B3000 4WD V6-3.0L OHV (1995)
Fuel: Technical Service Bulletins
Fuel - California Reformulated Gasoline
Bulletin No.: 014/96
Issued: 05/06/96
Revised:
Category
F
Applicable Model/s
All Models
Subject:
CALIFORNIA REFORMULATED GASOLINE (Effect On Vehicle Performance, Fuel Economy)
DESCRIPTION
This bulletin is issued to provide service personnel with information to answer commonly asked questions regarding California Reformulated Gasoline
(CaRFG). Please use this information to address customer concerns.
BACKGROUND
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The purpose of CaRFG is to reduce emissions.
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CaRFG replaces the traditionally high pollution generating gasoline distributed in Northern California.
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CaRFG improves the reformulated gasoline distributed in Southern California.
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) expects smog forming emissions from motor vehicles to decrease by approximately 15% due to CaRFG.
MAZDA'S POSITION ON CaRFG
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CaRFG does not affect the new vehicle or emission warranty.
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Mazda recommends the use of CaRFG as a cost effective means of reducing emissions to provide cleaner air.
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Vehicle and laboratory testing of CaRFG ensures that CaRFG is acceptable for customer use.
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Based on the above studies, no unusual vehicle performance concerns are expected.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CaRFG AND OTHER GASOLINES
CaRFG consists of the same basic components as other gasoline but, pollutes less due to cleaner burning components and fewer toxic components. These
components provide:
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Reduced aromatic hydrocarbons to form less smog emissions.
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Added oxygenates to reduce emissions.
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Decreases the amount of vehicle fuel evaporation.
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Lower sulfur to provide more efficient catalytic converter operation.
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Reduced benzene by approximately 50%.
CaRFG AFFECT ON VEHICLE PERFORMANCE
Properly blended CaRFG should have no adverse affect on vehicle performance, engine durability or fuel system components. Basic components of
CaRFG are not significantly different from other cleaner burning gasoline used in the United States for several years.
If the vehicle is a California calibrated 1996 or later model, the vehicle will:
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Operate satisfactorily on gasoline in the other 49 states but the emission control system performance may be effected.
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Using gasoline other than CaRFG may cause the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) to illuminate or cause the vehicle to fail an emission test.
CaRFG AFFECT ON FUEL ECONOMY
A very small reduction in MPG (less than one-half MPG) is possible it the customer uses gasoline without oxygenates. This is attributed to the lower
energy content of oxygenates, which have been included in all Southern California gasoline since January 1995 and some gasoline since the 1970s.
NOTE:
Driving habits, vehicle maintenance and weather conditions all affect fuel economy. Fuel economy may vary more than 1 MPG from one fill up to
the next using the same gasoline.
NO SPECIAL ADDITIVES ARE NECESSARY WHEN USING CaRFG.
It is not necessary to add anything to the vehicle's fuel tank after CaRFG is purchased from the service station.
California regulations require deposit control additives in CaRFG to avoid port fuel injector and valve deposits.
OLDER VEHICLE'S PERFORMANCE USING CaRFG
Older vehicles are expected to operate satisfactorily on CaRFG because these vehicles have been operating on gasoline similar to CaRFG for a number
of years.
However, considerable testing indicates that older, high mileage vehicles are more susceptible to fuel system problems due to age and normal wear and
