Abstract: A system including a computer programmed to actuate a spray device on a first vehicle and to receive an image, from a second vehicle, of the actuated spray device. The computer determines whether a spray device fault exists based at least on the image of the actuated spray device, and transmits the spray device fault via a first vehicle communications network.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for conducting an evaporative emissions test diagnostic on a vehicle fuel system and evaporative emissions control system during engine-on conditions. In one example, a first fuel vapor storage device is separated from a second fuel vapor storage device by a one-way check valve, thus preventing loading of the first fuel vapor storage device during conditions such as refueling operations, diurnal temperature fluctuations, or from running-loss vapors from a vehicle fuel tank. In this way, the evaporative emissions test diagnostic may be conducted during a cold-start event where an exhaust catalyst is below a predetermined threshold temperature required for catalytic oxidation of hydrocarbons in the engine exhaust, without increasing undesired exhaust emissions.

Abstract: Example methods and apparatus to ensure grounding between vehicles during a vehicle-to-vehicle refueling operation are described herein. An example vehicle described herein is to receive fuel from a refueling vehicle via a vehicle-to-vehicle refueling operation. The example vehicle includes a fuel tank having a vent passageway, a valve coupled to the vent passageway, and a controller to close the valve if the vehicle and the refueling vehicle are not electrically coupled during the vehicle-to-vehicle refueling operation.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture to relocate vehicles based on vehicle and environmental characteristics are disclosed. A vehicle includes a sensor to determine a temperature of an environment surrounding the vehicle, a vehicle identifier to determine a characteristic of the vehicle, and a parking spot selector to select a parking spot based on the temperature and the characteristic of the vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for conducting a fuel tank pressure transducer rationality test diagnostic procedure in vehicles with sealed fuel tanks. In one example, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) or vehicle-to-infrastructure-to-vehicle (V2I2V) technology may be utilized to obtain fuel tank pressure transducer data from a select crowd of vehicles, where the select crowd may be based on the vehicles in the select crowd experiencing similar ambient temperature and weather as the vehicle being diagnosed. In this way, FTPT data from vehicles in the select crowd may be compared to FTPT data in the vehicle being diagnosed, in order to indicate whether the FTPT in the vehicle being diagnosed is functioning as desired, where such a diagnostic can be performed without unsealing the fuel tank on either the vehicle being diagnosed or the vehicles in the select crowd, and which may thus reduce undesired evaporative emissions.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for conducting diagnostics to indicate whether a fuel system and/or an evaporative emissions system of a vehicle has a source of undesired evaporative emissions, or not. In one example, a method comprises conducting such a diagnostic via evacuating the fuel system to a target vacuum, then sealing the fuel system from atmosphere and monitoring a pressure bleed-up in the fuel system, and dynamically adjusting a pressure bleed-up threshold responsive to one or more conditions that impact the pressure bleed-up during the diagnostic, and indicating undesired evaporative emissions responsive to the pressure bleed-up reaching the adjusted pressure bleed-up threshold. In this way, interpretation of the results of such a diagnostic may be more robust, completion rates may improve, and engine operation may be improved.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for automotive vehicles respond to earthquake warnings to provide occupant awareness of potential hazards while taking autonomous actions such as slowing the vehicle, navigating to a safe location, and providing safety advice. Data gathered by the vehicle can be sent wirelessly to a remote center for coordinating emergency response using the data. The vehicle preferably comprises a powertrain, a plurality of vehicle accessory systems, and an emergency management controller. The controller is adapted to receive an earthquake warning message. The controller responds to the warning message by providing a power conservation command to at least one accessory system to reduce power consumption by at least one respective noncritical accessory function. In addition, it evaluates a vehicle mobility status and automatically launches a corresponding safety measure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining operation of a cylinder deactivating/reactivating device are disclosed. In one example, a direction of engine rotation is selected to maximize air flow through the engine while the engine is rotated without combusting air and fuel. Operation of one or more cylinder valve deactivating mechanisms is assessed while the engine is rotated without combusting air and fuel.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for preheating a fuel vapor storage canister in an evaporative emissions system prior to a vehicle start. In one example, a method may include learning common vehicle routes and identifying routes in which fuel vapor storage canister preheating is indicated, such as routes that will enable fuel vapors to be purged to an engine intake shortly after the vehicle start. Then, in anticipation of an identified route for fuel vapor storage canister preheating, a vehicle controller may be transitioned from a sleep mode to an awake mode prior to the vehicle start in order to commence a fuel vapor storage canister preheating routine.