Q: I accidentally put E85 gas in my 2017 Toyota Corolla. My check engine light came on the next day. Have I done irreparable damage?

asked by on March 16, 2018

I accidentally filled up my car with E85 gas and about 2 days later my check engine light can on. What do I do or How can I repair it?

My car has 33000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

You most likely will just need to drive it until you are low on fuel and refill with correct fuel and then have the check engine light codes cleared. Or you can have the fuel sucked out and refilled with regular fuel and codes cleared. It should not hurt anything if you get the wrong fuel out and not do this too often.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How do I replace the remote keyless entry (RKE) transmitter battery of a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox?
The remote keyless entry (RKE) transmitter gets a lot of use, as it helps you lock and unlock your vehicle with regularity. As a result, the battery can sometimes die. You can replace the battery in the RKE transmitter yourself:...
Tire damaged hitting curb.
After any sort of impact with the suspension you can have a series of parts that need to be replaced. When a mechanic comes across a situation like this the first thing that would be done is a visual inspection....
Blinkers not working when setting alarm.
Whoever put the alarm in for you did not hook up to the parking lights but the turn signal circuit. Check with whoever put it in or have a mechanic, like one from YourMechanic, come and see if they can...
Transmission gets stuck, reverse issues, delay in shifting
Hello. From your description it sounds like the transmission is beginning to fail (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-an-automatic-transmission-works). The second clutch pack fails or the sun shell cracks keeping the gear from engaging. I typically remove the transmission pan and inspect the fluid. If...
Can't shift out of park - 2007 Dodge Sprinter 3500
Hi there, thanks for writing in about your 2007 Dodge Sprinter. It looks like there is a technical service bulletin (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-use-a-technical-service-bulletin-tsb-to-diagnose-and-repair-a-car-by-valerie-johnston) that addressed the issue. The electronic shift module will need reprogrammed by the dealer to repair the shifter shifting...
The emergency brake is not working and multiple brake lights are on
The OBD-II error code P-0501 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0501-obd-ii-trouble-code-vehicle-speed-sensor-range-performance-by-jay-safford) is a generic code that indicates an issue with the transmission speed sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/transmission-speed-sensor-replacement). This component is vital in the operation of the ABS and traction control system, which is probably why the light...
My headlights, both high & low beam, are out - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
Hi there. It seems that the high and low beam switch has a broken contact in it. It would be best to remove the switch and replace it with a new one. If, for some reason, the switch does not...
Car heaters blowing cold air when driving
The lack of heat being generated by your system may indicate a clogged heater core. The [heater core]((https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/heater-is-not-working-inspection) is a small radiator like unit that circulates the hot coolant from the engine through the heater core which then uses this...
Buzzing noise when turn my fan to a certain setting and sometimes when start car
This may be a sign of a faulty blower motor. As you might know, these have electric motors in them that wear out over time and will begin to make squeaking or grinding noises as the bearings begin to wear...

Related articles

2012 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2012 Ford Escape: Which One Should I Buy?
SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicles) are a fun class of vehicle to drive – with their generally excellent handling on the road, their quick acceleration, and the ability to move a fair number of people while still looking pretty cool, they...
The Best Used Cars to Buy for Families
If If it’s time for you to search for the top used cars specifically for families, check out the list we’ve put together of the top five. The list of must-haves Typical items that families are looking for in their...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Just Got Your License
If If you are a new driver, congratulations on getting your license. Now, you need to think about what type of vehicle to buy. Ideally, you’ll choose a used car that isn’t overly expensive, and is reliable and safe while...