Abstract: A control system and method for a vehicle having an engine and a transmission with an autoshift function comprises a processor coupled to the engine and the transmission of the vehicle and adapted to control the power output of said engine and, in an autoshift mode of operation, the upshifting and downshifting of the transmission. The control system further comprises user interface means (10) coupled to said processor and including a first manual control means (14) being operable to be set to a first engine speed, and a second manual control means (16) being operable to be set to a second engine speed. The interface means (10) provides signals representing the setting of said first and second manual control means (14, 16) to said processor; and said control system has a plurality of modes of operation selectable by the relative settings of said first and second manual control means.

Abstract: A shift controlling apparatus includes an automatic shift mode returning member with a manual shift mode wherein a transmission is manually shifted and an automatic shift mode wherein the transmission is automatically shifted based on an automatic shift map and changes over. When a manual shift operation is carried out in the automatic shift mode, the shift mode moves to the manual shift mode and then automatically returns to the automatic shift mode after the manual shift operation. The automatic shift mode returning member includes a manual operational detection member for detecting a manual shift operation for shift up or shift down of the transmission during the automatic shift mode, first operational state discrimination member for discriminating an operational state of a vehicle when the manual shift operation is carried out, and second operational state discrimination member for discriminating an operational state of the vehicle after the manual shift operation.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a drive recorder that can detect acceleration so that the acceleration exerted on a vehicle traveling around a curve will not be erroneously detected as excessive acceleration, as long as the steering wheel is operated in a usual manner. More particularly, the invention provides a drive recorder that includes an acceleration sensor for detecting a first acceleration along a traveling direction of a vehicle and a second acceleration along a transverse direction of the vehicle, and a control unit which obtains a combined acceleration based on the first acceleration and on a value obtained by subtracting a correction value from the absolute value of the second acceleration, and when the combined acceleration exceeds a threshold value, records video information received from an image capturing unit onto a recording device.

Abstract: A method is provided for adjustment of an automatically selected gear shifting rotational speed limit when an automatic step geared vehicle transmission is in an automatic gear shifting drive mode, and where the transmission includes a drive mode selector for selection of at least the automatic gear shifting drive mode and a neutral mode. The adjustment of the automatically selected gear shifting rotational speed limit is performed temporarily by a driver of the vehicle when the automatic gear shifting drive mode is selected. Driving flexibility in automatic drive mode increases.

Abstract: A vehicle control system for an automatic transmission includes a range selector for outputting a range instruction signal representing the selected shift range and a range shifter for manually outputting a shift instruction signal, and a by-wire control part for controlling the change-over of the shift range according to the range instruction signal input from the range selector. The by-wire control part has a range control circuit, which uses the shift instruction signal input from the range shifter if the range instruction signal is abnormal while monitoring the range instruction signal input from the range selector.

Abstract: A method of controlling an automated multi-step change-speed transmission of a vehicle having an electronic control unit connected to sensors for detecting operating parameters and to gear and/or clutch control elements for carrying out shift operations. The control comprises a data memory such that the multi-step change-speed transmission can be operated automatically to initiate gearshifts in an automatic mode, manually initiated by a driver in a manual mode to provide gearshifts, and manually actuated in a learning mode in which gearshifts and operating parameters can be recorded automatically. When necessary to assist technicians in the application of the transmission, a configuration-learning mode that can be activated in which, during a test drive with manual gearshift initiation, operating parameters are automatically detected in an event-dependent manner, processed to produce control data for the transmission, and the control data stored in the data memory for the future control of the transmission.

Abstract: A shifting point display for indicating shift advice is provided in a motor vehicle having a manual transmission and a control unit for the continuous determination of a current operating point of the motor vehicle. At least one characteristic upshift indication curve or a characteristic downshift indication curve is stored in an electronic memory. An upshift indication or a downshift indication is displayed when the characteristic upshift indication curve or the characteristic downshift indication curve is reached by the current operating point and a currently differently engaged gear.

