Automotive Forums

Hello Reader,
I am intereted in using E85 fuel from my Ford Ranger 2001 model. The fuel door indicates that it is Ethanol compatible.
I need some advice with regards to this.
1) Is there any engine upgrades that I will need to do to start using E85 for my car?
2) can I easily switch between regualr gasoline and E85 when needed without any problems?
3) Would my extended warranty be broken if I make this change?
4) Is there a # I can call to get more advice on this or can my local ford dealer advice me on the same?
Thank you for your prompt advice.  

there's some good info on this site.  

http://running_on_alcohol.tripod.com/id1.html

more specifically

http://running_on_alcohol.tripod.com/id26.html  

If it says you can use the E85, you should be good to go with no changes. RTFM. Just check with Ford via your VIN number. This can be done on-line by contacting Ford. I have a 2001 that does not use the E85 ethanol and my gas mileage sucks. With E85 your gas milage will be reduced by at least 25%. Good luck with that.  

This probably won't answer your question, but it might help you find an answer: I am in the process of buying a 2007 Ranger. There is nothing on the Ford site that says this is specifically a Flex Fuel Vehicle (FFV) capable of running E85. The salesman also said he didn't think it was an FFV. Ford clearly names a number of vehicles that are FFVs. A true FFV detects the amount of alcohol in the gas and adjusts engine timing to match. The newer F-150 is one of those mentioned, but not Ranger. BUT (there's always a but), the other day I was driving and pulled up behind a Ranger that had a logo on the tailgate that looked like a highway morphing into a green leaf. I'm thinking that means the truck can burn some kind of eco-fuel or is E85 capable, despite what the factory says. I Googled "highway, green, leaf, flex, fuel" and got a hit: http://72.14.209.104/search?q=cache:bqKxGWMWQ_YJ:www.state.co.us/oemc/media/060713.htm+highway+green+leaf+flex+fuel&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=1.
To answer your question, I think the fuel door is saying you can burn fuel that contains alcohol, like garden variety E10, safely. Many gas pumps have E10, especially in the winter, as the alcohol helps reduce pollution. The gas cap is probably saying that the rubber parts in the truck (hoses, seals, etc) will not disintegrate from the alcohol, a problem that existed in older cars from the 70's and 80's. My guess is that E85 will also run in your truck. It will almost certainly give about 25% less power and possibly make more pinging than if your engine was a true FFV specifically setup to expect E85.  If it pings, you should stay away from E85, as that will wreck your motor. Otherwise, you're probably good to go.