
(2) Remove sensor using Tool C-4907 (Fig. 21).
Slightly tightening the sensor can ease removal. When the sensor is removed, the exhaust manifold
threads must be cleaned with an 18 mm X 1.5 + 6E
tap. If the same sensor is to be reinstalled, the sensor
threads must be coated with an anti-seize compound
such as Loctite 771-64 or equivalent. New sensors
are packaged with compound on the threads and do
not require additional compound. The sensor must be
tightened to 27 N Im (20 ft. lbs.) torque.
2.5L FLEXIBLE FUEL MULTI-PORT FUEL INJECTIONÐSYSTEM OPERATION
INDEX
page page
Air Conditioning (A/C) Clutch RelayÐPCM Output.61
Air Conditioning Switch SenseÐPCM Input ..... 57
Auto Shutdown (ASD) Relay and Fuel Pump RelayÐPCM Output ..................... 61
Battery VoltageÐPCM Input ................ 58
Brake SwitchÐPCM Input .................. 58
Camshaft Position SensorÐPCM Input ........ 58
CCD BUS .............................. 57
Data Link ConnectorÐPCM Output ........... 62
Duty Cycle Evap Purge SolenoidÐPCM Output . 61
Engine Coolant Temperature SensorÐPCM Input . 58
Fuel InjectorÐPCM Output ................. 62
Fuel Injectors and Fuel Rail Assembly ......... 65
Fuel Pressure Regulator ................... 65
Fuel Supply Circuit ....................... 65
General Information ....................... 55
Generator FieldÐPCM Output ............... 62
Heated Oxygen Sensor (O
2Sensor)ÐPCM Input . 59
Identifying Flexible Fuel Components .......... 55
Idle Air Control MotorÐPCM Output .......... 62 Ignition CoilÐPCM Output
.................. 62
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) LampÐPCM Output ............................... 62
Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) SensorÐPCM Input ................................ 58
Methanol Concentration SensorÐPCM Input .... 59
Modes of Operation ....................... 63
Powertrain Control Module ................. 57
Radiator Fan RelayÐPCM Output ............ 63
Speed Control SolenoidsÐPCM Output ........ 63
Speed ControlÐPCM Input ................. 60
System Diagnosis ........................ 56
System Operation ........................ 56
TachometerÐPCM Output .................. 63
Throttle Body ............................ 65
Throttle Position Sensor (TPS)ÐPCM Input ..... 60
Torque Converter Clutch SolenoidÐPCM Output . 63
Transaxle Park/Neutral SwitchÐPCM Input ..... 60
Vehicle Speed SensorÐPCM Input ........... 60
GENERAL INFORMATION
In this model year Chrysler began producing AA-
Body vehicles designed to operate on a mixture of
gasoline and methanol. These automobiles are re-
ferred to as Flexible Fuel vehicles. Fuel system com-
ponents designed for use in flexible fuel vehicles are
referred to as Methanol Compatible. Flexible fuel vehicles can operate on a mixture of
up to 85 percent methanol, 15 percent unleaded gas-
oline. These vehicles also operate on mixtures con-
taining a lower percentage of methanol or just pure
unleaded gasoline.
IDENTIFYING FLEXIBLE FUEL COMPONENTS
Flexible Fuel vehicles have unique methanol com-
patible fuel system components. Chrysler identifies
methanol compatible components that could be phys-
ically interchanged with gasoline only parts by color-
ing them green or applying a green label or tag to
them. Even though they may appear physically iden- tical, components for gasoline only AA-body vehicles
must not be used on flexible fuel vehicles.
FLEXIBLE FUEL COMPONENTS
The fuel system of flexible fuel AA-body vehicles
have the following unique methanol compatible com-
ponents.
² Duty Cycle EVAP Purge Solenoid
² Fuel pump module
² Fuel level sensor
² Fuel gauge (gauge cluster).
