3
FIAT IDEA LPG
This appendix deals with the LPG version
of the Fiat Idea (Petrol-LPG).
For anything not included in this Supple-
ment, please refer to the enclosed Own-
er’s Manual.CONTENTS
KNOWING YOUR CAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
FUNCTIONAL SYSTEM DIAGRAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
LPG TANK. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
SOLENOID VALVES AND SAFETY DEVICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
PIPING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
REGULATION UNIT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
PAPER FILTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
LPG INJECTORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
LPG/PETROL SWITCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
FUEL CUT-OFF SYSTEM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
STARTING THE ENGINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
AT THE PETROL STATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
WHEELS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
REPLACING FUSES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
ENGINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
WEIGHTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
DIMENSIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT VOLUME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
CAPACITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
CO
2EMISSIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
FUEL CONSUMPTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
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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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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.
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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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