323 L4-1800cc 1.8L OHC (1991)
Fuel: Technical Service Bulletins
Fuel Volatility - Driveability Concerns
Bulletin No.: 013/96
Issued: 05/24/96
Revised:
Category
F
Applicable Model/s
All Models
Subject:
DRIVEABILITY CONCERNS RELATED TO FUEL VOLATILITY
APPLICABLE MODELS
All Models
DESCRIPTION
Some driveability concerns are related to fuel volatility. This bulletin briefly describes some of the symptoms and causes.
SYMPTOM
1.
Unleaded gasoline with volatility too high for ambient temperatures may cause the following concerns during warmed-up driving and hot restarts:
^
No Start
^
Rough Idle
^
Surging
^
Vapor Lock
NOTE:
These symptoms are most typical during spring and summer months when winter gasoline may still be available.
2.
Unleaded gasoline with volatility too low for ambient temperatures may cause the following concerns:
^
Long Crank Time
^
Rough Idle
^
Hesitation
^
Poor Throttle Response
^
Induction Backfire
^
Stalls
^
Similar symptoms caused by lean operation during initial cold starts and drive-away.
NOTE:
Gasoline's volatility is higher (vaporizes easily) in the winter and lower in the summer.
REPAIR PROCEDURE
1.
Verify the concern.
2.
Perform the diagnostics in section F of the workshop manual.
NOTE:
Often, no trouble codes are found if the concern(s) are caused by gasoline.
3.
If the concern(s) is still present, the fuel volatility may be the cause. Refer to the appropriate condition for diagnostic information.
WARM ENGINE - WARM / HOT AMBIENT TEMPERATURES
^
Recommend that the customer try to identify a source of fresh, good quality gasoline. A station which receives frequent shipments of fuel will
likely be a source of fresh, good quality gasoline.
^
Using such gasoline may be more appropriate for these ambient temperatures.
COLD ENGINE - COLD AMBIENT TEMPERATURES
^
Advise customer's using a higher than recommended octane to switch to the recommendations in the owner's manual.
^
Do not advise using a higher octane than recommended for that engine. Premium octane grade unleaded gasoline does not provide better fuel