2009 FIAT QUBO fuel pressure

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FIAT FIORINO/QUBO NATURAL POWER
This supplement is about the Fiat Fiori-
no/Qubo Natural Power Petrol-Methane.
For anything not included in this supple-
ment, refer to the enclosed Owner Hand-
book.CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................ 3
SYSTEM FUNCTIONAL DIAGRAM ............................................................................ 5
CYLINDERS ....................................................................................................................... 6
SOLENOID VALVES/SAFETY DEVICES ...................................................................... 7
PIPING ................................................................................................................................. 8
PRESSURE REGULATOR/REDUCTION UNIT ......................................................... 8
METHANE INJECTORS .................................................................................................. 8
PETROL/METHANE SWITCH ...................................................................................... 8
STARTING THE ENGINE .............................................................................................. 10
PROTECTION FUSES ...................................................................................................... 10
FUEL CUT-OFF SYSTEM................................................................................................ 10
REAR SEATS ...................................................................................................................... 11
AT THE FILLING STATION .......................................................................................... 11
IDENTIFICATION DATA .............................................................................................. 12
CARGO BOX .................................................................................................................... 12
CHECKING LEVELS......................................................................................................... 13
SCHEDULED SERVICING PLAN .................................................................................. 14
ENGINE ............................................................................................................................... 16
WEIGHTS ........................................................................................................................... 17
BRAKES ............................................................................................................................... 18
SUSPENSION .....................................................................................................................18
STEERING ........................................................................................................................... 18
TRASMISSION ...................................................................................................................18
DIMENSIONS ....................................................................................................................19
LOAD COMPARTMENT VOLUME ............................................................................. 20
TYRES .................................................................................................................................. 20
CAPACITIES ....................................................................................................................... 21
CO
2EMISSIONS ............................................................................................................... 22
FUEL CONSUMPTION ................................................................................................... 23
FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS .......................................................................................... 24
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3
FIAT FIORINO/QUBO NATURAL POWER
INTRODUCTION
The Fiat Fiorino/Qubo Natural Power ver-
sion features two fuel systems, one for
petrol and one for natural gas (methane).
The two systems are independent of one
another and the methane one is the timed,
sequential, multipoint type.
The start-up system runs on petrol.
What is natural gas?
Natural gas is a mixture of gases used as
a primary energy source.
Its main component is methane, so for this
reason it is usually known as methane even
though it contains small amounts of other
hydrocarbons and inert gases.
It is extracted in a gaseous state and trans-
ported to where it is used via gas pipelines;
world reserves are plentiful and widely dis-
tributed. Methane is fuel with a environ-
mental low impact because it significantly
reduces the contribution of exhaust gas-
es to the greenhouse effect and pollution.The methane multipoint
injection system
It is an original product from Fiat’s re-
search in the field of alternative fuels, that
comes from close co-operation with ma-
jor suppliers in the methane sector.
By adapting the sophisticated electronic
control technology of petrol engines to
meet the specifications of methane, it has
been possible to achieve important results
in terms of handling, exhaust emissions
and fuel consumption.
With the methane Multipoint injection
system, the engine features the same dri-
veability of a petrol fuelled one.
It should be borne in mind that, under all
driving conditions, methane operation of-
fers engine power and torque specifica-
tions that are 10% lower than with petrol
operation. Petrol operation is there-
fore recommended if a lot of power
is required (e.g. driving uphill with a
laden vehicle, steep hill starts).
Selecting the type of fuel supply
The Fiat Fiorino/Qubo Natural Power is
configured to run normally on methane
gas.When the methane is running out and the
pressure in the cylinder is close to the cor-
rect operating limit, the system automat-
ically switches to petrol operation.
The engine is always started up using
petrol (to keep this fuel supply system ef-
ficient) and, if the engine was running on
petrol before being switched off, when it
is started up again switching to methane
operation will need to be requested man-
ually.
For this reason there must always be
petrol in the tank.
The petrol/methane switch Fig. 1, amongst
the controls in the dashboard, makes it
possible to select petrol operation. The
system does not switch automatically to
methane operation if the petrol runs out.
