Abstract: An engine system and method for variable valve lift (VVL) diagnostic techniques are provided. In one exemplary implementation, the techniques include receiving, at a controller, a camshaft position signal indicative of detected edges of teeth of a camshaft toothed member that is coupled to a camshaft of an engine. The camshaft is configured to actuate a VVL system, which is configured to control a lift of a valve of the engine. The techniques also include calculating, at the controller, a camshaft speed signal indicative of a rotational speed of the camshaft based on the camshaft position signal. A valve stuck index (VSI) value is then calculated, at the controller, based on the camshaft speed signal. The techniques also include determining, at the controller, whether the valve is stuck based on a comparison of the VSI value to a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A method can include receiving, at a controller for an internal combustion engine, the controller having one or more processors, an intake manifold absolute pressure (MAP) signal indicative of an air pressure in an intake manifold of the engine. The method can include processing, at the controller, the MAP signal in a crank angle domain to obtain distinct portions of the MAP signal corresponding to cylinders of the engine, respectively. The method can include calculating, at the controller, a valve stuck index value based on the distinct portions of the MAP signal. The method can also include detecting, at the controller, one or more stuck valves of the engine based on the valve stuck index value and one or more thresholds.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing an estimated battery state of charge is provided. The method includes estimating a first state of charge of a battery at a first time with a state-of-charge sensor, estimating a second state of charge of the battery at the first time, calculating a difference between the first state of charge and the second state of charge, and comparing the difference between the first state of charge and the second state of charge to a predetermined value to determine whether the battery sensor is within operating parameters. A system for estimating battery state of charge is further provided.

Abstract: A method of verifying a default state of a control parameter in an automobile engine includes checking engine controller performance with the control parameter in both a default state and an alternate state. The results of the tests are then compared to verify which state is the appropriate state for the particular engine being tested. A third engine controller performance check can be made to ensure that the controller and engine perform in a repeatable manner prior to setting the state of the control parameter.

Abstract: An automatic transmission control system includes a shift map that includes predetermined ranges of vehicle speeds at which vehicle engine speeds require gear shifts for the automatic transmission based on requests for torque. The predetermined ranges include upper bounds that correspond to gear upshifts and lower bounds that correspond to gear down shifts. A shift map control module varies at least one of the predetermined ranges of vehicle speeds based on at least one vehicle condition that affects movement of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle powertrain having multiple prime movers including a primary prime mover coupled inline to a transmission and a secondary prime mover selectively coupled to the transmission by a substantially concentric coupling. A method of powertrain control is also disclosed, wherein powertrain torque demand and torque available from the primary prime mover and the transmission within its present gear ratio are determined and compared. Output of the primary prime mover is increased if the powertrain torque demand does not exceed the torque available. Otherwise, the transmission is downshifted to a lower gear ratio. Torque demand is compared to torque available from the primary prime mover and the transmission within its now downshifted gear ratio. Output of the primary prime mover is increased if torque demand does not exceed torque available. Otherwise the secondary prime mover is started, its output increased, and the transmission is shifted to a higher gear ratio.

Abstract: An engine torque management system of a V-style engine utilizes a cylinder head metal temperature sensor in each cylinder head to detect a temperature. When the sensor temperature rises above a threshold value for a particular time period, the response software shuts down the fuel injection of a bank of cylinders in which the sensor is installed. Cool, uncombusted intake air cools that bank and an external fan blows air over that bank. If the sensor in the second bank of cylinders rises above the threshold, the fuel injection on that bank shuts off to undergo cooling while the fuel injection on the first bank restarts. Alternation between the two banks occurs to maintain the desired level of torque demanded by the vehicle driver.

Abstract: A method for controlling a powertrain in a motor vehicle having a first torque source and a second torque source each providing a torque output to a transmission includes determining a vehicle speed and a current gear selection of the motor vehicle. A threshold value is calculated from the vehicle speed and the current gear selection. An accelerator position of the motor vehicle is then determined. An accelerator position rate of change is calculated from the accelerator position. The accelerator position rate of change is compared to the threshold value. The torque output from the first torque source is increased if the accelerator position rate of change is less than the threshold value. However, the transmission is downshifted if the accelerator position rate of change is greater than the threshold value.

Abstract: A dual displacement engine system is provided including a first crankshaft for providing driving torque to a transmission and a second crankshaft that can be utilized to supplement the driving torque of the first engine crankshaft to meet higher torque demand requirements. An overrunning clutch device is provided for introducing the torque provided by the secondary engine crankshaft.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a power train system for a hybrid electric vehicle. The method includes a torque distribution strategy for controlling the engine and the electric motor. The engine and motor commands are determined based upon the accelerator position, the battery state of charge and the amount of engine and motor torque available. The amount of torque requested for the engine is restricted by a limited rate of rise in order to reduce the emissions from the engine. The limited engine torque is supplemented by motor torque in order to meet a torque request determined based upon the accelerator position.