Flexible Fuel Sensor: Description and Operation

LOCATION

Sensor mounted on bracket at rear of fuel tank.

PURPOSE

Powertrain Control Module (PCM) uses input to determine percentage of methanol in fuel and adjusts engine parameters accordingly.

Vehicle can operate on methanol concentrations of up to 85 %.

OPERATION

Sensor contains microprocessor and outputs voltage to PCM corresponding to percentage of methanol in fuel system.

- Powertrain Control Module (PCM) supplies sensor with 8 volt reference voltage.

- Sensor output voltage varies from 0.5 volts (for pure gasoline), to 4.50 volts (for 85 % methanol).

- If sensor shuts down, controller defaults to last measured percentage of methanol.