Abstract: Provided is a control device for a vehicle that can switch between an automatic gear shift mode in which gear shifting of the automatic transmission is performed according to a vehicle traveling condition, and a manual gear shift mode in which gear shifting of the automatic transmission is performed according to a driver operation, and that changes drive force characteristics by controlling output torque of the drive source at the time of a gear shift mode switch. When the gear shift mode is switched between automatic and manual the control device selects an initial gear stage or an initial gear ratio for the gear shift mode switch such that the amount of change in drive force that accompanies the gear shift mode switch decreases, or such that the direction of change in drive force that accompanies the gear shift mode switch conforms to the driver's intention or expected sensation.

Abstract: A shift controller for an automatic transmission capable of automatically shifting up in a manual mode is provided. In the shift controller, a hysteresis between an automatic upshift line and a downshift permission line is set to be smaller as the accelerator opening degree decreases. As a result, when the accelerator opening degree is larger and therefore hunting is more likely to occur, it is possible to avoid an excessively small time interval between a downshift and an upshift. On the other hand, when the accelerator opening degree is smaller and therefore hunting is less likely to occur, a manual downshift permission region can be expanded to a higher rotational speed region, whereby a driver's manual downshift request can be satisfied in a higher vehicle speed region.

Abstract: A gear-shift control apparatus comprises: a shift-hold-level-calculation unit for calculating, in accordance with operation of a driver, a shift hold level that varies between 0% representing a complete automatic transmission state and 100% representing a complete manual transmission state; and a gear-shift processing unit for performing gear-shift control processing for an automatic transmission in accordance with the shift hold level calculated by the shift-hold-level-calculation unit.

Abstract: A method for control of a vehicle gearbox which is automatically controlled by a control system. The control system's choice of transmission ratio is influenceable by the vehicle's driver. The control system chooses an initial transmission ratio for moving off stationary. The method includes determining a first initial transmission ratio by using the control system, and determining a second initial transmission ratio indicated by the vehicle driver. The gearbox is set to the second initial transmission ratio indicated by the driver when the second ratio is higher than the first initial transmission ratio determined by the control system.

Abstract: A control device for an automatic transmission 10 having shift control means 88 operative to select a manual shift mode is provided for preventing acceleration response from deteriorating in the automatic transmission 10. The control device includes automatic up-range control means 90 for switching a range to a “D” range when high oil-temperature determining means determines presence of a high oil-temperature state, and high oil-temperature down-range permitting means 92 for permitting a down-range during a manual shift operation until a selected uppermost gear position GSELECT reaches a determining gear position GJUGE when the accelerator-on drive determining means 86 subsequently determines presence of an accelerator-on drive. Even when obtaining a drive force is attempted during an accelerator-on drive mode after switching the range, the down-range by the manual shift operation is permitted until the selected uppermost gear position GSELECT reaches the determining gear position GJUGE.

Abstract: A shift control device is provided with a structure wherein when a driver selects a manual shift mode, an appropriate shift level is set as an initial shift level in conformity to a driver's will to have or not to have a drive-force source braking effect. When a shift lever 72 is operatively moved to an S-position to select an S-mode, depending on whether a stay time in a position “D” continuing for a certain time period or more (step S2), a shift mode switching or a manual shift mode direct-selecting is determined, and then an initial shift level is individually determined for a shift mode switching (YES in step S2) and a manual shift mode direct-selecting (NO in step S2). This determines appropriate initial shift level in conformity to the driver's will to have the drive-force source braking effect in the shift mode switching and that not to have the drive-force source braking effect in the manual shift mode direct-selecting.

Abstract: In a control apparatus of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, there is a failsafe control that blocks power transmission from a drive source to drive wheels by releasing clutches of an automatic transmission when there is a shift switching failure. In consideration of the fact that when a working oil temperature of the automatic transmission is low (below the freezing point, for example), the viscosity of the working oil is high and response for power blocking is poor, in a case where an oil temperature at the time of a shift switching request is low (steps ST2 and ST3), the power transmission is blocked by releasing the clutches of the automatic transmission at the same time as the shift switching request (step ST11). Thus, a clutch release delay occurring when there is a shift switching failure at a low oil temperature is prevented.