² Fuel tank
² Fuel pressure regulator (including O-rings)
² Fuel rail
² Fuel injectors (including O-rings)
² Fuel tubes
² Fuel filter
² EVAP canister
² Fuel filler cap
² Fuel filler tube
Fig. 21 Oxygen Sensor Socket
Ä FUEL SYSTEMS 14 - 55

² Methanol Concentration Sensor
² Pressure relief/Rollover valve
² PCV Valve
² All fuel system and emission system hoses and
tubes
SYSTEM OPERATION
The flexible fuel vehicle's 2.5L engine use a se-
quential multi-port electronic fuel injection system
(Fig. 1). The powertrain control module (PCM) oper-
ates the electronic fuel injection system. The PCM
provides precise air/fuel ratios and ignition timing
for all driving conditions.
The PCM regulates the air-fuel ratio, ignition coil
dwell and idle speed. The PCM also operates the
high speed and low speed cooling fans, charging sys-
tem, speed control system and various emission con-
trol devices. Various sensors and switches provide inputs to the
PCM. The PCM converts all inputs into signals and
regulates various systems based on the inputs. The
PCM adjusts the systems it controls to meet chang-
ing operating conditions. Fuel is injected into the intake port above the in-
take valve in precise metered amounts through elec-
trically operated injectors. The PCM operates the
injectors in a specific sequence. The PCM adjusts the
air/fuel ratio based on the percentage of methanol in the fuel. The PCM constantly adjusts injector pulse
width to obtain the ideal air fuel ratio for the current
percentage of methanol in the fuel. Injector pulse
width refers to the amount of time an injector oper-
ates. The PCM adjusts injector pulse width by opening
and closing the ground path to the injectors. Engine
RPM (speed), manifold absolute pressure (air density)
and the percentage of methanol in the fuel are the
primary inputs that determine injector pulse width.
SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
The powertrain control module (PCM) can test
many of its own input and output circuits. If the
PCM senses a fault in a major system, the PCM
stores a diagnostic trouble code in memory. Technicians can display stored diagnostic trouble
codes by two different methods. The first is to cycle
the ignition switch On - Off - On - Off - On within 5
seconds. Then count the number of times the mal-
function indicator lamp (check engine lamp) on the
instrument panel flashes on and off. The number of
flashes represents the trouble code. There is a slight
pause between the flashes representing the first and
second digits of the code. Longer pauses separate in-
dividual trouble codes.
Fig. 1 Flexible Fuel MPI Components
14 - 56 FUEL SYSTEMS Ä

The second method of reading diagnostic trouble
codes uses the DRBII scan tool. For diagnostic trou-
ble code information, refer to the On-Board Diagnos-
tics section in this group.
CCD BUS
Various modules exchange information through a
communications port called the CCD Bus. The pow-
ertrain control module transmits vehicle load data on
the CCD Bus.
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE
The powertrain control module (PCM) is a digital
computer containing a microprocessor (Fig. 2). The
PCM receives input signals from various switches
and sensors referred to as Powertrain Control Mod-
ule Inputs. Based on these inputs, the PCM adjusts
various engine and vehicle operations through de-
vices referred to as Powertrain Control Module Out-
puts.
PCM Inputs:
² Air Conditioning Controls
² Battery Voltage
² Brake Switch
² Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
² Camshaft Position Sensor (Distributor Pick-up)
² Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor
² Methanol Concentration Sensor
² Oxygen Sensor
² SCI Receive
² Speed Control System Controls
² Throttle Position Sensor
² Park/Neutral Switch (automatic transaxle)
² Vehicle Speed Sensor
PCM Outputs:
² Air Conditioning Clutch Relay
² Generator Field
² Auto Shutdown (ASD) Relay
² Duty Cycle EVAP Canister Purge Solenoid
² Data Link (Diagnostic) Connector ²
Fuel Injectors
² Idle Air Control Motor
² Ignition Coil
² Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) Lamp
² Radiator Fan Relay
² Speed Control Solenoids
² Tachometer Output
² Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid
Based on inputs it receives, the PCM adjusts fuel
injector pulse width, idle speed, ignition spark ad-
vance, ignition coil dwell and canister purge opera-
tion. The PCM regulates operation of the radiator
fan, A/C and speed control systems. Also, the PCM
changes generator charge rate by adjusting the gen-
erator field. The PCM adjusts injector pulse width (air-fuel ra-
tio) based on the following inputs.
