8-50
Driving and Operating
The 8th digit of the Vehicle
Identification Number (VIN) shows
the code letter or number that
identifies the vehicle's engine.
The VIN is at the top left of the
instrument panel. See
Identification Number (VIN) on
page 11
.
Recommended Fuel
If the vehicle has a 2.4L L4 engine
(VIN Code C) or the 3.0L V6 engine
(VIN Code G), use regular unleaded
gasoline with a posted octane rating
of 87 or higher. If the octane rating
is less than 87, you might notice an
audible knocking noise when you
drive, commonly referred to as
spark knock. If this occurs, use a
gasoline rated at 87 octane or
higher as soon as possible. If you
are using gasoline rated at
87 octane or higher and you hear
heavy knocking, the engine needs
service.
If the vehicle has the 3.6L V6 engine
(VIN Code V), use premium
unleaded gasoline with a posted
octane rating of 91 or higher. You
can also use regular unleaded
gasoline rated at 87 octane or
higher, but the vehicle's acceleration
could be slightly reduced, and you
might notice a slight audible
knocking noise, commonly referred
to as spark knock. If the octane is
less than 87, you might notice a
heavy knocking noise when you
drive. If this occurs, use a gasoline
rated at 87 octane or higher as soon
as possible. Otherwise, you could
damage the engine. If you are using
gasoline rated at 87 octane or
higher and you hear heavy
knocking, the engine needs service.
Gasoline Specifications
At a minimum, gasoline should meet
ASTM specification D 4814 in the
United States or CAN/CGSB-3.5
or 3.511 in Canada. Some
gasolines contain an
octane-enhancing additive called
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT). We recommend
against the use of gasolines
containing MMT. See
for additional
information.