Is My Car E85 Compatible?
CRITICAL WARNING
Do NOT put E85 in a standard gasoline vehicle without a conversion kit or tune. Regular rubber fuel lines and pumps can be corroded by ethanol, and the engine will run lean.
1. Flex-Fuel Vehicles (OEM)
If your car has a yellow gas cap or a "Flex Fuel" badge, you are good to go! Your car's computer (ECU) automatically detects the ethanol content and adjusts injection timing. You can find a list of FFVs at the AFDC Flex Fuel Vehicle Search.
2. Aftermarket Conversions
If you don't have a Flex-Fuel car, you need two things to run E85 safely:
- Hardware: Upgraded fuel pump and injectors that can handle ~30% more volume.
- Software: A tune (ECU remap) that tells the engine how to burn the fuel.
Flex Fuel Sensor vs. Dedicated Tune
A Flex Fuel Sensor is the best option. It installs in your fuel line and tells the ECU exactly what mix is in the tank. This lets you pump gas OR E85 in any ratio.
A Dedicated Tune (e.g., "E30 Tune") assumes you have exactly E30 in the tank. If you mix it wrong, the car will run poorly. This is why our E85 Mixing Calculator is essential for tuned cars without sensors.
Quick Compatibility Checklist
- Yellow gas cap?
- "Flex Fuel" badge on body?
- Owner's manual mentions "E85" or "FFV"?
- VIN decoder shows "Fuel: FFV"?
Popular Flex-Fuel Vehicles
| Make | Model | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Ford | F-150 | 2009-2024 |
| Chevrolet | Silverado | 2014-2024 |
| Dodge | Ram 1500 | 2011-2024 |
| Ford | Mustang | 2016-2024 |
| GMC | Sierra | 2014-2024 |
Ready to mix? Check out our step-by-step mixing guide. Want to know if E85 will save you money?