² Battery voltage
² Coolant temperature
² Exhaust gas content
² Engine speed
² Manifold absolute pressure
² Methanol percentage of fuel
² Throttle position
The PCM adjusts ignition timing based on the fol-
lowing inputs.
² Coolant temperature
² Engine speed
² Manifold absolute pressure
² Methanol percentage of fuel
² Throttle position
The auto shutdown (ASD) and fuel pump relays are
mounted externally. The PCM turns both relays on
and off through the same circuit. The camshaft position sensor (distributor pick-up)
sends a signal to the PCM. If the PCM does not re-
ceive a camshaft position sensor signal within ap-
proximately one second of engine cranking, it
deactivates the ASD and fuel pump relays. When
these relays deactivate, they shut off power to the
fuel injectors, fuel pump, ignition coil, methanol con-
centration sensor and oxygen sensor heater element. The PCM contains a voltage converter that
changes battery voltage to a regulated 8.0 volts to
power the distributor pick-up methanol concentration
sensor and vehicle speed sensor. The PCM also pro-
vides a 5.0 volts supply for the engine coolant tem-
perature sensor, manifold absolute pressure sensor
and throttle position sensor.
AIR CONDITIONING SWITCH SENSEÐPCM INPUT
When the operator puts the A/C or defrost switch
in the ON position and the low pressure and high
pressure switches close, the PCM receives an input.
The input indicates the operator selected air condi-
tioning. After receiving this input, the PCM acti-
vates the A/C compressor clutch by grounding the
Fig. 2 Powertrain Control Module
Ä FUEL SYSTEMS 14 - 57

A/C clutch relay. To compensate for increased engine
load, the PCM also adjusts idle speed to a scheduled
RPM.
BATTERY VOLTAGEÐPCM INPUT
The powertrain control module (PCM) monitors the
battery voltage input to determine fuel injector pulse
width and generator field control. If battery voltage
is low, the PCM increases injector pulse width to
compensate.
BRAKE SWITCHÐPCM INPUT
When the brake switch activates, the powertrain
control module (PCM) receives an input indicating
that the brakes are being applied. After receiving the
input, the PCM vents the speed control servo. Vent-
ing the servo turns the speed control system off.
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSORÐPCM
INPUT
The coolant temperature sensor is installed behind
the thermostat housing and ignition coil in the ther-
mostat housing (hot box). The PCM supplies 5 volts
to the coolant temperature sensor. The sensor pro-
vides an input voltage to the PCM (Fig. 3). As cool-
ant temperature varies, the coolant temperature
sensor resistance changes resulting in a different in-
put voltage to the PCM. The PCM demands slightly richer air-fuel mixtures
and higher idle speeds until the engine reaches nor-
mal operating temperature. This sensor is also used for cooling fan control.
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSORÐPCM INPUT
The camshaft position sensor (distributor pick-up)
supplies engine speed and the injector sync signal to
the powertrain control module (PCM). The sensor is
a Hall Effect device (Fig. 4). A shutter (sometimes referred to as an interrupter)
is attached to the distributor shaft. The shutter con-
tains four blades, one per engine cylinder. A switch plate is mounted to the distributor housing above the
shutter. The switch plate contains the camshaft posi-
tion sensor (distributor pick-up) through which the
shutter blades rotate. As the shutter blades pass
through the pick-up, they interrupt the magnetic
field. The Hall effect device in the pick-up senses the
change in the magnetic field and switches on and off
(which creates pulses), generating the input signal to
the PCM. The PCM calculates engine speed through
the number of pulses generated. One of the shutter blades has a window cut into it.
The window tells the PCM which injector to energize.
