2008 FIAT IDEA fuel type

4
FIAT IDEA LPG
KNOWING YOUR CAR
Introduction
The LPG version of the car features two
fuel systems: one for petrol and one for
LPG.
Like the petrol system, the LPG system
is the phased, sequential multipoint type
with special injectors.LPG Multipoint injection system
This product is produced in strict collab-
oration with prestigious suppliers in the
LPG sector.
The injection system used on the car is an
efficient system in terms of engine per-
formance and is based on the injection of
LPG in a gaseous state.
In this four-injector system, one for each
intake manifold, the fuel is injected directly
into the engine heat transfer ducts there-
by metering the LPG very precisely im-
proving combustion and, at the same time,
excluding any possibility of flame return.
By adapting the electronic control tech-
nology of petrol engines to meet LPG
specifications, important results in terms
of driveability and controlling exhaust
emissions have been obtained.
Engines running on LPG have almost the
same torque/power specifications as when
running on petrol and, as a result, car per-
formance is also comparable. What is LPG?
LPG (the acronym for Liquefied Petrole-
um Gas) is a mixture of gas used as a safe
and economical primary energy source.
Its main components are: propane gas and
butane gas mixed in various proportions.
These gases are a product of petroleum
refinement and are also naturally present
in oil fields and methane-producing de-
posits.
In its natural state this mixture takes the
form of a gas, but as the pressure in-
creases, at room temperature, it can eas-
ily be turned into liquid.
LPG is a fuel with a low environmental im-
pact because it reduces the pollution pro-
duced by vehicle exhaust gases.
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5
FIAT IDEA LPG
The system extreme operat-
ing temperatures are between
-20°C and 100°C.
Selecting the type of fuel supply
The car is configured to run independently
on either petrol or LPG.
The engine is always started on petrol
with an automatic shift to LPG after about
40 seconds, at the first significant accel-
eration.
This is the time required to reach opti-
mum conditions (engine coolant temper-
ature, minimum revs level) for the switch
to LPG. As far as what has been said
is concerned, there must always be
some petrol in the tank (at least 1/4
full)in order not to compromise fuel
pump operation.
In addition, from time to time it is advis-
able to use up all the petrol in the tank
(until the reserve warning light comes on),
in order to ensure that the petrol does
not become old and possibly deteriorate. When running on LPG, when
the last red LED gas quantity
indicator (visible on the
switch) comes on, you should
refuel. If the LPG runs out during LPG
operation, the system automatically
switches to running on petrol shown by:
the amber LED coming on constantly
and the green LED flashing, the fuel
level LEDs going out and a buzzer
sounded by the switch.
The petrol/LPG switch A - Fig. 1, locat-
ed on the protective fuse compartment
(on the left of the dashboard) allows the
driver to select petrol or LPG operation
at your own discretion.
fig. 1F0H0774m
Please remember that after
filling the LPG tank, you will
need to switch fuel by press-
ing the button A-fig 1 to run
the engine on LPG.
The LPG supply system is
equipped with a "consump-
tion" function linked to the LED display
of LPG level on the switch; this function
activates only after a consistent varia-
tion in fuel level has been detected. You
are therefore advised to fill up with fu-
el at the first LPG refuelling to obtain a
more precise indication of the “level".
WARNING
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8
FIAT IDEA LPG
LPG TANK
The vehicle has a (pressurised) tank A -
Fig. 3for LPG in a liquid state that is
toroidal in shape and located in the spare
wheel housing, where it is suitably pro-
tected.
The LPG in the tank Ais always in both liq-
uid and gaseous state, in a physical balanced
condition.
The liquid, which cannot be compressed,
dilates by around 0.25% for each increase
in temperature of one degree. For this
reason a suitable space allowing the in-
crease in volume of the liquid for all fore-
seeable temperature increases is guaran-
teed (e.g. car parked in the sunshine in
summer), without compromising tank in-
tegrity.
