Abstract: An adaptive cruise control including a lost target function. The adaptive cruise control is operable in at least one of three modes: a normal mode, a following mode, and a lost target mode. In the normal mode, a user-set speed is maintained by the user vehicle. In the following mode, the adaptive cruise control detects a slower moving target vehicle and maintains a particular distance behind the target vehicle. In the lost target mode, the adaptive cruise control recognizes that a target vehicle is no longer detected and zeroes the acceleration of the user vehicle for a particular delay time. After expiration of the delay time, driver override, or detecting a target vehicle again, the cruise control exits the lost target mode.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the control and regulation of a V-type internal combustion engine (1), comprising an independent common rail system on the A side and an independent common rail system on the B-side, in which the rotational speed of the internal combustion engine (1) is regulated in a speed control loop and a nominal torque as an adjusted variable of the rotational speed governor is limited during the starting procedure to a starting torque for representing a nominal injection null set.

Abstract: A device for a motor vehicle includes at least one distance sensor for recording a predominantly lateral clearance between the motor vehicle and objects, and a control device for controlling the distance sensor, the distance sensor emitting measuring signals during an activation time, and receiving measuring signal reflected by at least one object during a measurement receiving time. In the process, the measurement receiving time of the distance sensor is modifiable by the control device.

Abstract: Power brakes are typically vacuum assisted, with the vacuum provided from the intake manifold. If the engine is commanded to operate for a long period at a condition with low intake manifold vacuum, the vacuum within the brake booster may drop to a level which is marginal or insufficient for a present or subsequent braking operation. To ensure sufficient vacuum in the intake manifold to provide to the brake booster, the engine may be commanded to operate at a condition to increase intake manifold vacuum by one of: adjusting cam timing, increasing engine speed, and increasing EGR. In the case of a stop-start vehicle, the engine speed is increased from zero to a condition that provides the desired vacuum.

Abstract: An engine speed control device for an industrial vehicle includes an approach detector that detects an approach of the industrial vehicle to an object to be approached; and an engine speed controller that restricts an upper limit of a rotation speed of an engine when the approach detector detects an approach of the industrial vehicle to an object to be approached.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for mitigating engine pre-ignition based on a feed-forward likelihood of pre-ignition and feedback from a pre-ignition event. In response to an indication of pre-ignition, a cylinder may be enriched while an engine load is limited. The enrichment may be followed by an enleanment to restore exhaust catalyst feed-gas oxygen levels. The mitigating steps may be adjusted based on engine operating conditions, a pre-ignition count, as well as the nature of the pre-ignition.

Abstract: In an apparatus for detecting fuel shortage of a general-purpose internal combustion engine connectable to an operating machine to be used as a prime mover of the machine, the engine being supplied with fuel stored in a tank and having an actuator adapted to open and close a throttle valve installed in an air intake pipe so as to achieve a desired engine speed set by an operator, comprising a fuel shortage condition detector adapted to detect whether the engine is in a fuel shortage condition, and an engine stopper adapted to stop the engine when the engine is detected to be in the fuel shortage condition. With this, it becomes possible to detect whether the engine having the electronic governor is in the fuel shortage condition, thereby preventing occurrence of trouble such as afterburning.

Abstract: A control system for controlling a driving power source in a vehicle, includes a driving state detector for detecting a driving state of the vehicle; a first determiner for determining whether or not the driving state detected by the driving state detector is a first state; a second determiner for determining whether or not the driving state detected by the driving state detector is a second state; a rotational speed limiter for executing rotational speed limiting control for limiting a driving power source rotational speed to a predetermined upper limit value or less when the first determiner determines that the driving state is the first state, during an operation of the driving power source; and a rotational speed limiting termination unit for terminating the rotational speed limiting control, when the second determiner determines that the driving state is the second state, during the operation of the driving power source.

Abstract: A throttle control apparatus includes a throttle control sleeve rotatably mounted on a handlebar of a vehicle, a throttle control housing fixed to the handlebar, and a throttle sensor unit housed in the throttle control housing. The throttle sensor unit is operable to detect a rotational angle of the throttle control sleeve. The throttle control housing is rotatably engaged with an outer periphery of the throttle control sleeve. The throttle sensor unit includes a rotary member having a spline hole formed therein, a fixed contact and a movable contact for detecting rotation of the rotary member. The throttle control sleeve and the throttle sensor unit are engaged with each other by spline fitting. A throttle return mechanism and the sensor unit are arranged in an overlapping manner in an axial direction. Handle switches are arranged on a vehicle body center side of the throttle control housing.

