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The Types Of Gas A Chrysler 200 Uses (Explained)

The Types Of Gas A Chrysler 200 Uses (Explained)

On this blog, we make sure to research the answers to important questions related to cars thoroughly, including various Chrysler models, in this case, the Chrysler 200.

Keeping up with that tradition, we will talk about the Chrysler 200 sedan in the blog piece below, and answer an important question:

What types of gas does a Chrysler 200 take?

Both generations of Chrysler 200 (2011-2014 & 2014-2016) were offered in 2.4L, and 3.6L engines – gasoline with an octane rating of 87 is recommended in both. Premium gasoline with higher octane ratings wouldn’t necessarily increase the performance of these engines. These engines are also compatible with up to 10% ethanol blended in gasoline.

An analysis of the owner manuals of Chrysler 200 models from 2011-2017 gives us the above answer, but this is not all that is to know about what gas a Chrysler 200 takes.

We will also discuss the type of fuels that can be used in different engines of two generations of Chrysler 200. Furthermore, we will analyze the merits and demerits of using different types of gas in these engines. Finally, we will look into the gasoline requirements for various engines that come installed in Chrysler 200.

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Infographic explainging the different fuel types for a crystler 200.

Fuel Requirements Based On Engine Type

The two generations of Chrysler were available till its discontinuation in 2017. The 2nd-generation was first unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in 2014.

2014-2017

The 2014 – 2017 Chrysler 200 was offered in three engines, and transmission variants, i.e., 2.4L and 3.6L V6 mated to 9-speed automatic transmission and optional AWD with 3.6L V6 engine.

The 2.4 L engine variant is designed for improved mileage and emissions control when run on regular gasoline with a posted octane rating of 87. Chrysler does not recommend gasoline with a higher octane number or Premium gasoline for use in this region as it fails to improve the engine’s performance in terms of mileage or emission.

The 3.6L V6 engine installed in the second generation of Chrysler 200 is designed to perform best on regular gasoline, having an octane rating of 87. Premium gasoline is not encouraged by Chrysler for this engine because it does not offer improvement in the engine’s performance.

Some second-generation Chrysler 200 that were compatible with Flexible Fuels can be run on E-85 or regular gasoline. Non-Flex Fuel Vehicle engines are not recommended to be run on any gasoline which contains more than 15% ethanol. Running non-FFV on more than 15% ethanol fuel is not recommended as it will cause driveability issues and void the limited warranty.

2011-2014

The first generation of Chrysler 200 was introduced in 2011 and had its run through 2014. This generation was offered with a 2.4L and 3.6L V6 engine mated with 6-speed automatic transmission.

The 2.4L engine was designed to provide excellent mileage, and better performance, and comply with high-quality emissions requirements when using unleaded regular gasoline (octane number 87).

Chrysler 200, offered with a 3.6L V6 engine, was designed to perform best when using high-quality unleaded regular gasoline of octane rating 87. Premium gasoline having an octane number of more than 87 is not recommended in this type of engine as it doesn’t offer any advantage over regular gasoline.

The engines of the first-generation Chrysler 200 were compatible with regular gasoline blended with a maximum of 10% ethanol. Chrysler did not recommend using Flex Fuel (E-85) in non-FFV engines.

Flex Fuel compatible engine was only offered in the 3.6L variant. Using E-85 or ethanol blends of more than 15% in non-FFV engines will cause them to malfunction and create driveability issues for the user.

What Types Of Gasoline Can And Can’t Be Used?

In addition to regular gasoline, many different types of gasoline and fuel are available in the market. Most of them have been discussed extensively in the user manual of Chrysler 200. Now let us take a look at the different types of fuels and their compatibility with Chrysler 200.

Reformulated Gasoline

Reformulated gasoline is a blend of gasoline with oxygenates. RFG burns cleanly, and its exhaust fumes are less toxic and formless smog. According to the EPA, almost 25% of the gasoline being sold in the U.S is RFG. The use of reformulated gasoline also controls vehicle emissions and contributes towards better air quality.

