1996 Contour

darlingm · #1 08-09-2008, 02:58 PM

I have a 1996 Contour that is bifuel. It has a tank for gas, and on the other side a tank for CNG. Unfortunately the only station around me that supplied CNG replaced their CNG station with a car wash a few years ago.

The Contour has the green leaf over a road symbol on the side. I've read lots of places that claim that symbol means the car can run E85.

Does this symbol necessarily mean the car can run E85, or could it have been placed there because it ran CNG? I don't want to put E85 in there if it isn't meant to be...

FSUspectra · #2 08-11-2008, 08:11 AM

Not sure... did you consult your owner's manual? It's bound to say something in it. Or, ask a Ford dealer you trust (if you have one or can find one).

bryanswens · #3 10-03-2008, 10:15 AM

It just means it is a flex fuel vehicle. Can run 93 octane all the way down to 87 and also E85. Most ethanol is corn based hence the green leaf just a symbol. Doesn't have anything to do with CNG. Depending on your location and price of gas is isn't any cheaper to run E-85 because of the loss of mileage you loose. you can calculate it with the % difference in mileage and the % in price, if the fuels is cheaper / mileage then E-85 is the way to go. On the other hand by using E-85 you are supporting American made fuels and makes it worth it regardless of the price. Hope this helps.

bryan