Nissan places a high priority on lowering emissions and enhancing fuel economy and efficiency, as seen by the impending 2007 Altima Hybrid and increased use of the Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) in five 2007 Nissan vehicles. Nissan is also demonstrating innovation in the field of Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFV). When the Nissan Titan pickup, which is capable of running on E85 ethanol, was introduced in 2006, Nissan was the only import company in the United States to offer an FFV. In some regions, the full-size Nissan Armada SUV joins the Titan in 2007 in delivering FFV technology.
“Drivers who want excellence from their cars are drawn to our portfolio. We have established our appeal in terms of fashion, functionality, and convenience “said Bill Bosley, Nissan Division vice president and general manager. “And now, with decreasing car emissions and decreased dependence on foreign oil supplies, we’re satisfying the demands of consumers seeking environmentally sound transportation alternatives.”
The tough Nissan Titan truck and the adventure-ready Nissan Armada SUV are now offered with Flexible Fuel Technology as a no-cost option in an effort to reach a wider audience.
The Titan and Armada’s already great customer appeal is strengthened by this technology. In the J.D. Power & Associates 2006 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, both vehicles were placed first in their respective segments.
The sophisticated 5.6-liter DOHC Endurance V8 in the Armada and Titan can run on either regular gasoline or E85, an ethanol-and-gasoline blend, or any combination in between thanks to Nissan’s Flexible Fuel Technology. Because ethanol burns cleaner than gasoline, the ethanol/gasoline blend lowers vehicle emissions in addition to reducing the amount of pure gasoline used.
For Titan and Armada buyers who care about the environment, flexible fuel vehicle technology is the ideal choice, according to Bosley. While ethanol is a domestically available and sustainable fuel, it also helps to lessen reliance on foreign oil. “E85 enables both full-size cars to maintain their full power and robust capabilities along with lower emissions.”
Titans and Armadas with FFV capabilities up to 20,000 and 55,000, respectively, will be constructed in 2007. By 2010, there should be twice as many Nissan vehicles available in the US as there are now.
In This Article...
How can I tell if my vehicle uses flex fuel?
Here are some excellent hints on how to spot a flex fuel vehicle so you can pick the appropriate pump for your car. Both regular gasoline and alcohol-based fuels like E85 are compatible with flex fuel vehicles. The problem is that different fuel and engine management systems may be used by vehicles of the same year, make, and model.
Let’s first discuss why flex fuel vehicles need parts that are specifically made for them and why you shouldn’t use E85 in any car that isn’t made to run on alcohol-based fuels. E85 is made up of 85% ethyl alcohol and 15% gasoline, which is added to create ethanol. E85 therefore contains more oxygen, is more electrically conductive, and absorbs more moisture as compared to gasoline. It is hence extremely corrosive. Don’t put E85 in the tank if your car wasn’t made to use it! E85 produces less energy as well. Therefore, a flex fuel vehicle needs the proper software in order to modify its airfuel ratio and provide the required power.
Looking at the gas cap is one of the simplest methods to tell if a car is flex fuel. It is yellow and printed with the fuels that can be used on a flex fuel vehicle. The fuel type will also be noted on a label inside the fuel door. Additionally, you can look for Flex Fuel or E85 badging on the car or the eighth character of the VIN. To determine whether the vehicle is a flex fuel application, see the service or application information.
It’s crucial to make sure that any E85 you put in a flex fuel car is E85 exclusively. It can lead to a lot of issues with a typical gasoline system.
- A traditional gasoline level sensor and float will likewise deteriorate with E85, which will make them malfunction.
- The gasoline pump’s metal components will rust. That indicates subpar pump operation. The normal lifespan of conventional fuel pumps is nine thousand hours. However, if you place one in a flex fuel vehicle, it might only last for 500 hours.
- Steel lines rust as a result of high alcohol content. Because of this, flex fuel vehicles typically have nylon linings within their fuel lines.
- When exposed to E85, traditional rubber connection hoses and O-ring seals frequently become dry. Fuel leaks may result from that.
You must correctly identify flex fuel vehicles and utilize parts designed for them in order to do the required repair. These pointers will help you get started.
What kind of fuel can a Nissan Altima run on?
What kind of fuel can you use in an Altima? It is advised that you put standard grade 87 octane fuel in your Nissan Altima.
Which automobiles feature flex fuel?
A significant credit for flex-fuel vehicles was made possible by a flaw in the CAFE laws that were intended to promote the use of alternative fuels. This caused the technology to be widely used. About 80 distinct car models could run on E85 by 2015.
There are presently very few models that are E85 compatible because that loophole has long expired. There are presently more than 22 million E85-compatible vehicles on the road, according to the Department of Energy, although the EPA’s list of 2020 model vehicle/powertrain combinations authorized for E85 use only includes:
What occurs if I unintentionally use flex fuel in my vehicle?