Abstract: A method of controlling and/or regulating an automated transmission of a vehicle in which a rolling function or a coasting function of the vehicle is activated in an automatic mode, under predetermined conditions, such that the drivetrain is disengaged and the drive motor is one of operated at idle or is switched off at times. The rolling function or the coasting function is automatically terminated if at least one of the predetermined conditions is no longer present. The rolling function or the coasting function can also be terminated manually by the driver, and a manually operable shifting strategy can be initiated.

Abstract: A device and a method for control of an automatic transmission (1) in a vehicle having one control unit (2), which can receive signals produced by a transmission gearshift lever (7), and/or a first transmission control (8). The signals of the first transmission control are bridgeable so that the automatic transmission can be manually operated. In order to make it possible to efficiently operate the vehicle with low fuel consumption and great flexibility of the driver at the moment, manual operation of the automatic transmission is possible only when the vehicle is at speed (v) lower than a predetermined speed limit.

Abstract: A shift control apparatus for vehicular continuously variable transmissions is equipped with a related value calculating portion (102) that calculates a first driving force related value in association with an automatic shift mode in which an automatic shift control portion (92) performs shift control and that calculates a second driving force related value in association with a manual shift mode in which a manual shift control portion (94) performs shift control, and a second changeover portion (108). The first driving force related value and the second driving force related value are set larger as the driving force output from an engine (12) increases. The second changeover portion makes a changeover from the manual shift mode to the automatic shift mode on the basis of a relationship between the first driving force related value and the second driving force related value.

Abstract: A method for operating a semi-automatic or automatic mechanical transmission of a heavy truck when driving at idle speed is provided. The method includes supplying fuel to the engine of the heavy truck at a rate that facilitates engine-idle operation. In another step, the method engages the automatic or semi-automatic transmission in a gear higher than the starting gear of the transmission and permits the truck to operate at a first substantially uniform driving velocity under engine-idle power. Depending upon traffic and environmental requirements which require a higher speed, the driver upshifts the semi-automatic or automatic transmission by depressing a control device for manual gear selection arranged on a gear shift lever of the truck and then drives the truck at a second substantially uniform driving velocity under engine-idle power. The second substantially uniform driving velocity is greater than the first substantially uniform driving velocity.

Abstract: A control device is provided for a vehicle drive apparatus, which includes a differential mechanism and an electric motor provided in differential mechanism, which can be miniaturized in structure with improved fuel economy or enabling the suppression of occurrence in switching shocks. With a provision of a switching clutch C0 or a switching brake B0, a shifting mechanism 10 is placed in either a continuously variable shifting state or a step variable shifting state. This enables the vehicle drive apparatus to have combined advantages in a fuel economy improving effect with a transmission, enabled to electrically change a gear ratio, and a high transmitting efficiency with a gear type power transmitting device enabled to mechanically transmit drive power. During a shifting of an automatic shifting portion 20, engaging control variable control means 84 alters a method of learning an engaging pressure.

Abstract: A bicycle shift control device comprises a traveling state detecting circuit that detects a traveling state of the bicycle and a manually operated switch that outputs a switch signal. A shift control circuit provides a control signal, in response to the switch signal provided by the operation of the switch, for setting the speed stage of a bicycle transmission to correspond to the range of traveling states that contains the detected traveling state.

Abstract: A control system is provided which allows the operator of a marine vessel to select a transmission position (e.g. forward, neutral, or reverse) and an engine speed in the event that a throttle lever malfunctions. By providing messages to the operator on an annunciator and receiving selections from the operator on a plurality of push button switches, a microprocessor selects gear positions and engine operating speed in response to commands received from the operator.

Abstract: An automatic transmission includes gears, torque-transmitting mechanisms, interconnecting members, an input member and an output member. A method of controlling the automatic transmission includes data acquisition from the output shaft torque sensor, commanding a hydraulic fluid pressure pulse time and a pressure pulse value to engage a first torque-transmitting mechanism, calculating a rate-of-change of a first data output from the output shaft torque sensor, calculating a rate-of-change of a second data output from the output shaft torque sensor, comparing the results of the rate-of-change calculations and adjusting the hydraulic fluid pressure pulse time and a pressure pulse value if the rate of change of the second data output is not equal to the rate-of-change of the first data output.

