2008 FIAT IDEA LPG Supplement Manual

9
FIAT IDEA LPG
SOLENOID VALVES
AND SAFETY DEVICES
The system has a solenoid valve located
on the pressure reduction unit and a so-
lenoid valve fitted inside the multivalve as-
sembly on the tank.
The main function of these solenoid valves
is to interrupt/allow the flow of LPG to
the supply circuit.
The solenoid valves are open when:
– a request to run on LPG has been made;
– optimum engine conditions are satisfied
(engine coolant temperature, minimum
revs level) for running on LPG;– there is enough LPG in the tank for op-
eration;
The multiple valve assembly fitted on the
tank includes:
– a valve that automatically stops the sup-
ply of LPG when the maximum permitted
filling level is reached (80% of the total
tank capacity);
– a flow limiter which, if a pipe is broken,
prevents the complete and sudden escape
of LPG;
– a one-way valve, located on the gas re-
turn pipe in the tank, which prevents LPG
reflux;
– a safety solenoid valve on the LPG sup-
ply, which either gives the go ahead or
prevents the escape of gas to the pressure
reduction unit; – a manual tap, upstream of the solenoid
valve, that separates the tank from the
LPG system to allow maintenance work;
– a fuse pad which, in the event of
overheating (temperature above 120°C),
totally eliminates the danger of excess
pressure making the LPG in the tank flow
out as quickly as possible in a controlled
manner;
– an analogue gauge showing the level of
LPG in the tank.
603_97_611_IDEA_GPL_GB_1ed 15-12-2009 12:07 Pagina 9

10
FIAT IDEA LPG
REGULATION UNIT
The regulation unit fig. 4includes:
– cut out solenoid valve with gauze filter;
– pressure regulator.
The cut out solenoid valveopens or
closes together with the tank solenoid
valve. It closes each flow of LPG when the
engine is not running on gas.
It also acts as a safety device that prevents
the flow of LPG if the inertia switch is ac-
tivated.
fig. 4F0H0776m
The pressure regulatorallows the
change of the LPG from a liquid state to
a gaseous state via a dilation chamber and
maintains the pressure required for the
operation of the system at a preset val-
ue.
PIPING
The piping for the LPG in a liquid state
(from the filler to the tank and from the
tank to the pressure regulator) is made
from copper and coated in plastic.
The piping for the LPG in a gaseous state
(from the pressure regulator to the LPG
injectors) is made from rubber.
603_97_611_IDEA_GPL_GB_1ed 15-12-2009 12:07 Pagina 10

11
FIAT IDEA LPG
PAPER FILTER
The filter fig. 5, located on the pressure
regulator outlet pipe, has the task of fil-
tering the LPG in a gaseous state during
the LPG injectors supply stage.
fig. 5F0H0777m
LPG INJECTORS
There are four injectors Fig. 6, specially
designed for LPG, mounted on the intake
manifold near the cylinder head, one for
each inlet duct; they are supplied with LPG
in a gaseous state at a constant pressure
and are controlled by a specific electron-
ic control unit.
A gas pressure and temperature sensor
mounted on the injectors sends an ap-
propriate electrical signal in order to de-
termine the LPG injection time.
fig. 6F0H0779m
603_97_611_IDEA_GPL_GB_1ed 15-12-2009 12:07 Pagina 11

12
FIAT IDEA LPG
ELECTRONIC
CONTROL UNIT
The vehicle has a dedicated electronic
control unit for the LPG system; it uses
the incoming signals from the petrol in-
jection control unit and converts them in-
to signals for LPG injection.
The injector control unit works in the
same way as the petrol control unit
(phased, sequential, multipoint).
LPG/PETROL SWITCH
The LPG/petrol switch fig. 7is located
near the protective fuse compartment (on
the left of the dashboard) and includes:
A. LPG/petrol operating mode request
button;
B. LPG gauge: 5 LEDs, 4 green and 1 red
to indicate the reserve. The red LED on-
ly comes on when the last green LED goes
out.
The red LED indicates that you are run-
ning on reserve;
ON. LPG operating mode indicator:
green LED, located under button A, on
constantly;
OFF. petrol operating mode indicator:
yellow LED, located above button A, on
constantly.
IMPORTANT When the ignition key is set
to MAR, the LEDs on the ignition switch
come on in accordance with the following
logic:
– with the petrol operating mode se-
lected: yellow OFFLED on;
– with the LPG operating mode se-
lected: all the LEDs in the switch are on
constantly and the green ONLED flash-
es.To select the type of fuel system desired
(LPG or petrol), press button A - Fig. 7.
To change the type of fuel system, it is ad-
visable to operate the button with the ve-
hicle stationary and the engine running or,
whilst driving, after having released the ac-
celerator.
If switching takes place during acceleration
or pick-up, there may be a brief flat spot
(drop in power).
fig. 7F0H0780m
Do not switch between the
two operating modes whilst
starting the engine.
603_97_611_IDEA_GPL_GB_1ed 15-12-2009 12:07 Pagina 12