MANIFOLD ABSOLUTE PRESSURE (MAP)
SENSORÐPCM INPUT
The powertrain control module (PCM) supplies 5
volts to the MAP sensor. The MAP sensor converts
intake manifold pressure into voltage. The PCM
monitors the MAP sensor output voltage. As vacuum
increases, MAP sensor voltage decreases proportion-
ately. Also, as vacuum decreases, MAP sensor volt-
age increases proportionately. During cranking, before the engine starts running,
the PCM determines atmospheric air pressure from
the MAP sensor voltage. While the engine operates,
the PCM determines intake manifold pressure from
the MAP sensor voltage. Based on MAP sensor volt-
age and inputs from other sensors, the PCM adjusts
spark advance and the air/fuel mixture. The MAP sensor mounts on the dash panel inside
the engine compartment (Fig. 5). A vacuum hose con-
nects the sensor to the throttle body.
Fig. 3 Coolant Temperature Sensor
Fig. 4 Camshaft Position Sensor (Distributor Pick-Up)
14 - 58 FUEL SYSTEMS Ä

METHANOL CONCENTRATION SENSORÐPCM
INPUT
The methanol concentration sensor contains a mi-
croprocessor that determines the percentage of gaso-
line and methanol in the fuel system. From the
methanol concentration sensor input, the powertrain
control module (PCM) determines the amount of
methanol in the fuel. The vehicle can operate on a
mixtures up to 85 percent methanol, 15 percent gas-
oline. The PCM supplies 8 volts to the methanol concen-
tration sensor. The methanol concentration sensor
output voltages varies with the percent of methanol
in the fuel system. The sensor output voltage (input
for PCM) ranges from 0.5 volts for pure gasoline to
4.50 volts for 85 percent methanol. For two seconds
at key ON when the operator starts the vehicle, the
sensor calibrates the PCM. During the calibration
period the sensor sends 4.45 volts to the PCM as a
correction factor. The methanol concentration sensor has a built-in
shutdown capability. If the sensor shuts down, the
PCM defaults to the previous learned value (output
voltage based on methanol percentage of fuel). The methanol concentration sensor attaches to a
bracket at the rear of the fuel tank, next to the fuel
filler tube (Fig. 6).
HEATED OXYGEN SENSOR (O2SENSOR)ÐPCM
INPUT
The heated oxygen sensor is located in the exhaust
manifold. The sensor provides an input voltage to the
PCM (Fig. 7). The input tells the PCM the oxygen
content of the exhaust gas. The PCM uses this infor-
mation to fine tune the air-fuel ratio by adjusting in-
jector pulse width. Flexible fuel vehicles operate on mixtures of fuel
that contain up to 85 percent methanol and 15 per-
cent unleaded gasoline. Different percentages of
methanol in the fuel require different air/fuel ratios. The methanol concentration sensor inputs tells the
PCM what percentage of methanol is in the fuel. The
PCM calculates the ideal air/fuel ratio from the
methanol concentration sensor input. The heated ox-
ygen sensor input tells the PCM if it has reached the
desired air/fuel ratio.
The O
2sensor produces voltages from 0 to 1 volt,
depending upon the oxygen content of the exhaust
gas in the exhaust manifold. When a large amount of
oxygen is present (caused by a lean air-fuel mixture),
the sensor produces a low voltage. When there is a
lesser amount present (rich air-fuel mixture) it pro-
duces a higher voltage. By monitoring the oxygen
content and converting it to electrical voltage, the
sensor acts as a rich-lean switch. The oxygen sensor is equipped with a heating ele-
ment that keeps the sensor at proper operating tem-
perature during all operating modes. Maintaining
correct sensor temperature at all times allows the
system to enter into closed loop operation sooner.
Also, it allows the system to remain in closed loop
operation during periods of extended idle.
Fig. 5 Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) SensorFig. 6 Methanol Concentration Sensor
Fig. 7 Heated Oxygen Sensor
Ä FUEL SYSTEMS 14 - 59

mode, the PCM compensates for the failure of certain
components that send incorrect signals. The PCM
substitutes for the incorrect signals with inputs from
other sensors and by using stored default values.Signals that can trigger the Malfunction Indi-
cator (Check Engine) Lamp.
