STARTING THE ENGINE
Starting procedure
1. Follow the steps underPreparing to Start Your Vehicle.
2. Turn the key to START until the engine starts, then release the key.
Do not press down on the accelerator.
3. Release the key as soon as the engine starts. Do not hold the key in
START or you could damage the starter. After you start the engine, let it
idle for about 15 seconds.
4. Hold your foot on the brake pedal, put the gearshift lever in gear and
release the parking brake. Slowly release the brake pedal and drive away
in a normal manner.
Cold weather starting
If your flexible fuel vehicle is equipped with an engine block heater, the
standard 110V AC (male) plug is located at the front of the vehicle in
the upper left-hand air inlet opening, under the bumper.
When the temperature is expected to be ±23ÉC (±10ÉF) below and your
vehicle has fuel ethanol (E
d85) in the fuel tank, you should plug in the
engine block heater to ensure a quick start.
If temperatures are expected to remain below ±23ÉC (±10ÉF), it is
recommended that you reduce the alcohol content in your fuel tank to
about 70% by adding unleaded gasoline if your tank is not already full.
Thirteen liters (three gallons) of gasoline will reduce the alcohol in 3/4
full tank from 85% to about 70%. In some areas, winter blends of E
d85
will already contain the extra gasoline. See theRefuelingsection of this
supplement for more information on alcohol fuels.
If you should unexpectedly have 85% alcohol in your fuel tank in
extremely cold temperatures with no way to use the engine block heater,
the engine may require extended crank times and several attempts to
start.
Starting your vehicle
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4.Fuel railÐ Material changes are made for ªalcohol fuel compatibility.º
5.Engine block heaterÐ If equipped, is used to assist in cold start
below ±23ÉC (±10ÉF).
6.PCM processorÐ Calibration is utilized to optimize engine function
for alcohol fuel operation.
7.Wiring harnessÐ Wiring changes have been made to connect with
the fuel sensor.
8.Fuel sensorÐ Determines the percentage of ethanol in the fuel.
9.Fuel supply lineÐ Material changes are made for ªalcohol fuel
compatibility.º
10.Fuel pump assembly/fuel sending unitÐ Fuel pump specifically
designed for alcohol fuels. Stainless steel parts are used.
11.Vapor control valveÐ Controls vapor flow to charcoal canister.
12.Filler tubeÐ Improved coating is applied and anti-siphon screens
installed.
13.Charcoal canister trayÐ Protective enclosure.
14.Evaporative emission systemÐ Charcoal canister system enlarged
and modified for additional alcohol fuel vapor capacity and higher vapor
flow.
15.Vapor (roll over) valvesÐ Helps to increase fuel capacity and
vapor flow. Material changes are made for ªalcohol fuel compatibility.º
16.Fuel tankÐ A 68.2 liter (18 gallon) specially coated steel fuel tank
is used for ªalcohol fuel compatibility.º
ªAlcohol fuel compatibilityº means that the component performs
satisfactorily, is durable and does not contaminate the fuel when tested
in worst-case ethanol-gasoline blends up to 85% alcohol.
Instrument panel controls
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