Abstract: An engine control device includes a governor lever, a centrifugal governor, a control lever operated to oscillate between a low-speed position and a high-speed position, and a governor spring expandedly provided between the control lever and the governor lever. An automatic choke device is connected to a choke valve of a carburetor. A play is provided between the governor lever and the governor spring. The play holds the governor spring in a free state during rotation of the control lever from the low-speed position to the high-speed position by a predetermined angle. A subsidiary spring is provided between a fixed structure and the governor lever so as to constantly urge the governor lever in a direction to open the throttle valve. A spring constant of the subsidiary spring is smaller than that of the governor spring.

Abstract: In deceleration control apparatus and method for an automotive vehicle, a deceleration control is performed in accordance with a turning travel situation of the vehicle; and an engine throttle opening angle is controlled gradually in a closure direction at a preset variation degree.

Abstract: The control system 10 of the first preferred embodiment includes a user interface 12 with a first control 14 that designates a maximum bound of a sub-range of engine speeds and a second control 16 that designates a minimum bound of a sub-range of engine speeds. The control system 10 of the first preferred embodiment also includes a processor 18 connected to the engine and to the user interface 12 that functions to, based on the required power output of the vehicle system, select a discrete engine speed from the sub-range of engine speeds. The control system 10 of the first preferred embodiment was designed for controlling engine speed of a vehicle system having an engine and a required power output, but may be used in any suitable environment.

Abstract: In an apparatus for controlling a speed of an internal combustion engine installed in an outboard motor and having an actuator connected to a throttle valve of the engine to open and close the throttle valve, and up/down command signal outputting devices that output an up/down command signal to increase/decrease the engine speed when manipulated by an operator, the engine speed is controlled to change in response to the up or down command signal with an engine speed change amount per unit time made different depending on whether the detected engine speed exceeds a reference speed or not, thereby enabling to finely and precisely control the engine speed in the low speed range, while facilitating speed regulation.

Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus includes: an accessory that adjusts torque that is output from an internal combustion engine, by giving load to the internal combustion engine; an ignition timing control portion that is provided so as to adjust ignition timing of the internal combustion engine, and that adjusts the torque output from the internal combustion engine by performing a retardation control of the ignition timing; an accessory load adjustment portion that adjusts an accessory load that is the load given from the accessory to the internal combustion engine; and a catalyst that purifies exhaust gas discharged from the internal combustion engine. The ignition timing control portion reduces the retardation of the ignition timing with increase in temperature of the catalyst. The accessory load adjustment portion increases the accessory load with increase in the temperature of the catalyst.

Abstract: The output torque of an in-vehicle engine is controlled based on the larger one of a pedal torque set by a pedal torque setting section in accordance with an operation amount of an accelerator pedal and a cruise torque for cruise control set by a cruise torque setting section. At the time of starting the cruise control, an initial value of the cruise torque is set by an initial value setting section as the smaller one of the torque required for traveling a vehicle at a constant speed of a target vehicle speed and the pedal torque.

Abstract: A throttle control system includes a pressure comparison module and a throttle plate control module. The pressure comparison module determines an inlet pressure upstream from a throttle body and an outlet pressure downstream from the throttle body. The throttle plate control module controls a position of a throttle plate based on the inlet pressure and the outlet pressure.

Abstract: A throttle valve control system for an internal combustion engine includes plural throttle bodies with respective intake passages formed therethrough. Each of the respective throttle bodies includes a throttle valve shaft and a throttle valve, the throttle valves are operated by an actuator via the throttle valve shafts. The throttle bodies are each provided with plural fuel injection valves, and fuel lines which connect adjacent fuel injection valves together are arrayed in parallel with a direction of the throttle valve shafts, and are arranged between the throttle bodies and the actuator.

Abstract: When a torque control value (TR) is larger than a threshold value and vehicular speed (SV) is lower than a threshold value an upper temperature limit setting unit sets the upper temperature limit of a motor generator at an upper temperature limit (TS2) higher than a normally set upper temperature limit (TS1). A torque limitation control controls limiting a torque of the motor generator, as based on a motor temperature (T) and the upper temperature limit set by the upper temperature limit setting unit.

