Volkswagen Polo Owners Manual: Autogas

Fig. 133 In the upper section of the centre console: switch for Autogas

When the vehicle is restarted, the last manually selected operating mode will be adopted automatically. If, for example, autogas mode was activated manually, the engine initially starts in petrol mode but automatically changes over to autogas mode as soon as the conditions for autogas mode are fulfilled.

Switching on autogas mode

• Press the  button.

After a system check, the engine switches from petrol mode to autogas mode, if the following conditions are fulfilled:

• There is sufficient autogas in the autogas tank.

• The engine coolant has reached the temperature necessary for autogas mode.

• The ambient temperature required for autogas mode is reached.

• Engine speed greater than 1,200 rpm.

• A test of the autogas system is completed and the prescribed waiting time has expired. (This procedure can take several minutes)

• No faults are detected during the system test.

The green indicator lamp of the autogas gauge lights up.

Switching on petrol mode

• Press the  button.

The green indicator lamp of the autogas gauge goes out.

Petrol mode is automatically switched on if the engine is started or if one of the conditions for autogas mode is no longer fulfilled. As soon as the conditions are fulfilled again, the autogas mode is restarted the next time the engine is switched on.

Autogas system fault

Autogas quality and consumption

Quality standards for autogas are governed throughout Europe by the DIN EN 589 standard. Autogas can therefore be used without problems in the whole of Europe.

Autogas is a blend of propane and butane.

There is a difference between winter gas and summer gas. Winter gas contains a higher percentage of propane. This can result in winter gas being less efficient (higher consumption) than summer gas.

The vehicle engine management automatically adapts to the type of autogas being used. Both types of autogas can therefore be mixed in the fuel tank. You do not need to empty the tank before refuelling with a different grade.

Safe handling of autogas

If you can smell gas or think there may be a leak in the autogas system  :

• Stop the vehicle immediately.

• Switch off the ignition.

• Open all the doors to fully ventilate the vehicle.

• Extinguish cigarettes immediately.

• Remove items that could cause sparks or fire from the vehicle or switch them off.

• Do not drive on if you can still smell gas.

• Seek expert assistance. Have the fault rectified.

WARNING

• Take any necessary action.

• Leave the area of risk.

• Contact the emergency services if necessary.

Have the autogas system checked regularly by a qualified workshop in accordance with the service schedule.

The engine always starts in petrol mode – even if the engine was stopped in autogas mode. For this reason, the petrol tank should never be allowed to become completely empty.

If you make regular short trips with the vehicle, particularly at low outside temperatures, the vehicle will use the petrol mode more frequently than the autogas mode. This will mean that the petrol tank will empty more quickly than the autogas tank.

Information on autogas mode can be displayed in vehicles that show warning and information text messages in the instrument cluster.