² An emission system component
² Battery Voltage Input
² Charging system
² Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor
² Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor
² Methanol Concentration Sensor
² Throttle Position Sensor
The malfunction indicator lamp can also display
diagnostic trouble codes. Cycle the ignition switch on,
off, on, off, on, within five seconds and the PCM
displays any diagnostic trouble codes stored in
memory. Refer to the 2.5L Flexible Fuel Multi-Port
Fuel InjectionÐOn Board Diagnostics section in this
group for diagnostic trouble code descriptions.
RADIATOR FAN RELAYÐPCM OUTPUT
The radiator fan is energized by the PCM through
the radiator fan relay. The PCM grounds the radiator
fan relay when engine coolant reaches a predetermined
temperature. For more information, refer to Group 7,
Cooling Systems. The radiator fan relay is mounted on the drivers side
fender well, next to the strut tower (Fig. 11).
SPEED CONTROL SOLENOIDSÐPCM OUTPUT
The speed control vacuum and vent solenoids are
operated by the PCM. When the PCM supplies a
ground to the vacuum and vent solenoids, the speed
control system opens the throttle blade. When the PCM
supplies a ground only to the vent solenoid, the throttle
blade holds position. When the PCM removes the
ground from both the vacuum and vent solenoids, the
throttle blade closes. The PCM balances the two sole-
noids to maintain the set speed. Refer to Group 8H for
speed control information.
TACHOMETERÐPCM OUTPUT
The PCM supplies engine RPM to the instrument
panel tachometer. Refer to Group 8 for tachometer
information.
TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH SOLENOIDÐPCM
OUTPUT
Three-speed automatic transaxles use a torque con-
verter clutch solenoid. The PCM controls the lock-up of
the torque convertor through the solenoid. The tran-
saxle is locked up only in direct drive mode. Refer to
Group 21 for transaxle information.
MODES OF OPERATION
As input signals to the PCM change, the PCM
adjusts its response to the output devices. For example, the PCM must calculate a different injector pulse
width and ignition timing for idle than it does for wide
open throttle (WOT). There are several different modes
of operation that determine how the PCM responds to
the various input signals. There are two different areas of operation, Open
Loop and Closed Loop. During Open Loop modes, the PCM receives input
signals and responds according to preset PCM pro-
gramming. Input from the oxygen (O
2) sensor is not
monitored during Open Loop modes. During CLOSED LOOP modes, the PCM does moni-
tor the oxygen (O
2) sensor input. The input indicates if
the calculated injector pulse width results in the ideal
air-fuel ratio for the current percentage of methanol in
the fuel. By monitoring the exhaust oxygen content
through the O
2sensor, the PCM can fine tune the
injector pulse width to achieve optimum fuel economy
combined with low emissions. The 2.5L flexible fuel multi-port fuel injection system
has the following modes of operation:
² Ignition switch ON - Zero RPM
² Engine start-up
² Engine warm-up
² Cruise (Idle)
² Acceleration
² Deceleration
² Wide Open Throttle
² Ignition switch OFF
The engine start-up (crank), engine warm-up, and
wide open throttle modes are OPEN LOOP modes. The
acceleration, deceleration, and cruise modes, with the
engine at operating temperature are CLOSED
LOOP modes (under most operating conditions).
IGNITION SWITCH ON (ZERO RPM) MODE
When the ignition switch cycles and past the On
position, the fuel injection system activates and the
following actions occur:
² For two seconds at key ON (and during cranking),
the methanol concentration sensor calibrates the PCM.
During the calibration period the sensor sends 4.45
volts to the PCM as a correction factor. After the
calibration period, the methanol concentration sensor
output represents the methanol percentage in the fuel.
² The PCM calculates basic fuel strategy by determin-
ing atmospheric air pressure from the MAP sensor
input.
² The PCM monitors the coolant temperature sensor
and throttle position sensor input. The PCM modifies
fuel strategy based on this input. When the key is in the ON position and the engine is
not running, the auto shutdown (ASD) relay and fuel
pump relay are not energized. Therefore battery volt-
age is not supplied to the fuel pump, ignition coil, fuel
injector or oxygen sensor heating element.
