Abstract: A method for catalyst purge control may include the steps of: performing, by a catalyst purge electronic control unit (ECU), catalyst purge control based on engine temperature; calculating an estimated engine temperature the catalyst purge ECU when fuel-cut is completed, and controlling, by the catalyst purge ECU, an amount of purge fuel injected by an injector based on the estimated engine temperature for the catalyst purge control.

Abstract: A method of geospatial data based assessment driver behavior to improve driver safety and efficiency is disclosed. A method of a server device may comprise determining that a telemetry data is associated with a vehicle communicatively coupled with the server device and comparing the telemetry data with a driver objective data. A variance between the telemetry data and the driver objective data may then be determined. A performance score may be generated upon comparison of the variance to a threshold limit and/or the driver objective data. The performance score may be published along with other performance scores of other drivers in other vehicles also communicatively coupled with the server device to a reporting dashboard module. Elements of game theory may be implemented to create a team driving challenge and/or a driver performance program to generate the performance score to improve driver safety and efficiency for commercial fleets.

Abstract: An abnormality detection device is mounted on an engine control device that calculates a target load factor by using a target torque, converts the target load factor to a target throttle opening, calculates a target ignition timing by using a target efficiency, and controls an engine based on the target throttle opening and the target ignition timing. In the abnormality detection device, a target efficiency for monitoring is calculated by using the target ignition timing, a target torque for monitoring is calculated by using the target efficiency for monitoring and the target load factor, a torque deviation between the target torque for monitoring and the target torque is calculated, and the presence or absence of an abnormality is detected by using the torque deviation.

Abstract: Method to detect and control detonation phenomena in an internal combustion engine provided with a number of cylinders and with at least two detonation sensors. For each combustion cycle as a function of the cylinder and of the engine point that is being explored, the method comprises the steps of processing the signal coming from each detonation sensor so as to determine a detonation energy for each detonation sensor; calculating a detonation index for each detonation sensor and controlling the internal combustion engine as a function of a total detonation index through the algebraic sum of the detonation indexes for each detonation sensor.

Abstract: A method for controlling an internal combustion engine. Target ignition times for the individual cylinders are given by an engine control device through trigger signals transmitted to the ignition control device. After receiving a trigger signal, the ignition control device activates the ignition device associated with this trigger signal to effect ignition in the respective cylinder. The ignition control device stores a firing order in which an ignition is to be cyclically effected in the individual cylinders, and it is checked whether trigger signals for all cylinders are received in the stored firing order, and if not, a substitutional ignition time is calculated for the at least one cylinder for which no trigger signal has been received, from at least two trigger signals for the cylinders or one of the remaining cylinders, and the respective ignition device or ignition devices are activated according to the calculated substitutional ignition time.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining a vehicle lifetime fuel economy using a remote server. The method includes retrieving from at least one vehicle control module vehicle data including an amount of total fuel used by the vehicle, determining whether the total fuel used by the vehicle is greater than or equal to a stored fuel used value, calculating an adjusted total fuel used if the total fuel used is not greater than or equal to the stored fuel used value, and calculating the lifetime fuel economy based on the adjusted total fuel used.

Abstract: Methods are provided for controlling an engine in response to a pre-ignition event. A pre-ignition threshold and a pre-ignition mitigating action are adjusted based on a rate of change of cylinder aircharge. As a result, pre-ignition events occurring during transient engine operating conditions are detected and addressed different from pre-ignition events occurring during steady-state engine operating conditions.

Abstract: A method and control system are disclosed for controlling an internal combustion engine having fuel injector(s), a camshaft for actuating inlet and/or outlet valve(s), a valve-train adjusting device for controllable switchover between different valve actuating characteristics, and optionally a camshaft sensor which supplies a camshaft signal representing the camshaft angle, a crankshaft sensor which supplies a crankshaft signal representing the crankshaft angle, and a control unit which controls the fuel injectors to inject predetermined fuel quantities at predetermined injection instants, wherein these stipulations take place as a function of the switching state of the valve-train adjusting device.

