The engine wasn't used to it?

Sounds like a Ford problem, but mechanical things don't get used to things.

LOL

Newer vehicles have a sensor that actually determines the ethanol content.
But, the few tanks of E-85 usually cleans off the sensor.

RK
"Neil" > wrote in message
t...
>
> "Neil" > wrote in message
> ...
>>
>> "Neil" > wrote in message
>> news
>>>I have 2003 Dodge Caravan SE, which takes E85 (has the E85 sticker on the
>>>gas cap door), but I've never used it before. The other day my tank was
>>>half full, and I filled it up with E85. A couple dozen miles later my
>>>check engine light went on. It stayed on for a couple of days. Today the
>>>check engine light didn't go on; but it's also much colder today than
>>>it's been the past couple of days, so I don't know if that has anything
>>>to do with it.
>>>
>>> So I was wondering if anyone has heard of any problems using E85, such
>>> as might cause the check engine light to come on, or otherwise. (The car
>>> actually seems to ride a little smoother; but that could just be my
>>> imagination.) I need to get my state inspection sticker next month, and
>>> I certainly don't want any problems with the check engine light right
>>> when I have to do my inspection.
>>>
>>> Thanks!
>>>
>>> Neil
>>>
>>
>>
>> Here's an interesting thing re. this. I didn't get the fault code yet
>> because, as noted, the check engine light was off.
>>
>> The last time I had put half a tank of E85 in, so it was 50% E85. Tonight
>> I got gas again, and filled up with E85. The tank was 1/3 full, so it now
>> is about 85% E85.
>>
>> Though, as noted, the check engine light has been off, about 5 miles
>> after filling up again on E85, the check engine light went on again.
>>
>> So that's twice in a row that it went on after filling up on E85.
>>
>>
>
> I think I found the solution to this. There's an article at
> http://www.autobloggreen.com/2006/10...d-to-gasoline/
> which says in part:
>
> "Dee Rithman, the owner of a 2000 Ford Taurus, was happy to learn that her
> car was designed to accept E85 even though there are currently no ethanol
> filling stations in her area. On a recent trip to Austin, she came by an
> E85 station and decided fill up with the gas alternative. 'About three or
> four days later, I'm getting the check engine light on my car,' she says.
> For $70, a mechanic told her 'because you've been putting regular gas in
> it for six years, the engine's not going to take it because it's not used
> to it.'
>
> "WOAI contacted the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition who said that,
> unfortunately, a lot of drivers experience this, but the problem is
> neither serious nor permanent. They said that the check engine light
> should turn off after the first few E85 fill-ups. They also suggest that
> you may be able to avoid the problem altogether by slowly introducing
> ethanol to your engine a few gallons at a time."
>