Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve positioning system that positions an EGR valve pintle includes a predicted temperature fuzzy logic module, an under heat fuzzy logic module, an over heat fuzzy logic module, and a multiplication module. The predicted temperature fuzzy logic module determines a predicted temperature of the pintle and generates a predicted temperature modifier based thereon. The under heat fuzzy logic module generates an under heat modifier representing the temperature of the pintle during warmup of an engine. The over heat fuzzy logic module generates an over heat modifier representing the temperature of the pintle after warmup of the engine. The multiplication module communicates with the predicted temperature fuzzy logic module, the under heat fuzzy logic module, and the over heat fuzzy logic module and generates a modifier signal based on the product of the predicted temperature modifier, the under heat modifier, and the over heat modifier.

Abstract: An engine control system that monitors flow restriction through an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system of an engine includes a first module that calculates a test EGR mass flow rate based on a first average EGR mass flow rate when the EGR system is in an EGR OFF mode and a second average EGR mass flow rate when the EGR system is in an EGR ON mode. A second module selectively generates a fault signal based on the test EGR mass flow rate.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve positioning system according to the present invention includes an actuate valve module, an EGR valve position module, and an adjust control variables module. The actuate valve module selectively uses learned and default variables as control variables to position an EGR valve. The EGR valve position module determines whether the EGR valve is positioned in a target position. The adjust control variables module communicates with the actuate valve module and the EGR valve position module and adjusts the learned variables when the EGR valve position module determines that the EGR valve is positioned out of the target position.

Abstract: A method of determining whether a vacuum/pressure sensor in a vehicle fuel tank correctly indicates a vacuum level in the tank. An input from the sensor is obtained. The tank is sealed for a predetermined time period. After the time period, another input is obtained from the sensor and the sensor inputs are compared.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for reducing the occurrence of vehicle door bumps against an adjacent object facing the door. The apparatus comprises one or more distance sensors mounted on the vehicle for measuring distance D from the door to the object, a brake for inhibiting outward movement of the door toward the object, a warning system and a controller coupled to the distance sensors, warning system and brake for applying the brake to inhibit further outward movement of the door when D?D(MIN), a predetermined minimum distance away from the object. In a preferred embodiment, a first driver warning is activated when the initial door-to-object spacing D(INIT)?D(SAFE), the maximum outward door reach. A second warning is desirably added when the door begins moving toward the object or has reached about (D(INIT))/2 and a third warning is activated when the brake is engaged.