Abstract: A transport refrigeration unit system (26) for cooling a trailer compartment (24) is provided. The transport refrigeration unit system (26) includes an engine for controlling a cooling rate capacity, the engine operable at a nominal high speed and a nominal low speed. Also included is a controller (50) in operative communication with the engine to control an engine speed of the engine. Further included is a user interface (52) in operative communication with the controller (50), the user interface (52) providing a high capacity cooling mode to a user, wherein initiation of the high capacity cooling mode includes the engine operating at a speed greater than the nominal high speed to result in a high capacity cooling rate.

Abstract: A block heater cord extender features a frame for mounting to a vehicle, a female electrical socket carried on the frame for receiving a male plug of the vehicle's block heater cord, and an extendable/retractable arm having a proximal end movably mounted to the frame. The arm is extendable and retractable in length, and carries an electrical plug at its distal end for mating with a mains power electrical outlet. Circuitry of the extender includes a wireless transmitter arranged activated by the mains power supply when the extender is plugged in. The transmitter sends a signal to a separate warning unit placed inside the vehicle, which reminds a vehicle operator to unplug the extender before driving away.

Abstract: A control device is configured to, in a case that an internal combustion engine is made to start up before travel start of a vehicle in a parked state, when an auxiliary battery has at least a predetermined value of battery voltage, make the internal combustion engine start up after executing fuel heating processing for heating fuel by glow plugs to which electric power is transmitted, or when the battery voltage of the auxiliary battery is less than the predetermined value, execute the fuel heating processing after executing charge processing for charging the auxiliary battery using a main battery and then start up the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A method of regenerating an exhaust gas purification filter, in particular for internal combustion engines, uses a vaporized liquid that is to be introduced into the exhaust gas flow. A surface temperature of a heating element in a vaporizer chamber is limited to a maximum of 700 to 750° C.

Abstract: A method for controlling the surface temperature of any glow plug in an internal combustion engine. A glow plug control device carries out an initialization at the installed and connected glow plug to adapt the temperature model to the behavior of the connected glow plug before the engine is started. Upon initialization, the glow plug is acted on by at least two different voltages and the resistances of the glow plug with these voltages are measured. A resistance gradient is calculated therefrom and the temperature model is adapted to the behavior of the connected glow plug. During the control process during operation of the engine, the momentary surface temperature of the glow plug is estimated by a model temperature, which is established using the temperature model. The effective voltage acting on the glow plug is changed in accordance with the deviation of the model temperature from a target temperature.

Abstract: A GCU (21) includes calibration means (33) which supplies electric current to a glow plug (1) when an internal combustion engine EN to which the glow plug (1) is attached is stopped, to thereby obtain a pre-correction target resistance of the glow plug (1). The calibration means (33) supplies a predetermined first electric power to the glow plug (1) in a predetermined first energization period, and supplies a predetermined second electric power to the glow plug (1) after the first energization period. The second electric power is set such that, when the second electric power is supplied to the glow plug (1) and the temperature of the glow plug (1) becomes saturated, the temperature of the glow plug (1) becomes equal to the target temperature. Further, the first electric power is greater than the second electric power.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring the electrical resistance of a glow plug, wherein a test current is set by closed-loop control to a constant value using a constant-current source, and is directed through the plug. A value of the electrical resistance of the glow plug is determined by evaluating a feedback signal of the constant-current source.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine which includes a combustion pressure sensor incorporated glow plug and sensor nonincorporated glow plugs, a first plug regression line Lp1 and the second plug regression line Lp2 are in such a relation that, at any temperature Tx within the temperature range Tr, a second voltage Vp2x is lower than a first voltage Vp1x; the resistance of a second electricity supply line is greater than the resistance of a first electricity supply line; and a first section regression line and a second section regression line are in such a relation that, at any temperature Tx within the temperature range Tr, an overall voltage deviation |Vc1x?Vc2x|, which is the absolute value of the difference between a third voltage Vc1x and a fourth voltage Vc2x, is smaller than a first-second plug voltage difference (Vp1x?Vp2x).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling the temperature of a glow plug (1), wherein a setpoint temperature (Tset) is used to determine a setpoint value (Rset) of a temperature-dependent electric variable and an effective voltage (Ueff) which is generated by pulse width modulation is applied to the glow plug (1) and is used as correcting variable.

