What Happens if Incorrect Fuel Has Been Used?

If you have filled your fuel tank with the incorrect fuel type, do not attempt to start the engine. 

Operating a vehicle with contaminated fuel can cause extensive mechanical damage that may not be covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The vehicle must be inspected by a professional technician immediately.

Petrol in a diesel vehicle; introducing petrol into a diesel engine can cause severe damage to the fuel system. Petrol acts as a solvent when mixed with diesel, stripping away the lubrication required for the fuel pump to function correctly. This leads to metal-on-metal friction, causing internal components to wear or seize.

Additionally, many diesel fuel system components are not compatible with petrol and may suffer permanent damage. Simply turning the ignition to the on position can circulate the contaminated mixture, spreading the damage to other engine components. In many cases, this results in the need for a costly, full-system replacement.

Diesel in a petrol vehicle; while generally less catastrophic than the reverse scenario, putting diesel into a petrol engine still requires immediate corrective action. If the engine is started, the diesel fuel will coat the spark plugs and foul the fuel system. Common symptoms of diesel contamination in a petrol engine include:

• The engine misfires or running roughly.
• Excessive smoke is emitted from the exhaust.
• The engine is stalling or failing to start entirely.

Support and Assistance For further information, please contact your local Ford Dealer. If you require immediate support, contact our Roadside Assistance hotline at (02) 8459 4700 and (02) 8459 4799.