E85Forum.com

ashleybeth6 · Joined: 14 May 2007 Posts: 2

I just purchased a 2004 Ford Explorer. I went to go fill it up today and noticed that the gas cap read ethanol or unleaded fuel only. During my search for a new car anytime I came across that everyone told me that it meant it was a flex fuel. When I went to go check my VIN number it didn't have what it says it would need. So why would my gas cap say this?

hotrod · Joined: 19 Apr 2005 Posts: 872 Location: Colorado

Welcome to the board.

According to this website:
http://www.e85fuel.com/information/ford.php

On the 2004 Explores the following versions are FFV

2004 - 2005

4.0L Explorer Sport Trac

4.0L Explorer (4-door)

3.0L Taurus sedan and wagon (2-valve)

2002 - 2004

4.0L Explorer (4-door)

3.0L Taurus sedan and wagon

On this web page :
http://www.e85fuel.com/information/vin.php

It lists the vin number characters that you need to verify the vehicle is a FFV

It looks like for the Ford Explorer, you need to see the letter 'K' in the 8th character postion.

This PDF file shows how the VIN numbers are coded.
http://www.e85fuel.com/pdf/vin.pdf

what are your 2nd , 3rd and 8th characters on your VIN?
What is the exact model name of your car according to the registration?

Was the car represented to be a FFV when you bought it?

I am not sure of the exact wording of the FFV fuel tank door stickers but the conventional cars (not FFV) simply say to only use unleaded fuel with no mention of ethanol.

I suspect the wording on your fuel tank door indicates it is a FFV. You should browse through the owners manual and look up the section on fuel and fuel tank etc. to see what it says about being a FFV and being able to use E85.

You could also call your local Ford dealer ship and they should be able to confirm if it is or is not a FFV for you.

(anyone here have a FFV Ford of 2004 manufacture to confirm what the gas tank door lable reades on that year and model Fords? )

Larry

ashleybeth6 · Joined: 14 May 2007 Posts: 2

My 8th letter is not a K it is a W, and I drive a 4.6L 8 cylinder. Thats why I got confused, b/c I would have assumed it would only say unleaded fuel only.

Also the manual only says look at gas lid OR check VIN.

hotrod · Joined: 19 Apr 2005 Posts: 872 Location: Colorado

Well based on that then I guess your car is not "officially" a FFV.

The good news is if you are willing to try it I would think like most other modern cars you could easily put 30% E85 in your tank with no problems at all (unless your worried about warranty issues).

There are quite a few folks who routinely run 30% - 50% blend with no problems.

Larry