2003 FORD F150 Bi Fuel Supplement Manual

ENGINE OPERATION
Before you drive yourBi-fuelvehicle, read and understand all
information found in theDrivingchapter of your Owner’s Guide and this
supplement.
The green indicator light will be
illuminated on the fuel selector
switch when the vehicle is operating
in the gaseous fuel mode (CNG or
LPG , depending upon application).
The fuel selector switch only operates when the vehicle is at a
stop with the ignition in the OFF position. If the fuel selector
switch is moved while the vehicle is running, the gaseous fuel
injection system will NOT automatically change fuel modes and
no damage to the vehicle will occur.
If the CNG or LPG (depending upon application) runs low during the
operation of the vehicle in the gaseous fuel mode:
•the gaseous fuel injection system will automatically change to the
unleaded gasoline operating mode.
•the operator may temporarily notice a slight hesitation.
•the green indicator light on the fuel selector switch will go off.
The vehicle’s fuel system will NOT automatically change to the
gaseous fuel mode (CNG or LPG , depending upon application), if
the level of the unleaded gasoline runs low.
GASALT
Driving
17

To avoid damage to the unleaded gasoline fuel injection system of
your Bi-fuel vehicle, operate your vehicle at least every 60 days
using unleaded gasoline. Use a minimum of one full tank of
unleaded fuel every 60 days.
The characteristics of LPG are unique from those of CNG, unleaded
gasoline and diesel fuel. If yourBi-fuelvehicle operates on LPG, the
gaseous fuel injection system may, as indicated by the label on the
dashboard or the sun visor, automatically change to the unleaded
gasoline operating mode under certain conditions in very cold
temperatures (below–7°C [20°F]).
If you expect to operate your LPG Bi-fuel vehicle in very cold
temperatures, be sure to maintain an adequate supply of
unleaded gasoline in the fuel tank.
TRAILER TOWING WITH YOUR BI-FUEL VEHICLE
Refer toTowing a trailerin theDrivingchapter of the Owner’s Guide
for trailer towing procedures.
Driving
18

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Be sure to read and understand all information found in theRoadside
emergencychapter of your Owner’s Guide and this supplement.
Do not modify the gaseous fuel injection system configuration or
components. Do not replace the gaseous fuel injection system
components with parts not designed for use with your Bi-fuel vehicle.
Components designed for use in your CNG or LPG Bi-fuel vehicle
consist of special materials and are calibrated especially for your
vehicle. Failure to use the correct components may cause damage to
the engine and fuel system or possible personal injury.
Service to gaseous fuel injection system components must be
conducted only at qualified dealerships by qualified service
technicians. Failure to do so may cause damage to the engine and fuel
system components or possible personal injury.
Any modification to your Gaseous Fuel Injection System voids
the Ford New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
If a CNG fuel leak is suspected or detected, switch operation to
the unleaded gasoline mode and have the complete gaseous fuel
injection system tested by a qualified service technician
immediately.
If the vehicle is involved in an accident or fire that damages any
portion of the gaseous fuel injection system, the damaged
components MUST be replaced and the complete system tested by
a qualified service technician before the vehicle is operated
again.
The fuel selector switch only operates when the vehicle is at a
stop with the ignition in the OFF position. If the fuel selector
switch is moved while the vehicle is running, the gaseous fuel
injection system will NOT automatically change fuel modes and
no damage to the vehicle will occur.
If the engine cranks but does not start after a collision. the fuel
pump shut-off switch may have been activated. Refer to the
Roadside emergencies section of the Owner Guide for
instructions on how to reset the switch.
Roadside emergencies
19

