Ethanol sensors report the concentration of ethanol in your fuel. The sensor is typically installed on the return side of the fuel pressure regulator (i.e., between the fuel pressure regulator and the tank).

Due to variations in fuel system setup, the exact details of the physical installation will vary from one car to the next. So this page doesn't spend much time going over all those different options. We cover a few basics with the two most common configurations, but other than that, you'll need to carefully consider the particulars of your specific setup to determine the best option.

This page primarily focuses on the theory and software configuration options supported in ECMLink so that you have a good understanding of how ECMLink works with ethanol sensor data.

First, to help with the installation process, we have tried to collect together various part numbers and such on our Ethanol sensor parts list reference page. That page also includes links to some sample installation examples from various other places on the web.

Although there are probably a variety of different ways to run a fuel return system in a DSM, the two most common have either stock rubber hose or AN lines (typically -6AN) running from the fuel pressure regulator to the tank.

If you have a fairly stock return setup, then you should be able to get by without adapters. The factory rubber line is 6mm (1/4“) ID, but a little heat will allow you to slip the hose over the 3/8” sensor barbs.

If you have an AN setup, then you'll need some way to adapt the sensor hardlines to the AN lines. The typical solution is a hard tube push-on fitting like the Russell adapter listed on our Ethanol sensor parts list page. These adapters push onto the ethanol sensor to basically convert the ends to AN fittings.

Once you've determined how to tee into your