Abstract: A fuel vapor control module for a vehicle comprises a refill diagnostic module, a refill volume calculation module, a canister loading module, and a purge adjustment module. The refill diagnostic module diagnoses a refueling event when an engine is started. The refueling volume calculation module determines a refueling volume based on a difference between a first fuel volume measured before the refueling event and a second fuel volume measured after the refueling event. The canister loading module determines a canister loading value based on the refueling volume, wherein the canister loading value corresponds to a ratio of a volume of a vapor canister to a volume of fuel vapor within the vapor canister. The purge adjustment module adjusts a fuel purge rate from the vapor canister based on the canister loading value.

Abstract: A fuel vapor control module for a vehicle comprises a refill diagnostic module, a refill volume calculation module, a canister loading module, and a purge adjustment module. The refill diagnostic module diagnoses a refueling event when an engine is started. The refueling volume calculation module determines a refueling volume based on a difference between a first fuel volume measured before the refueling event and a second fuel volume measured after the refueling event. The canister loading module determines a canister loading value based on the refueling volume, wherein the canister loading value corresponds to a ratio of a volume of a vapor canister to a volume of fuel vapor within the vapor canister. The purge adjustment module adjusts a fuel purge rate from the vapor canister based on the canister loading value.

Abstract: An engine control system and method include determining which engine cylinder is performing at a level differently than a majority of the other cylinders. Whenever a cylinder output is below that of the other cylinders, an engine performance variable, such as the spark angle, preferably is adjusted to bring the cylinder indicated mean effective pressure into conformance with that of the other cylinders. By adjusting the individual cylinder performance variable, engine performance is brought to a desired level of smoothness, especially under conditions such as engine idle.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided with an electronic throttle control that electronically senses and interprets an operator demand at the accelerator pedal. This signal is communicated to a throttle control which then opens or closes the throttle accordingly. Information with regard to the driver demand, the throttle position, and preferably braking and accident signals are all stored in a memory. In the case of an accident, this information can identify whether the driver was at fault for a particular accident.

Abstract: An engine control system and method include determining which engine cylinder is performing at a level differently than a majority of the other cylinders. Whenever a cylinder output is below that of the other cylinders, an engine performance variable, such as the spark angle, preferably is adjusted to bring the cylinder indicated mean effective pressure into conformance with that of the other cylinders. By adjusting the individual cylinder performance variable, engine performance is brought to a desired level of smoothness, especially under conditions such as engine idle.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is provided having a crankshaft which rotates in an actual crankshaft speed. An accessory drive is driven by the crankshaft and includes an accessory drive component, such as an alternator, which produces a load on the crankshaft. A speed sensor senses an engine speed associated with the actual crankshaft speed and produces a speed signal. A controller sends a control signal to the accessory drive component in response to the speed signal to change the load of the accessory drive component and maintain the actual crankshaft speed at a target crankshaft speed. If sufficient control of the engine speed is not possible by changing the load of the accessory drive component alone, the throttle may also be changed to overcome the load fluctuations of the engine and assist the control provided by the accessory drive component.

Abstract: A method of automobile engine fuel control is disclosed which senses the condition of the automobile's catalytic converter for the purpose of varying the fuel control function to optimize the performance of the catalytic converter and lower the automobile's tail pipe emissions. In accordance with the method of the present invention, the oxygen storage capacity of the catalytic converter is determined from the oxygen content in the automobile's exhaust metering by sensors located before and after the catalytic converter. Where the oxygen storage capacity of the catalytic converter is high, such as in a new automobile, a higher proportional gain is used in metering the amount of fuel to be sprayed into to engine in response to a lean or rich fuel condition. Conversely, where the oxygen storage capacity is reduced, such as in the catalytic converter in a old car, a smaller proportional gain is used in metering the amount of fuel to be sprayed into the engine.