Abstract: In a spark-ignition internal combustion engine having multiple cylinders, successive segment time periods assigned to the individual cylinders during working strokes thereof, and subsequently irregular running values are determined from the segment time periods. In a predefined speed range of the engine, the irregular running values of the cylinders are compared with a predefined threshold, and suspected auto-ignition for a first cylinder is detected if the irregular running value of a second cylinder located before the first cylinder in terms of timing of the ignition sequence undershoots the threshold. Fuel to the first cylinder suspected of auto-ignition is interrupted for a predefined number of cycles, and the fuel interruption influence on the irregular running values of the second cylinder during the cycles is detected. The suspected auto-ignition of the first cylinder is either confirmed or rejected based on the irregular running values occurring at the second cylinder.

Abstract: In a spark-ignition internal combustion engine having multiple cylinders, successive segment time periods assigned to the individual cylinders during working strokes thereof, and subsequently irregular running values are determined from the segment time periods. In a predefined speed range of the engine, the irregular running values of the cylinders are compared with a predefined threshold, and suspected auto-ignition for a first cylinder is detected if the irregular running value of a second cylinder located before the first cylinder in terms of timing of the ignition sequence undershoots the threshold. Fuel to the first cylinder suspected of auto-ignition is interrupted for a predefined number of cycles, and the fuel interruption influence on the irregular running values of the second cylinder during the cycles is detected. The suspected auto-ignition of the first cylinder is either confirmed or rejected based on the irregular running values occurring at the second cylinder.

Abstract: A control device may include an actuator for actuating a final control element on a cooling system of an internal combustion engine and a sensor for scanning a position of the final control element. A method for checking the control device may include the steps of triggering the actuator with a predetermined control signal, determining a progression of the control position scanned by the sensor, and determining the functional capability of the mechanical coupling of the actuator to the final control element on the basis of the predetermined control signal and the determined progression.

Abstract: A control device may include an actuator for actuating a final control element on a cooling system of an internal combustion engine and a sensor for scanning a position of the final control element. A method for checking the control device may include the steps of triggering the actuator with a predetermined control signal, determining a progression of the control position scanned by the sensor, and determining the functional capability of the mechanical coupling of the actuator to the final control element on the basis of the predetermined control signal and the determined progression.