Abstract: A magnetic field sensor is employed to determine a rotational velocity of an element by sensing frequency variations in a magnetic flux during rotation of the element. The magnetic field sensor includes a sensor face provided with obstacles, such as a series of spaced, substantially parallel grooves arranged perpendicular to a direction in which contamination tends to move across the face during operation of the sensor. The obstacles inhibit movement of contamination across the face such that the contamination does not cause false variations in the magnetic flux which would degrade sensor signals.

Abstract: A method and system provides a Neutral Hold mode in a vehicle having a shift-by-wire transmission with a return to park feature. The Neutral Hold mode is entered upon detecting when the transmission control mechanism has been used a first time to select Neutral when a driver's door is open or has been used a second time to select Neutral. When in Neutral Hold mode, the transmission will stay in Neutral and not shift to Park upon detecting that a driver has exited the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and system provides a Neutral Tow mode in a vehicle with a shift-by-wire transmission by displaying a Neutral Tow mode option when the transmission control mechanism has been used to select Park, an ignition switch is on, and an engine is off or an information button has been pushed and entering a Neutral Tow mode upon detecting a triggering event. The Neutral Tow mode is canceled upon detecting a certain sequence of events, such as turning on the ignition switch, depressing and holding a brake pedal, and selecting Park. When in Neutral Tow mode the transmission will stay in Neutral, without automatically shifting to Park or using battery power, thereby enabling the vehicle to be towed long distances without draining battery power.

Abstract: A method and system provides a Brake Transmission Shift Interlock Override mode in a vehicle including a shift-by-wire transmission. With power applied and ignition on, a driver will press and hold an override switch for a calibrated time. While the override switch is pressed, the driver presses a non-Park button for another calibrated time. The result will be that the vehicle is placed in the selected range wherein the transmission will not automatically shift to Park upon detecting a triggering event. The driver is able to shift the vehicle from Park, even if an electrical failure prevents the transmission from shifting out of Park. As such the vehicle can be driven until the failure is serviced.

Abstract: A method and system provides a Neutral Hold mode in a vehicle having a shift-by-wire transmission with a return to park feature. The Neutral Hold mode is entered upon detecting when the transmission control mechanism has been used a first time to select Neutral when a driver's door is open or has been used a second time to select Neutral. When in Neutral Hold mode, the transmission will stay in Neutral and not shift to Park upon detecting that a driver has exited the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and system provides a Neutral Tow mode in a vehicle with a shift-by-wire transmission by displaying a Neutral Tow mode option when the transmission control mechanism has been used to select Park, an ignition switch is on, and an engine is off or an information button has been pushed and entering a Neutral Tow mode upon detecting a triggering event. The Neutral Tow mode is canceled upon detecting a certain sequence of events, such as turning on the ignition switch, depressing and holding a brake pedal, and selecting Park. When in Neutral Tow mode the transmission will stay in Neutral, without automatically shifting to Park or using battery power, thereby enabling the vehicle to be towed long distances without draining battery power.

Abstract: A method and system provides a Brake Transmission Shift Interlock Override mode in a vehicle including a shift-by-wire transmission. With power applied and ignition on, a driver will press and hold an override switch for a calibrated time. While the override switch is pressed, the driver presses a non-Park button for another calibrated time. The result will be that the vehicle is placed in the selected range wherein the transmission will not automatically shift to Park upon detecting a triggering event. The driver is able to shift the vehicle from Park, even if an electrical failure prevents the transmission from shifting out of Park. As such the vehicle can be driven until the failure is serviced.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensor is employed to determine a rotational velocity of an element by sensing frequency variations in a magnetic flux during rotation of the element. The magnetic field sensor includes a sensor face provided with obstacles, such as a series of spaced, substantially parallel grooves arranged perpendicular to a direction in which contamination tends to move across the face during operation of the sensor. The obstacles inhibit movement of contamination across the face such that the contamination does not cause false variations in the magnetic flux which would degrade sensor signals.

Abstract: A parking pawl assembly 10 is provided for use in combination with a vehicle of the type including a transmission assembly 12 having a park gear 16. Assembly 10 includes a pawl member 22 which is selectively movable and which allows the park gear 16 to rotate while pawl member 22 is being disengaged from the park gear 16, thereby gradually and smoothly releasing residual torque stored within the park gear 16.