Abstract: The system and method automatically controls the position of at least one deck plate of a harvesting unit of a corn header so as to increase the width of a stalk receiving channel or reduce pinching forces between the plates when entering a stand of corn to facilitate alignment with the corn rows, and to change the position after a suitable time period or other condition or event, to narrow the channel width and/or increase pinching force, to reduce kernel loss while also monitoring forces exerted against the plates by the stalks and responsively adjusting the plate position for maintaining a desired force on the stalks or width.

Abstract: A driving force controlling apparatus includes a driving force controller configured to determine a state of a road surface. A driving force controller is configured to control a driving force of a vehicle based on the road surface state. A rear-wheel speed sensor is configured to detect a rear-wheel speed. A low-friction-coefficient road surface determining device is configured to determine whether the road surface is a low-friction-coefficient road surface using the rear-wheel speed on a predetermined condition. A determination prohibition device is configured to prohibit the low-friction-coefficient road surface determining device from determining whether the road surface is a low-friction-coefficient road surface, if (a) the rear-wheel speed sensor is abnormal, or if (b) a predetermined time has elapsed from when a shift range is changed from a reverse range to a drive range and/or (c) a gear position has become greater than or equal to a predetermined gear position.

Abstract: In a vehicle driving-force control device, if a primary speed is not lower than or equal to a kick-down allowable speed and an accelerator pedal depression amount is larger than or equal to a kick-down allowable depression amount, a shift control device identifies an intention of acceleration from a driver's accelerator operation and kick down a gear stage to a lower stage, even in a manual shift mode having been selected. In this case, the kick-down allowable speed is set to a different value for each of driving force characteristic modes, and a speed range in which a kick-down operation is allowed to be automatically performed on the basis of the primary speed is set narrower for a driving force characteristic mode having higher responsiveness to an accelerator operation.

Abstract: In a control apparatus for a continuously variable transmission, when the difference between a target transmission gear ratio calculated immediately after switching the control mode from a manual shift mode to an automatic shift mode and a current transmission gear ratio (that is, a fixed transmission gear ratio of the transmission gear stage selected in the manual shift mode immediately before the switching) is greater than or equal to a set value, a shift control unit sets a temporary target transmission gear ratio between the target transmission gear ratio and the current transmission gear ratio. If a temporary target transmission gear ratio is set, the shift control unit causes the transmission gear ratio obtained during transition of mode from the manual shift mode to the automatic shift mode to match the target transmission gear ratio stepwise via the temporary target transmission gear ratio.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a powertrain of a vehicle having an engine configured to output a variable torque, can include a transmission with a plurality of gear ratios and selectively driven by the variable torque, and a pair of wheels selectively driven by the transmission. The system can include a longitudinal acceleration sensor and a controller. The controller can be in electrical communication with the longitudinal acceleration sensor. The controller can be configured to determine an inertial value of the vehicle based on data from the longitudinal acceleration sensor prior to a shift from one of the plurality of gear ratios to another of the plurality of gear ratios.

Abstract: A method for prevention of unwanted double gear changes for a gearbox in a motor vehicle. The vehicle comprises an engine connected to drive the gearbox. The gearbox also effects a manual gear change in an automatic mode if a mode selector connected to the gearbox is activated. The manual gear change is barred if the mode selector is only activated a first time during a gear change period, which represents a period of time during which an automatic gear change is effected in the automatic mode. A system, a computer program, a computer program product and a motor vehicle, which prevent an unwanted double gear change, are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for executing a gear shift step in a motor vehicle (100; 110) having an engine (220) and an automated manual transmission incorporating a clutch (230) and a gearbox (240), the method includes the steps, during a gear shift procedure, controlling a torque (Tc) in the clutch (230) to enable a gear shift step to take place before a target speed (rpm*) of the engine (220) is reached; and, when the clutch (230) has stopped sliding, of controlling a torque (Te) of the engine (220) on the basis of the torque (Tc) in the clutch (230). A computer program product includes program code (P) for a computer (200; 210) for executing a method according to the invention. Also disclosed is a device for executing the gear shift step in a motor vehicle (100; 110) having an engine (220) and an automated manual transmission incorporating a clutch (230) and a gearbox (240), and a motor vehicle equipped with the device is disclosed.

