Abstract: Methods and systems are described to automatically lock and unlock a front axle disconnect mechanism in an all-wheel drive (AWD) system responsive to driving conditions to reduce parasitic losses and increase fuel efficiency. A control algorithm is described which automatically determines whether the front axle disconnect mechanism should lock or unlock responsive to various sensor readings throughout the vehicle. The sensor readings relate to the driving conditions. Advantageously, the present disclosure automatically decides the best mode for optimum fuel economy while safely responding to driving conditions, and therefore removes the requirement for a driver to select the operating mode.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described to automatically lock and unlock a front axle disconnect mechanism in an all-wheel drive (AWD) system responsive to driving conditions to reduce parasitic losses and increase fuel efficiency. A control algorithm is described which automatically determines whether the front axle disconnect mechanism should lock or unlock responsive to various sensor readings throughout the vehicle. The sensor readings relate to the driving conditions. Advantageously, the present disclosure automatically decides the best mode for optimum fuel economy while safely responding to driving conditions, and therefore removes the requirement for a driver to select the operating mode.

Abstract: A battery tray for a motor vehicle which substantially reduces the accidental spill of acid to other parts of the motor vehicle is disclosed. The battery tray includes a planar surface, a front wall, a back wall, and first and second side walls. A first drain trough is disposed on the center of the floor, and a second drain trough is connected to the first drain trough through a drain passage. A third drain trough is offset at an angle from the second trough. The battery tray also includes a drain hole disposed on the third trough and a removable hose attached to the drain hole. The pitch of the troughs are angled in such a way to prevent any acid spill from contacting other parts of the motor vehicle and to direct the flow of the acid towards the drain hole and away from motor vehicle parts.

Abstract: A wheel well liner for a motor vehicle includes a first portion and a second portion. The first and second portions are connected by a living hinge. Preferably, the wheel liner is injection molded to include the first portion, the second portion and the living hinge.

Abstract: A support for a front suspension system in vehicles is disclosed. The front suspension system support of the present invention creates an opening between side members of a frame of the vehicle which is longitudinally between the transverse axis of the vehicle front wheels. The opening is utilized to place a radiator between the front wheels of the vehicle with the radiator supported between the frame longitudinal members.

Abstract: A rear leaf spring support for vehicles having a frame which includes a pair of spaced apart side members tapering inward from a rear portion of the vehicle to a front portion of the vehicle is disclosed. A pair of shackle supports, one for each spring, are affixed the frame at the frame rear portion. A pair of front spring supports, one for each spring are affixed a lower flange of the frame vertically above a forward end of the spring. Each front spring support comprises an upper wall affixed a lower flange of the frame side member, an inner edge aligned with an inner edge of the shackle support integral with the upper wall, an outer edge spaced outward from the frame aligned with an outer edge of the shackle support integral with the upper wall, the inner and outer walls extending downward a distance parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. A forward end of the spring is positioned between the inner and outer walls and pivotally attached thereto.