JACKING YOUR BI-FUEL VEHICLE
YourBi-fuelvehicle may be lifted with the emergency jack as described
inChanging the tiresin theRoadside emergencieschapter of the
Owner’s Guide.
When lifting yourBi-fuelvehicle, follow these additional steps:
•SHUT OFF the gaseous fuel injection system as outlined inGaseous
fuel injection system shutoffin theMaintenance and carechapter
of this supplement.
•DO NOT use the gaseous fuel injection system components (e.g.
tanks, brackets, valves, covers and fuel lines) as a lifting or contact
point.
•DO NOT allow lifting of vehicle to twist or distort the fuel lines of
your gaseous fuel injection system.
TOWING YOUR BI-FUEL VEHICLE
Refer toWrecker towingin theRoadside emergencieschapter of the
Owner’s Guide for towing procedures, except Econoline with the optional
fuel tank package whichmustbe flat-bed towed.
When towing yourBi-fuelvehicle, follow these additional steps:
•SHUT OFF the gaseous fuel injection system as outlined inGaseous
fuel injection system shutoffin theMaintenance and carechapter
of this supplement.
•DO NOT attach tow bars, tow chains, tow straps or safety chains to
the gaseous fuel injection system components (e.g. tanks, brackets,
valves, covers and fuel lines).
•DO NOT allow tow bars, tow chains, tow straps or safety chains to
rest or rub on components of your gaseous fuel injection system.
Roadside emergencies
20

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS
Before you service yourBi-fuelvehicle, read and understand all
information found in theMaintenance and carechapter of your
Owner’s Guide and this supplement.
Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for service requirements and
intervals.
Do not modify the gaseous fuel injection system configuration or
components. Do not replace the gaseous fuel injection system
components with parts not designed for use with your Bi-fuel vehicle.
Components designed for use in your CNG or LPG Bi-fuel vehicle
consist of special materials and are calibrated especially for your
vehicle. Failure to use the correct components may cause damage to
the engine and fuel system or possible personal injury.
Service to gaseous fuel injection system components must be
conducted only at qualified dealerships by qualified service
technicians. Failure to do so may cause damage to the engine and fuel
system components or possible personal injury.
Any modification to your Gaseous Fuel Injection System voids
the Ford New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
GASEOUS FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM SHUTOFF
When in the gaseous fuel mode under normal operating procedures, the
flow of CNG or LPG (depending upon application) is stopped when the
ignition is turned to the OFF position. The electrically operated control
valve(s) only allow the flow of fuel when the ignition is in the ON
position, with the engine running.
Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)
If equipped with the manually-actuated supply valve(s), the flow of LPG
to the engine can be stopped by closing the supply valve located on the
LPG fuel tank(s).
If equipped, the manually-actuated supply valve(s) must be in the full
OPEN position for the engine to run on LPG.
Depending upon application, it may be necessary to remove an access
panel to close or open the supply valve(s).
Maintenance and care
21

1. Turn counterclockwise very slowly to the full OPEN position, if
equipped. Turning the supply valve quickly may activate the excess flow
valve. For more information, refer toCharging the fuel lines of your
LPG fuel systemin this chapter.
•F-150
2. Turn clockwise to the full CLOSED position, if equipped.
•F-150
FUEL QUALITY
Use of poor quality fuel may result in:
•component failure.
•leakage from the fueling point.
•poor vehicle operation.
Use of poor quality fuel may also result in your warranty being
invalidated.
Compressed natural gas (CNG)
Use only a CNG fuel that meets the specification of NFPA-52 and SAE
J1616 in yourCNG Bi-fuelvehicle. Specifications NFPA-52 and SAE
J1616 place limits on particulate contamination and moisture content to
ensure a quality CNG fuel.
The use of a CNG fuel that does not meet specifications NFPA-52 and
SAE J1616 isnot recommendedand may cause engine damage.
Maintenance and care
22

