Blame Obama For That "Check Engine" Light On Your Dash

[mudwhistle]

Both of my cars have that constant reminder that just bugs the shit out of me. ''Check Engine".

It started happening a couple of years ago. First my Honda CRV started doing it and then my Ridgeline started doing it last year. I took it in to the dealership and they said that I could ether fix the problem or just reset it on the computer but it would be just a matter of time before it comes on again. They said the pollution controls were being screwed up by moisture in the gasoline. This was never a problem until the government started mandating E10 mixtures. Now Obama wants to up the amount of ethanol in our gas to 15%.

First thing I noticed was a drop in gas mileage. During cold weather it's even worse. A lack of performance is noticeable. It's like the government is intentionally watering down our gas and getting away with it.

The fuel industry's American Petroleum Institute tested the 15 percent ethanol gas approved in 2010 and found it gums up fuel systems, prompts "check engine" lights to come on, and messes with fuel gauge readings.

"Failure of these components could result in breakdowns that leave consumers stranded on busy roads and highways," said the industry report. Worse: API said the fuel problems--not found in E5 or E10 blends--aren't always covered by auto warranties.

The industry prefers pure fuel to an ethanol mix, but the report isn't likely to slow the administrations green push, according to a Washington auto lobbyist.

The key points from the API report are below:

The additional E15 testing, completed this month, has identified an elevated incidence of fuel pump failures, fuel system component swelling, and impairment of fuel measurement systems in some of the vehicles tested. E15 could cause erratic and misleading fuel gauge readings or cause faulty check engine light illuminations. It also could cause critical components to break and stop fuel flow to the engine. Failure of these components could result in breakdowns that leave consumers stranded on busy roads and highways. Fuel system component problems did not develop in the CRC tests when either E10 or E0 was used. It is difficult to precisely calculate how many vehicles E15 could harm. That depends on how widely it is used and other factors. But, given the kinds of vehicles tested, it is safe to say that millions could be impacted.

In 2010 and 2011, EPA gave the green light to use E15 - the 15 percent ethanol gasoline blend - in model-year-2001-and-later cars and some other vehicles. EPA's action was irresponsible. EPA knew E15 vehicle testing was ongoing but decided not to wait for the results. Why did EPA move forward prematurely? Part of the answer may be the need to raise the permissible concentration level of ethanol so that greater volumes could be used, as required by the federal Renewable Fuel Standard. Most gasoline sold today is an E10 blend, but rising volume requirements under the law can't be met much longer without going to higher blends. When Congress passed the law, it could not know it was creating this problem. Today we know. The answer is to repeal the RFS before it puts millions of vehicles and many motorists at risk.
Study: New E15 gas can ruin auto engines | WashingtonExaminer.com

 

[Katzndogz]

obama will blame republicans and car makers for not making cars that can use his mandated product.