I’m looking to put in a real E85 sensor, as opposed to the factory “virtual” sensor. I am seeing that some models and years had them, some didnt, etc. I have a 2013 Escalade that was originally flex fuel. Does anyone know if there’s actually a sensor and harness where I can plug an aftermarket sensor? If so- where is it located?

 

It won't have a real sensor, it's virtual flex fuel in those years.

You will have to buy a sensor, harness and pin it into the computer. Then enable the settings in the tune.

I bought a OEM sensor for a Impala when I did it to my 2012 Silverado. Was like $25 or $35 at the time and just plumbed it into the main feed line to the fuel rail.

 

Ok great! Thanks for the info!

 

So you can use an real sensor with the GENIV Flex Fuels and get it to read in the ECU to interface with the fuel and timing tablse based on ethanol content? Are there any write ups on how to do that? And I assume then there's a way to turn off the diagnostic when the truck is filled so it doesn't go into "virtual sensor" reading mode?

 

Yes.

If you buy the sensor and wire harness is pretty simple. I forget off hand what connector on the computer it is. Like C1/X1 or something, then pin the signal wire to that pin for the sensor, add power and ground for the other 2 wires on the harness.

Then with HP Tuners or EFI Live you can switch the setting from virtual flex fuel to a real sensor. Enable the sensor DTC's and change the settings for the flex fuel so that is starts to change the stoich values sooner. It's something like .18 or .20 liters of fuel needed to pass the sensor before it changes and I make it way low like .05 or .10 liters to make it much sooner.

After that there are tons of other things you can do. Like flex fuel spark timing changes and power enrichment changes for running E85 blends. You don't need as much fuel on E85 at full throttle.