The manufacturer recommends RFG for Chrysler 200 models from 2011 to 2016 for both 2.4L and 3.6L engines. A proper blend of reformulated gasoline will enable the engine to perform well, and it will also increase the life of the fuel system and engine.

Gasoline/Oxygenated Blends Or E-85

Ethanol is an oxygenate which is frequently blended with normal gasoline. The 2nd-generation non-flex fuel Chrysler 200 engines are designed to run on a maximum of 15% ethanol blended with regular gasoline.

The 1st-generation non-flex fuel Chrysler 200 engines are designed to run on a maximum of 10% ethanol blended with regular gasoline. 85% ethanol is blended with 15% regular gasoline to form E-85. Vehicles that run on E-85 usually don’t do well in terms of mileage as it is an energy-deficient fuel.

The 3.6L variant of first-generation Chrysler from 2011-2014 was offered as a Flex Fuel Vehicle (FFV) designed to run on E-85 or regular gasoline or a blend of both.

Chrysler advises the users not to use more than 15% ethanol blend in 2nd-generation non-FFV 200 models because of incompatibility issues of the fuel system with it. In the 2nd-generation of Chrysler 200 from 2015 to 2017, FFV variants were offered as an option in both 2.4L and 3.6L engines – not all variants would be compatible with E-85.

Many fuel-conscious Chrysler 200 owners are not sure whether their vehicle is compatible with E-85 Flex-Fuel or not. The most common way of identifying a Flex-Fuel vehicle is by looking at the yellow fuel cap or looking at the car’s emblems. An E-85 badge and fuel cap may look like the following:

A Flex-Fuel Vehicle is designed to run on regular gasoline of any octane number or E-85 or even blend both fuels. Chrysler recommends that the type of fuel from regular gasoline to E-85 should not be switched regularly.

When the need arises to switch between these two fuels types, then following protocol can help curtail problems such as a hard start and driveability issues when the vehicle is warming up:

  • Refuel your car with at least 19 liters of a new type of fuel.
  • Immediately after refueling, drive the car for a minimum of 8 Kms.

Some other issues that Flex-Fuel Vehicles may experience normally are the following:

  • If the E-85 is not adjusted by the season then the engine may experience hard starting, irregular idling, especially after a cold start, and other driveability issues. It is important to get seasonally adjusted E-85 fuel because this type of gasoline starts to cause problems as soon as the temperature falls below 0ºC.
  • Normal additives in regular gasoline can be incompatible with E-85. A blend of regular gasoline in E-85 can cause these additives to deposit in the engine. To prevent any trouble in the driveability of the vehicle these deposits must be eliminated. Techron or an Injector Cleaner from MOPAR. Click here to find Techron on Amazon.

Gasoline With Added Materials

Chrysler recommends using clean, high quality, and unleaded gasoline in Chrysler 200 model. Some gasoline products have detergents, anti-corrosion, and additives for stability in them. Using such fuels is recommended by Chrysler as they improve mileage, increase performance, and check the exhaust emissions.

Top Tier Detergent Gasoline contains detergent agents that cut down the deposits in the engine and fuel system. The detergent agents also minimize further build-up of deposits. Therefore, when available, Chrysler recommends using Top Tier Detergent Gasoline in all Chrysler 200 from authorized retailers across the country.

Fuel injection cleaners help flush a clogged system, but their misuse can be harmful to the engine. These cleaner agents contain solvents and agents which can dissolve heavy build-up. Overuse of fuel injection cleaners can harm the diaphragm and gasket of the fuel injection system.

Gasoline With MMT

Octane booster is how people usually describe Methyl Cyclopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl (MMT). It is a metallic additive that is blended in gasoline to increase the octane rating. Chrysler states that gasoline blended with MMT doesn’t improve performance compared to vehicles running on regular gasoline.

MMT blended gasoline has been associated with spark plug problems and emission system malfunction, and Chrysler does not recommend use in any model of 200 sedans.

MMT, unlike other additives, is not usually mentioned or labeled at the gas station. It is important to ask your gasoline pump operator about it and not use any fuel with MMT blended in.

MMT blending with regular gasoline is prohibited in many state gasoline laws.

