Fuel System

3.0L Unleaded Gasoline Shown, 3.0L Flexible Fuel (FF) Similar:

What Fuels Should Be Used?
This vehicle will use ethanol fuel and unleaded gasoline may ALSO be used. Fuel methanol is not to be used in a fuel ethanol vehicle, and vice-versa.

This vehicle will operate well on ordinary commercial quality unleaded regular gasoline, but only the highest quality fuel ethanol will provide the same level of satisfaction. The AAMA has published standards for the fuel designed to give FFVs the best possible performance, safety and durability. To assist alcohol fuel providers in meeting these standards, the AAMA has also published companion guidelines which prescribe "Methanol and Ethanol Fuel Compatible" dispensing station equipment. Stations may apply to the AAMA to be certified as meeting these standards. However, not all stations meet these standards at this time. To ensure proper operation of the Taurus FFV on ethanol, refuel at stations certified by the AAMA.

What Is Fuel Ethanol?
- Pure ethanol is the alcohol which is the intoxicating agent in liquor, beer and wine. It is distilled from the fermentation of plants such as field corn and sugar cane. A denaturant that imparts a bad taste is added to ethanol to preclude consumption. Up to 5% hydrocarbons (such as unleaded gasoline) is a typical denaturant. The resulting denatured ethanol is designated Ed 100 when used as a feedstock for motor fuels.
- Fuel ethanol (E (d) 85) is then made by adding 15% more unleaded gasoline. The resulting fuel also has a higher octane rating than unleaded regular gasoline, allowing engine designs with higher compression and corresponding greater engine efficiency and performance (power).
- Winter blends may contain up to 25% unleaded gasoline (plus the denaturant) to enhance cold engine starts, hence the sometimes used E (d) 85-E (d) 75 designation. Severely cold weather may require additional measures for reliable starting. Refer to vehicle Owner Guide for specific information for starting under these conditions.
- Ethanol is more chemically active than gasoline. It corrodes some metals and may cause some plastic and rubber components to swell, break down or become brittle and crack, especially when mixed with gasoline. Special materials and procedures have been developed for the Taurus Ethanol FFV.
- Ethanol also has less energy per gallon, so fuel economy in miles per gallon will decrease as the percentage of ethanol goes up. Flexible fuel vehicles using fuel ethanol also have lower exhaust emissions than comparable gasoline vehicles.

NOTE: Since fuel ethanol is a liquid fuel used in internal combustion engines, the same basic service procedures are used as for gasoline engines.

The Unleaded Fuel Only, or Fuel Ethanol or Unleaded Fuel Only nomenclature must appear:
- near the fuel filler opening.
- on the instrument cluster.

An on-board vehicle Powertrain Control Module (PCM):
- receives signals from various electronic engine control sensors to compute the required fuel flow rate necessary to maintain a prescribed air/fuel ratio throughout the entire Engine operational range.
- outputs a command to the fuel injectors to meter the appropriate quantity of fuel.
- determines and compensates for the age of the vehicle and its uniqueness.
- automatically senses and compensates for changes in altitude from sea level to mountains.

All engines use a closed-type Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system and an exhaust emission control system to control engine emissions within government specifications.

To maintain the required exhaust emission levels, the fuel delivery system must be:
- kept in good operating condition.
- adjusted to specifications.

Additional engine performance checks are required to keep the exhaust emissions and the specified minimum pollutant level.

The Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI) system can be sub-divided into four distinct categories:
- Fuel Delivery
- Air Induction
- Electronic Engine Control Sensors
- Powertrain Control Module (PCM)