Ä FUEL SYSTEMS 14 - 63

ENGINE START-UP MODE
This is an OPEN LOOP mode. The following ac-
tions occur when the starter motor is engaged. The methanol concentration sensor finishes cali-
brating the PCM (takes approximately two seconds).
After the calibration period, the PCM determines the
methanol content of the fuel from the methanol con-
centration sensor input. If the PCM receives a camshaft position sensor
(distributor pick-up) signal it energizes the auto
shutdown (ASD) relay and fuel pump relay. These re-
lays supply battery voltage to the fuel injector, igni-
tion coil and oxygen sensor heating element. If the
PCM does not receive a camshaft position sensor sig-
nal, it de-energizes the ASD and fuel pump relays af-
ter approximately one second. With the engine idling within 664 RPM of the tar-
get RPM, the PCM compares the current MAP value
with the atmospheric pressure value it received dur-
ing the Ignition Switch On (Zero RPM) Mode. If a
minimum difference between the two is not detected,
a MAP sensor fault is set into memory. Once the ASD relay and fuel pump relay have en-
ergized, the PCM:
² Supplies a ground path to each injector. The injec-
tors are pulsed four times per engine revolution in-
stead of the normal two pulses per revolution.
² Determines injector pulse width based on engine
coolant temperature, methanol concentration sensor
input, MAP sensor input, throttle position, and the
number of engine revolutions since cranking was ini-
tiated.
² Monitors the coolant temperature sensor, camshaft
position sensor, MAP sensor, methanol concentration
sensor, and throttle position sensor to determine cor-
rect ignition timing.
ENGINE WARM-UP MODE
This is a OPEN LOOP mode. The following inputs
are received by the PCM:
² Engine coolant temperature
² Engine speed
² Manifold absolute pressure (MAP)
² Methanol percentage in fuel
² Throttle position
² A/C switch
² Battery voltage
The PCM determines the methanol content of the
fuel from the methanol concentration sensor input. The PCM provides a ground path for the injectors
and energizes them in sequence. The PCM precisely
controls injector pulse width by switching the ground
on and off. The PCM regulates engine idle speed by adjusting
the idle air control motor. Also, the PCM adjusts ig-
nition timing.
CRUISE OR IDLE MODE
When the engine is at operating temperature, this
is a CLOSED LOOP mode. During cruising speed the
following inputs are received by the PCM:
² Engine coolant temperature
² Manifold absolute pressure
² Methanol percentage in fuel
² Engine speed
² Throttle position
² Exhaust gas oxygen content
² A/C control positions
² Battery voltage
The PCM determines the methanol content of the
fuel from the methanol concentration sensor input. The PCM provides a ground path for the injectors
to precisely control injector pulse width. The PCM
controls engine idle speed and ignition timing. The
PCM controls the air/fuel ratio according to the oxy-
gen content in the exhaust gas.
ACCELERATION MODE
This is a CLOSED LOOP mode. The PCM recog-
nizes an abrupt increase in throttle position or MAP
pressure as a demand for increased engine output
and vehicle acceleration. The PCM increases injector
pulse width in response to increased fuel demand.
DECELERATION MODE
This is a CLOSED LOOP mode. During decelera-
tion the following inputs are received by the PCM:
² Engine coolant temperature
² Manifold absolute pressure
² Methanol percentage in fuel
² Engine speed
² Throttle position
² Exhaust gas oxygen content
² A/C control positions
² Battery voltage
The PCM may receive a closed throttle input from
the TPS at the same time it senses an abrupt de-
crease in manifold absolute pressure. This indicates a
hard deceleration. In response, the PCM may modify
the injector firing sequence. Modifying the injector
firing sequence helps maintain better control of the
air-fuel mixture (as sensed through the O
2sensor).
WIDE OPEN THROTTLE MODE
This is an OPEN LOOP mode. During wide open
throttle operation, the following inputs are received
by the PCM:
² Engine coolant temperature
² Manifold absolute pressure
² Methanol percentage in fuel
² Engine speed
² Throttle position
When the PCM senses a wide open throttle condi-
tion, it de-energizes the air conditioning clutch relay.