Abstract: A glow plug driving control apparatus. The glow plug driving control apparatus includes a glow switch 2 and a glow plug 1 which are connected in series between a power supply and ground, and an electrical controlling unit 101 which controls opening and closing of the glow switch 2, and that can perform energization driving of the glow plug 1. The glow plug driving apparatus also includes an energization path switching switch 5 that connects in series a stability coil 3 in a serial connection path of the glow switch 2 and the glow plug 1 at the time of an energization start of the glow plug 1, and after the energization start, causes both the glow switch 2 and the glow plug 1 to return to a serial connection state between the power supply and the ground.

Abstract: It is possible to determine the presence or absence of the degradation and abnormality of a glow plug with high reliability using a relatively simply procedure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for supplying current to a glow plug in a running diesel engine after reaching the operating temperature thereof by a series of current pulses, wherein a piston of the engine carries out a work cycle comprising several strokes and the glow plug is supplied with current as a function of the strokes of the work cycle such that the electric current supplied in each work cycle is mainly supplied at a predetermined, steady stroke of the piston, wherein control time intervals that follow each other are defined, during which up to two switching processes can be triggered by a control device, by which the glow plug can be connected to a voltage source for creating a current pulse or can be disconnected from the voltage source for ending a current pulse. According to the invention, the control time intervals have a duration that can be varied by the control device as a function of the rotational speed of the engine.

Abstract: A control device suitable for use in a vehicle (such as, for example, for a glow plug of a vehicle) includes an electrically conductive element having a first end in electrical connection with a first solder joint and a second end in electrical connection with a second solder joint. A center region of the electrically conductive element is in electrical connection with a vehicle power source. When a temperature at the first solder joint exceeds a threshold temperature and a temperature at the second solder joint is below the threshold temperature, electrical connection at the first solder joint is broken and electrical connection at the second solder joint is not broken.

Abstract: To suppress current fluctuations upon commencement of driving and prolong lifespan by reducing electric stress caused by current fluctuations. A glow plug 1, a glow switch 2, and a stabilizing coil 3 are series-connected, and upon commencement of the driving of the glow plug 1, a repetition frequency of PWM signals that control the opening and closing of the glow switch 2 is made into a higher frequency than a repetition frequency in a normal drive state and the opening and closing of the glow switch 2 is controlled (S104), and when a predetermined drive shift condition has been met (S106), the repetition frequency of the PWM signals is returned to the frequency during normal driving and the opening and closing of the glow switch 2 is controlled (S108), whereby the current upon commencement of driving is smoothed and the occurrence of an instantaneous large current is suppressed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a glow plug for Diesel engines, comprising a housing, a heater rod, which is movable in the housing in axial direction and projects from the housing at a forward end, and a pressure measuring device for measuring a combustion chamber pressure exerted on the heater rod. It is provided according to the invention that a housing chamber is filled with a substance having or achieving liquid to paste-like consistency at temperatures occurring during operation and conducting heat generated by the heater rod to the housing.

Abstract: An aircraft engine starting system may comprise a starter motor, a start controller for controlling the starter motor to operate with a desired torque output, and a processor for determining torque profiles for the starter motor. The processor may provide an initial torque profile responsively to ambient condition of the engine. The processor may also provide modifications to the initial torque profile responsively to temperature of the start controller.

Abstract: An electric current supply control apparatus for a glow plug, and glow plug and the electric current supply control apparatus connected to the glow plug. In a transition state in which the load acting on an engine increases such as at the time of acceleration (S14: YES), an instruction signal which instructs increasing of an EGR amount is transmitted to an ECU (S18). Further, electric current is supplied to a heat generation resistor of a glow plug through resistance PI control (S20), whereby the temperature of the heat generation resistor is stably maintained at a target temperature, and stability of combustion is enhanced. Thus, even at the time of acceleration, generation of NOX can be suppressed effectively by increasing the EGR amount without lowering the engine output.

Abstract: A method for starting an engine of a motor vehicle, the engine having an intake manifold, an intake throttle controlling admission of air into the intake manifold, and a plurality of combustion chambers communicating with the intake manifold, the method comprising providing a reduced pressure of air in the intake manifold prior to delivering fuel or spark to the engine, the reduced pressure of air responsive to a temperature of the engine; delivering fuel to one or more of the plurality of combustion chambers in an amount based on the reduced pressure of air; and delivering spark to the one or more combustion chambers to start the engine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a heating element in a motor vehicle by pulse width modulation, wherein fluctuations in the supply voltage are compensated for by adapting the duty cycle so as to achieve a desired heating output. According to the invention, during a voltage pulse the voltage that is present at the heating element and/or the current flowing through the heating element are measured at specified intervals, and the measured values or values determined therefrom are added to calculate a sum value, which rises with the energy that is fed into the heating element by the voltage pulse, and the voltage pulse is ended at the latest when the sum value has reached a target value. The invention furthermore relates to a glow plug controller for carrying out the method according to the invention.