Fig. 1F0T0343m
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FIAT FIORINO/QUBO NATURAL POWER
Passive safety
The Fiat Fiorino Natural Power has the
same passive safety features as the other
versions.
In particular, the cylinder location and
mountings are designed to pass the impact
tests in accordance with the Fiat safety
standards. The flow of methane coming
out of the cylinders is governed by a so-
lenoid valve that is only open during
methane operation.
The solenoid valve unit includes protec-
tion against excess flows (if the high pres-
sure system breaks, the flow of methane
is restricted to values that are not dan-
gerous), overheating (a fuse pad that al-
lows the methane to drain off if the tem-
perature exceeds 110 °C) and a pressure
calibration device that intervenes if the
pressure goes above 300 bar ensuring the
methane escapes in a controlled manner
and as quickly as possible.
The solenoid valve is connected to the Fire
Protection System (fuel cut-off system).
Active safety
The Fiat Fiorino Natural Power has the
same active safety features as the other
versions.
The Fiat Fiorino/Qubo Natu-
ral Power version is equipped
with a high pressure methane system
designed to run at a rated pressure of
200 bar.
It is dangerous to force the system
with higher pressures. When towing
or lifting the vehicle, follow the in-
structions in the main handbook in
the chapter on Towing to prevent
damage to the methane system parts.
In case of problems with the methane
system, only contact a Fiat Dealership.
Do not alter the methane system con-
figuration or components; they are
designed exclusively for the Fiat Fior-
ino/Qubo Natural Power. The use of
other components or materials may
lead to malfunctioning and compro-
mise safety.When oven painting, the
cylinders should be removed
from the vehicle and later carefully
refitted by a Fiat Dealership. Al-
though the methane system has nu-
merous safety features, it is advisable
to close the manual taps on the cylin-
ders every time the vehicle is not in
use for a long period, transported on
other vehicles or moved in an emer-
gency as a result of a breakdown or
accident.
IMPORTANTIMPORTANT
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FIAT FIORINO/QUBO NATURAL POWER
The plates handed over by the Dealership
with the on board documentation contain
the date for the first inspection of the
cylinders.
Methane refuelling stations are
not authorised to refill the cylin-
ders when the inspection date
has expired.
IMPORTANT If the vehicle has
been registered in a country oth-
er than Italy, the certification and
identification data and the con-
trol / inspection procedures for
the methane cylinders comply
with the legislation in that coun-
try. In any case, it should be re-
membered that the life of the
cylinders is 20 years from the
production date as set out in ECE
Regulation no. 110.
CYLINDERS
The vehicle has two cylinders (total ca-
pacity about 77 litres) located under the
floor and protected by two special guards.
The cylinders Fig. 3and Fig. 4are the
tank that contains the methane in a com-
pressed gaseous state (pressure 200 bar
at 15 °C). The methane, stored in the
cylinders at high pressure, flows through
a dedicated pipe to reach the pressure
regulator/reduction unit which supplies
the 4 methane injectors at low pressure
(about 6 bar).
Fig. 3F0T0345m
Fig. 4F0T0356m
Certification of the cylinders
The methane cylinders are certified in ac-
cordance with ECE Regulation no. 110.
The cylinders shall be inspected,
in accordance with ECE Regula-
tion Procedure no. 110, every
4 years from the vehicle regis-
tration date or in accordance
with specific regulations in indi-
vidual countries (see page 12).
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FIAT FIORINO/QUBO NATURAL POWER
Do not switch between the
two operating modes during
engine start-up.
IMPORTANT
In addition, when starting at outside tem-
peratures of below –10 °C, the switching
times from petrol to methane increase to
allow the pressure regulator/reduction
unit to heat up.
IMPORTANT If switching takes place dur-
ing acceleration or pick-up, there may be
a brief flat spot (drop in power).STARTING THE ENGINE
To carry out the starting manoeuvre cor-
rectly, see the warnings and advice in the
Owner Handbook under the chapter
Starting the engine”.
FUEL CUT-OFF SYSTEM
In the event of an impact to the car, the
petrol and injection supply is cut off im-
mediately, causing the engine to cut out
and, as a result, the safety solenoid valves
to close.
