By mistake, I put in a 1/2 tank of E85 ( E85 (or flex fuel) is a term that refers to high-level ethanol-gasoline blends containing 51% to 83% ethanol) fuel today. While pumping I noticed that the 97 light was not on while pumping but didn't wonder about it until a blue light for the E85 went out when I stopped pumping. I wondered but thought NAWH, if you pushe the 97. GAG !!! OMG In 42,320 miles, I have NEVER had a check engine light until the light came on.. I went back to the gas station and took a look, I did pump it wrong. I drove a total of 6.3 miles with this stuff. My first inclination is to have it towed to my mechanic and have then drain the tank. How much trouble am I in?? I know this is on me. SUGGESTIONS and RECOMMENDATIONS PLEASE. What should be my steps. So far I read that the most harm is to plastic parts. Other than regular maintenance and warranty checks, I have had no problems with this car. The only other expense is that the grelims finally found me and the L taillight went out and the housing had melted onto the bulb. Thanks to this forum, I knew what to do to give guidance to the mech to fix it, but then opted to purchase a new housing. Newly retired, I want to soothe the savage soul of the gremlins. Your help is appreciated.
LR2 HSE 2009

 

What, no ideas? I have been on this forum long enough to know that is not possible. Fuel Transfer company wants to charge me $185 to siphon it out. WOW.

 

Update: Added fuel treatment to tank after much research here and elsewhere. Drove out to 1/2 tank w/air condition blowing hard at low temps ( big adventure to nowhere) in heavy traffic; at 1/2 tank the engine check light suddenly went out ( of course, just as I was pulling in to a gasoline station. Added 1/2 tank of 92. The ride never changed. Taking it in for a fuel line clean. Keeping my eye on what I am doing from now on. I think I dodged a bullet.

 

I would have just siphoned it all out or drained it if I could easily access the low point fuel hose. The refueled fully with premium. A little residual E85 would have been diluted to the point of irrelevance. Probably didn't hurt anything for a few miles, as long as you weren't driving 90mph or towing.

The CEL was probably just due to the sensors that manage air fuel ratio or emissions seeing weird stuff.