Abstract: A vehicle system includes an autonomous mode controller configured to control at least one vehicle subsystem when operating in an autonomous mode and a processing device configured to monitor a vehicle condition, compare the vehicle condition to a parameter defined by a maintenance schedule, and disable the autonomous mode when the vehicle condition exceeds the parameter and until the vehicle condition is reset. A method includes monitoring a vehicle condition while a vehicle is operating in an autonomous mode, comparing the vehicle condition to a parameter defined by a maintenance schedule, and disabling the autonomous mode when the vehicle condition exceeds the parameter and until the vehicle condition is reset.

Abstract: An exhaust system for an engine is provided herein. The exhaust system includes an emission control device and an exhaust manifold having a plurality of runners merging at a confluence section positioned upstream of the emission control device. The exhaust system further includes a mixer plate positioned in the confluence section, the mixer plate including a central opening and a plurality of louvered vents positioned axially around the central opening, the louvered vents having angled openings facing a common rotational direction.

Abstract: A transmission gearing arrangement produces nine forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio by selective engagement of three shift elements in various combinations. Some embodiments includes four simple planetary gear sets and six shift elements of which two may be brakes. Other alternative embodiments may additionally include a third brake.

Abstract: A method for exiting the vehicle transport mode including placing the vehicle ignition in a predetermined position, monitoring the fuel level and exiting the vehicle transport mode when the fuel level exceeds a predetermined threshold. The method may also include the step of monitoring the inclination angle of the vehicle and maintaining the vehicle in the vehicle transport mode when the inclination angle exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A vehicle system includes an autonomous mode controller and an entertainment system controller. The autonomous mode controller controls a vehicle in an autonomous mode. The entertainment system controller presents media content on a first display while the vehicle is operating in the autonomous mode and on a second display when the vehicle is operating in a non-autonomous mode. A method includes determining whether a vehicle is operating in an autonomous mode, presenting media content on a first display while the vehicle is operating in the autonomous mode, and transferring presentation of the media content to a second display when the vehicle is operating in a non-autonomous mode.

Abstract: A vehicle system includes an autonomous mode controller that controls a vehicle in an autonomous mode and an entertainment system controller that presents media content while the vehicle is operating in the autonomous mode. The entertainment system actuates a projection screen inside a passenger compartment of the vehicle and enables a projector to project media content onto the projection screen. A method includes determining whether a vehicle is operating in an autonomous mode, and if so, actuating a projection screen inside a passenger compartment of the vehicle and enabling a projector to project media content onto the projection screen.

Abstract: An axle assembly includes first and second spiral bevel gears meshing with a pinion, a gearset including a sun gear secured to the first bevel gear, a ring gear secured to the second bevel gear, and planet pinions supported on a carrier and meshing with the sun gear and ring gear, and a differential including an input secured to the carrier, and first and second outputs secured, respectively to first and second output shafts.

Abstract: A steering system for a vehicle is disclosed. The steering system may have a steering linkage and a controller. When operation of the steering system is within a predefined relative rotational range, the controller may be programmed to translate steering motion to a steering gear box through a motor. Operation of the steering system outside the predefined rotational limit actuates the steering linkage. Once the steering linkage is actuated, steering motion is translated to the steering gear box directly through the steering linkage.

Abstract: A method and system for testing an evaporative emission control system for leaks. The method includes opening a canister purge valve by an amount sufficient to provide a flow equivalent to a predetermined orifice diameter. Then, a vacuum pump evacuates a reference volume consisting of the portion of the evaporative emission control system extending from the canister purge valve to an evacuation level control monitor. The system determines the pressure in the reference volume at the end of a specified evacuation time, and that value is stored as the threshold test value. Then, the system closes the canister purge valve and proceeds to evacuate the entire evaporative emission control system for a predetermined time. At the end of that time, the system identifies the absence of a leak if the system pressure falls at least to the threshold test value. A powertrain control module controls the canister purge valve.

