Abstract: An EGR control method to prevent condensation within the EGR system uses a temperature sensor signal from an EGR cooler exhaust gas outlet to model or estimate exhaust manifold gas temperature upstream of the cooler. If the estimated exhaust manifold gas temperature falls below a predetermined level, the engine control system closes or partially closes the EGR control valve to stop EGR flow through the cooler and the EGR valve.

Abstract: A motor vehicle engine (10) has glow plugs (20) for aiding combustion of fuel in combustion chambers of the engine when the engine is cold and an ignition switch (24) is operated to crank the engine. An aberration in engine speed (36) is used to indicate an under- or non-performing glow plug. Data from sources other than the engine speed source (28), such as data related to engine fueling, is also processed by a processor (30) to exclude them as the cause of the aberration.

Abstract: An EGR control method to prevent condensation within the EGR system uses a temperature sensor signal from an EGR cooler exhaust gas outlet to model or estimate exhaust manifold gas temperature upstream of the cooler. If the estimated exhaust manifold gas temperature falls below a predetermined level, the engine control system closes or partially closes the EGR control valve to stop EGR flow through the cooler and the EGR valve.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for protecting an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve from fouling due to hydrocarbon condensation at low EGR cooler outlet exhaust temperatures. In modern internal combustion engines exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valves provide a means to recirculate exhaust gases into the intake air stream. The EGR valve regulates the flow of exhaust gas entering the stream. The EGR valve can experience fouling due to the condensation of hydrocarbons at low EGR cooler outlet exhaust temperatures. Typically, fouling occurs when the internal combustion engine is operating at relatively low temperatures, namely during low speed and/or low torque operations. The effects of fouling an EGR valve include higher emission levels, reduction in fuel economy, and rough idling.

Abstract: A motor vehicle engine (10) has glow plugs (20) for aiding combustion of fuel in combustion chambers of the engine when the engine is cold and an ignition switch (24) is operated to crank the engine. An aberration in engine speed (36) is used to indicate an under- or non-performing glow plug. Data from sources other than the engine speed source (28), such as data related to engine fueling, is also processed by a processor (30) to exclude them as the cause of the aberration.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of controlling multiple electronically controlled components (101) utilizes a controller (103) that controls one of the components (101A). A control interface (211) replicates the control signal (201) generated by the controller (103) for each additional component (101B through 101E), such that the replicated signal bears significant resemblance to the original control signal with respect to current, voltage, and pulse width. The replicated signals are provided to the additional components (101B through 101E) at substantially the same time as the control signal (201) is provided to the first component (101A).

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of controlling multiple electronically controlled components (101) utilizes a controller (103) that controls one of the components (101A). A control interface (211) replicates the control signal (201) generated by the controller (103) for each additional component (101B through 101E), such that the replicated signal bears significant resemblance to the original control signal with respect to current, voltage, and pulse width. The replicated signals are provided to the additional components (101B through 101E) at substantially the same time as the control signal (201) is provided to the first component (101A).