Possible DRIVEABILITY Issues Due To The Winter-Blend Fuel Into The Warmer Season (18-039-20)
Reference number: 18-039-20
POSSIBLE DRIVEABILITY ISSUES DUE TO THE WINTER-BLEND FUEL INTO THE WARMER SEASON
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
| CHRYSLER: | 2010 - Current (All) All FCA Group (Gasoline) Vehicles |
| GROUP: | 18 - Vehicle Performance |
MODELS
| 2010 - Current | (All) | All FCA Group (Gasoline) Vehicles |
DISCUSSION
As a result of actions due to the coronavirus (Covid-19) and the subsequent reduced economic activity, fuel consumption has been significantly reduced. The fuel distribution system is dependent on high throughput to transition from higher vapor pressure winter fuels to lower vapor pressure fuels for the summertime EPA regulated ozone season.
In response, EPA has enacted waivers of seasonal fuel requirements. For more details, please reference the EPA website. epa.gov/enforcement/nationwide-fuel-waiver-concerning-summer-gasoline.
This could result in more volatile/higher vapor pressure fuel in the retail fuel system longer than what is normally permitted by the EPA or States. Customer issues related to higher volatile fuel combined with warmer ambient temperatures are possible, and standard diagnostic procedures may not lead to a root cause.
Potential issues could include vehicle refueling concerns, stalling, driveability issues, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), increased evaporative emissions and fuel odor. Issues are most likely to occur in warm temperatures within 1-3 days of refueling.
POLICY
Information Only