Abstract: A system to prevent engine stalls for a machine having a power source is disclosed. The power source is in communication with a controller, which is configured to determine the temperature of the power source and compare the temperature of the power source to a predetermined threshold temperature. The controller is configured to disable power source braking if the temperature of the power source is less than the threshold temperature. The controller is further configured to determine the power source speed and the travel speed of the machine, and disable power source braking if the power source speed and machine travel speed are less than predetermined thresholds.

Abstract: An engine stop control device, which is capable of performing a stop operation of an engine without imparting an unpleasant sensation to the driver, is provided. An engine stop control device (8) is provided with a fuel injection device (2) for supplying fuel, an intake air amount adjustment device (3) for adjusting an amount of intake air, accessory control means (1) for controlling operation of an accessory (4), fuel injection control means (1) for controlling a fuel injection amount from the fuel injection device (2), and an engine stop switch (5).

Abstract: [PROBLEMS] To easily realize an improvement in fuel economy and a reduction in noise during the operation of a hydraulic shovel while securing traveling performance. [MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS] This hydraulic shovel (1) includes a selection means (28) for an engine (2) which is capable of arbitrarily selecting either of an isochronous control and a droop control, and a traveling detection means (4) for detecting the traveling state of a traveling device (20). The hydraulic shovel further includes a control means (3) for the engine (2) which selects the isochronous control when the traveling detection means (4) detects the traveling state to maintains the rotational speed of the engine during rated operation while an output is increased, and selects the droop control when the traveling detection means (4) does not detect the traveling state to set the rotational speed of the engine lower than that during the rated operation while the output is increased.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a free-piston energy converter is disclosed in which effects of events, like combustion events, in at least one of at least two cylinders, are decoupled from each other by predicting forces acting on the moving mass of the converter during a stroke of the moving mass and by evaluating or estimating a value representing a force which is exerted onto the moving mass, so that the moving mass reaches a desired reference condition or state, like a desired reference kinetic energy, at a certain position along the stroke.

Abstract: An engine control system comprises a first torque request module that generates a first torque request, a second torque request module that generates a second torque request, a torque arbitration module, an arbitration feedback module, and a torque control module. The torque arbitration module selects one of the first and second torque requests and outputs an arbitrated torque based on the selected one of the first and second torque requests. The arbitration feedback module reports a status signal to the first torque request module. The status signal has a first value when the first torque request is the selected one of the first and second torque requests. The torque control module controls an engine to produce the arbitrated torque. The power source includes an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A method of regulating operation of an internal combustion engine includes monitoring a manifold absolute pressure (MAP) of the engine, determining an engine torque based on the MAP, estimating an air per cylinder (APC) based on the torque, determining a volumetric efficiency of the engine based on the APC and regulating operation of the engine based on the volumetric efficiency.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle comprises a throttle control module and a diagnostic module. The throttle control module controls a position of a throttle of the vehicle and compensates for changes in effective opening area of the throttle due to coking. The diagnostic module reports a coking value to a user based upon an amount of compensation performed by the throttle control module. A method comprises controlling a position of a throttle of a vehicle; compensating for changes in effective opening area of the throttle due to coking; and reporting a coking value to a user based upon an amount of compensation performed.

Abstract: An electronic control throttle system for a vehicle, comprising a hand-operated-shaft-side driven member configured to operate in association with rotation of a hand-operated shaft, the hand-operated-shaft-side driven member having a supported portion; a throttle-shaft-side driven member which is provided to operate in association with rotation of a throttle shaft, the throttle-shaft-side driven member having a support portion positioned in a direction to close the throttle valve relative to the supported portion on an operation track of the supported portion; an actuator configured to cause the throttle shaft to rotate to open and close the throttle valve; and a controller having an automated cruise mode in which the hand-operated shaft is subjected to a force in the direction to close the throttle valve and the supported portion is supported in contact with the support portion to cause the hand-operated shaft to operate according to the rotation of the throttle shaft.