There is a safety valve that automatically
limits tank refilling (during refuelling) to a
maximum level of 80% (liquid) of its total
capacity.Periodically (at least once
every six months) it is advis-
able to let the LPG in the tank
run out and, at the first refu-
elling, check that it does not exceed the
maximum capacity of 31 litres (with a
tolerance of 2 litres excess) (see in-
structions in ‘Capacities’ paragraph in
this Supplement). If the value exceeds
31 litres, please go to a Fiat Dealer im-
mediately.
LPG TANK CERTIFICATION
The LPG tank is certified in accor-
dance with current regulations.
In Italy, the tank has a life of 10 years
as from car registration. If the car
has been registered in a different
country from Italy, the life of the
LPG tank and test/inspection proce-
dures may vary depending on the
laws in force in that particular coun-
try. In any case, when the time lim-
it in the individual country has run
out, go to a Fiat Dealer to have the
tank replaced.There is a plate on the tank B - Fig. 3con-
taining the following information:
- homologation country identification and
homologation number;
- type of gas for it has been designed
(LPG);
- name of tank manufacturer;
- tank test pressure (30 bar);
- maximum refilling percentage (80%);
- tank dimensions;
- nominal tank capacity in litres;
- tank manufacture date (month/year);
- tank serial number.
fig. 3F0H0775m
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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.
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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.
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18
FIAT IDEA LPG
LPG FUEL SYSTEM
Electronic injection with special LPG injec-
tors.
Type: Phased, sequential, multipoint.
Stoichiometric metering of the air/gas mix-
ture.
Engine idle speed: 700 ± 50 rpm
The LPG injection system is controlled by
a dedicated control unit (connected to the
petrol one) using the sensors already on
the car.
IGNITION
Static advance, electronic, integrated with
the injection.
PERFORMANCE
Top speed in km/h.
Running on petrol: 163
Running on LPG: 163
Modifications or repairs to
the fuel feed system that are
not carried out properly or do not
take the system’s technical specifica-
tions into account can cause mal-
functions leading to fire risk.
WARNING
GENERAL FEATURES 1.4
Engine identification code 350A1000
Cycle Otto
Number and layout of cylinders 4 in line
Piston bore and stroke mm 72 x 84
Total displacement cm31368
Compression ratio 11.1 : 1
LPG Petrol
kW 57 57
Max. EEC power HP 77 77
at a speed of rpm 6000 6000
Nm 115 115
Max. EEC torque kgm 11.7 11.7
at a speed of rpm 3000 3000
Spark plugs NGK ZKR7A-10
Fuel
LPGGreen petrol
unleaded
95 RON
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23
FIAT IDEA LPG
FUEL CONSUMPTION
The fuel consumption figures given in the
table below are determined on the basis
of the homologation tests laid down by
specific European Directives.
The procedures below are followed for
measuring consumption:
– urban cycle: cold starting followed by
driving that simulates urban use of the car;
– extra-urban cycle: driving simulating the
use of the vehicle in a non-urban situation
with frequent acceleration in all gears; the
speed varies between 0 and 120 km/h;
– combined consumption: calculated
weighing about 37% of urban cycle con-
sumption and about 63% of extra urban
consumption.IMPORTANT The type of route, traffic
situations, weather conditions, driving
style, general conditions of the car, trim
level/equipment/accessories, use of the cli-
mate control system, vehicle load, roof
rack and other situations that affect air
drag may lead to different fuel consump-
tion levels than those measured.(see
‘Saving fuel’ in the ‘Starting and dri-
ving’ chapter in the handbook).
LPG range
With reference to the combined con-
sumption figures, the range running on
LPG is 441 km.
According to European Directive in force
(litres x 100 km)
CO2EMISSIONS
The CO2emission figures in the table be-
low refer to combined fuel consumption.
According to European Directive
in force (g/km)
LPG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Sedan Petrol LPG
Urban 7.5 9.1
Extra urban 4.9 5.9
Combined 5.9 7.1
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