Abstract: A control system for an engine includes a control module and a resistor. The resistor is connected in series between the control module and a non-contact position sensor. The control module selectively detects a fault of the non-contact position sensor based on a voltage drop across the resistor. A method for controlling an engine includes providing a resistor connected in series between a control module and a non-contact position sensor, and selectively detecting a fault of the non-contact position sensor based on a voltage drop across the resistor.

Abstract: Throttle body assemblies having improved throttle position sensing assemblies and a method of integrating a throttle position sensor assembly with a throttle body assembly are described. The method comprises the steps of: i) press-fitting a sensor element onto a shaft of a throttle plate of a throttle body assembly; ii) engaging one or more inwardly extending members of the sensor element with one or more recessed portions formed on the shaft of the throttle plate; and iii) disposing an inductive rotary position sensor proximate the sensor element, wherein the press-fit engagement and one or more inwardly extending members limit axial and rotational movement of the sensor element with respect to the throttle plate, and wherein the inductive rotary position sensor detects a relative position of the sensor element for the purpose of ascertaining a position of the throttle plate.

Abstract: A control system for an engine includes a control module and a resistor. The resistor is connected in series between the control module and a non-contact position sensor. The control module selectively detects a fault of the non-contact position sensor based on a voltage drop across the resistor. A method for controlling an engine includes providing a resistor connected in series between a control module and a non-contact position sensor, and selectively detecting a fault of the non-contact position sensor based on a voltage drop across the resistor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for adjusting a throttle of a vehicle engine. The apparatus comprises an input sensor configured to provide an input signal having a value that approximately corresponds to an operating level of the vehicle engine requested by an operator and a memory configured to store a maximum input value for the input sensor. The maximum input value provides the value of the input signal that approximately corresponds to a maximum operating level of the vehicle engine. The apparatus is further configured to receive the input signal and access the memory to retrieve the maximum input value and further configured to update the maximum input value with the value of the input signal if the value of the input signal is greater than the maximum input value.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for adjusting a throttle of a vehicle engine. The apparatus comprises an input sensor configured to provide an input signal having a value that approximately corresponds to an operating level of the vehicle engine requested by an operator and a memory configured to store a maximum input value for the input sensor. The maximum input value provides the value of the input signal that approximately corresponds to a maximum operating level of the vehicle engine. The apparatus is further configured to receive the input signal and access the memory to retrieve the maximum input value and further configured to update the maximum input value with the value of the input signal if the value of the input signal is greater than the maximum input value.

Abstract: A maintenance method for periodically maintaining the operating condition of an exhaust gas recirculation valve for controlling recirculation of internal combustion engine exhaust gas from an exhaust gas path to an engine intake air path in which the valve is periodically driven to a maximum open position and then back to an initial position, such as a closed position when engine operating conditions are such that there is no driveability or emissions penalty associated with such valve maintenance and when sufficient battery drive voltage is available to drive the valve as required for maintenance thereof.