Abstract: A glow plug electrification control apparatus which can maintain the same heater temperature even when resistance varies among glow plugs to be used, and a glow plug electrification control system using the same. The apparatus (101) includes temperature-raising-period-resistance acquisition means for temperature-raising-period resistances Rg1(0.5), etc. of glow plugs (GP1-GPn) at predetermined timings during a temperature-raising period; maintaining-period electrification control means for maintaining the heater temperature Tg1(t), etc. at predetermined target temperatures Tm1, etc. after the temperature raising; and maintaining-period resistance acquisition means for acquiring maintaining-period resistances Rg1(t), etc. of the glow plugs GP1, etc. in a maintaining period.

Abstract: A diesel engine start-up assisting device includes a plurality of first-and-second switching elements 11a to 11d between a common direct-current power source 1 and a plurality of electrical load 3a to 3d, a plurality of start-up assisting main parts 10a to 10d and an input-and-output unit 7. The diesel engine start-up assisting device is constructed so as to enable start-up of a diesel engine when power distribution is applied to at least one of the electrical loads 3a to 3d. In arrangement, the first-and-second switching elements 11a to 11d, the start-up assisting main parts 10a to 10d and the input-and-output unit 7 are integrated into one package having a lead frame. Defining the first-and-second switching element as a pair of switching elements, the first-and-second switching elements 11a to 11d are arranged in parallel with each other on the lead frame, and the lead frame has a notch part formed between two pairs of switching elements adjoined to each other.

Abstract: A method is provided that includes, but is not limited to estimating the temperature (TGP,est) of the glow-plug (GP) in accordance with a first model of the glow-plug (GP) as a function of the detected values of the glow-plug voltage and current (VGP, IGP) and the sensed values of some input variables, such as the engine speed (?E) and the engine temperature (TE), determining, in accordance with a second predetermined model of the glow-plug (GP), a desired value of the voltage (VGP,des) or power (PGP,des) to be supplied to the glow-plug (GP), as a function of a desired value of the glow-plug temperature (TGP,des), the estimated glow-plug temperature (TGP,est), and the sensed values of the input variables, and varying the duty-cycle of a pulse-width-modulated voltage (VPWM) applied to the glow-plug (GP), as a function of the calculated value of said desired voltage (VGP,des) or power (PGP,des).

Abstract: A remote engine start confirmation and vehicle monitoring and control system includes a transmitter and a controller capable of receiving and processing transmitter signals, the controller comprising a monitoring circuit for detecting a first pulsed voltage pattern and a second pulsed voltage pattern across the battery during an engine start procedure, a signaling circuit for signaling the disengagement of the starter from the engine after a detection of the termination of the first pulsed voltage pattern and the start of the second pulsed voltage pattern, and an initiation circuit for initiating the monitoring of a vehicle condition, such as overheating or low fuel, after the detection. A method for controlling the vehicle operation includes detecting an occurrence of a vehicle condition and performing an operation based on the detection, such as terminating ignition voltage or fuel supply or notifying the operator of the vehicle condition via the transmitter.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a glow plug (GP) associated with a cylinder chamber of a Diesel engine. The method includes, but is not limited to the steps of driving in an on-off manner in a period of time an electronic switch (M) connected essentially in series with the glow plug (GP) between the terminals of a d.c. voltage supply (B), sensing the voltage (V) across the glow plug (GP) and the current (I) flowing through the glow plug (GP) and performing a voltage closed loop control for controlling the temperature of the glow plug (GP). The method further includes, but is not limited to the steps of calculating a normalized current error (?I) as a function of said sensed current (I), calculating a normalized voltage error (?V) as a function of said sensed voltage (V), calculating a weight function (K) as a function of predetermined parameters (?, ?, n) and calculating a global error (?) as a function of said normalized current error (?I), normalized voltage error (?V) and weight function (K).