This disables the air conditioning system.
14 - 64 FUEL SYSTEMS Ä

2.5L FLEXIBLE FUEL MULTI-PORT FUEL INJECTIONÐSERVICE PROCEDURES INDEX
page page
Fuel Injector ............................. 80
Fuel Injector Rail Assembly ................. 79
Fuel Pressure Regulator .................... 81
Fuel System Pressure Release Procedure ...... 78
General Information ....................... 77
Heated Oxygen Sensor (O
2Sensor) ........... 82
Identifying Flexible Fuel Components .......... 77
Idle Air Control Motor ...................... 78 Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor
Service ............................... 82
Methanol Concentration Sensor .............. 82
PCM Service ............................ 82
Service Precautions for Flexible Fuel Vehicles .... 77
Throttle Body ............................ 77
Throttle Body Removal ..................... 79
Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) ............... 78
GENERAL INFORMATION
In this model year Chrysler began producing AA-
Body vehicles designed to operate on a mixture of
gasoline and methanol. These automobiles are referred
to as Flexible Fuel vehicles. Fuel system components
designed for use in flexible fuel vehicles are referred to
as Methanol Compatible. Flexible fuel vehicles can operate on a mixture of up
to 85 percent methanol, 15 percent unleaded gasoline.
These vehicles also operate on mixtures containing a
lower percentage of methanol or just pure unleaded
gasoline.
SERVICE PRECAUTIONS FOR FLEXIBLE FUEL
VEHICLES
Methanol is more toxic than gasoline. Always release
fuel system pressure before servicing fuel system com-
ponents and wear methanol resistant gloves and eye
protection. Avoid breathing methanol vapors or ingesting
methanol. Headaches, dizziness and even unconscious-
ness could result from breathing these vapors. Serious
injury, blindness and even death could result from
ingesting methanol. Methanol vapors are extremely flammable and can
travel along the ground. Service vehicles in well ven-
tilated areas and avoid ignition sources. Never smoke
while servicing the vehicle. Do not allow methanol to contact skin. Prolonged
contact with methanol can cause dry skin or an allergic
skin reaction. Also, prolonged contact could result in
absorption through the skin.
IDENTIFYING FLEXIBLE FUEL COMPONENTS
Flexible Fuel vehicles have unique methanol compat-
ible fuel system components. Chrysler identifies methanol
compatible components that could be physically inter-
changed with gasoline only parts by coloring them green
or applying a green label or tag to them. Even though
they may appear physically identical, components
for gasoline only AA-body vehicles must not be used
on flexible fuel vehicles.
FLEXIBLE FUEL COMPONENTS
The fuel system of flexible fuel AA-body vehicles have
the following unique methanol compatible components.
² Duty cycle EVAP purge solenoid
² EVAP canister
² Fuel pump module
² Fuel level sensor
² Fuel gauge (gauge cluster).
² Fuel tank
² Fuel pressure regulator (including O-rings)
² Fuel rail
² Fuel injectors (including O-rings)
² Fuel tubes
² Fuel filter
² Fuel filler cap
² Fuel filler tube
² Methanol concentration sensor
² Pressure relief/rollover valve
² PCV Valve
² All fuel system and emission system hoses and tubes
THROTTLE BODY
WARNING: THROTTLE BODIES DESIGNED FOR
GASOLINE ONLY VEHICLES CANNOT BE USED ON
FLEXIBLE FUEL AA-BODY VEHICLES. WHEN RE-
PLACING THE THROTTLE BODY OF A FLEXIBLE
FUEL VEHICLE, ONLY USE AN ORIGINAL EQUIP-
MENT REPLACEMENT.
When servicing throttle body components, always
reassemble components with new O-rings and seals
where applicable. Never use lubricants on O-rings or
seals, damage may result. If assembly of component is
difficult, use water to aid assembly. Use care when
removing hoses to prevent damage to hose or hose
nipple.
Ä FUEL SYSTEMS 14 - 77