For further information, see the Fuel cut-
off system” paragraph in the Controls”
chapter in the Owner Handbook.
PROTECTION FUSES
The CNG system components are pro-
tected by specific fuses. Contact a Fiat
Dealership if a fuse needs replacing.
If the methane has run out, the control
unit automatically manages the switch to
running on petrol.
SYSTEM FAILURE SIGNALLING
With the multifunction display, any system
failure is signalled through a dedicated mes-
sage and, at the same time, by the CNG
icon and the four methane levels flashing
(with solid bars). In this case, contact a
Fiat Dealership as quickly as possible.
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FIAT FIORINO/QUBO NATURAL POWER
REAR SEATS(for markets/versions, where provided)
FOLDING OVER
To fold the rear seats over, in order to be
able to locate the tab A-Fig. 14, it is nec-
essary to open the cargo box as illustrat-
ed in Fig. 13. It is advisable to keep the
cover raised in this position as well when
repositioning the seat.
AT THE FILLING
STATION
METHANE GAS FILLER
The methane filler is located near the
petrol one Fig. 15.
It has a check valve, located in the actual
filler body.
To access the filler, undo the cap A-Fig. 15
turning it anticlockwise.
The profile of filler fitting B-Fig. 16is uni-
versal, compatible with Italian and NGV1
standards.
In some European countries adapters are
considered ILLEGAL (e.g. in Germany).
For service stations with m
3nozzles (pres-
sure differential) the check valves must be
released by delivering a small amount of
methane to measure the residual pressure
in the cylinder.
The other plates (handed over with the
vehicle documentation) contain the date
for the first inspection of the cylinders.
Fig. 15F0T0360m
Fig. 16F0T0346mFig. 13F0T0352m
Fig. 14F0T0353m
Those responsible for meth -
ane refuelling are not autho-
rised to refill the cylinders
when the inspection date has expired.
The check valve prevents the methane
from flowing back to the filler.
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FIAT FIORINO/QUBO NATURAL POWER
SCHEDULED SERVICING PLAN
Thousands of kilometres 30 60 90 120 150 180
Check tyre condition/wear and adjust pressure if required
Check operation of lighting system (headlamps, direction indicators,
hazard warning lights, luggage compartment, passenger compartment,
glove box, instrument panel warning lights, etc.)
Check windscreen wash/wipe operation
Check front disc brake pad condition and wear
Check rear drum brake linings condition and wear
Visually inspect the condition of: exterior bodywork, underbody
protection, rigid pipes and hoses (exhaust – fuel supply – brakes),
rubber parts (boots, sleeves, bushes, etc.)
Check cleanliness of locks, lids, engine and boot, and the cleanliness
and lubrication of linkage
Check and, if necessary, top up fluid levels (brakes/hydraulic
clutch, windscreen washer, battery, engine coolant, etc.)
Check the handbrake lever travel and adjust it, if necessary
Visually inspect the condition of accessory drive belt/s
Visually inspect the condition of toothed timing belt
Check tension of accessory drive belts and adjust, if necessary
Check tappet clearance and adjust, if necessary
Check exhaust gas emissions
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FIAT FIORINO/QUBO NATURAL POWER
If the car is mainly used in town, change the engine oil and filter every 12 months.
Thousands of kilometres 30 60 90 120 150 180
Check engine management system operation (using diagnosis socket)
Replace accessory drive belt/s
Replace toothed timing belt (*)
Replace spark plugs
Replace air filter cartridge
Change engine oil and oil filter (or every 24 months)
Change brake fluid (or every 24 months)
Replace pollen filter (or every 24 months)
Visually inspect condition of: methane pipes and connectors,
methane tank fastening, restore, if necessary (**)
Check pressure regulator and, if necessary, replace internal filter (**)
Check operation and parameters of fuel supply system using
the self-diagnosis socket
Check tightening torque of the cylinder fastening bands
(*) Regardless of the mileage, the timing drive belt shall be replaced every 4 years for particularly demanding use (cold climates, town driving,
idling for a long time, dusty areas) or, in any case, every 5 years.
(**) or every 12 months.
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