Abstract: A method and a control unit are disclosed for controlling an internal combustion engine having fuel injector(s), a camshaft for actuating inlet and/or outlet valve(s), a valve-train adjusting device for controllably changing the actuating characteristic of at least one valve which is actuated by means of the camshaft, and optionally having a camshaft sensor which supplies a camshaft signal dependent on the camshaft angle, a crankshaft sensor which supplies a crankshaft signal representing the crankshaft angle, and a control unit for controlling the fuel injection and the valve-train adjusting device. In order to obtain information about the current setting of the valve-train adjusting device, at least one cylinder pressure signal supplied by a cylinder pressure sensor for measuring the pressure in an associated cylinder is evaluated with regard to interference signals, and the evaluation result is taken into consideration in the control of the valve-train adjusting device.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and cleaning a spark plug is disclosed. In one example, an amount of carbonaceous soot at the center electrode ceramic of the spark plug is determined in response to a voltage of a sense resistor that is in electrical communication with the spark plug. The system may institute spark plug cleaning after carbonaceous soot is detected so that the possibility of engine misfire may be reduced.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a manual transmission having a clutch, and a controller. The controller is configured to, in response to receiving a signal indicative of a deceleration event initiated by the controller when the vehicle is operating with the clutch engaged, command the engine to shut down before an engine stall threshold to prevent a stall. A method of controlling a vehicle having an engine and a manual transmission with a clutch includes, in response to receiving a signal indicative of a deceleration event above a threshold value when the vehicle is operating with the clutch engaged, shutting down the engine before an engine stall threshold to prevent a stall.

Abstract: A control apparatus, which is for an internal combustion engine with a spark plug having a center electrode and a ground electrode disposed so as to form a spark discharge gap therebetween, includes a voltage applying section for applying a voltage to the spark discharge gap, a constant-voltage path including a constant-voltage element parallel-connected to the spark discharge gap of the spark plug for preventing the spark discharge gap from being applied with a voltage higher than a set voltage, and an operation control circuit for controlling an operating condition of the internal combustion engine. The operation control circuit is configured to measure a current-flowing time during which a current flows through the constant-voltage path when a voltage higher than the set voltage is applied to the constant-voltage path, and change the operating condition of the internal combustion engine in accordance with the measured current-flowing time.

Abstract: A controller of an engine with a supercharger includes, for each of cylinders, fuel supply system and an ignition plug. The controller includes an electronic control unit that is configured to: (i) set a basic ignition timing depending on an operation state of the engine, (ii) detect, for each cycle, an abnormal combustion generation cylinder in which an abnormal combustion is generated in a supercharged region, (iii) execute a fuel cut to stop a fuel supply by the fuel supply system for the abnormal combustion generation cylinder, (iv) change an ignition timing of the abnormal combustion generation cylinder to expand a crank angle width between a compression top dead center and the basic ignition timing for several cycles after start of the fuel cut, and (v) execute an ignition cut that prohibits a spark from being generated by the ignition plug, further after elapse of the several cycles is executed.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an engine coupled temperature-based humidity sensor. Degradation of the humidity sensor may be determined while flowing gasses into an engine intake air downstream of a humidity sensor and upstream of a compressor, indicating humidity sensor degradation when relative humidity readings change by less than a threshold while temperature at the sensor changes greater than a second threshold.

Abstract: Methods are provided for controlling an engine in response to a pre-ignition event. A pre-ignition threshold and a pre-ignition mitigating action are adjusted based on a rate of change of cylinder aircharge. As a result, pre-ignition events occurring during transient engine operating conditions are detected and addressed different from pre-ignition events occurring during steady-state engine operating conditions.

