ronboc

... that is the question.

Total noob here, but read thru a zillion posts so far. Very useful site, thanks.

Just bought my wife an '02 4WD Tahoe with a "Z" code vin, which implies that it it a flex-fuel model from all the info I've been able to find. However, there's an itty-bitty sticker on the inside of the fuel-fill door that says to not use flex-fuel with it.

No badges on the body, nothing either way in the manual.

So which is it? How do I determine for sure?

Thanks!

tech2

look for the rpo code L59 in the glove box. if you have that code its a flex fuel engine option.

ronboc

Thanks, T2. Yes, I do have the L59 code on the glove-box sticker. And, as mentioned, the "Z" code in the 8th position in the VIN. Therefore everything, except the fuel-door sticker, says it is.

How can I confirm?

tech2

post the last eight of your vin and I will check the build sheet.

ronboc

Here's it all is... <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <wontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]-->1GNEK13Z22J157050. Thanks for offering to do this.

A build-sheet, is that something I have access to? I've been wanting to know exactly what came with/on the truck when new, but the window-sticker and related documentation is obviously long-gone.

Probably considered OCD, but I make it a point to keep every piece of paper/envelope/folder/etc that came with every vehicle I've owned. (Who knows, maybe some day our '07 Dodge Mini-Van will become a cult-classic and I'll be rich beyond my wildest dreams.)
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tech2

I pm'ed the build sheet. The only indication that it is a ff vehicle is the engine rpo code, which to me means its a ff vehicle. If you want more confirmation then locate the ff sensor. Follow the fuel line from the tank forward. Near the front driveshaft, at a cross-member the line should connect into a square bracket holding a cylinder shaped sensor with 2 fuel lines coming out.


You could also check for fuel composition sensor data if you have a good scan tool.


I wouldn't run ff anyway. You will lose mileage and pay more for it; if they even have e85 station near you.

ronboc

Great, thanks T2. Just looked at the build-sheet, it lists everything I need... and more!

Yeah, thanks for the good & bad reminder about flex-fuel. I just got to wondering whether I have it or not, and could only find conflicting info. I will check underneath to see if I have the sensor you described - that should be proof.

So now it's back to troubleshooting the other gremlins I inherited with this thing.

And thanks again!

intheburbs

Personally, I never run E85 in my vehicles. There's no cost savings - the lower cost of the gas is negated by the significant hit in your gas mileage.

Alcohol is hygroscopic - it readily absorbs moisture from the air. Not something I want in my fuel tank. As it is, I'm not happy that most gas stations have 10% ethanol blends.

tech2

does the sticker on the fuel door look factory? Just wondering if the previous owner put it there as a reminder to others who drove it. Was it a fleet vehicle?

in2pro

Spent a couple of weeks at Lake Eufaula OK, many gas stations carried 100% gasoline for marine , my truck never ran better! towing our small pop up I had great acceleration and power. I think I read that there are only about 2 states that are not required to use the 10% I think Wyoming was one of them, but I won't swear to that...