Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a high power output direct current to alternating current converter for a vehicle. In one example, a method may include at a vehicle-on event, automatically operating the converter in a first power output mode, and transitioning to a different mode of operation in response to a transition request being received at a controller of the vehicle. In this way, the different mode of operation may be subject to confirmation via an operator of the vehicle, which may improve operational performance of the direct current to alternating current converter.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling airflow of an accumulator of a motorized vehicle. In one example, a method includes storing pressurized gases within the accumulator by flowing intake air from a compressor of an engine of the vehicle to a pressure booster arranged upstream of the accumulator. Pressurized gases stored within the accumulator may be used to drive one or more pneumatic devices.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for updating a relevant vehicle parameter in a vehicle so as to improve accuracy of a vehicle velocity determination. In one example, a method comprises integrating signals of a longitudinal acceleration sensor to obtain a first vehicle velocity and obtaining a second vehicle velocity from a wheel speed sensor between a first and a second reference point, and updating the relevant vehicle parameter as a function of a difference between a slope associated with the first vehicle velocity and another slope associated with the second vehicle velocity. In this way, accuracy of vehicle speed determination via one or more wheel speed sensors may be improved.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving vehicle speed measurements. A vehicle may detect the impact of a roadway irregularity to its front wheels and its rear wheels, and may calculate an instantaneous vehicle speed on the basis of its wheelbase and an elapsed time between the two impacts. This instantaneous vehicle speed may then be used to calculate one or more correction factors which may be used to correct a conventionally-acquired vehicle speed measurement, an operational parameter of the vehicle underlying such measurements (such as a wheel size or a final drive ratio), or both.

Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle that includes a DC/DC converter is described. In one example, the method includes adjusting an output voltage of the DC/DC converter to increase torque of a belt integrated starter/generator. The output voltage of the DC/DC converter may be adjusted before and during engine cranking.

Abstract: A method for controlling torque of an air conditioner compressor is disclosed. In one example, the air conditioner compressor is a variable displacement compressor. The method may provide smooth transitions between different air conditioner compressor torques.

Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle that includes a DC/DC converter is described. In one example, the method includes adjusting an output voltage of the DC/DC converter after the DC/DC converter is used to crank an engine. The output voltage of the DC/DC converter may be adjusted responsive to a state of charge of an ultra-capacitor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a vehicle that includes an engine and an electric machine are described. In one example, a speed of the engine may be adjusted so that the engine provides power to drive the electric machine without generating numerous rapid engine speed changes in a short amount of time.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a vehicle that may be driven to or sold in different geographical locations that may have different engine emissions and fuel economy standards are described. The systems and methods may adjust vehicle operation to comply with standards that may be enforced where the vehicle is geographically located. The standards may apply to countries, treaty zones, race track areas, off-road areas, and other geographically related standards.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for diagnostics of a gasoline particulate filter in an exhaust system. In one example, a method may include indicating degradation of a hose coupled across a particulate filter responsive to a difference between a first differential pressure and a second differential pressure being greater than a threshold, the first differential pressure measured by a differential pressure sensor positioned in the hose responsive to a downstream exhaust tuning valve being fully open, the second differential pressure measured by the differential pressure sensor responsive to the exhaust tuning valve being fully closed.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving efficiency of an exhaust gas after treatment system of a vehicle. In one example, a first group of engine cylinders is operated with a rich air-fuel ratio continuously while a second group of engine cylinders is operated with a lean air-fuel ratio continuously. The rich and lean exhaust gases from the two groups of engine cylinders may be oxidized within an exhaust gas after treatment system to improve catalyst efficiency.

Abstract: Methods and systems are providing for improving engine coolant level estimation to reduce engine overheating. The level of fluid in a coolant overflow reservoir is inferred based on the fluid level in a hollow vertical standpipe fluidically coupled to the reservoir at top and bottom locations, while the fluid level in the standpipe is estimated based on echo times of an ultrasonic signal transmitted by a sensor positioned in a recess at the bottom of the vertical standpipe. Engine power is limited differently based on distinct coolant level states determined based on a change in level of coolant in the reservoir over a duration.

Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle that includes a DC/DC converter is described. In one example, the method includes adjusting an output voltage of the DC/DC converter to increase torque of a belt integrated starter/generator. The output voltage of the DC/DC converter may be adjusted before and during engine cranking.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling engine knock. In one example, a method may include decreasing intake valve lift at a first set of cylinders where knock is indicated and increasing intake valve lift at a second set of cylinders where knock is not indicated. A stoichiometric air-to-fuel ratio is thereby maintained.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cooling an internal combustion engine via flowing air through the internal combustion engine during select conditions are presented. In one example, lift of intake and/or exhaust poppet valves may be adjusted as a function of engine temperature. In addition, opening and closing timings of intake and exhaust poppet valves may be adjusted as a function of engine temperature.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cooling an internal combustion engine via flowing air through the internal combustion engine during select conditions are presented. In one example, lift of intake and/or exhaust poppet valves may be adjusted as a function of engine temperature. In addition, opening and closing timings of intake and exhaust poppet valves may be adjusted as a function of engine temperature.

Abstract: A method and a system for indicating more than three different fluid levels in a fluid reservoir is described for a system that includes a fluid level sensor having only two output levels. In one example, the more than three different fluid levels are determined via output of the fluid level sensor and output of one or more sensors that indicate acceleration or orientation of a vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving efficiency of an exhaust gas after treatment system of a vehicle. In one example, a first group of engine cylinders is operated with a rich air-fuel ratio continuously while a second group of engine cylinders is operated with a lean air-fuel ratio continuously. The rich and lean exhaust gases from the two groups of engine cylinders may be oxidized within an exhaust gas after treatment system to improve catalyst efficiency.

Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle that includes an electrical power output is described. In one example, the method includes preventing shifting of transmission gears in response to an external electric power consumer being coupled to an electrical power output receptacle of the vehicle. The method may reduce a possibility of interrupting electrical power that may be supplied to the external electric power consumer.

Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle that includes an electrical power output is described. In one example, the method includes preventing shifting of transmission gears in response to an external electric power consumer being coupled to an electrical power output receptacle of the vehicle. The method may reduce a possibility of interrupting electrical power that may be supplied to the external electric power consumer.