Abstract: Methods and systems for operating an engine including an external exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system are presented. In one non-limiting example, output of a differential pressure sensor and output of an intake manifold pressure sensor are used as a basis for determining whether or not EGR system degradation is present while an engine is operating at conditions other than engine idle conditions.

Abstract: Methods and systems for improving operation of a vehicle driveline that includes an engine and an automatic transmission with a torque converter are presented. In one non-limiting example, the engine may be stopped while a vehicle in which the engine operates is rolling. A transmission coupled to the engine may be shifted as the vehicle rolls so that vehicle response may be improved if a driver requests an increase of engine torque.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a vehicle equipped with an automatic stop and start system is disclosed. The vehicle includes an internal combustion engine, an automatic transmission and a fluid launch device with an impeller disconnect clutch. A controller may initiate an automatic stop or start of the engine under certain operating conditions. During an engine start/stop event, the engine is automatically shut down and the impeller clutch of the fluid launch device may be disengaged to decouple the engine and transmission from the driveline to provide for improved fuel economy and reduced emissions.

Abstract: A method and system for improving starting of an engine is presented. In one example, the method selects a first cylinder to receive fuel since engine stop the cylinder's position relative to the cylinder's top-dead-center compression stroke. The method also describes adjusting a number of fuel injections for a first combustion event since engine stop.

Abstract: Methods and systems for improving operation of a vehicle driveline that includes an engine and an automatic transmission with a torque converter are presented. In one non-limiting example, the engine may be stopped while a vehicle in which the engine operates is rolling. A transmission coupled to the engine may be shifted as the vehicle rolls so that vehicle response may be improved if a driver requests an increase of engine torque.

Abstract: Systems and methods for positioning an engine during engine stopping and during vehicle activation are described. In one example, a belt integrated starter/generator rotates an engine before the engine is started to reduce engine starting time and determine engine position before the engine is started. The engine may be rotated to a first or second position based on a destination of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a vehicle equipped with an automatic stop and start system is disclosed. The vehicle includes an internal combustion engine, an automatic transmission and a fluid launch device with an impeller disconnect clutch. A controller may initiate an automatic stop or start of the engine under certain operating conditions. During an engine start/stop event, the engine is automatically shut down and the impeller clutch of the fluid launch device may be disengaged to decouple the engine and transmission from the driveline to provide for improved fuel economy and reduced emissions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for starting an engine of a hybrid vehicle are disclosed. The systems and methods disclosed may apply to series or parallel hybrid driveline configurations. In one example, engine cranking torque may be adjusted in response to a variety of operating conditions so that the engine may be started faster or slower.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a hybrid vehicle driveline that includes an engine and a motor are presented. In one example, the systems and methods include one or more control modes where engine and/or motor speed or torque is adjusted responsive to different control parameters during a vehicle launch from zero speed or a creep speed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a transmission of a hybrid vehicle's driveline are presented. In one example, the systems and methods adjust operation of an electrically driven transmission pump that supplies transmission fluid to one or more transmission components in response to a rotational stopping position of a mechanically drive transmission pump.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling engine starting in a hybrid vehicle having an engine, a first electric machine selectively coupled to the engine by a first clutch, a second electric machine coupled to the engine, a step-ratio transmission selectively coupled to the electric machine by a second clutch include starting the engine using either the first electric machine or the second electric machine based on engine stop position. The first electric machine may be a low voltage starter motor or integrated starter-generator. The system and method may use the first electric machine when the engine stop position is within a specified range of positions relative to a piston top dead center position associated with higher cranking torques.

Abstract: A controller adjust a clutch actuator position is response to movement of a clutch pedal. During an engagement or a disengagement, the controller monitors sensor signals to determine the actuator position corresponding to the touch point. The sensors may directly indicate clutch torque or may respond indirectly. A Giant Magneto Resistive (GMR) sensor provides a precise shaft rotational position signal which can be twice numerically differentiated to yield an accurate and stable acceleration signal. The controller updates the touch point based on a change in the sensed acceleration or torque. The controller then adjusts the relationship of actuator pedal position to clutch pedal position, making mechanical wear adjustment unnecessary.

Abstract: Systems and methods for starting an engine of a hybrid vehicle are disclosed. The systems and methods disclosed may apply to series or parallel hybrid driveline configurations. In one example, engine cranking torque may be adjusted in response to a variety of operating conditions so that the engine may be started faster or slower.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a vehicle that includes a manual transmission are presented. In one example, a clutch actuator that responds to a position of a manual operated clutch pedal is adjusted to operate a clutch so that the vehicle may be stopped, while the engine is running or not, without the driver applying the clutch pedal.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a vehicle powertrain includes a controller that is operative to automatically control at least one powertrain function other than engine torque based on a measured torque and a predetermined torque range. The predetermined torque range is based on a first engine torque estimate. The measured torque is related to actual engine torque, and can be measured directly at the engine crankshaft, or in another location in the powertrain and then transferred to the engine space.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an internal combustion engine include anticipating vehicle launch in response to vehicle position relative to a traffic stream and controlling automatic restart and shut down in response to an anticipated vehicle launch to prevent an automatic engine shut down or to initiate an automatic engine restart. Embodiments include determining vehicle position and traffic position using GPS coordinates. Automatic restart may be initiated in response to movement of a forward vehicle away from the vehicle or in response to a signal from a traffic control device, for example. Automatic shutdown may be inhibited in response to movement of a forward vehicle in cross traffic, in response to a turn indicator being active, or in response to wheel angle, for example.

Abstract: A parallel hybrid vehicle includes an engine and a motor separated along a driveshaft by a clutch. The motor can operate (either alone or in combination with the engine) to provide positive drive torque to the wheels. The motor can also act as a generator and provide negative torque when converting mechanical energy from the driveshaft into mechanical energy to be stored in a battery. The clutch selectively couples the motor to the engine. Torque and its effects on the clutch can vary dramatically when the motor changes from providing positive and negative torque, and vice versa, while the engine is running. At least one controller in the vehicle is programmed to, while the engine is running, initiate an increase in pressure at the clutch in response to an anticipated change in torque provided by the motor from positive to negative or from negative to positive.

Abstract: A manual transmission is partially automated by utilizing a controller to regulate the torque capacity of the clutch. Under most circumstances, the controller manipulates the clutch according to driver manipulation of a clutch pedal to simulate a non-automated manual transmission. However, to save fuel, the controller may enter a sailing mode in which the clutch is disengaged without the driver depressing the clutch pedal. The controller exits sailing mode in response to the vehicle speed decreasing below a threshold which is a function of the currently selected gear ratio. The threshold is selected such that the engine will not stall and will be able to generate sufficient power for acceleration when the clutch is re-engaged to exit sailing mode. In order to extend the use of sailing mode, the controller may activate a downshift indicator at a slightly higher speed threshold to encourage the driver to downshift.

Abstract: Systems and methods for shifting a transmission of a hybrid driveline that include a torque converter with a lockup clutch are presented. The systems and methods may adjust a feedforward motor torque command to match application of motor torque to a time that a gear clutch closes so that shifting may be improved and so that driveline torque disturbances may be less noticeable.

Abstract: Methods and systems for improving operation of a vehicle driveline that includes an engine and an automatic transmission with a torque converter are presented. In one non-limiting example, the engine may be stopped while a vehicle in which the engine operates is rolling. A transmission coupled to the engine may be shifted as the vehicle rolls so that vehicle response may be improved if a driver requests an increase of engine torque.