Abstract: A shift control is provided that pulls a cable when the handle is moved rearward. The shift control can be used as an integrated shift control for shifting the gears of an automatic transmission and actuating a park locking system. In the preferred embodiment the shift control pulls the cable in tension when a park pawl locking system is disengaged.

Abstract: A method of operating a retarder control system for a drivetrain retarder such as an engine compression brake of a heavy-duty truck vehicle is disclosed. The method of operation includes three novel subsets each of which controls the operational state and the resistance level at which the drivetrain retarder is operated dependent at least partially upon one or more factors including speeds of one or more drivetrain components, vehicle speed, rotational speed of one or more undriven wheels, position of a brake control member, elapsed time of activation of a brake control member and/or elapsed time from a change in a selected resistance level at which the retarder control system is commanded to effect operation of the drivetrain retarder.

Abstract: A shift control is provided that pulls a cable when the handle is moved rearward. The shift control can be used as an integrated shift control for shifting the gears of an automatic transmission and actuating a park locking system. In the preferred embodiment the shift control pulls the cable in tension when a park pawl locking system is disengaged.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle steering column (10) and adjustment system has a telescope adjustment mechanism for adjusting the fore-aft position of the steering wheel (12) to the driver of the vehicle and a tilt adjustment mechanism for adjusting steering wheel inclination. Each adjustment mechanism includes a respective motorized linear actuator (24, 26). A force feedback system operates the actuators and includes telescope and tilt sensors (42, 44) for sensing telescope and tilt adjustment forces externally applied to the steering wheel by the driver during adjustment of steering wheel position. A controller (40) is responsive to the sensors for operating the actuators to position the steering wheel in directions of adjustment corresponding to the directions of telescope and tilt forces applied by the driver. Adjustment motion stops when the externally applied forces causing the motion cease.

Abstract: A transmission 16 and gearshift communication sub-system that includes a gearshift 90, a transmission and transmission controller 16, and a common data bus 18. The gearshift 90 communicates with the transmission controller 16 to change gears or mode of operation of the transmission for automatic transmissions over the common data bus. Such communication is by a standard communication protocol that may be the SAE J1939 protocol. Vehicle control system 10 comprises an electrical system controller (ESC) 30, which is the primary component of a vehicle electronic control system. ESC 30 manages a number of vocational controllers disposed on a vehicle 13 and executes a load management program which oversees the total load imposed on the vehicle electrical system and power train by various accessories installed on the vehicle.

Abstract: A one-piece mounting bracket (30) for mounting an automatic transmission shift control in the cab of a truck has a top wall (34) and laterally spaced apart side walls (36, 38) depending from the top wall and extending rearward into covering relation to laterally opposite sides of the shift control. A face plate (70) spans the side walls of the bracket in covering relation to the shift control, and a shift lever (62) for operating the shift control to shift the transmission extends from the shift control through an opening (72) at the face plate to provide a grip by which a driver of the vehicle can operate the shift control. The side walls are symmetric about an imaginary medial plane that perpendicularly bisects an imaginary plane occupied by the top wall. The side walls also have symmetric hole patterns (50, 52) providing shift cable attachment features that are symmetric about the imaginary medial plane. The bracket may be used in either a right- or left-hand drive vehicle.

Abstract: A steering column connectable to a frame of a vehicle includes a first steering column member pivotable relative to a second steering column member. A tilt lock bar has an end portion movable with the first steering column member relative to the second steering column member. The tilt lock bar moves relative to the second steering column member upon pivoting of the first steering column member to any one of a plurality of pivot positions relative to the second steering column member. A locking member engages a plurality of teeth on the tilt lock bar to prevent movement of the tilt lock bar relative to the second steering column member and pivoting of the first steering column member relative to the second steering column member. The locking member has a first position engaging the plurality of teeth on the tilt lock bar to prevent movement of the tilt lock bar relative to the second steering column member.