1997 Ford Taurus Flex Fuel Vehicle Supplement 1st Printing - Page 5

Starting your vehicle methanol or ethanol and gasoline should be "treated" the same as "Fuel Methanol (M85)", which is described in the Refueling section of this supplement. Health information Flexible-fuel vehicle fuel tanks may contain any percentage of methanol or ethanol from zero to 85 percent or more. Any fuel blends containing methanol or ethanol and gasoline should be treated the same as "Fuel Methanol (M85)", which is described in the Refueling section of this supplement. PREPARING TO START YOUR VEHICLE Climate conditions and other factors play a large part in deciding how to start the engine. Read all the starting instructions carefully, so you'll be aware of these factors when you start the engine. Before turning the key, make sure the parking brake has been set fully. Place the gearshift in P (Park). Do not crank the starter continuously for more than 30 seconds at a time, as starter overheating or other damage could result. If the engine fails or falters in starting, wait three or four seconds before re-engaging the starter. If the engine is flooded, or fires intermittently, and fails to start during a 30-second cranking period, wait two minutes before attempting to start the engine again. A computer system controls the engine's idle RPM. When you start your vehicle, the engine's idling RPM normally runs high. These higher engine speeds will slow down when the vehicle warms up. If they do not, have the idle RPM checked. 5