Fuel Tank: Service Precautions

WARNING: Do not smoke, carry lighted tobacco or an open flame of any type when fueling vehicle or when working on or near any fuel-related component. Highly flammable mixtures are always present and may be ignited, resulting in possible personal injury.

NOTE: Methanol and ethanol are not interchangeable. Methanol fuel can be used only in vehicles designed for methanol fuels. Ethanol fuel can be used only in vehicles designed for ethanol fuels.

WARNING: The fuel tubes leading from the fuel tank to the engine are under pressure during vehicle operation. When fuel injected engines are turned off, the fuel in the fuel tubes remains pressurized for long periods of time to provide quick start-ups. Special procedures for servicing these pressurized fuel systems are outlined in this section. These procedures should be followed to prevent accidental spraying of fuel, causing personal injury or a fire hazard.

WARNING: Do not swallow fuel of any kind. Fuels such as methanol or fuel ethanol and gasoline or mixtures of these fuels are highly toxic and if swallowed can cause death or permanent injury. Swallowing methanol can also cause blindness. Immediately seek medical attention from a physician or poison control center to treat anyone who has swallowed fuel. Be aware that if fuel is swallowed, the onset of potential ill health effects may be delayed 12-24 hours.

AVOID INHALING FUEL VAPORS. INHALING TOO MUCH FUEL VAPOR OF ANY KIND CAN LEAD TO EYE AND RESPIRATORY TRACT IRRITATION. IN SEVERE CASES, EXCESSIVE OR PROLONGED BREATHING OF FUEL VAPORS CAN CAUSE SERIOUS ILLNESS AND PERMANENT INJURY.
AVOID GETTING FUEL LIQUID IN YOUR EYES. IF YOU GET ANY FUEL IN YOUR EYES, REMOVE CONTACT LENSES (IF WORN), FLUSH IMMEDIATELY WITH PLENTY OF WATER FOR AT LEAST 15 MINUTES AND SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION.

ALLOWING ANY FUEL TO GET IN YOUR EYES WILL CAUSE SEVERE IRRITATION. FAILURE TO SEEK PROPER MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR FUEL CONTACT WITH THE EYES COULD LEAD TO PERMANENT INJURY.

IF YOU GET ANY FUEL ON YOUR SKIN, WASH WITH SOAP AND WATER. REPEATED OR PROLONGED SKIN CONTACT WITH FUEL LIQUID OR VAPOR CAUSES SKIN IRRITATION. MAKE SURE YOU WASH YOUR HANDS BEFORE HANDLING FOOD.

FUELS CONTAINING GASOLINE SUCH AS FUEL METHANOL AND FUEL ETHANOL MAY CONTAIN BENZENE, WHICH IS A CANCER-CAUSING AGENT.

IF YOU ARE TAKING MEDICATION FOR THE TREATMENT OF ALCOHOLISM, SUCH AS ANTABUSE OR OTHER FORMS OF DISULFIRAM, SKIN CONTACT WITH FUEL METHANOL, FUEL ETHANOL OR BREATHING THEIR VAPORS CAN CAUSE THE SAME KIND OF ADVERSE REACTION AS DRINKING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES. IN SENSITIVE INDIVIDUALS, SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY OR SICKNESS COULD RESULT. IF YOU ARE TAKING SUCH MEDICATION, YOU SHOULD TAKE EXTRA CARE TO AVOID SKIN CONTACT WITH FUEL AND TO AVOID BREATHING ITS VAPORS. IF YOU DO GET FUEL ON YOUR SKIN, WASH IT OFF IMMEDIATELY. CONSULT A PHYSICIAN PROMPTLY IF YOU EXPERIENCE AN ADVERSE REACTION.

WARNING: Do not modify the fuel system configuration or components or replace components with parts not especially designed for use with fuel methanol. Ford motor company has specially-designed the materials, components and system configuration for methanol-fueled vehicles and each particular system is precisely calibrated for efficient operation. Ford ethanol vehicles require the same parts as the methanol-fueled vehicles, but are calibrated specifically for gasoline/ethanol-blended fuels. The use of different parts or materials could produce an untested configuration that could result in fire, personal injury or cause engine damage.

WARNING: Do not operate engine or smoke while refueling.

WARNING: Use of the incorrect fuel or blending of fuels can result in severe engine damage. Refer to fuel filler door for vehicle-specific fuel usage.

WARNING: It is important that your flexible fuel vehicle be properly maintained by ford flexible fuel trained personnel. If a problem occurs, it is important that properly trained personnel diagnose the cause. If the problem relates to the fuel system, proper part replacement is imperative to keep your vehicle operating at normal performance. Flexible fuel components and standard fuel components are not interchangeable. If your vehicle is not serviced in accordance with flexible fuel vehicle procedures, damage may occur and your warranty may be invalidated.