ABOUT THIS SUPPLEMENT
This booklet supplements your Owner’s Guide and is part of the owner’s
portfolio. It describes the operation of yourBi-fuelvehicle and how it
differs from a standard gasoline powered vehicle. Therefore it is very
important that you read this guide and thoroughly familiarize yourself
and others operating the vehicle with this information.
Some of the information in this supplement replaces certain instructions
in the Owner’s Guide. Please read this supplement carefully and
completely. Refer to the Owner’s Guide for complete vehicle information.
WARNINGS
Warnings remind you to be especially careful in those areas of the
vehicle where carelessness can cause damage to your vehicle or possible
personal injury to yourself, your passengers or others. Please read all
warnings carefully.
•Warnings are identified by this symbol
ABOUT THE WARRANTIES
The normal vehicle warranties will apply to yourBi-fuelvehicle. For
further information, refer to your Warranty Information Booklet in the
owner’s portfolio.
Specified maintenance procedures must be followed. Repairs must be
made by trained personnel.
It is important that yourBi-fuelvehicle be properly maintained by
qualified Ford service technicians. If a concern occurs, it is important
that properly trained personnel diagnose and repair the cause. If the
concern relates to the fuel system, proper part replacement is imperative
to keep your vehicle operating correctly.Bi-fuelcomponents and
standard fuel components are not interchangeable. If yourBi-fuel
vehicle is not maintained in accordance with approved service
procedures, damage may occur and your warranty may be invalidated.
GASEOUS FUEL INJECTION
YourBi-fuelvehicle is equipped with two fuel injection systems, an
unleaded gasoline fuel system and a gaseous fuel injection system.
Two types of gaseous fuel injection systems are available:
•Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
•Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)
Introduction
2
The two available gaseous fuel injection systems operate in somewhat
similar manners. However, differences in operating pressures and
gaseous fuel properties make itimportantthat you understand which
system you are using.
If you are unsure as to which fuel system you have, contact your dealer.
Your new Gaseous Fuel Injection System is a result of years of research
and technical experience. It employes the latest solid state electronicsto
provide excellent driveability, emissions control and fuel economy.
Compressed natural gas (CNG)
Compressed natural gas (CNG) is a mixture of hydrocarbon gases with a
high concentration of methane that is stored under high pressure.
Abundant reserves of natural gas in the United States and Canada allow
natural gas to be used as a very cost-efficient fuel. Natural gas is a clean
burning fuel, making it a highly suitable fuel to meet automotive emission
standards.
The CNG fuel system is rated at a pressure of 24 800 kPa (3 600 psi) at
21°C (70°F). The CNG fuel system’s pressure rating is listed on a label
by the CNG fueling point.
•Look for one of these labels
(depending on application).
Use caution when servicing or maintaining any of the components of the
CNG fuel system. Failure to provide adequate ventilation could result in
gas vapor build up over time potentially resulting in a combustible
mixture.
Service to CNG fuel system must be conducted only at qualified
dealerships by qualified technicians. Failure to do so may cause
damage to components or cause bodily harm.
Introduction
3
Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is a mixture of hydrocarbon gases
consisting mostly of propane with smaller amounts of ethane and butane,
which when under low pressure, are stored in a liquefied state.
LPG is a clean burning fuel, making it a highly suitable fuel to meet
automotive emission standards.
Automotive grade LPG is typically referred to as HD-5 Propane (HD-10
Propane in California) and contains at least 90% propane.
Use caution when servicing or maintaining any of the components of the
LPG fuel system. Failure to provide adequate ventilation could result in
gas vapor build up over time potentially resulting in a combustible
mixture.
Service to LPG fuel system components must be conducted only
at qualified dealerships by qualified technicians. Failure to do so
may cause damage to components or cause bodily harm.
PRECAUTIONARY INFORMATION
In certain localities, local authorities have established guidelines and
regulations that directly affect the operation and storage of yourBi-fuel
vehicle.
These established guidelines and regulations include:
•refueling.
•underground parking.
•operating your vehicle under bridges or in tunnels.
More information on established guidelines and regulations are available
from your qualified Ford dealership.
Breathing hydrocarbon gases (CNG or LPG) or air which lacks
oxygen due to the presence of hydrocarbon gases can result in
headache, dizziness and weakness in the arms and legs. In severe
cases, prolonged breathing of hydrocarbon gases can cause suffocation.
