5
FIAT PANDA LPG
The system extreme operat-
ing temperatures are between
-20°C and 100°C.
Selecting the type of fuel supply
The car is configured for running inde-
pendently 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 acceleration.
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 the op-
eration of the fuel pump.
In addition, it is advisable to periodically
use up the petrol in the tank (until the re-
serve 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 on gas quan-
tity indicator (visible on the
switch) comes on, refuelling is
advisable. If LPG runs out when in LPG
mode, the system automatically switch-
es to petrol mode. This is indicated 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, located
on the protective fuse flap (left side of the
dashboard) allows the driver to select
petrol or LPG operation at his discretion.
fig. 1F0Z0802m
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
603_97_595GB PANDA GPL Euro 5 16-12-2009 12:58 Pagina 5
9
FIAT PANDA 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 multiple valve
assembly 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;
– the optimum engine conditions are sat-
isfied (engine coolant temperature, mini-
mum revs level) for running on LPG;– there is enough LGP in the tank for op-
eration;
– the inertia switch has not been tripped.
The multivalve 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 opera-
tions;
– 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_595GB PANDA GPL Euro 5 16-12-2009 12:58 Pagina 9