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)
Use only an automotive grade LPG in yourLPG Bi-fuelvehicle.
Automotive grade LPG is typically referred to as HD-5 Propane and
contains at least 90% propane. Strict limits are placed on the amount of
other hydrocarbon gases which can be introduced into automotive grade
propane.
The use of an LPG fuel that does not meet the specification for HD-5
Propane (HD-10 Propane in California) isnot recommendedand may
cause engine damage.
REFUELING YOUR BI-FUEL VEHICLE
Refueling yourCNG or LPG Bi- fuelvehicle, with a few exceptions, is
very similar to refueling a standard unleaded gasoline powered vehicle.
Before refueling yourCNG or LPG Bi- fuelvehicle, be sure to read and
understandImportant safety precautionsin theMaintenance and
carechapter of your Owner’s Guide and this supplement.
For safety reasons, use the same care and caution when refueling the
gaseous fuel injection system as you would when refueling the unleaded
gasoline fuel system. In particular, the enginemust always be turned
offwhen refueling.
DO NOT refuel your vehicle with the engine running or with the
ignition in the ON position. Failure to do so can be hazardous to
personal safety and property.
Some localities mandate a sticker be displayed showing the date of the
next required inspection. In localities requiring this sticker, refueling
station technicians arenot allowedto refill your gaseous fuel tank(s) if
the sticker is not visible or if the date has expired. For more information,
refer toTank inspection and replacementin theMaintenance and
carechapter of this supplement.
Many localities have restrictions on refueling CNG and LPG fueled
vehicles. In these localities, only qualified technicians at designated
refueling stations are allowed to refuel your vehicle. Refer to your
local authorized Ford dealer for more information.
Fuel fill procedure — compressed natural gas (CNG)
Two methods for filling the CNG fuel tank(s) are available toCNG
Bi-fuelvehicle owners:
•The fast-fill method—available at many of the commercial and
privately owned CNG refueling stations.
Maintenance and care
23

•The slow-fill method—available for purchase or lease from a number
of commercial or natural gas utility companies.
“Fast-filling”aCNG Bi-fuelvehicle involves rapidly raising the pressure
in the vehicle’s tank(s) by a“fast-fill”refueling station (typical fill time:
3–5 minutes).“Fast-filling”aCNG Bi-fuelvehicle provides the greatest
convenience to the driver in terms of time spent refueling.
“Fast-fill”refueling technology does not presently allow aCNG Bi-fuel
vehicle to be completely refueled to its maximum rated capacity.
Therefore,“fast-filling”results in a reduced driving range and an initial
fuel gauge reading of Full. However, within approximately 10 minutes,
the fuel gauge of aCNG Bi-fuelvehicle that has been“fast-filled”will
drop about 1/8th of a tank lower to reflect the reduced amount of fuel
that was actually added.
“Slow-filling”aCNG Bi-fuelvehicle involves slowly raising the pressure
in the vehicle’s tank(s) by a“slow-fill”refueling station (typical fill rate:
6–8 hours).“Slow-filling”aCNG Bi-fuelvehicle usually is done
overnight and allows the greatest amount of CNG fuel to be added to a
CNG Bi-fuelvehicle. A properly functioning“slow-fill”refueling station
will fill the CNG fuel tank(s) to a fuel gauge reading of Full at a
temperature of 21°C (70°F).
The CNG fueling point, or fuel receptacle is located on the driver’s side
of the vehicle.
The profiles of both the CNG fueling point and the fuel station nozzle are
specified by ANSI/AGA NGV1-1994, CGA NGV1-M94. These profiles are
specified for CNG vehicles and fuel stations for safety purposes. Three
separate adapter profiles are available. P24, P30 and P36 respectively,
are specified for the three different service pressures of 16 500 kPa (2
400 psi), 20 700 kPa (3 000 psi) and 24 800 kPa (3 600 psi).
Your vehicle’s service pressure will be 24 800 kPa (3 600 psi).
Your vehicle’s fuel system is rated at 24 800 kPa (3 600 psi); it can be
refueled using a P30 or a P36 nozzle only
Adapters for other types or styles of dispensing equipmentmust notbe
used.
When refueling, the enginemustbe shut off.
Use caution when refueling your vehicle. Make sure the engine is
turned off and all flammable material is extinguished. Observe all
Dispensing Equipment Safety Standards and Operating Procedures.
Maintenance and care
24