Abstract: A method of regulating operation of an internal combustion engine includes monitoring a manifold absolute pressure (MAP) of the engine, determining an engine torque based on the MAP, estimating an air per cylinder (APC) based on the torque, determining a volumetric efficiency of the engine based on the APC and regulating operation of the engine based on the volumetric efficiency.

Abstract: A system and method to control engine valve operation in an internal combustion engine. Valves are controlled to improve vehicle drivability and reduce vehicle noise.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising an internal combustion engine and a first electronic control unit (48) for controlling the engine depending on the setting of a manual throttle, an electronic control unit (45) for controlling the transmission, depending on a set position of a manual gear selector (46). The invention is characterized in that one of the control units is disposed, with fed-in parameters and thus at least knowledge of the target speed of the vehicle, the surrounding topology and the throttle opening position, to reduce the throttle opening, in those cases where the vehicle, relative to the target speed, has a speed below target speed and gravity can subsequently accelerate the vehicle. In a similar manner, the kinetic energy of the vehicle is used, in those cases where the vehicle has an above target speed and gravity can subsequently retard the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and system to improve fuel economy of an engine on a vehicle is offered. An electronic throttle control device is commanded to a wide open throttle position during vehicle coast down, thus improving engine breathing and reducing pumping losses, and improving engine efficiency. This includes monitoring operator inputs to: an accelerator device, a braking device, and a cruise control device, and, monitoring throttle position control input from the electronic controller to the electronically controlled throttle mechanism. The electronically controlled throttle mechanism is commanded to a substantially wide-open throttle condition only when the monitored operator inputs to the accelerator device, the braking device, and the cruise control device are each at a null position. A further limitation on the wide-open throttle command includes monitoring other inputs from the electronic controller to the throttle mechanism.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for generating a vehicle control signal that controls a function of a vehicle device associated with a sensed event. The apparatus comprises a first sensor that is configured to provide a first sensor output signal having a first magnitude that approximately corresponds to a sensed event with a first accuracy and second sensor that is configured to provide a second sensor output signal having a second magnitude that approximately corresponds to the sensed event with a second accuracy that is less than the first level of accuracy. The apparatus also comprises a processor that is configured to receive the first sensor output signal, receive the second sensor output signal, calculate a magnitude for the vehicle control signal based on an average of a weighted value of the first magnitude and the second magnitude, generate the vehicle control signal with the magnitude, and provide the vehicle control signal to the vehicle device.

Abstract: In order to improve a response to a sensitivity of an accelerator pedal of a motor vehicle and a sudden acceleration of the vehicle, width of an insensitive zone provided in a vicinity of a portion of a first logic pattern for auto-cruise control, in which portion a difference of accelerator opening is zero, is made very narrow or a second logic pattern having substantially no insensitive zone is provided, which is selected under a specific condition such as when the vehicle runs on an ascending road.

Abstract: In a control system for an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders whose operation of the engine can be switched between full-cylinder operation during which all of the cylinders are operative and cut-off-cylinder operation during which some of the cylinders are non-operative, and running control, i.e., either cruise control during which the vehicle is controlled to run at a desired vehicle velocity or preceding vehicle follow-up control during which the vehicle is controlled to run at a desired vehicle velocity to maintain a desired inter-vehicle distance from a preceding vehicle, is performed in response to an instruction of an operator, it is judged whether a velocity error between a detected vehicle velocity and the desired vehicle velocity and load of the engine are equal to or smaller than corresponding threshold values.

Abstract: In a vehicle speed control system, each node existing ahead of a vehicle is detected, and a stable running speed at which the vehicle runs stably when the vehicle passes over each node, and a deceleration needed to accelerate/decelerate the vehicle so that the vehicle speed becomes the stable running speed at each node by the time when the vehicle arrives at the node are successively calculated. On the basis of the deceleration at each node, a point at which the maximum deceleration value is achieved is selected, and the vehicle is subjected to deceleration control so that the vehicle speed becomes the stable running speed at the point. When a point at which the curve degree is maximum is different from a point at which the deceleration value is maximum and also the point is located ahead of the vehicle, further necessary deceleration control is carried out.

