open gas tank CHEVROLET IMPALA 2016 10.G Bifuel Manual
Page 7 of 29
Chevrolet Impala Bi-Fuel (Gasoline/CNG) Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-U.
S/Canada-9087624) - 2016 - CRC - 8/17/15
6 Instruments and Controls
Vehicle Messages
Fuel System Messages
FUEL MODE UNAVAILABLE
This message displays when the
current fuel mode selected is empty
or unavailable. See“Fuel Selector
Switch” underFuel08. The vehicle
will switch fuel modes automatically.
This is usually due to a low fuel
condition of the fuel type selected or
the engine is not warm enough after
an initial engine start up.
This message will also appear if the
vehicle has initiated a gasoline
system maintenance routine.
A switch to CNG will not be
available until this routine is
complete.
This message can also appear if a
transition to CNG is attempted in
cold start conditions. See “Cold
Weather Starting” underStarting the
Engine 07. This message may also appear if
the CNG tank valve is unable to
open fully during some vehicle
operating conditions.
SERVICE FUEL SYSTEM PARK
IN OPEN AREA
This vehicle is equipped with a CNG
fuel system diagnostic to ensure
proper function. This message
displays when the CNG fuel system
requires service.
Park the vehicle in an outdoor open
area, do not start the engine, refuel,
or drive the vehicle. Have the
vehicle towed to an authorized GM
dealer for service.
See
Fuel System Leak 014.
Page 10 of 29
Chevrolet Impala Bi-Fuel (Gasoline/CNG) Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-U.
S/Canada-9087624) - 2016 - CRC - 8/17/15
Driving and Operating 9
standards for general marketplace
vehicle usage; however, CNG is
available at both private and public
filling stations. We recommend use
of CNG that meets or exceeds SAE
J1616 specifications for fuel
composition and cleanliness. See
Filling the Tank (CNG)09.
Caution
Using below standard CNG fuel
quality may cause damage to the
CNG fuel system. Use only CNG
fuel meeting recommended CNG
fuel standards.
The main component of CNG is
methane, a highly flammable,
colorless gas. An odorant has been
added for detection through smell.
The smell is similar to that of rotten
eggs. The CNG in the vehicle is
stored under high pressure
(maximum 24 800kPa at 21 °C/
3,600 psig at 70 °F). Gas should
never be smelled unless it occurs
briefly during refueling. If gas is
smelled or a hissing sound is heard
at any other time, park in a well ventilated outdoor open area, shut
down the vehicle, and have it
serviced.
It may be possible to hear the fuel
flowing while the engine is running if
standing close to the pipework or
various fuel system components
(regulator, filter). This is normal and
should not be confused with a
hissing sound at fittings that may
indicate a fuel leak. If you suspect a
fuel leak, follow the instructions
under
Fuel System Leak 014.
Fuel Selector Switch
The fuel selector switch is on the
instrument panel left of the steering
wheel. When the ignition is in ON/
RUN, press
0to select between
gasoline and CNG. The indicator
light in the fuel selector switch
comes on when the vehicle is
running on CNG.
Certain conditions must be met in
order to switch between gasoline
and CNG. The vehicle will start up
on the last fuel that was selected.
When the fuel selector switch is
pressed, the indicator light will flash
during a fuel transition. If the fuel
transition is unsuccessful, the DIC
will display FUEL MODE
UNAVAILABLE. See Fuel System
Messages 06.
Filling the Tank (CNG)
{Warning
CNG is flammable and highly
explosive. You could be killed or
seriously injured if leaking natural
(Continued)
Page 12 of 29
Chevrolet Impala Bi-Fuel (Gasoline/CNG) Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-U.
S/Canada-9087624) - 2016 - CRC - 8/17/15
Driving and Operating 11
fill station as soon as it is full,
unless an auto shutoff feature
is used.
{Warning
If CNG tanks are filled to a higher
pressure than recommended and
then exposed to a much higher
ambient temperature
environment, expansion of the
gas caused by the temperature
change may cause pressure relief
devices on the vehicle CNG
tank(s) to release gas, as
designed. If an ignition source is
present, this could create a risk of
fire or explosion. If there is any
possibility that the tank has been
over pressurized, take steps to
relieve the excess pressure, such
as by driving or running the
vehicle in an outdoor open area
to remove some fuel.Make sure that your CNG vehicle is
properly maintained and repaired to
avoid elevated temperatures
surrounding the tank, since elevated
temperatures in the area of the tank
could also raise the CNG pressure
in the tank.
Consult materials available from
NGVAmerica - http://www.ngvc.org
and the Clean Vehicle
Education Foundation -
http://www.cleanvehicle.org on CNG
fueling stations for more information.
Ambient Temperature / Maximum
CNG Fill Pressure Compensation
Chart
To avoid the risk of fire or explosion
if an ignition source were present,
do not fill above the pressure level
that corresponds to the lowest
ambient temperature expected
during fueling.
Service Pressure 24 800 kPa
(3,600 psig) at 21 °C (70 °F).
Page 15 of 29
Chevrolet Impala Bi-Fuel (Gasoline/CNG) Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-U.
S/Canada-9087624) - 2016 - CRC - 8/17/15
14 Driving and Operating
Pressure Relief Devices
The CNG tank has pressure relief
devices that are designed to release
pressure if the CNG tank is
overheated or over pressurized.
If a pressure relief device releases
CNG, the CNG tank will be emptied
and will switch to gasoline,
if gasoline is available. A loud
rushing noise may be heard when
CNG is released.
In Case of a CNG Leak
If a CNG fuel leak is suspected, see
Fuel System Leak014.
Fuel System Leak
{Warning
Fuel vapors and fuel fires burn
violently and can cause injury or
death.
. Keep all smoking materials
and sources of ignition away
from the fuel system
components.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.CNG is non-toxic but the
vapors are lighter than air
and can cause oxygen
depletion if they are
enclosed in a confined
space. Make sure there is
adequate ventilation and
use extreme caution if a
leak is suspected.
{Warning
If you smell a persistent natural
gas odor or hear a continual
hissing sound, there could be a
CNG leak. If the gas is
accidentally ignited, you or others
could be seriously injured or
killed. Do not start the engine or
drive the vehicle. Have the
vehicle towed to an authorized
GM dealer for service. A slight natural gas odor may be
detected for a few moments after
refueling. This is normal. You should
not be able to smell natural gas at
any other time. If you do, or if you
hear a hissing sound, the fuel
system may have a leak.
If natural gas is smelled or a hissing
sound is heard:
1. Park the vehicle in an outdoor open area and apply the
parking brake. Keep heat,
sparks, and flame away. Open
all the vehicle doors for
ventilation.
2. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF. Do not start the engine, refuel,
or drive the vehicle.
3. The manual shutoff is on the driver side of the vehicle in
front of the rear tire. See Fuel
System Components 017.
Page 21 of 29
Chevrolet Impala Bi-Fuel (Gasoline/CNG) Supplement (GMNA-Localizing-U.
S/Canada-9087624) - 2016 - CRC - 8/17/15
20 Vehicle Care
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Finish Damage
{Warning
Heating the vehicle to above 82 °
C (180 °F) may damage the
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
tanks and may cause the fuel
pressure relief device to open and
release CNG. If an ignition source
is present, this could create a risk
of fire or explosion.
CNG tank(s) must be drained by
a qualified technician prior to heat
curing a painted body repair.