Abstract: In a gear shift control unit for an automatic transmission, when an up-shift switch or a down-shift switch of a paddle shift switch is turned ON, a gear shift mode is set to a temporary manual shift mode, and a target transmission gear stage is shifted up or shifted down. Subsequently, a manual assist control is executed. In the manual assist control, an acceleration is calculated from a temporal differentiation of a vehicle speed. After it is detected that the acceleration is larger than or equal to an acceleration determination threshold, an accelerator pedal return acceleration is calculated from a double temporal differentiation of an accelerator opening degree. When the accelerator pedal return acceleration is smaller than or equal to another acceleration determination threshold, the current target transmission gear stage is automatically shifted down.

Abstract: In an abnormal-period automatic shift control apparatus of an automated manual transmission (AMT), a controller includes a first state detecting section configured to detect whether the AMT is in a first state where the AMT is thrown into a shift stage during an engine starting period, and a second state detecting section configured to detect whether the AMT is in a second state where a clutch failure that an automatic clutch, employed in the AMT for engine power transmission, remains engaged undesirably, occurs. Also provided is a neutral-range-period abnormality countermeasure section configured to inhibit a supply of working oil from an engine-drive oil pump, serving as a working medium for automatic-clutch engagement-and-disengagement control and automatic gear shifting, for preventing an automotive vehicle from beginning to move, while a selected operating range is a neutral range, under a condition where the first and second states occur simultaneously.

Abstract: In a vehicle shift control apparatus, a T/M_ECU has data of cancellation conditions stored therein in advance, which vary depending on modes of driving force characteristics and, in a temporary manual shift mode, selects a cancellation condition for the temporary manual shift mode which corresponds to a current mode and makes a determination as to whether the cancellation condition is satisfied. If it is determined that the cancellation condition for the temporary manual shift mode is satisfied, the T/M_ECU returns the temporary manual shift mode to the automatic shift mode.

Abstract: A method of controlling an auxiliary pump for use with a transmission in a vehicle is provided, the vehicle having a system voltage/current. The method comprises: determining an optimal auxiliary pump start voltage/current; determining if the system voltage/current is less than the optimal auxiliary pump start voltage/current; if yes, determining if the auxiliary pump is in a start-mode and if a predetermined override condition has been met; determining if the actual auxiliary pump speed is less than a desired auxiliary pump speed if the auxiliary pump is in the start-mode; if not, determining if the auxiliary pump is in an on-state; and, increasing an actual auxiliary pump voltage/current to equal the optimal auxiliary pump start voltage/current if the actual auxiliary pump speed is less than the desired auxiliary pump speed or the predetermined override condition has been met.

Abstract: A method of changing from a first gear position to a second gear position of a transmission arrangement is disclosed. The arrangement includes a rotatable transmission member, a hydrostatic continuously variable transmission coupled to the transmission member and operable to rotate the transmission member at a first speed, a controller configured to control operation of the hydrostatic continuously variable transmission, and a gear apparatus coupled to the transmission member and configured to be shiftable between at least the first gear position and the second gear position. The method includes controlling the hydrostatic continuously variable transmission, using the controller, to rotate the transmission member at the first speed, and shifting the gear apparatus from the first gear position to the second gear position while the transmission member is rotating at, or converging with, the first speed.