Abstract: A system for detecting memory corruption in an engine control module includes a variable selection module, an output module, an input module, and a response comparing module. The variable selection module selects a variable of a control system for testing. The output module outputs a predetermined value of said variable to a memory location where said variable is stored in said engine control module. The input module receives a response of said control system to said predetermined value when said predetermined value is written in said memory location. The response comparing module compares said response to a predetermined range and determines that said memory location is defective when said response is not within said predetermined range.

Abstract: An engine ignition control device comprising: a start-up ignition controller having a function for preventing the occurrence of kickback by either delaying an ignition position of an engine or stopping ignition; start-up rotation angle detection means for detecting a rotation angle of a crankshaft of the engine after initiation of a start-up operation of the engine; and switching means for switching control specifics of the start-up ignition controller in accordance with the detected start-up rotation angle so that when the detected start-up rotation angle is less than a set angle, there is created a kickback-preventive effect within a range at which engine startability is not compromised, and when the detected start-up rotation angle is equal to or greater than the set angle, there is created a kickback-preventive effect that is greater than the kickback-preventive effect for when the start-up rotation angle is equal to or less than the set angle.

Abstract: A vehicle behavior data recording control system is disclosed. The system comprises a vehicle abnormality detector for detecting a vehicle abnormality and a recorder for acquiring vehicle abnormality information from the vehicle abnormality detector. In response to occurrence of an unexpected behavior, the recorder determines whether or not a cause of the unexpected behavior is the vehicle abnormality. When the cause of the unexpected behavior is the vehicle abnormality, the recorder is prohibited from recording a behavior data relating to the unexpected behavior. When the cause of the unexpected behavior is not the vehicle abnormality, the recorder records the behavior data relating to the unexpected behavior in the memory as an unexpected behavior data.

Abstract: Problems: For enhanced safety of a work apparatus with an internal combustion engine, a cutting element is prevented from an accidental run due to an accidental increase of the engine revolution while a throttle control trigger is in a released state. Solution: In an engine start period, a throttle valve (10) is in a first idling position. The engine 2 at its initial run phase does not increase in revolution because of instability of its running condition. When the running condition begins to stabilize, the revolution rapidly increases. When the engine revolution (Ne) reaches 4,000 rpm or higher, a non-firing control mode is set up. In the non-firing control mode, when the engine revolution reaches or exceeds 4,500 rpm, a non-firing processing is executed (S4). A centrifugal clutch (6) is designed to engage at 5,000 rpm.

Abstract: A method of operating a turbocharged engine having cylinders in which one of the cylinders undergoes a compression stroke. The method includes advancing an ignition spark in the one of the cylinders undergoing the compression stroke by a first amount relative to top dead center of the compression stroke at a first barometric pressure for a given engine speed and load, and advancing the ignition spark in the one of the cylinders undergoing the compression stroke by a second, lesser amount relative to top dead center of the compression stroke at a second, lower barometric pressure, for the given engine speed and load as the vehicle being at different altitudes.

Abstract: An accumulating portion suspends the accumulation of an airflow meter output and a timer suspends the time count when a clutch semi-engagement detection signal is being output from a clutch semi-engagement detection portion. Thus, the airflow meter output obtained while the clutch semi-engagement detection signal was being output is excluded from the calculation of a total intake air amount. A comparing portion compares the calculated total intake air amount with a reference value obtained from a reference value setting portion. If the total intake air amount is smaller than the reference value, the Cold Start Strategy (CSS) control is determined as being abnormal and a CSS-abnormality signal is output.

Abstract: An ignition controlling apparatus that can diagnose a state of spark discharge in an internal combustion engine, and perform appropriate actions based on the diagnostic results. In the internal combustion engine ignition controlling apparatus, a signal extracting device extracts an ion current that is generated together with combustion of a gas mixture inside a combustion chamber by spark discharge of an ignition apparatus based on an ignition signal of an ignition coil, includes a signal diagnosing device that sets a predetermined detection zone from a period in a single stroke of an internal combustion engine from a first spark discharge commencement until after a last spark discharge completion, and that determines an ignition state based on parameters included in the signal extracted in this detection zone, and controls the internal combustion engine in response to this ignition state.

