What does the flex fuel sensor do?

The FuelTech Flex Fuel sensor is the way in which to monitor and vary the ignition timing, fuel injection and boost level based off the ethanol content in the engine’s fuel.

How accurate are flex fuel sensors?

It should be noted that while the sensor can output very precise changes, down to 0.1%, the part that actually reads ethanol content is accurate to ~10% under normal operating temperatures.

Where do you put the flex fuel sensor?

Where does a flex fuel sensor go? Flex fuel sensors are traditionally placed on the feed line of a fuel system (line going into the engine or the pressure side). This allows consistent sampling of real fuel to pass through the sensor for accurate reading of the fuel.

How does an E85 sensor work?

The sensor determines the ethanol content of the fluent fuel before it is injected. The fuel flows through the gaps between. An AC voltage is applied to the electrodes. The relative permittivity of the fuel changes with the ethanol content, which leads to a change in the capacity accordingly (picture on the left).

What are the symptoms of a bad flex-fuel sensor?

Usually a bad or failing fuel rail sensor will produce a few symptoms that can alert the driver to a potential issue.

Hard starting. One of the first symptoms of a potential problem with the fuel rail sensor is hard starting.
Decrease in power, acceleration and fuel efficiency.
Check Engine Light comes on.

What are the symptoms of a bad flex fuel sensor?

Can you run E85 without a flex fuel kit?

It isn’t absolutely necessary, but if you have a tune for 91/93 pump and a tune for E85, you will need to run the tank to almost empty for either to work alone without a flex fuel kit.

Are flex fuel sensors directional?

The sensor may be installed in any orientation; the direction of flow through the sensor does not matter.

Can you drive with a bad flex fuel sensor?

Yes and no. While you can run your vehicle with a P0178 code for a little while, it’s better to get it repaired as soon as possible. Until you do get it fixed, avoid flex fuel and use regular gasoline. However, this doesn’t mean it can run that way forever.

What does the flex fuel sensor do? The FuelTech Flex Fuel sensor is the way in which to monitor and vary the ignition timing, fuel injection and boost level based off the ethanol content in the engine’s fuel. How accurate are flex fuel sensors? It should be noted that while the sensor can output very…