FUELING
Do not fuel your vehicle with the ignition on the ON position. Failure to
do so may cause component damage.
Fueling a NGV, with a few exceptions, is very similar to fueling a gasoline
vehicle. The same care and cautions used when fueling a gasoline vehicle
should be exercised when fueling a NGV. In particular, for safety reasons,
an enginemustalways be turned off when refueling is occurring. Always
use the recommended fill nozzle to refuel your vehicle.
Two methods for filling the fuel tanks are available to NGV owners. The
fast-fill method, described below, is available at many of the commercial
and privately owned filling stations. The slow-fill method, also described
below, is available for purchase or lease from a number of commercial or
natural gas utility companies.
Fast fill procedure
ªFast-fillingº a NGV involves rapidly (typical fill time: 3±5 minutes)
raising the pressure in the vehicle's tanks by ªfast-fillº refueling station.
ªFast-fillingº a vehicle provides the greatest convenience to the driver in
terms of time spent refueling. However, present ªfast-fillº refueling
technology does not presently allow a NGV to be completely refueled to
its maximum rated capacity. Therefore, ªfast-fillingº results in a reduced
driving range and an initial fuel gauge reading of Full. However, within
approximately 10 minutes, the fuel gauge of a NGV that has been
ªfast-filledº will drop about 1/8th of a tank lower to reflect the reduced
amount of fuel that was actually added.
Slow fill procedure
ªSlow-fillingº a NGV involves slowly raising the pressure in the vehicle's
fuel tank(s) by a slow fill station (typical fill rate: 6±8 hours).
ªSlow-fillingº usually is done overnight and allows the greatest amount of
fuel to be added to a NGV. A properly functioning ªslowÐ fillº refueling
station will fill the NGV's fuel tank(s) to a fuel gauge reading of ªfullº at
a temperature of 21ÉC (70ÉF).
The fueling point, or fuel receptacle is located near the driver's side.
When refueling, the enginemustbe shut off.
Servicing your vehicle
13
Extended range fuel system
Crown Victoria Police and Taxi vehicles with the extended range fuel
system have a 5±passenger seating configuration with two additional
CNG fuel tanks mounted in the luggage compartment. Maximum cargo
capacity for these vehicles is 29 kg (65 lbs.).
Econoline vehicles with the extended range fuel system have one
additional CNG fuel tank mounted in the cargo area behind the rear seat.
TRAILER TOWING
On Econoline and F-Series models, your NGV has the capability for
towing using the factory installed step-bumper. Refer to the following
chart for weight ratings:
F-Series
All 2 267 kg (5 000 lbs.)
Econoline
All except Regular Van (E-250 and E-350) and
Super Van (E-250) with 3.73 axle2 267 kg (5 000 lbs.)
Regular Van (E-250 and E-350) and Super Van
(E-250) with 3.73 axle2 041 kg (4 500 lbs.)
It is recommended that the vehicleNOTbe modified for towing (i.e.-any
frame-mounted hitches).
On Crown Victoria models, you vehicle is not equipped with a trailer towing
option. It is recommended that the vehiclenotbe modified for towing.
TOWING YOUR CNG VEHICLE
Refer to your Owner's Guide for towing procedure except Econolines
with the optional tank package whichMUSTbe flat-bed towed.
NGV REFUELING STATIONS
To obtain a directory of all the refueling stations in the United States,
contact the American Gas Association (AGA) at (703) 841±8400. In
Canada, contact Union Gas at 1±800±265±5277
SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
The following is a brief description of unique maintenance items for your
NGV. For a complete list of maintenance items and intervals, refer to
yourService Guide.
Servicing your vehicle
15