Abstract: When an insulation resistance value of an ignition plug is smaller than a prescribed value, an engine operation state is switched so as to raise a temperature of the ignition plug, thereby promoting deposit cleaning. Such a measures-against-deposit carrying-out state is counted. When a count value exceeds a certain value, that is, when the measures against deposit have sufficiently been performed but the insulation resistance value of the ignition plug is smaller than the prescribed value, it is determined that conductive deposit has adhered to the ignition plug, and for example, an alarm light is turned on in order to urge a driver to perform maintenance of the ignition plug.

Abstract: The invention is an abnormal combustion detection method for spark-ignition internal-combustion engines. For each engine cycle, a parameter characterizing a distribution of N combustion indicator values, CA10 for example, acquired over N cycles preceding the cycle in progress, is determined while ignoring extreme values. A threshold is defined from this parameter for the combustion indicator. The start of an abnormal combustion is then detected by comparing the combustion indicator with this threshold and the course of the abnormal combustion detected in the combustion chamber is controlled.

Abstract: An on-board diagnostic system of a vehicle comprises disabling diagnostic operation, such as a misfire monitor, based on road roughness. In one example, the disabling of the diagnostic operation is based on brake actuation and degradation of an anti-lock braking system.

Abstract: For at least one disturbance variable of the cylinder pressure signal, which disturbance variable occurs only during specific limited time spans as the pressure profile of an operating cycle, a filter tuned to the type of disturbance variable is fixed and is assigned to the corresponding disturbance variable time window or windows (8, 9, 10) in the operating cycle. The cylinder pressure signal (2) is then filtered as a function of the crankshaft angle, in that, according to the crankshaft position, a time-tuned and type-tuned filter is applied to a current disturbance variable.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring fuel efficiency of a vehicle is provided. Fuel efficiency of a vehicle may be monitored in real-time using telemetry transmitted from the vehicle. The telemetry may be analyzed in combination with a fuel efficiency model in order to determine whether the real-time fuel efficiency determination deviates from a baseline fuel efficiency. The real-time fuel efficiency monitoring system and method may be used for feedback for the driver, such as sending real-time messages to the driver to modify operation of the vehicle to increase fuel efficiency. The fuel efficiency model may further be used to assign vehicles in a fleet to particular routes, vehicles to particular drivers, or vehicles to particular routes with particular drivers.

Abstract: A control apparatus for an internal combustion engine, includes: a crankshaft; a crank angle detection unit that outputs a crank signal; a generator that rotates in synchronization with the rotation of the crankshaft, and that outputs alternating voltage signals with one-phase; and a control unit, to which the alternating voltage signals are input, that ascertains ignition timings based on the crank signals, performs ignition control so as to spark the internal combustion engine at the ignition timings, determines a polarity of the alternating voltage signal each time the crank signal is detected, ascertains a polarity cycle of the alternating voltage signals based on the determination result of the polarity, and determines that a failure has occurred in the generator when the polarity cycles do not continuously coincide multiple times with the polarity cycles at the time of forward rotation of the crankshaft.

Abstract: An ignition device (ECU and a drive circuit) for a spark ignition type internal combustion engine that directs an ignition with generation of a predetermined start signal (i.e., falling of an ignition signal) has a circuit for monitoring generation timing of the start signal and for prohibiting the ignition based on the start signal when the start signal is generated at abnormal timing. In particular, the ignition device has a circuit for determining whether the start signal is generated at predetermined start timing and a circuit for prohibiting the ignition based on the start signal when the above circuit determines that the start signal is not generated at the start timing. Thus, damages to the engine and peripheral devices due to the ignition at the abnormal timing can be reduced.