Abstract: An abnormality diagnosing apparatus for a glow plug 8 provided in an engine 1. The glow plug 8 is energized by power supply from a battery 7 during a glow period from starting of the engine 1 to completion of engine starting. First, on the basis that power output edf from an alternator 12, which is driven to charge the battery 7, is within an appropriate range and that the variation ?edf of the power output edf at the end of the glow period is not more than a reference value a, it is determined if there is a possibility of an abnormality in the glow plug 8. After the determination, the plug 8 is energized temporarily. Then, on the basis that the power output edf is within a modified appropriate range, which has a greater upper limit than the previous appropriate range and that the variation ?edf while the plug 8 is energized is not more than the reference value a, it is determined that the an abnormality actually occurred.

Abstract: A method for controlling power supply of a pre-heat plug in an internal combustion engine to reach an ignition temperature for restarting the engine after the engine has stopped. The temperature of the pre-heat plug is determined using a first mathematical model and according to an elapsed engine-stop time, and additional energy to be supplied to the pre-heat plug for reaching the ignition temperature is determined using a second mathematical model and according to the temperature of the pre-heat plug.

Abstract: A glow plug including a tubular body with elements for fixing it into a bore, an intermediate tubular part arranged inside the tubular body, a finger disposed inside the intermediate tubular part with a heating electrode, and a pressure sensor connected to the intermediate tubular part, wherein a face of the sensor facing the finger is pressed thereto.

Abstract: A diesel engine start-up assisting device includes a plurality of first-and-second switching elements 11a to 11d between a common direct-current power source 1 and a plurality of electrical load 3a to 3d, a plurality of start-up assisting main parts 10a to 10d and an input-and-output unit 7. The diesel engine start-up assisting device is constructed so as to enable start-up of a diesel engine when power distribution is applied to at least one of the electrical loads 3a to 3d. In arrangement, the first-and-second switching elements 11a to 11d, the start-up assisting main parts 10a to 10d and the input-and-output unit 7 are integrated into one package having a lead frame. Defining the first-and-second switching element as a pair of switching elements, the first-and-second switching elements 11a to 11d are arranged in parallel with each other on the lead frame, and the lead frame has a notch part formed between two pairs of switching elements adjoined to each other.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to combusting fuel during cold start. A glow-plug may be provided within a combustion chamber having a volume including a piston, wherein the glow plug may provide a localized heated region. Air may then be provided into the chamber and compressed. A mass of fuel may also be provided into the combustion chamber, wherein an amount of the fuel mass may be directed towards the localized heated region of the glow plug, wherein the heated region of the glow plug may have a temperature T1, and the equivalence ratio of the fuel in the heated region achieves a value that the temperature T1 provides auto-ignition. All or a portion of the mass of fuel directed towards the heated region of said glow plug may be ignited, and then the remainder of the fuel may be ignited by auto-ignition and/or flame propagation.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for controlling glow plugs in diesel engines by varying the effective electric voltage applied to the glow plugs between an initial value and a target value, which is obtained at the end of a cold start phase determined by an engine control unit and which is smaller than the initial value, wherein the increase in voltage, i.e. the voltage difference by which the effective voltage applied to the glow plugs in the cold start phase is higher than its target value, is reduced by steps from a maximum value to zero. The invention provides that the effective electric voltage is increased in the cold start phase of the engine over a predetermined period or time, which is determined by the time elapsed until a preselected number of revolutions of the engine is reached.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a temperature of a combustion chamber heater of an engine includes a calculation module that determines a temperature of the combustion chamber heater based on an effective resistance of the combustion chamber heater, and a control module that controls the temperature of the combustion chamber heater by commanding a duty cycle of the combustion chamber heater based on an operating temperature signal of the combustion chamber heater and a desired temperature of the combustion chamber heater.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to combusting fuel during cold start. A glow-plug may be provided within a combustion chamber having a volume including a piston, wherein the glow plug may provide a localized heated region. Air may then be provided into the chamber and compressed. A mass of fuel may also be provided into the combustion chamber, wherein an amount of the fuel mass may be directed towards the localized heated region of the glow plug, wherein the heated region of the glow plug may have a temperature T1, and the equivalence ratio of the fuel in the heated region achieves a value that the temperature T1 provides auto-ignition. All or a portion of the mass of fuel directed towards the heated region of said glow plug may be ignited, and then the remainder of the fuel may be ignited by auto-ignition and/or flame propagation.

