What is the reason why a dual-fuel vehicle suddenly cannot switch to gas?
4 Answers
Conversion switch or the circuit controlling the conversion switch may have problems, and it needs to be repaired at a 4S shop. The following is a detailed introduction about dual-fuel vehicles: 1. Overview: A dual-fuel vehicle refers to a vehicle that uses both fuel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as fuel, mainly existing in the taxi market. 2. Advantages: Stable combustion, no knocking, and convenient cold and hot starts. The storage, transportation, decompression, and combustion of compressed natural gas are carried out under strict sealing conditions, making leakage unlikely. In addition, the gas cylinders have undergone various special destructive tests, ensuring safety and reliability. Compressed natural gas burns safely, produces less carbon deposits, reduces vapor lock and knocking, which helps extend the service life of various engine components, reduces the number of maintenance and repairs, and significantly lowers maintenance costs. 3. Disadvantages: Due to the low energy density of gaseous fuels, natural gas vehicles carry less fuel and generally have a shorter driving range than gasoline vehicles. Since gaseous fuels occupy a certain volume in the combustible mixture in the cylinder (the volume occupied by liquid fuel in gasoline engine cylinders is negligible), the work done when using natural gas as fuel is less under the same cylinder working volume.
When driving, I noticed my dual-fuel vehicle couldn't switch to gas. There are several most common reasons. First, check if the gas cylinder pressure is too low, possibly due to long-distance driving or not refueling for too long. A stuck valve is also an issue, as prolonged use can accumulate dust or wear, affecting gas flow. Then check the filter; if it's clogged with debris, gas can't pass through. Sometimes loose wiring can disrupt signal transmission, such as loose connectors near the control module. It's recommended to visit an auto repair shop promptly—their professional equipment can quickly pinpoint the issue. Don't delay until minor problems become major repairs; for safety, it's best to address it early.
Having been used to gasoline-powered vehicles, I understand that most of these switching failures are caused by electronic system issues. For example, problems with the ECU controller or sensor malfunctions, such as inaccurate pressure probes, can directly prevent the conversion. Software bugs or failed system upgrades can also cause the conversion function to hang. You should connect an OBD scanner to read the error codes, which will easily identify the problematic component. If it's a modified vehicle, loose wiring or unstable power supply can also easily cause issues. Remember, don't force the switch when the problem occurs. Keep running on gasoline to stabilize the vehicle and drive to the repair shop. Only try switching back to gas after the issue is resolved, to avoid compromising driving safety.
I encountered a similar situation when driving a natural gas vehicle. It often failed to switch to gas mode while driving on the highway. This might be due to overly aggressive operation or low temperatures, causing the system to protect itself by not switching. Additionally, a damaged gas tank seal or leaking pipeline could be the culprit - my friend's car couldn't burn gas properly because of this. There's also routine maintenance that's often overlooked, like cleaning dirty fuel injectors. I recommend having the gas system checked during every maintenance visit to avoid unexpected issues on the road. When the conversion fails, don't panic - just switch back to gasoline mode and continue driving. You can troubleshoot the problem later when you have time, without disrupting your trip.