Abstract: A control system comprising an ignition fuse diagnostic module that determines a state of an ignition fuse associated with an ignition coil of an engine cylinder, and a fuel control module that selectively operates a fuel injector associated with the engine cylinder based on the state of the ignition fuse. A method comprising determining a state of an ignition fuse associated with an ignition coil of an engine cylinder, and selectively operating a fuel injector associated with the engine cylinder based on the state of the ignition fuse.

Abstract: A failure diagnosis apparatus for a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes a diagnosis processing section for executing failure diagnosis processing on a device of the vehicle to generate a diagnosis result. The apparatus also includes a data managing section for managing data of the diagnosis result. After an execution condition is met for failure diagnosis, the diagnosis processing section outputs an execution demand to the data managing section for the failure diagnosis processing. In response to the execution demand, the data managing section outputs an execution permission to the diagnosis processing section for the failure diagnosis processing. Also, after the execution condition is met for the failure diagnosis, the diagnosis processing section starts executing the failure diagnosis processing regardless of whether the execution permission has been outputted by the data managing section. A method of failure diagnosis is also disclosed.

Abstract: A multipurpose engine controller comprises a control unit for switching between supplying and stopping power supplied from an ignition circuit to a spark plug on the basis of two states, i.e., the operating state of the multipurpose engine determined based on a detection signal from the engine speed sensor, and the state of the level of the oil inside the crankcase determined based on a detection signal from the float-type oil level sensor.

Abstract: An engine control apparatus and related control method for an engine are disclosed wherein cylinder discrimination is executed based on a crank signal and a cam signal under a normal signal mode. If a failure occurs in either the crank signal or the cam signal, the cylinder discrimination is executed based on a normal one of the crank signal and the cam signal. A starter device is driven to crank up the engine until judgment is made that the engine enters a running state. A duration time for the starter device to be driven is measured and if the duration time reaches a limit time, the driving state of the starter device is interrupted. When either the crank signal or the cam signal encounters the failure, the limit time is set to a longer time than a preset time for the normal signal mode.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for controlling first and second motors. A controller includes a processor supplying a control signal for driving the motors and a logic circuit coupled to the processor. The processor produces a first trigger coordinated with the rate of the first motor and a second trigger coordinated with the rate of the second motor. The logic circuit produces a third trigger from a combination of the first and second triggers. The processor includes a converter for sampling the currents of the motors in response to the third trigger. The processor further produces a modified pulse width in the first trigger if a period between the first and second triggers is less than a predetermined limit and directs the converter to consecutively sample the currents in response to the modified pulse width.

Abstract: Provided is an engine control apparatus equipped with a three-way catalyst for purifying exhaust gas, a unit for calculating an operational state based on outputs from various sensors, a unit for calculating a fuel injection amount, a unit for driving an injector, a unit for calculating an actual misfire ratio, a catalyst damage determining misfire ratio calculating unit for calculating a misfire determining ratio, a catalyst damaging misfire determining unit for cutting off a supply of fuel when it is determined that a damage-causing misfire state has arisen, a unit for storing an actual misfire ratio at a time when it is determined that the damage-causing misfire state has arisen, and a unit for making a recovery from the cutoff of the fuel supply when the misfire determining ratio has become larger than the misfire ratio at the time of the determination that the damage-causing misfire state has arisen.

Abstract: An ignition device, including: an ignition coil (1) having a primary coil and a secondary coil; a switching element (5) for causing a primary current to be conducted through and shut off from the primary coil of the ignition coil; a waveform shaping circuit (6) for shaping a waveform of an ignition signal transmitted from an outside through a signal line to supply a conduction signal thus obtained to the switching element; ion current detecting means (8, 9) connected to the secondary coil of the ignition coil, for detecting an ion current flowing through the secondary coil; and ion signal generating means (10, 11, 12) for outputting an ion signal, which indicates the ion current detected for a predetermined period after the conduction signal of the waveform shaping circuit has been turned off, to the outside through the signal line while invalidating the conduction signal from the waveform shaping circuit.

