Service Precautions

To avoid damage or injury, before performing any service or repair on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) equipped vehicles, the following warnings and safety precautions must be read and followed:

• Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) systems should only be service by qualified CNG technicians.
• CNG vehicles should be serviced in a well-ventilated area. Natural gas vapors at atmospheric pressure are lighter than air and will rise and disperse in open areas. If vehicle is stored in a confined area, a natural gas detection system is recommended. Natural gas is flammable and could ignite easily and cause injury.
• If CNG vehicle is to be stored for long periods of time, the manual shutoff valve and each individual fuel control valve should be closed.
• Natural gas contains an odor additive. Occasionally, mild natural gas odors may be noticed during engine starting and after engine shut down. This is because of small quantities of unburned gas in the engine intake and exhaust manifolds. While these are normal, as are gasoline odors in similar circumstances, a persistent odor of natural gas indicates a leak is present. Have the vehicle checked immediately for source of leak. If a leak is determined to exist, do not bring the vehicle into an unventilated area.
• DO NOT weld any CNG fuel system component or fuel cylinders.
• DO NOT attempt to modify any CNG fuel system components.
• Do not attempt to refill any CNG fuel cylinders if any of the outer composite (cylinder covering) has unraveled.
• DO NOT attempt to replace any CNG fuel system components that do not meet Chrysler Corporation requirements as replacement parts.
• DO NOT apply paint undercoating to any CNG fuel system component.
• DO NOT attempt to force open or tamper with any fuel tubes or valves. A sudden release of high-pressure gas may occur resulting in bodily injury.
• DO NOT park or service vehicle near any source of excessive heat or open flames.
• DO NOT use a paint oven to cure any paint repairs. Pressure relief safety devices vent to atmosphere at 217°F (103°C).
• Any CNG fuel system component, including cylinders that have been subjected to fire, may not be returned to service due to reduced pressure capability.
• If vehicle is involved in an accident, fuel cylinders must be inspected prior to returning to service. Every 36 months or 36,000 miles thereafter (whichever comes first), cylinders must be removed, tested and inspected for damage or deterioration and replaced if necessary. Retest marks must be stamped into cylinder neck or marked on label and over coated with epoxy near original test date.
• U.S. Requirements: Each CNG fuel cylinder manufactured on or after march 27, 1995 must be removed and reinspected after a motor vehicle accident or fire, and at least every 36 months or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first) for damage and deterioration in accordance with motor vehicle safety standard No. 304 compressed natural gas fuel containers and Compressed Gas Association (CGA), Arlington, Va. Guidelines C-6.4. Retest markings must be stamped on the cylinder neck or marked on a label securely affixed to the cylinder and overcoats with epoxy near the original test date. Reheat treatment repair of rejected cylinders is not authorized. The fuel cylinder expires and must be removed from service 15 years from the date of manufacture. A label on the fuel filler door states the cylinder retest date and cylinder expiration date. A similar label is attached to each fuel cylinder. If there is a question about the proper inspection of cylinder, manufacturer as identified on the cylinder label.
• Canadian requirements: The cylinder must be reinspected after a motor vehicle accident or fire and at least every 36 months, or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first) for damage and deterioration in accordance with Canadian Standards Association (CSA) B51-97, Part 2 high-pressure cylinders for the onboard storage of natural gas as a fuel for automotive vehicles and Compressed Gas Association (CGA), Arlington, Va. Guidelines C-6.4. Retest dates must be stamped on the exposed metallic surface of the cylinder neck or marked on a label securely affixed to the cylinder and overcoated with epoxy near the original test date. Reheat treatment or repair of rejected cylinders is not authorized. The fuel cylinder expires and must be removed from service fifteen years from the date of manufacture. A label on the fuel filler door states the first cylinder retest date and cylinder expiration date. It is recommended that the fuel system components be inspected periodically for leaks and/or excessive wear. Fuel the vehicle using a NGV 1 certified fill nozzle as specified on the label inside the fuel filler door. Do not attempt to fuel the vehicle with any other type of nozzle. Before any part of the CNG fuel system is opened for repair, the system must be purged of all natural gas.