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    Ethanol stalling

    Holden Holden Advice Holden Vectra Holden Vectra Advice Holden Vectra 2001
    I DRIVE a 2001 Holden Vectra 2.2-litre four cylinder that does not seem to like ethanol in the petrol. When running petrol containing ethanol the engine would cut out at times when cornering and seemed to almost stall when drawing up to stop lights or intersections, particularly with the airconditioning on. My Holden dealer told me there was nothing wrong. Since using only Shell petrol without ethanol I have had no problems. Do you know why the Vectra engine seems to react to ethanol this way? Other car makes don't seem to.
    Answered by CarsGuide
    13 January 2005
    Graham Smith

    YOUR problem seems extreme and is one I haven't heard of as a common problem with the Vectra. Ethanol shouldn't really affect the running of your car, as long as the petrol you use has the octane rating it is supposed to have and the ethanol content is no higher than permitted. Generally, there should be no more than 10 per cent ethanol in petrol, but there have been some reports of more than 20 per cent. The biggest problem with ethanol is that it is very corrosive and attacks rubber components, castings and other bits and pieces in the fuel system.

    Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.
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