Abstract: An automatic four-wheel-drive vehicle having a multiple-ratio transmission with a torque output shaft connected drivably to a rear driving axle and a transfer gear box having a front drive shaft connected drivably to a front axle, the transfer case providing a four-wheel low-drive mode, a neutral mode and a two-wheel-drive/automatic four-wheel drive mode, an electric motor adapted to shift the transfer case from one mode to another mode and an electronic controller responsive to predetermined driving conditions for effecting an automatic shift of the transfer case from either a forward drive mode or a reverse drive mode to the neutral drive mode whereby the vehicle is conditioned for towing by interrupting the torque flow path from the rear drive wheels of the vehicle to the transmission mechanism and transfer case.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a wiper for a vehicle window on a lift gate. The control system and method include an ignition switch (12), lift gate position switch (14), window position switch (16), washer switch (18) and wiper switch (20) for generating (42) multiple input signals. The control system and method also include a microprocessor (24) for processing (44) the input signals to determine wiper operations, and an output driver (26) for generating (46) an output signal to control the wiper in response to the wiper operations determined.

Abstract: A pulse actuated clutch and control arrangement for coupling and decoupling a drive line of a vehicle relative to a wheel such as when shifting between two-wheel and four-wheel drive modes. The pulse actuated clutch has a coupling member that is permanently engaged with one of a driven member and a driving member. The coupling member is movable in a first direction to engage one of the driven and driving members and is movable in a second direction to engage both the driven and driving members. The coupling member is moved in the second direction by a first pulse of air pressure applied thereto. Formations of the piston assembly and the driven member cooperatively latch the piston in the second position to maintain the coupling member in engagement with both the driven and driving members following first pulse of air pressure. A second, greater magnitude pulse of air pressure moves the primary piston further to unlatch the piston and uncouple the driven member from the driving member.