13
FIAT IDEA LPG
Switch from petrol to LPG
When running on petrol: press button A
- Fig 7, the switch to LPG will take place
automatically at the first significant accel-
eration.
During switching:
– the LPG gauge Bcomes on;
– the yellow OFFLED goes out (petrol
operating mode);
– the green ONLED comes on, switch-
ing from intermittent to on constantly
(LPG operating mode);
There are 5 LEDs B(1 red and 4 green)
on the left of the switch that display the
amount of LPG in the tank.
When the amount of LPG remaining falls
below about 1/5 of the capacity of the
tank, only the red (reserve) LED remains
on, signalling the need to refuel.
IMPORTANT Where starting the engine
in external temperatures of below -10°C,
switching times from petrol to LPG in-
crease to allow the pressure regulator to
become warm enough.IMPORTANT The buzzer warns the dri-
ver that the engine is running on petrol;
therefore they must refuel with LPG be-
fore it runs out.
THE buzzer can be deactivated by press-
ing switching button A.
Do not switch between the
two operating modes whilst
starting the engine.Switching from LPG to petrol
When running on LPG: press buttonA -
fig. 7.
During switching:
– the LPG gauge Bgoes out;
– the yellow OFF LED comes on con-
stantly (petrol operating mode);
– the green ONLED goes out (LPG op-
erating mode).
LPG used up
If the LPG runs out, switching to petrol
takes place automatically with:
– the yellow OFFLED on constantly;
– the green ONLED flashing;
– an acoustic warning sounded by the
switch buzzer (fast frequency).
603_97_611_IDEA_GPL_GB_1ed 15-12-2009 12:07 Pagina 13

14
FIAT IDEA LPG
FUEL CUT-OFF SYSTEM
In the event of an impact to the vehicle,
the petrol supply is cut off immediately,
causing the engine to cut out and, as a re-
sult, the LPG safety solenoid valves to
close.
For further information, please see the
‘Fuel cut off system’ paragraph in the
‘Dashboard and Controls’ chapter in the
Owner’s Handbook.
STARTING THE
ENGINE
The engine is always started on petrol,
even with the switch in the LPG position
(green LED flashing, yellow LED on con-
stantly) and switches automatically soon
after.
There must always be some petrol in the
tank to protect the petrol pump.
To carry out the starting manoeuvre cor-
rectly, see the warnings and advice in the
Owner Handbook under the chapter
“Starting the engine” enclosed with this
Supplement.
In this situation, you can con-
tinue driving, with the car run-
ning on petrol (excluding the
LPG fuel system). To stop the
buzzer, press button A: the green ON
LED will go out and the yellow OFF
LED will remain on constantly. Go to a
Fiat Dealer as soon as possible to have
the system checked.
System failure signalling
The car has a self-diagnostic system ca-
pable of signalling any malfunctions in the
LPG fuel system through the green ON
LED Fig. 7flashing. In the event of faults
that could affect correct engine operation,
the LPG control unit will automatically
switch from LPG operation to running on
petrol.
This situation will be shown by:
– the yellow OFFLED on constantly;
– the green ONLED flashing;
– an acoustic warning sounded by the
switch buzzer (slow frequency).
603_97_611_IDEA_GPL_GB_1ed 15-12-2009 12:07 Pagina 14

15
FIAT IDEA LPG
AT THE PETROL
STATION
LPG filler
The fuel filler is next to the petrol filler
cap. It has a one-way valve, located in the
actual filler body.
To access the filler B - fig. 8, open the ac-
cess hatchAand undo the cap C.
Take the following precautions during re-
fuelling:
– switch off the engine;
– apply the handbrake;
– turn the ignition key to the STOPpo-
sition;
– do not smoke;
– hand the special adaptor over to the
qualified LPG refuelling staff.
IMPORTANT Before refuelling with LPG,
the qualified staff should ensure that the
adaptor is correctly tightened onto the
filler fitting.
WHEELS
Wheel repair
The car does not have a spare wheel but
comes with a quick tyre repair kit known
as Fix&Go.
The kit is located on the left of the luggage
compartment and is fastened by Velcro.
For use, please refer to the instructions in
the booklet supplied with this supplement.
FUSE REPLACEMENT
The LPG system components are protec-
ted by specific fuses. Contact a Fiat Dea-
lership if a fuse needs replacing.
For all the other fuses, please consult the
Owner’s Handbook supplied with this sup-
plement.
fig. 8F0H0773m
IMPORTANT Depending on the country,
there are two types of adaptors for refu-
elling pumps. The adaptor that comes with
the car in a special case is specifically de-
signed for the country in which the car is
sold. If you are in a different country,
please find out what type of adaptor is
used there.
IMPORTANT Only use LPG for mo-
tor vehicles.
IMPORTANT Look after your LPG
adaptor carefully so that it does not
get damaged.
603_97_611_IDEA_GPL_GB_1ed 15-12-2009 12:07 Pagina 15

16
FIAT IDEA LPG
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
Additional operations to the Maintenance Schedule in the Owner’s Handbook.
Thousands of kilometres
Visually inspect the condition of: LPG piping and connectors and
LPG tank fastening
Replacement of filter inside the pressure regulator
Paper filter replacement (LPG in gaseous state)
Check operation and parameters of fuel supply system
using self-diagnostic socket20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180
●●●●● ●●●●
●
●●●●● ●●●●
●●●●● ●●●●
603_97_611_IDEA_GPL_GB_1ed 15-12-2009 12:07 Pagina 16