Many more recent flex-fuel cars have been engineered expressly for E85 ethanol fuel. The chemical composition of this fuel is primarily obtained from biomass materials like corn. There’s a good probability your check engine light may on if you accidently put E85 fuel in a vehicle designed to run on ordinary gasoline derived from petroleum. And although though that’s never a comfortable feeling, an isolated error shouldn’t harm the engine. To be sure that your car won’t have any problems, you should still speak with a reliable mechanic.
Over time, using E85 in a non-flex fuel vehicle poses even bigger dangers. The continual use of this high-ethanol fuel can cause substantial fuel system corrosion in normal gasoline vehicles. Additionally, putting E85 fuel in a car by mistake could violate the warranty on the engine. That implies that even if your car is brand new, you can be responsible for the repairs.
Is flex-fuel the same as E85?
E85 gas, commonly referred to as flex fuel, is a high-level mixture of gasoline and ethanol that contains 51 to 83 percent ethanol by volume. Geographical location and season have an impact on the amount of ethanol.
Clue No. 1: Badging
Badging or other visibly displayed signage attached to your car is the most clear evidence that it is E85 compliant. The words “Flex Fuel” or “E85 Ethanol” are frequently emblazoned on the surface of a car’s body, usually on the sides or the back.
Flex fuel refers to the ability of your car to run on either straight gasoline or ethanol, indicating that the fuel system has been improved with better plastic and rubber components and a fuel sensor that can detect the ratio of ethanol to gasoline.
Clue No. 2: Placarding
Placarding is used on some flex-fuel cars to indicate this capacity. For instance, a label showing E85 compatibility may be attached right above the gas cap or within the gasoline door.
Additionally, some manufacturers mark their flex-fuel gas caps with the words E85/Gasoline on the cap’s cover in a bright yellow color.
Clue No. 3: Owner’s Manual
The owner’s manual for your car contains a lot of knowledge. To find out what kinds of fuel are suggested for your car, go to the section on fuel.
The manual will make it very obvious if your automobile can use E85 fuel.
American Lung Association
The American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest’s “Clean Air Choice website” keeps track of the largest online listing of flexible fuel vehicles.
This list, which includes all vehicles made since 1995 when some Ford Taurus models were equipped with flex-fuel capability, is updated on a regular basis. Additionally, the ALA does not list the sub-models that are impacted, but it does list the vehicles that have an FFV option.
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
If there is no information about flex-fuel capabilities in the owner’s manual or on the exterior of your automobile, you may be able to find it in the 17-digit vehicle identification number. The VIN is typically visible from the outside of your car on the dashboard on the driver’s side, towards the bottom of the windshield.
Each letter or digit also stands for information about your car, such as the year it was built, the type of engine, the body style, the place of origin, and other details. Some manufacturers, like Chrysler, reserve the eighth spot to designate their flex-fuel capability.
To find out if your automobile is flex-fuel capable, write down the entirety of your VIN and call your dealer.
Can you blend ordinary gas with flex fuel?
Ethanol is one of the most well-liked choices for alternative fuels. E85 is a fuel that can be used in vehicles that are compatible with it. It is a mixture of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. In rare circumstances, individuals might be unsure whether they can fuel their cars with conventional gasoline instead of E85.
Yes, you can blend ordinary gas with E85, but the results might not be perfect. E85 is a mixture of 15% gasoline and 85% ethanol.
The ethanol content will be too high and may harm your engine if you combine it with 50% ordinary gas. It’s essential to continue using fuel that is made for your particular vehicle.
Can E85 and 87 gas be combined?
As long as your car has a flex-fuel certification, mixing E85 with any other type of gas is completely safe.
The type of gasoline indicates the ‘power’ of the fuel, as opposed to whether it is safe to use with E85.
Can You Mix E85 and Premium Gas?
If your car is flex-fuel certified, mixing E85 with premium gas is completely safe.
As a result, only the efficiency of the engine affects how the two gas types mix, not the gas composition that enables it to feel more compressive force before detonating.
Is It Bad to Mix E85 with Regular Gas?
If you have a flex-fuel car that can run on fuel containing up to 85% ethanol, mixing E85 with ordinary gas isn’t always bad.
You’ll get less mileage from your car if you use E85, which is a significant drawback.
E85 offers improved anti-knocking qualities that can boost engine power and an octane rating of 100 to 105, but the engine needs to burn 20–30% more fuel to match conventional gas’s rates of consumption.
Additionally, it has a shorter storage duration and is capable of pre-ignition, which can lead to inappropriate piston firing and subsequent internal component damage.
Simply said, there will be a transition time when your engine will run at lower octane levels due to phase separation when you switch to ethanol-based gas, even E10, E15, or E30.
This may cause ethanol to dissolve fuel system and tank deposits, depleting ethanol in the higher layer and temporarily lowering the octane rating.
You can take the following actions to solve this problem:
E85 fuel has a particularly negative impact on non-flex-fuel approved automobiles.
When exposed to ethanol over time, filters in non-certified automobiles degrade, seriously impairing the structural integrity of internal parts.