Abstract: An engine for a radio control model includes an input axle partially extending out of the engine. A drive device is laterally mounted to the engine for driving the input axle when starting the engine. The driving device includes a first casing and a second casing abutting each other and respectively made of insulating material. At least one drive element is rotatably mounted in the driving device for driving the input axle. A polygonal hole is longitudinally defined in the at least one drive element and adapted to be connected to an extra power source. A conducting ring is sleeved on the at least one drive element and a wire is electrically connected to the conducting ring and a spark plug that is mounted in the engine such that the spark plug sparkles and the input axle provides torsion at the same time for starting the engine.

Abstract: An ignition system for use with an engine is disclosed. The ignition system may have an igniter connected to selectively ignite a fuel mixture within the engine, an injector located to inject a non-combustible gas into the engine, and a controller in communication with the igniter and the injector. The controller may be configured to energize the igniter during a first mode of engine operation to ignite the fuel mixture, and cease energizing the igniter during a second mode of engine operation. The controller may also be configured to actuate the injector during the second mode of engine operation to promote auto-ignition of the fuel mixture.

Abstract: A control apparatus for controlling to supply of electric power to both a glow plug and a starter from a power source, the starter assisting start of the engine by using the glow plug, is provided. The control apparatus comprises a starter switch, starter, a detecting device detecting a state of the engine, a calculating circuit calculating a pre-glow time, an after-glow time, and a delay time. These times depend on both the detected state of the engine detected by the detecting device and a timing when the starter switch is turned on to a power-on position thereof. The control circuit controls the supply of the electric power to both the glow plug and the starter based on the delay time, the pre-glow time, and the after-glow time.

Abstract: A motor vehicle engine (10) has glow plugs (20) for aiding combustion of fuel in combustion chambers of the engine when the engine is cold and an ignition switch (24) is operated to crank the engine. An aberration in engine speed (36) is used to indicate an under- or non-performing glow plug. Data from sources other than the engine speed source (28), such as data related to engine fueling, is also processed by a processor (30) to exclude them as the cause of the aberration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device which is used as a force-transmitting device (38?) for a pressure sensor (14) associated with a glow plug in an internal combustion engine and is embodied in the form of a tubular piece whose cross-section is substantially annular. The inventive device comprises an area (40) on which the external diameter thereof increases towards one end thereof. The front surface of the device corresponding to said flared end is embodied in the form of a bearing face receiving the piezo-electric pressure sensor. A glow plug integrating said force-transmitting device is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for controlling glow plugs in diesel engines by varying the effective electric voltage applied to the glow plugs between an initial value and a target value, which is obtained at the end of a cold start phase determined by an engine control unit and which is smaller than the initial value, wherein the increase in voltage, i.e. the voltage difference by which the effective voltage applied to the glow plugs in the cold start phase is higher than its target value, is reduced by steps from a maximum value to zero. The invention provides that the effective electric voltage is increased in the cold start phase of the engine over a predetermined period or time, which is determined by the time elapsed until a preselected number of revolutions of the engine is reached.

Abstract: A glow plug is provided in a combustion chamber of a diesel engine. An ECU diagnoses existence or nonexistence of a disconnection abnormality of the glow plug through a controller. When there is an abnormality in the glow plug, processing for cutting fuel supply of an abnormal cylinder, processing for increasing fuel injection quantity of a normal cylinder, processing for delaying injection timing of the abnormal cylinder, or processing for delaying valve timing of an intake valve of the abnormal cylinder is performed. Thus, suitable startability of the engine can be ensured even when the abnormality occurs in the glow plug.

Abstract: A control apparatus for controlling to supply of electric power to both a glow plug and a starter from a power source, the starter assisting start of the engine by using the glow plug, is provided. The control apparatus comprises a starter switch, starter, a detecting device detecting a state of the engine, a calculating circuit calculating a pre-glow time, an after-glow time, and a delay time. These times depend on both the detected state of the engine detected by the detecting device and a timing when the starter switch is turned on to a power-on position thereof. The control circuit controls the supply of the electric power to both the glow plug and the starter based on the delay time, the pre-glow time, and the after-glow time.

Abstract: A glow plug energization control apparatus is provided which includes a power supply working to supply electric power to a glow plug mounted in an internal combustion engine, an on-off switch working to produce a control trigger signal when turned on, and a controller including a microcomputer. The microcomputer is responsive to the control trigger signal to control supply of the electric power from the power supply to energize the glow plug. The microcomputer works to monitor an off-on interval from turning off to turning on of the on-off switch and control an amount of energization of the glow plug as a function of the off-on interval, thereby avoiding overheating of the glow plug.