Abstract: If a mode-detection value is switched from an automatic shift-mode to a manual shift-mode, a T-ECU changes a shift-stage to a speed lower than a speed that is obtained before the switching of the mode-detection value. The T-ECU determines that a state of the T-ECU returns to a recognizable-state, in which a mode-selection value can be recognized, from an unrecognizable-state, in which the mode-selection value cannot be recognized. The T-ECU sets the shift-stage to a hold value after the return. The T-ECU controls the shift-stage in the automatic shift-mode “D” over a standby-period after the return. The T-ECU controls the shift-stage in the automatic shift-mode “D” until the detection of the operation of the shift-lever after the standby-period passes.

Abstract: A work vehicle control device includes: a rotation speed control unit that controls an engine rotation speed in correspondence to an accelerator pedal operation quantity indicating an operating extent of an accelerator pedal; a speed ratio detection unit that detects a ratio of speed at an input shaft and at an output shaft of a torque converter, which is disposed between the engine and wheels; a decision-making unit that makes a decision that a fuel efficiency deteriorating condition exists if the torque converter speed ratio is less than a predetermined value or if the torque converter speed ratio is equal to or greater than the predetermined value and a target engine rotation speed corresponding to an operation of the accelerator pedal is greater than a preset value; and an informing unit that informs results of the decision made by the decision-making unit.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle including plurality of engines, a plurality of mechanical loads, a plurality of electrical generators, a plurality of electrical loads, at least one load sensor, and a controller. The plurality of engines includes a first engine and a second engine. The plurality of mechanical loads includes a first mechanical load and a second mechanical load. The first mechanical load is coupled to the first engine and a second mechanical load is coupled to the second engine. The plurality of electrical generators includes a first generator and a second generator. The first generator is coupled to the first engine and the second generator is coupled to the second engine. The plurality of electrical loads can be separately coupled to the first generator or the second generator.

Abstract: An ECU executes a program including the steps of changing a target shift stage when a current shift change mode is set to an automatic shift change mode and when a driver has intention to change a shift stage, changing a shift range to an N range when he/she has intention for neutral, maintaining the automatic shift change mode when it is determined that he/she does not have intention for neutral but he/she has intention to switch the shift change mode and when such determination is made for the first time after return from the N range, and switching the shift change mode to a manual shift change mode when such determination is not made for the first time.

Abstract: A control device for an automatic transmission capable of operating in an automatic shift mode in which a gear ratio is automatically selected based on driving conditions of a vehicle, and also capable of operating in a manual shift mode in which the gear ratio is changed based on an upshift command or a downshift command by manual operation of a manual operation device, the control device includes a manual shift control unit that changes and sets the gear ratio after downshift depending on a degree of requirement for deceleration based on a driving operation when the downshift command has been operated by the manual operation device in the manual shift mode, and performs the downshift to the gear ratio that has been changed and set.

Abstract: A vehicular drive system switchable between a continuously-variable and step-variable shifting states, and a control device for controlling the vehicular drive system so as to reduce a shifting shock of an automatic transmission included in the drive system, which takes place due to an overlap control involving a switching control of the drive system and a shifting control of the automatic transmission.

Abstract: In a manual mode, a gear position of a continuously variable transmission is selected based on an input operation from a driver, a final through speed ratio is set based on the selected gear position and a variator and a sub-transmission mechanism are controlled to realize the final through speed ratio. Whether an input torque to the sub-transmission mechanism is positive or negative is determined based on an input torque to the sub-transmission mechanism when the manual mode is selected.

Abstract: The shift control unit executes a control to cause the through speed ratio to follow the final through speed ratio by changing only the speed ratio of the variator if a shift instruction is given from the driver a plurality of times in a row when the manual mode is selected, and advances the start of a change in the speed ratio of the sub-transmission mechanism or accelerates the progression of the change of the speed ratio as compared with the case where the manual mode is not selected when the speed ratio of the variator is maximized or minimized and the through speed ratio cannot follow the final through speed ratio.

Abstract: A transmission control unit reduces a hydraulic pressure of a release-side frictional engagement element which is to be released of a sub-transmission mechanism and reduces this reduction amount as an input torque to the sub-transmission mechanism increases at the time of starting a shift when a manual mode is selected, the input torque is positive and the sub-transmission mechanism is to be shifted down.