Abstract: A method for detecting leaks in an evaporative emission control system. The method begins by activating a PCM at a selected interval, for a selected period. During the selected period, the PCM monitors system pressure and temperature. The PCM then determines a relationship between changes in system temperature and changes in system pressure, and it identifies a leak based on predetermined criteria related to the relationship. The relationship can be the ideal gas law, which allows the calculation of an expected pressure, based upon differences in temperature. If the actual pressure is considerably below the expected pressure, then one can infer the presence of a leak.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating an engine that includes an exhaust gas heat recovery system are described. The system may selectively or contemporaneously supply energy from engine exhaust gas to generate electricity or warm the engine. In one example, exhaust gas energy raises a temperature of a heat transfer medium and the heat transfer medium is routed to an engine coolant heat exchanger or an expander via a bypass valve.

Abstract: A diagnostic device having a computer processor in communication with a wireless transceiver, the wireless transceiver capable of communication with a remote computer located remotely from the processor. The computer processor may be configured to enable the diagnostic device to select one or more variables from a database in communication with the remote computer. The computer processor may generate a diagnostic instruction for a vehicle based on the one or more variables, the diagnostic instruction including data from memory of one or more modules that is not available on a vehicle network. The diagnostic device may transmit the custom diagnostic instruction to a vehicle in communication with the remote computer. The diagnostic device may receive at least a portion of the data in response to the diagnostic instruction from the vehicle.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to receive a request from a technician for a software configuration. Further, the processor is configured to send a current software configuration responsive to the request, while maintain verbal communication between the technician and a vehicle occupant. The processor is also configured to receive instructions, relayed from the technician, for installing a software update. Additionally, the processor is configured to process the software update to update the software configuration. The processor is also configured to contact the technician with confirmation of the processed software update upon completion of the update.

Abstract: An oxygen reduction reaction catalyst and method for making the catalyst includes a graphitized carbon substrate with an amorphous metal oxide layer overlying the surface of the substrate. The amorphous metal oxide layer has a worm-like structure. A catalyst overlies the metal oxide layer.

Abstract: A tailgate hinge is part of a tailgate assembly and is attached to the rear sill of a pick-up truck bed. The tailgate hinge includes a stationary hinge bracket and a pivotal hinge bracket that are connected by a hinge pin. The pivotal hinge bracket includes a detachment slot. The hinge pin has a pair of flats that permit the hinge pin to pass through the detachment slot when the tailgate is at a predetermined angular orientation.

Abstract: A vehicle computing system having a computer processor in communication with a wireless transceiver, such that the wireless transceiver is capable of communication with a wireless communication device located remotely from the processor. The computer processor is configured to receive one or more instructions from a remote server through the wireless communication device. The processor may request a memory read from one or more modules based on the one or more instructions, wherein the memory read includes at least one variable that is not available on a vehicle network. The processor may receive data based on the memory read from the one or more modules and transmit the data to the remote server.

Abstract: A method for operating a solenoid valve coupled to the inlet valve of a fuel injection pump comprises adjusting a pull-in electrical energy of the solenoid valve based on a fuel injection pump volumetric efficiency.

Abstract: Embodiments for controlling fuel vapors are provided. In one example, a method comprises initiating a purge of a fuel vapor canister responsive to a temperature profile at a vent side of the fuel vapor canister. In this way, release of fuel vapors to the atmosphere may be reduced.

Abstract: A system includes a blower controller that controls the operation of at least one vehicle blower and a processing device that receives a user input associated with operation of the vehicle blower, detects whether a mobile device is in use, and commands the blower controller to control the operation of the at least one vehicle blower according to the user input while the mobile device is in use. A method includes receiving a user input associated with operation of at least one vehicle blower, detecting whether a mobile device is in use, and commanding a blower controller to control the operation of the at least one vehicle blower according to the user input while the mobile device is in use.

Abstract: Route planning for road vehicles is performed taking into account a ride quality that results from the roadway conditions along road segments on a route. A plurality of vehicles equipped with controlled suspensions calculate ride quality indices as the vehicles move over a plurality of road segments. The plurality of vehicles transmit the ride quality indices tagged with respective geographic coordinates to an aggregating server. The aggregating server determines a composite ride quality index for each road segment. A subscriber generates a route planning request identifying an origin and a destination. At least one potential route is identified between the origin and the destination comprised of selected road segments. A route ride quality index is determined in response to the selected road segments, and the potential route and the route ride quality index are presented to the subscriber for selection.