Sunfire L4-144 2.4L DOHC VIN T SFI (2001)
Fuel: Description and Operation
FUEL SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS
Use regular unleaded gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher. It is recommended that the gasoline meet specifications which have been developed by the
American Automobile Manufacturers Association (AAMA) and endorsed by the Canadian Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Association for better vehicle
performance and engine protection. Gasoline meeting the AAMA specification could provide improved driveability and emission control system
performance compared to other gasolines. For more information, write to: American Automobile Manufacturer's Association, 7430 Second Ave, Suite
300, Detroit MI 48202.
Be sure the posted octane is at least 87. If the octane is less than 87, you may get a heavy knocking noise when you drive. If the knocking is bad enough,
the knocking can damage your engine.
If you are using fuel rated at 87 octane or higher and you hear heavy knocking, your engine needs service. But do not worry if you hear a little pinging
noise when you are accelerating or driving up a hill. That is normal, and you do not have to buy a higher octane fuel to get rid of the pinging. It is the
heavy, constant knock that means you have a problem.
NOTE: Your vehicle was not designed for fuel that contains methanol. Do not use methanol fuel which can corrode metal parts in your fuel system and
also damage plastic and rubber parts. This kind of damage would not be covered under your warranty.
If your vehicle is certified to meet California Emission Standards, indicated on the under hood emission control label, your vehicle is designed to operate
on fuels that meet California specifications. If such fuels are not available in states adopting California emissions standards, your vehicle will operate
satisfactorily on fuels meeting federal specifications, but emission control system performance may be affected. The malfunction indicator lamp on your
instrument panel may turn ON and/or your vehicle may fail a smog-check test. If this occurs, return to your authorized dealer for diagnosis to determine
the cause of failure. In the event the determination is made that the cause of the condition is the type of fuels used, repairs may not be covered by your
warranty.
Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low emissions may contain an octane-enhancing additive called Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese
Tricarbonyl (MMT). Ask your service station operator whether or not the fuel contains MMT.