In the event of illness due to inhaling hydrocarbon gases, immediately
move the victim to fresh air and contact medical emergency personnel.
Introduction
4
Use caution when servicing or maintaining any of the components of
your Gaseous Fuel Injection System.
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 the 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.
Do not use liquefied natural gas (LNG) or a CNG that is derived
from a process such as flashing (heating LNG). Failure to use the
correct type of fuel may cause damage to the engine and fuel
system components.
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.
If yourBi-fuelvehicle is to be painted, the CNG or propane fuel tank(s)
and fuel lines must be emptied before the vehicle is placed in a heated
room, known as a“paint oven”, for the new paint to cure. These“paint
ovens”typically operate at temperatures up to 60°C (140°F). The high
temperatures in the“paint oven”could cause the fuel in the fuel tanks to
expand, which may cause an overpressure condition within the fuel tanks
that can be hazardous to personal safety and property. Contact your
qualified Ford dealership for assistance.
Introduction
5
Do not use paint drying ovens for propane-fueled vehicles. The
heat of paint drying ovens will increase the pressure in the fuel
tanks. This could cause venting of propane fuel vapor into the oven
and result in a fire from the heat or sparks in the electrical equipment.
If the fuel is confined inside an oven, an explosion may occur. When
refinishing the body panels of a propane-fueled vehicle, use spot
painting and drying methods.
Failure to empty (vent) the CNG or propane fuel tank(s) and
fuel lines prior to vehicle being placed in a“paint oven”may
cause an overpressure condition within the fuel tanks that can be
hazardous to personal safety and property.
On F-Series Bi-fuel vehicles, do notmodify or replace the cargo bed
with any non-OEM components. Should the cargo bed need to be
removed for service or replacement, it should be done at a qualified
dealership using qualified service technicians. Do not sit, stand or place
heavy loads on the in-bed fuel tank cover. Any cap added to the cargo
bed on this vehicle must be vented to the outside (consult your local
regulations). Failure to provide adequate ventilation could result in gas
vapor build up over time, potentially resulting in a combustible mixture.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION AND LABELING
YourBi-fuelvehicle has several labels to identify it as a CNG or LPG
fueled vehicle (depending upon application) and to help identify areas of
special attention.
•It is important that you and others that operate yourBi-fuelvehicle
identify the label locations and understand the information on the
labels.
•Specific labels are shown within this supplement when applicable.
Introduction
6
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.
FUEL GAUGE
The fuel gauge in your CNG or LPGBi-fuelvehicle (depending upon
application) behaves similarly to a standard gasoline fuel gauge. The fuel
gauge will provide a linear reading from Full down to Empty.
•Fuel gauge operation for aLPG Bi-fuelvehicle is based on a float
type sensor measuring the level of the liquid propane in the fuel
tank(s).
•Fuel gauge operation for aCNG Bi-fuelvehicle is based on the
pressure and temperature of the natural gas in the fuel tank(s).
Depending upon the application, a full fuel gauge reading will occur at
a pressure of approximately 20 700 kPa (3 000 psi) or 24 800 kPa (3
600 psi) at a temperature of approximately 21°C (70°F). For more
information on fuel gauge performance during the fast-fill method of
CNG fueling, refer toRefueling your Bi-fuel vehiclein the
Maintenance and carechapter of this supplement.
WARNING LIGHTS
With the engine running, the“Check Engine/Service Engine Soon”
indicator light (depending upon application) will illuminate on the
instrument cluster when the On Board Diagnostics System and/or the
Gaseous Fuel Injection System detects a malfunction in one of the
engine’s emission controls. For more information, refer toWarning light
and chimesin theInstrumentationchapter of your Owner’s Guide and
this supplement.
If a malfunction of the LPG Gaseous
Fuel Injection System is detected
with the engine running in the
gaseous fuel mode, the green
indicator light on the fuel selector
switch will flash on and off.
The warning lights may illuminate or flash on and off (depending upon
application) without a driveability concern being noted. The vehicle will
usually be drivable and will not require towing. Contact a qualified Ford
dealership at the first available opportunity.
GASALT
Instrumentation and controls
14
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
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