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for conducting an engine-off-natural-vacuum (EONV) test diagnostic on a vehicle fuel system and evaporative emissions system. In one example, a method may include setting an initial vent duration for the EONV test as a function of a likelihood that the vehicle will pass the EONV test during a pressure phase portion, or during a vacuum phase portion, and commencing the EONV test with the vacuum phase portion responsive to the likelihood that the vehicle will pass during the vacuum phase portion. In this way, battery power may be conserved and fuel economy improved, by avoiding a pressure phase portion of the EONV test if it is indicated that the vehicle is not expected to pass the EONV test during the pressure phase portion.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon sensor diagnosis system includes a computer programmed to collect data from a hydrocarbon sensor while an exhaust gas recirculation system is in an open state. The hydrocarbon sensor is mounted along an engine air intake between an exhaust port of the exhaust gas recirculation system and an intake port of a cylinder head. The computer is further programmed to determine whether a hydrocarbon sensor fault exists based at least on the collected data.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for drying a wet-fouled spark plug during engine flooding conditions. In one example, a method may include, reverse rotating the engine unfueled and activating a heating element of an exhaust catalyst to flow heated ambient air through the combustion chamber to dry the wet-fouled spark plug.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for regulating evaporative emissions from a fuel system. In one example, a method may comprise spinning an engine unfueled responsive to a hydrocarbon concentration at a fresh air end of a fuel vapor canister increasing above a first threshold. The method may comprise spinning the engine to pull hydrocarbons away until a hydrocarbon concentration at a purge end of the fuel vapor canister, opposite the fresh air end, increases above a second threshold.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for diagnosing variable oil pump degradation. In one example, a method may include cranking an engine with a motor and monitoring the motor current draw from a battery during cranking. The method may indicate degradation of a variable oil pump coupled to the engine by comparing the motor current draw with a baseline current level.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for determining engine knock sensor degradation. In one example, a method may include sending an excitation signal to an actuator to generate vibrations in the absence of engine combustion, and determining engine knock sensor degradation by comparing the knock sensor output with the excitation signal.

Abstract: A method is presented, comprising, during a first condition, including an active refueling event, receiving an indication of hydrocarbon breakthrough from the fuel vapor canister; and flowing refueling vapors into an intake manifold responsive to the indication of hydrocarbon breakthrough. Flowing refueling vapors into an intake manifold traps the vapors there until engine start-up, when the vapor can be combusted by the engine. In this way, refueling emissions may be reduced, even if the fuel vapor canister is saturated prior to, or during the refueling event.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for diagnostics of an intake air system hydrocarbon (AIS HC) trap during vehicle-off conditions. In one example, a method may include generating fuel vapor in a fuel tank, directing the generated vapor to the AIS HC trap, and then actively purging the AIS HC trap. Degradation of the AIS HC trap may be indicated based on an exhaust air fuel ratio during the active purging of the AIS HC trap.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for diagnosing temperature sensors of a vehicle. In one example, a method may include, at a duration after an engine-off event, determining that an intake air temperature measured by an intake air temperature sensor of the vehicle is greater than an ambient air temperature measured by an ambient air temperature sensor of the vehicle. In response to the determining, the method may include flowing ambient air across the intake air temperature sensor, and indicating the ambient air temperature sensor is functional responsive to the intake air temperature converging to the ambient air temperature during the flowing.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for diagnosing temperature sensors of a vehicle. In one example, a method may include, at a duration after an engine-off event, determining that an intake air temperature measured by an intake air temperature sensor of the vehicle is less than an ambient air temperature measured by an ambient air temperature sensor of the vehicle. In response to the determining, the method may include flowing air from a catalyst across the intake air temperature sensor; and indicating the intake air temperature sensor is functional responsive to the intake air temperature converging to the ambient air temperature during the flowing.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for detecting leaks in an intake manifold of an engine. In one example, a method may include closing all intake valves of all cylinders of the engine during an engine shut down responsive to vacuum in the intake manifold reaching a pre-determined vacuum level. The method may further include indicating a leak in the intake manifold responsive to a change in a level of vacuum in the intake manifold after closing all the intake valves of all cylinders.