Abstract: A catalyst for purifying exhaust gas is provided in an exhaust pipe of an engine. When air-fuel ratio dither control is performed, an ECU calculates a requested torque to be generated by combustion of the engine based on an accelerator opening angle or the like operated by a driver. An MBT estimated torque corresponding to MBT (Minimum advance for the Best Torque) in each case is calculated, and a spark timing retard limit estimated torque corresponding to a spark timing retard limit in each case is calculated. An air-fuel ratio amplitude amount in the air-fuel ratio dither control is calculated based on the calculated requested torque, the MBT estimated torque, and the spark timing retard limit estimated torque. An early activation of a catalyst is realized.

Abstract: An engine torque control apparatus for controlling the output torque of an engine (60) connected to a transmission (40) in a vehicle has a temperature sensor (55) for detecting the temperature of oil used by the transmission (40), and a controller (50) for limiting the output torque of the engine to an engine torque limit or less. The controller (50) functions to compare the oil temperature with a specific temperature, to set the engine torque limit to a first limiting value when the oil temperature is equal to or less than the specific temperature, and to increase the engine torque limit at a predetermined increase rate when the oil temperature exceeds the specific temperature.

Abstract: A bypass passage for bypassing a check valve is connected with a vacuum introducing passage of a brake booster. The bypass passage is provided with a switching valve. Just before the start of an engine, the switching valve temporarily opens the bypass passage whereby to equalize a remaining pressure of the brake booster substantially becomes equal to an atmospheric level. As a result, the pressure in the brake booster at the starting time is set to substantially the atmospheric level so that the airflow to be sucked from the brake booster into the intake pipe at the starting time is made substantially contact every times. Thus, the fuel injection rate can be set considering the airflow to be sucked from the brake booster into the intake pipe at the starting time, even if that airflow cannot be detected.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing or eliminating wetstacking in internal combustion engine systems operating substantially under capacity comprising establishing an exhaust temperature minimum set point, monitoring exhaust temperature of an engine; and restricting air intake into the engine when the temperature is below the set point. Intake air may also be heated when the exhaust temperature is below the set point, with the intake air divided into first and second paths, the first path being restricted and the second path being heated. The second path preferably comprises a fixed flow choke.

Abstract: A control system for a throttle valve actuating device is disclosed. The throttle valve actuating device includes a throttle valve of an internal combustion engine and an actuator for actuating the throttle valve. A control object model is defined by modeling the throttle valve actuating device. The throttle valve actuating device is controlled based on a controlled object model so that an opening of said throttle valve coincides with a target opening.

Abstract: In a vehicle with a gear-shift transmission of a kind that requires a torque-free state to shift gears, the riding comfort is improved by a method of shifting gears where a gear shift is preceded by the steps of: reducing the vehicle acceleration at a time t1 from an existing level (1) to a first acceleration level (3), maintaining the vehicle acceleration at the reduced level (3) for a predetermined time interval, and at the end point t3 of the predetermined time interval, reducing the acceleration further to a second acceleration level that is lower than the first level.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling power units of a vehicle powertrain for optimizing their respective efficiencies, thereby optimizing an overall vehicle efficiency. The method includes the steps of determining an efficiency of a power unit, determining present operational data of the power unit, determining a torque to be provided to the vehicle powertrain, determining a plurality of optimization constraints as a function of the torque to be provided, the present operational data and the efficiency of the power unit, determining an optimized operation mode of the power unit as a function of the optimization constraints and the present operational data of the power unit, and manipulating the power unit to operate in the optimized operation mode.

Abstract: In a method for controlling an electric drive, a controlled variable is adjusted to a desired value. To protect the electric drive, the controlled variable is first adjusted to the desired value in a precise manner. Thereafter, the control operation is interrupted, AND the difference between the controlled variable and the desired value is check continuously to see whether it exceed a preset threshold. Interruption of the control operation is terminated when the threshold has been reached or exceeded.

Abstract: In a process for automatic adjustment of handling of a motor vehicle having an internal-combustion engine, operating and condition quantities are determined and compared with reference values. If the operating and condition quantities deviate from the reference values, adjusting signals are generated for adjusting vehicle and engine components. In order to recognize predetermined driving situations, and to make corresponding adjustments for influencing the vehicle handling, starting and ending of predetermined driving modes (acceleration operation, deceleration operation and constant drive operation) are detected by logically evaluating diverse operating and condition quantities. The conditions for detecting the start of a driving condition differ from the conditions for the end of the same driving condition.