Abstract: A method for heating a glow plug for a diesel engine to its desired temperature by supplying power to the glow plug in a controlled fashion. During a certain time interval after termination of a previous glow process, a mathematical model is used to determine the values for the supply of power to the glow plug, which includes the values of the actual thermal state of the glow plug, the time elapsed since the end of the previous glow process and the parameters of the diesel engine relevant for a glow process.

Abstract: A ceramic heater which includes: a cylindrical substrate including an insulator; a resistor provided in one end side of the substrate; a pair of lead parts provided in the substrate, connected to the resistor and extending to an opposite end side of the substrate; and a pair of electrode parts exposed to a surface at an opposite end side of the substrate and connected respectively to the lead parts. Both lead parts are made of the same material as both electrode parts. An axial cross-sectional area of the electrode part is equal to or larger than a cross-sectional area of the lead part in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the ceramic heater.

Abstract: A motor vehicle engine (10) has a glow plug system (14) for aiding combustion of fuel in combustion chambers of the engine when the engine is cold and an ignition switch (16) is operated to crank the engine. A first circuit signals the cold start aid to commence operation of the cold start aid in anticipation of engine starting. A second circuit indicates a fault in the cold start aid. A third circuit, that includes a warning signal device (38), activates the warning signal device to inform a driver of the vehicle of the indicated fault upon the first circuit having signaled the cold start aid to commence operation and the second circuit having indicated a fault in the cold start aid.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of utilizing the temperature of one electronic component (203) reduces pre-cycle warm-up of another component (107 or 113). For example, a temperature sensor (205) for a driver (203) of an electronic component (107 or 133), such as a glow plug or fuel injector coil, is utilized to determine when a temperature condition is exceeded. When that temperature condition is exceeded (305), pre-cycle warm-up for the electronic component associated with the component is reduced (311).

Abstract: A glow plug energization control apparatus includes a unit for performing an energization control so that a sheath heater is quickly heated when a key switch is put in an on position, a unit for performing, subsequently to this, an energization control to prevent a drop in temperature of the sheath heater, a unit for performing, when the key switch is put in the start position during the energization control, an energization control to prevent a drop in temperature of the sheath heater during its period, and a unit for performing, after the engine is started, an energization control to keep the sheath heater at a second target temperature.

Abstract: A glow plug energization control apparatus includes a unit for performing an energization control so that a sheath heater is quickly heated when a key switch is put in an on position, a unit for performing, subsequently to this, an energization control to prevent a drop in temperature of the sheath heater, a unit for performing, when the key switch is put in the start position during the energization control, an energization control to prevent a drop in temperature of the sheath heater during its period, and a unit for performing, after the engine is started, an energization control to keep the sheath heater at a second target temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of utilizing the temperature of one electronic component (203) reduces pre-cycle warm-up of another component (107 or 113). For example, a temperature sensor (205) for a driver (203) of an electronic component (107 or 133), such as a glow plug or fuel injector coil, is utilized to determine when a temperature condition is exceeded. When that temperature condition is exceeded (305), pre-cycle warm-up for the electronic component associated with the component is reduced (311).

Abstract: A method and device for controlling the heating of the glow plugs in a diesel engine, wherein the engine temperature is determined, independently of initialization of the engine control system and following a signal for starting the engine, by a sensor communicating with the glow control system. A glow command is generated if the engine temperature is below a predetermined value. Commencement of the heating procedure is automatically determined by the glow control system independently of initialization of the engine control system, and heating of the glow plugs can start prior to completion of initialization of the engine control system. The time required for the completion of initialization of the engine control system can be saved during heating of the glow plugs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for automatic starting of a diesel engine, actuation of the ignition key (1) initiating preheating (2) and turnover of the engine by the starter (3) and fuel injection (4) being triggered at the earliest when the minimum temperature of the glow plugs (2′) required for starting of the engine has been reached. The object pursued is further development of the method and device so that duration and/or energy requirement for automatic starting is/are reduced. The object is attained in that, when the ignition key (1) is actuated, the throttle valve for delivery of air to the combustion chamber is also closed and is opened again at the earliest shortly before triggering of fuel injection (4). The device comprises a suitably designed control unit (6).