What If I Hear A Knocking Noise From The Engine After Refilling

The user manual of the Chrysler 200 states that all vehicle variants may produce a slight knocking sound with the use of 87-octane number gasoline. Light knocking is normal for these engines, and therefore, it doesn’t mean that the engine is not working properly.

You can hear the normal running noises of a Chrysler 200 2.4L Multiair Engine in this video:

But a heavier knocking sound should be a cause for concern. Chrysler recommends that the vehicle be taken to a dealer as soon as it starts hard-knocking as it may potentially damage the engine. Running the vehicle on gasoline with an octane number less than 87 can lead to the failure of the engine.

If your Chrysler 200 is stalling unnecessarily or hesitating in its operation, then you might want to change the brand of gasoline of octane rating 87. Bad quality fuels can cause the engine to malfunction just like a Chrysler 300.

Does the Chrysler 200 Have Good Gas Mileage?

2015-2017

The second-generation Chrysler 200 with a 2.4L variant does the highest combined 27 MPG on regular gas and 20 MPG on E-85. The 3.6L variant does the highest combined 23 MPG on regular gas and 17 MPG on E-85.

The Mileage figures drop in the 3.6L AWD version with the highest combined 22 MPG on regular gas and 16 MPG on E-85.

EngineLowest Combined MPGHighest Combined MPG
2.4L, 9-spd AT, Reg. Gas2327
2.4L, 9-spd AT, E-851720
3.6L, 9-spd AT, Reg. Gas1923
3.6L, 9-spd AT, E-851417
3.6L, 9-spd AT, AWD, Reg. Gas1822
3.6L, 9-spd AT, AWD, E-851416

2011-2014

The first-generation Chrysler 200 with 2.4L variant mated with the 4-speed automatic transmission does the highest combined 24 MPG on regular gas. The same engine mated with the 6-speed automatic transmission does the highest 23 MPG on regular gas.

The 3.6L variant does the highest combined 22 MPG on regular gas, and a stark decrease in mileage is observed with the highest 16 MPG when the 3.6L variant mated to 6-speed automatic is run on E-85 fuel.

EngineLowest Combined MPGHighest Combined MPG
2.4L, 4-spd AT, Reg. Gas2124
2.4L, 6-spd AT, Reg. Gas2023
3.6L, 6-spd AT, Reg. Gas1922
3.6L, 6-spd AT, E-851416

What’s The Gas Tank Size Of A Chrysler 200?

The second-generation Chrysler 200 of the model year 2015 to 2017 has a fuel tank capacity of 15.8 Gallons (60 liters). In comparison to this, first-generation Chrysler 200 models from 2011 to 2014 have a bigger gas tank. Their fuel tank capacity is 16.9 Gallons (64 liters).

How Much Does It Cost To Fill Up A Chrysler 200?

Considering the prevailing fuel prices, it will cost $53.66 to fill up a Chrysler 200 from the model year 2011-2014. For the Chrysler 200 from the model year 2015-2017, approximately $50.16 will fill up the tank.

A state-wise comparison of fuel prices shows that approximately $45.90 will fill up a Chrysler 200 in Texas. Meanwhile, in California, it will cost $68.95 to fill up a Chrysler 200. E-85 compatible FFV variants will approximately cost $49.90 to fill up a Flex Fuel Chrysler 200 in the US with a slight difference of price depending on the state and fuel brand.

Closing Thoughts

It’s evident that understanding the fuel requirements for your vehicle is paramount, not only for optimal performance but also for the longevity of the engine. For Chrysler 200 owners, sticking to regular gasoline with an octane rating of 87 is the most logical choice, given the lack of substantial benefits from higher-rated fuels.

It’s always prudent to stick close to the manufacturer’s recommendations, whether you’re planning on driving a Chrysler 200, a Chrysler Pacifica, or any other model!

If you’re keen on technical specifications, don’t miss our breakdown on “The Exact Bolt Pattern Of A Chrysler 200” – a must-know for tire and wheel enthusiasts.

Always remember, knowledge is power; ensuring you’re well-informed about your vehicle’s needs ensures it will serve you reliably for years to come. Happy driving!

Sources

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