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Copied this from Ford's web site.
From the grammar, it looks as though all 2008's and newer have the adaptive spark system.
RELIEF AT THE GAS PUMP! ALL FORD, LINCOLN, MERCURY PRODUCTS DEVELOPED TO RUN ON REGULAR FUEL | Ford Motor Company Newsroom
Thanks to Ford's improved adaptive spark ignition system, Lincoln MKS owners that fill up with regular unleaded don't have to worry about the common engine knock and pinging often associated with using a lower-grade gas.
This system can sense what type of fuel is being injected into the motor, and communicates the information to the powertrain control module (PCM), which adjusts the spark accordingly. “We have improved the algorithms and software so the vehicle's PCM is better able to figure out what fuel is being used and quickly adapt,” said Russ.
In addition to software changes, the ignition system features two knock sensors rather than one to further improve performance. These two sensors detect the presence of uncontrolled burning in the chambers more accurately, so the control module can retard engine timing as needed to eliminate the potential for engine knock and pinging.
Other vehicles that feature the improved two-sensor adaptive spark ignition system include the Mustang, equipped with the 4.6-liter V-8, Mustang Bullitt and the 2009 Ford Escape/Mercury Mariner equipped with the 3.0-liter V-6.
From the grammar, it looks as though all 2008's and newer have the adaptive spark system.
RELIEF AT THE GAS PUMP! ALL FORD, LINCOLN, MERCURY PRODUCTS DEVELOPED TO RUN ON REGULAR FUEL | Ford Motor Company Newsroom
Thanks to Ford's improved adaptive spark ignition system, Lincoln MKS owners that fill up with regular unleaded don't have to worry about the common engine knock and pinging often associated with using a lower-grade gas.
This system can sense what type of fuel is being injected into the motor, and communicates the information to the powertrain control module (PCM), which adjusts the spark accordingly. “We have improved the algorithms and software so the vehicle's PCM is better able to figure out what fuel is being used and quickly adapt,” said Russ.
In addition to software changes, the ignition system features two knock sensors rather than one to further improve performance. These two sensors detect the presence of uncontrolled burning in the chambers more accurately, so the control module can retard engine timing as needed to eliminate the potential for engine knock and pinging.
Other vehicles that feature the improved two-sensor adaptive spark ignition system include the Mustang, equipped with the 4.6-liter V-8, Mustang Bullitt and the 2009 Ford Escape/Mercury Mariner equipped with the 3.0-liter V-6.