Abstract: The apparatus for controlling vehicle driving force is provided with a target driving force deciding part for deciding a target driving force by using an accelerator opening and vehicle speed, and driving force distribution control part for distributing the target driving force to an engine torque control part and a drive system control part. Further, this apparatus has a vehicle running state determining part for detecting the running state of the vehicle. Furthermore, the final target driving force is increased or decreased to correct based on the result of the vehicle running state determining part in the target driving force deciding part or the driving force distribution control part.

Abstract: In an adaptive speed control system for a vehicle, a method and system for automatically adjusting a selected following interval for the vehicle based on driving conditions is provided. The method includes determining a driving surface coefficient of friction based on a driven wheel speed of the vehicle, and adjusting the selected following interval for the vehicle based on the driving surface coefficient of friction. The system includes a receiver capable of receiving a signal indicative of a driven wheel speed of the vehicle, and a controller capable of determining a driving surface coefficient of friction based on the driven wheel speed, and capable of adjusting the selected following interval for the vehicle based on the driving surface coefficient of friction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the speed of a vehicle, the apparatus manipulates a cable having one end secured to a throttle and the other secured to a motor for applying a force to the cable. A motor controller provides commands to the motor and the motor controller receives an input in the form of a vehicle velocity setting and in response to the value of the setting setting the motor controller instructs the motor to pull the cable a predetermined distance corresponding to a predetermined throttle position, the predetermined distance is stored in a lookup table and the predetermined throttle position corresponds to a vehicle velocity that is similar to the vehicle velocity setting.

Abstract: A cruise control for a vehicle having a throttle controller mounted to a handlebar is provided. The cruise control includes a throttle-pipe handle having a throttle-pipe spur gear attached thereto, a cruise control spur gear coupled to the throttle-pipe spur gear, an electromagnetic brake/clutch device coupled to the cruise control spur gear, an activation switch, and a control circuit. The cruise control spur gear may be coupled to the throttle-pipe spur gear via an intermediate spur gear. The control circuit provides a control signal to activate the electromagnetic brake/clutch device when the activation switch is actuated. When activated, the electromagnetic brake/clutch device prevents rotation of the throttle-pipe handle. When the braking system of the motorcycle is activated, the control signal provided to the electromagnetic brake/clutch device is removed, which deactivates the brake/clutch device, allowing free rotation of the throttle-pipe handle.

Abstract: A computer-assisted method for controlling the delivery of fuel to an engine. The method includes receiving an input signal indicative of a sensed speed of the engine, validating that the engine is in a cruise power mode based on the input signal, and providing an output signal based on a sensed engine operating condition for adaptively controlling the fuel delivery to the engine when the engine is operating in the cruise power mode. Also, a fuel control module. The fuel control module includes a first portion configured for receiving an input signal indicative of a sensed speed of an engine, a second portion configured for validating that the engine is operating in a cruise power mode based on the input signal, and a third portion configured for providing an output signal based on a sensed engine operating condition for controlling fuel delivery to the engine when the engine is operating in the cruise power mode.

Abstract: In an adaptive speed control system for a vehicle, a method and system for automatically adjusting a selected following interval for the vehicle based on driving conditions is provided. The method includes determining a driving surface coefficient of friction based on a driven wheel speed of the vehicle, and adjusting the selected following interval for the vehicle based on the driving surface coefficient of friction. The system includes a receiver capable of receiving a signal indicative of a driven wheel speed of the vehicle, and a controller capable of determining a driving surface coefficient of friction based on the driven wheel speed, and capable of adjusting the selected following interval for the vehicle based on the driving surface coefficient of friction.

Abstract: In a device for electronically transforming displacement of automobile accelerator lever, an accelerator pedal and a return member are provided, the latter of which returns the accelerator lever back to an original position. A detector device is provided to detect a displacement of the accelerator lever to generate an electrical signal. The detector device has a magnetic plunger which mechanically moves in association with the accelerator lever, and further has primary and secondary coils to surround the magnetic plunger so that the magnetic plunger mechanically moves therethrough. The primary coil is energized to detect an electromotive force produced from the secondary coil. A housing encloses the plunger, and the primary and secondary coils. An engagement piece is fixed to the accelerator lever to actuate a switch which detects whether or not the accelerator pedal is stepped.