.
Over 40 auto manufacturers worldwide have issued and endorsed consistent gasoline specifications (the World- wide Fuel Charter, WWFC) which define fuel properties necessary to deliver enhanced emissions, performance, and durability for your vehicle. The manufacturer recom- mends the use of gasolines that meet the WWFC speci- fications if they are available.
Reformulated Gasoline
Many areas of the country require the use of cleaner burning gasoline referred to as “Reformulated Gasoline.” Reformulated gasoline contains oxygenates and are spe- cifically blended to reduce vehicle emissions and im- prove air quality. The manufacturer supports the use of reformulated gaso- line. Properly blended reformulated gasoline will pro- vide excellent performance and durability of engine and fuel system components.
Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends
Some fuel suppliers blend unleaded gasoline with oxy- genates such as Ethanol. Fuels blended with oxygenates may be used in your vehicle.
CAUTION! DO NOT use gasoline containing Methanol or gaso- line containing more than 10% Ethanol. Use of these blends may result in starting and driveability prob- lems, damage critical fuel system components, cause emissions to exceed the applicable standard, and/or cause the “Malfunction Indicator Light” to illumi- nate. Pump labels should clearly communicate if a fuel contains greater than 10% Ethanol.
Problems that result from using gasoline containing Methanol or gasoline containing more than 10% Ethanol are not the responsibility of the manufacturer and may not be covered under warranty.
E-85 Usage In Non-Flex Fuel Vehicles
Non-FFV vehicles are compatible with gasoline contain- ing 10% ethanol (E10). Gasoline with higher ethanol content may void the vehicle’s warranty. If a Non-FFV vehicle is inadvertently fueled with E-85 fuel, the engine will have some or all of these symptoms: • operate in a lean mode • OBD II “Malfunction Indicator Light” on • poor engine performance • poor cold start and cold driveability • increased risk for fuel system component corrosion
To fix a Non-FFV vehicle inadvertently fueled once with E-85 perform the following: • change the engine oil and oil filter • disconnect and reconnect the battery • drain the fuel tank (see your authorized dealer) More extensive repairs will be required for prolonged exposure to E-85 fuel.
MMT In Gasoline
MMT is a manganese-containing metallic additive that is blended into some gasoline to increase octane. Gasoline blended with MMT provides no performance advantage beyond gasoline of the same octane number without MMT. Gasoline blended with MMT reduces spark plug life and reduces emissions system performance in some vehicles. The manufacturer recommends that gasoline without MMT be used in your vehicle. The MMT content of gasoline may not be indicated on the gasoline pump,
therefore, you should ask your gasoline retailer whether the gasoline contains MMT. It is even more important to look for gasoline without MMT in Canada, because MMT can be used at levels higher than those allowed in the United States. MMT is prohibited in Federal and Califor- nia reformulated gasoline.
Materials Added To Fuel
All gasoline sold in the United States is required to contain effective detergent additives. Use of additional detergents or other additives is not needed under normal conditions and they would result in additional cost. Therefore, you should not have to add anything to the fuel.
Fuel System Cautions
CAUTION! Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle’s performance:
• The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal law.
Using leaded gasoline can impair engine perfor- mance and damage the emissions control system.
• An out-of-tune engine or certain fuel or ignition malfunctions can cause the catalytic converter to overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or some light smoke, your engine may be out of tune or malfunctioning and may require immediate service. Contact your authorized dealer for service assistance.
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CAUTION! (Continued)
• The use of fuel additives, which are now being
sold as octane enhancers, is not recommended. Most of these products contain high concentra- tions of methanol. Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems resulting from the use of such fuels or additives is not the responsibility of the manufacturer.
NOTE: Intentional tampering with the emissions con- trol system can result in civil penalties being assessed against you.
Carbon Monoxide Warnings
WARNING! Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly. Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:
• Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon
monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas, which can kill. Never run the engine in a closed area, such as a garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the engine running for an extended period. If the vehicle is stopped in an open area with the engine running for more than a short period, adjust the ventilation system to force fresh, outside air into the vehicle.
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WARNING! (Continued)
• Guard against carbon monoxide with proper
maintenance. Have the exhaust system inspected every time the vehicle is raised. Have any abnor- mal conditions repaired promptly. Until repaired, drive with all side windows fully open.
• Keep the liftgate closed when driving your vehicle to prevent carbon monoxide and other poisonous exhaust gases from entering the vehicle.
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