Abstract: Oil level detection sensor detects an oil level in a crankcase. First charging circuit includes a serial connection of a first charging capacitor for charging a reverse voltage produced in a primary coil, the detection sensor, and a first diode. Thyristor is turned on, in response to voltage-charging of the first charging capacitor, to disable an ignition operation of an ignition circuit. Second charging circuit includes a serial connection of a second charging capacitor for charging a forward voltage, produced in the primary coil, and a second diode. Transistor is turned on, in response to voltage-charging of the second charging capacitor, to disable a turning-on operation of the thyristor.

Abstract: The electric supercharger includes a vehicle connector, an impulse signal generator empowered by a power source, and a signal amplifier. The vehicle connector has a positive terminal and a negative terminal for electrically connecting to an electrical source of said vehicle. The impulse signal generator, which is electrically linked to the vehicle connector for receiving an impulse signal from the electrical source of the vehicle, includes a signal integral circuit stably generating a rectangular impulse signal. The signal amplifier electrically connects to the impulse signal generator to amplify the rectangular impulse signal and to send the amplified rectangular impulse signal back to sparkplugs and injectors of the vehicle through the vehicle connector for enhancing a combustion-efficiency of an engine of the vehicle.

Abstract: An ignition timing control apparatus can obtain high output torque without generating output torque loss, and avoid the deterioration of audibility due to successive knock occurrences. A cylinder specific ignition timing setting section includes a reference ignition timing control section, and a cylinder specific correction value setting section having correction values of the same number as that of engine cylinders. The reference ignition timing control section calculates reference ignition timing common to all the cylinders and uniformly controls the ignition timings of all the cylinders to a retard angle side to prevent the occurrence of successive knocks.

Abstract: An engine control apparatus and related control method for an engine are disclosed wherein cylinder discrimination is executed based on a crank signal and a cam signal under a normal signal mode. If a failure occurs in either the crank signal or the cam signal, the cylinder discrimination is executed based on a normal one of the crank signal and the cam signal. A starter device is driven to crank up the engine until judgment is made that the engine enters a running state. A duration time for the starter device to be driven is measured and if the duration time reaches a limit time, the driving state of the starter device is interrupted. When either the crank signal or the cam signal encounters the failure, the limit time is set to a longer time than a preset time for the normal signal mode.

Abstract: An engine ECU executes a program including the step of closing a current control valve in all regions when there is abnormality in a high-pressure system fuel system (YES at S100), the step of setting the VVT overlap to 0, the step of injecting fuel from only an intake manifold injector, the step of corresponding to an ignition timing when the current control valve is closed, and the step of correcting the increased quantity of fuel.

Abstract: A control apparatus for an internal combustion engine can detect a tubing disconnection failure of an intake pressure sensor thereby to make it possible to give a warning to a user and to take appropriate measures to cope with such a failure situation. A control unit controls the engine based on a throttle opening, an intake pressure measured by an intake pressure sensor, and a rotational speed and a crank angle of the engine. The intake pressure sensor is connected to the intake system through tubing. The control unit includes a failure diagnosis section that detects an abnormality of the intake pressure sensor. The failure diagnosis section detects an open circuit or a short circuit of a signal line between the intake pressure sensor and the control unit based on a change in the intake pressure, and also detects a disconnection failure of the tubing of the intake pressure sensor.

Abstract: This feature of the present invention comprises a method and apparatus to retard the spark time. As a result, the catalyst heats up quickly during the cold start. The retard spark control method of the present invention uses a closed loop to adjust the engine retard limit during an engine cold start to retard the engine spark as much as possible without engine misfire and with minimum partial burn. The increased exhaust temperature heats up the catalyst more quickly than conventional open loop approaches, which as a result, reduces hydrocarbon emissions. The closed loop retard spark control using ionization current feedback consists of four major components or functions, an error and gain generator, a proportional and integration control processing block, a default spark timing processor, and an adaptive learning apparatus.

