Alcohol/Contaminants-In-Fuel Diagnosis With Special Tool: Description

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 7 other vehicles, including the 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix, 2003 Pontiac Bonneville, 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 2003 Chevrolet Impala, and 2003 Buick Regal. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fuel quality can affect vehicle performance. Gasoline and gasoline blends that are contaminated or contain excessive amounts of alcohol can affect vehicle driveability, fuel economy, fuel system components and emissions. Excessive alcohol in the fuel may cause fuel system corrosion, deterioration of rubber components, and subsequent fuel filter restriction. Some types of alcohol are more detrimental to fuel system components than others. Ethanol is commonly used in gasoline, but in concentrations of no more than 10 percent. Some fuels, such as E85, contain a very high percentage of ethanol. Fuel with more than 10 percent ethanol may cause driveability conditions in vehicles such as hesitation, lack of power, stalling, or no start. If excessive alcohol in the fuel is suspected, then use the following procedure to test the fuel quality.