Abstract: The shift control unit shifts the sub-transmission mechanism while changing the speed ratio of the variator in response to a change in the speed ratio of the sub-transmission mechanism so that the through speed ratio does not change after the through speed ratio is caused to reach the final through speed ratio by changing only the speed ratio of the variator if the speed ratio corresponding to the shift instruction from the driver is between a first speed ratio at which the sub-transmission mechanism is in the second gear position at the high speed side and the speed ratio of the variator is lowest and a second speed ratio at which the sub-transmission mechanism is in the first gear position at the low speed side and the speed ratio of the variator is highest when the manual mode is selected.

Abstract: A device for controlling a robotised gearbox of a motor vehicle is connected to a computer/electronic control unit to switch, at will, from a manual mode to an automatic mode. The control member is a touch screen subjected to the following steps: standby; storing of first coordinates of a digital pressure; storing of second coordinates at which the pressure is released; calculating a vector between the first and second coordinates; comparing length of the vector to a predefined length, and if the vector is shorter than the predefined length, the control member returns to standby; and if equal to or longer than the predefined length, orientation of the vector is compared to a predefined angular range; if the orientation of the vector is outside the range, the control member returns to standby; if the orientation is within the range, a desired command is validated.

Abstract: A control system for an automatic transmission is provided with a manual shift mode capable of performing a shift command made by manual operation. While in the manual shift mode and during the operation of a downshift command generated by a shift lever, a manual shift control unit calculates a degree of power required by a driver that, for example, takes into consideration an operation intent of the driver and a road condition. A post-downshift shift speed is then determined in accordance with the degree of required power and downshifting performed. By performing only one downshift command through manual operation, downshifting in accordance with the degree of power required by the driver is performed. Downshifting to a shift speed desired by the driver can thus be promptly performed, without the operation becoming a burden.

Abstract: An electronically controlled locking differential includes an electromagnetic coil and a control system adapted to control operation of the differential. The control system has a module adapted to be mounted under a dashboard of a vehicle and a circuit electrically interfacing with the module. The circuit has a latching switch that is electrically connected to first and/or second sources of power and adapted to provide latching power of the differential. A latching component is electrically connected to the latching switch and adapted to provide latching power of the differential. The circuit is disabled when power to the control system is turned off and in “standby” mode when power to the control system is turned on. Upon the latching switch being activated, current flows through the circuit to activate the latching component, and the differential is actuated.

Abstract: A method is provided for initiating a parking maneuver for parallel parking a vehicle between a first object and a second object. A target parking space is measured. A determination is made whether the measured target parking space is sufficient to allow an autonomous parallel parking maneuver. A region of feasible starting locations is determined to successfully perform the parallel parking maneuver between the first object and the second object if the available parking space is sufficient. A position of a midpoint of a rear axle is determined in relation to the designated region. A determination is made whether the midpoint of the rear axle is within the designated region. A driver of the vehicle is signaled in response to an instantaneous location of the midpoint of the rear axle vehicle being a feasible starting location to initiate the parallel parking maneuver.

Abstract: An automatic transmission control unit determines whether or not a constantly open failure, in which a switch valve cannot switch a pressure regulating valve and a second hydraulic chamber to a non-communicative state, has occurred on the basis of a parameter (an inertia phase time, for example) representing a dynamic characteristic during a shift from a first gear position to a second gear position. The determination of the constantly open failure is begun after initial variation in the parameter representing the dynamic characteristic during the shift has been eliminated through learning control in which the dynamic characteristic during the shift is caused to approach a target dynamic characteristic.

Abstract: An automatic shift control is executed in an automatic transmission with 5 shift speeds of range hold type in the highest gear stage of a shift range at the manual shift mode. Upon selection of a shift mode from the automatic shift mode to the manual shift mode, the shift range at the manual shift mode is selected in accordance with the vehicle speed detected at the automatic shift mode. If the vehicle speed is in the low-speed range, the shift range 3 is selected. If the vehicle speed is in the medium-speed range, the shift range 4 is selected. If the vehicle speed is in the high-speed range, the shift range 5 is selected.