Abstract: An electronic control unit for controlling a fuel injection amount of a two-cycle internal combustion engine with an exhaust control valve wherein the electronic control unit comprises an injection amount determination means for determining the fuel injection amount at various control conditions, a valve abnormality detection means for detecting an abnormality of operation of the exhaust control valve, and an injector driving means for driving an injector so as to inject fuel of the amount determined by the injection amount determination means from the injector. The injection amount determination means determines the injection amount so that when the valve abnormality detection means detects the abnormality of operation of the exhaust control valve, an air-fuel mixture is made in a rich state.

Abstract: An electronic engine control unit for a motorcycle or other two-wheeled vehicle gradually decreases engine torque at the time of a failure so as to eliminate an uneasy feeling that an operator might experience if the engine torque were to be reduced abruptly. When a failure is detected, a throttle valve is closed gradually by initially closing the valve quickly and then slowly closing the valve so as to obtain a smooth decrease in engine torque. In addition, the ignition timing is changed gradually toward retardation to gradually decrease engine torque. Alternatively, the ignition pulses to the cylinders are thinned out gradually to cause a gradual decrease in engine torque. As a further alternative in the case of a multi-cylinder engine, the ignition pulses are stopped on a cylinder-by-cylinder basis to cause a gradual decrease in engine torque.

Abstract: A failure diagnostic apparatus for an intake air stream control valve which is provided in an intake system for an internal combustion engine, and which forms an air stream in the combustion chamber by changing a flow of intake air when the intake air is introduced to the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine. In the failure diagnostic apparatus, an ignition device is provided in the combustion chamber; an ECU changes ignition timing such that an engine rotational speed of the internal combustion engine becomes equal to a target rotational speed immediately after the engine is started while the engine is cold; and the ECU performs a failure diagnostic control for determining whether a failure has occurred in the intake air stream control valve based on whether the changed ignition timing is different from the reference ignition timing that is a reference for the failure diagnosis.

Abstract: A knocking control apparatus for a variable cylinder internal combustion engine avoids erroneous determination of knocking during a fault in a cylinder pausing mechanism to appropriately control knocking associated with the ignition timing, thereby preventing engine stall and reducing a deterioration in a catalyst. The variable cylinder internal combustion engine can be switched between a full cylinder operation mode in which all of a plurality of cylinders are operated, and a partial cylinder operation mode in which part of the plurality of cylinders is paused by a cylinder pausing mechanism.

Abstract: The method and apparatus of the present invention are useful for the monitoring of the electrical signals within an internal combustion spark plug circuit and the killing of a spark plug within that circuit. The invention essentially consists of connecting a transformer to the high voltage side of the spark plug circuit. Through the use of impedance and inductance, the present invention can either produce a low voltage replica of the waveform of the high voltage electrical signal which is directed to a spark plug or can effectively prohibit that spark plug from firing by short circuiting the low voltage side of the transformer of the device.

Abstract: In an automotive engine control apparatus used for a multi-cylinder engine where both an injection coil and an ignition coil are employed with each of multiple cylinders, abnormal states are systematically detected, while an injection system is mutually interconnected with an ignition system as to these abnormal states. The injection coils are driven via a first switch element by a microprocessor, and injection operations of these injection coils are monitored by a first detection circuit. The ignition primary coils are driven via a second switch element by the microprocessor, and ignition operations of these ignition coils are monitored by a second detection circuit. The microprocessor controls drive stopping means to perform a turn-out drive operation such that this drive stopping means stops both a fuel injection operation and an ignition operation of an abnormal-operated cylinder with respect to an abnormal state occurred in either the injection system or the ignition system.

Abstract: An engine control system and method that utilizes throttle position as one of its control parameters. The throttle position sensor is checked by sensing changed values in a time period when the engine is operating within a predetermined speed range during which changes in throttle position are not normally encountered.