Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjust spark timing based on ambient humidity and transient tip-in parameters. In one example, a method may include, during a tip-in, retarding spark timing based on each of ambient humidity, peak air charge, and rate of change of air charge. As such, the spark timing retard may be higher at lower humidity levels, and the spark timing retard may be lower at higher humidity levels.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting a compression ratio of a variable compression ratio (VCR) engine during engine shutdown. In one example, a method (or system) may include actuating a VCR mechanism from a higher compression ratio setting to a lower compression ratio setting after a last combustion event and before the engine spins down to rest. In this way, engine shake, for example, due to piston bounce-back, may be reduced.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to receive identification of a vehicle system-usage parameter. The processor is also configured to receive identification of a vehicle model in which to track the parameter. Further, the processor is configured to transmit the parameter to wirelessly connected vehicles of the identified model. The processor is additionally configured to receive usage-related tracking data corresponding to the parameter from the wirelessly connected vehicles. The processor is also configured to determine if usage-related tracking data indicates usage below a predefined threshold and report determined usage-related tracking data when the usage is below the threshold.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to receive vehicle data from a plurality of vehicles. The processor is also configured to save the data with respect to a reporting vehicle. Further, the processor is configured to associate the data with any recent reporting vehicle repairs. The processor is additionally configured to analyze the associated data with respect to other vehicles having similar repairs to determine root causes of malfunction leading to the repair and save a record of identified causes of the malfunction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an internal combustion engine include an ignition coil that generates a pre-discharge ionization signal during charging of the ignition coil after reaching a first threshold charge level and prior to spark discharge and a controller that determines an engine operating condition, such as pre-ignition or plug fouling, in response to the pre-discharge ionization signal. The ignition coil may also generate digital feedback and ionization signals used to by the controller to control ignition coil dwell and repetitive sparking, as well as providing various combustion diagnostics.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an internal combustion engine include an ignition coil that generates a pre-discharge ionization signal during charging of the ignition coil after reaching a first threshold charge level and prior to spark discharge and a controller that determines an engine operating condition, such as pre-ignition or plug fouling, in response to the pre-discharge ionization signal. The ignition coil may also generate digital feedback and ionization signals used to by the controller for to control ignition coil dwell and repetitive sparking, as well as providing various combustion diagnostics.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an internal combustion engine include determining presence of charge dilution and selecting a spark restrike mode to provide multiple spark events during a single combustion cycle. Charge dilution may be determined based on commanded air/fuel ratio and exhaust gas recirculation, for example. Multiple spark events may be controlled using time-based restrike or current-based restrike in response to one or more operating parameters or conditions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an internal combustion engine include adjusting fuel delivered to a cylinder during a transient event by an amount indexed by number of combustion events after detecting the transient event. A base fueling parameter may be adjusted by an adaptive correction value indexed by combustion events after the transient event is detected, with the adaptive value determined using air/fuel ratio difference of previous combustion events during similar transient operating conditions associated with the same combustion event index number. Ionization sensor signal characteristics may be used to determine actual air/fuel ratios used to determine the air/fuel ratio difference and corresponding adaptive correction values. The adaptive values may be modified in response to a vehicle refueling event based on an amount of added fuel relative to existing fuel in the vehicle fuel tank.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an internal combustion engine include determining presence of charge dilution and selecting a spark restrike mode to provide multiple spark events during a single combustion cycle. Charge dilution may be determined based on commanded air/fuel ratio and exhaust gas recirculation, for example. Multiple spark events may be controlled using time-based restrike or current-based restrike in response to one or more operating parameters or conditions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an internal combustion engine include an ignition coil that generates a pre-discharge ionization signal during charging of the ignition coil after reaching a first threshold charge level and prior to spark discharge and a controller that determines an engine operating condition, such as pre-ignition or plug fouling, in response to the pre-discharge ionization signal. The ignition coil may also generate digital feedback and ionization signals used to by the controller for to control ignition coil dwell and repetitive sparking, as well as providing various combustion diagnostics.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an internal combustion engine include adjusting fuel delivered to a cylinder during a transient event by an amount indexed by number of combustion events after detecting the transient event. A base fueling parameter may be adjusted by an adaptive correction value indexed by combustion events after the transient event is detected, with the adaptive value determined using air/fuel ratio difference of previous combustion events during similar transient operating conditions associated with the same combustion event index number. Ionization sensor signal characteristics may be used to determine actual air/fuel ratios used to determine the air/fuel ratio difference and corresponding adaptive correction values. The adaptive values may be modified in response to a vehicle refueling event based on an amount of added fuel relative to existing fuel in the vehicle fuel tank.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting an operating mode of an engine or engine component modulate a first engine parameter and analyze a change in a second engine parameter in response to modulating the first engine parameter to detect a current operating mode based on changes in at least one of the first and second engine parameters. In a variable compression ratio (VCR) engine embodiment, the system and method modify ignition timing of at least one cylinder until engine knock is detected and determine whether the cylinder is operating in the lower compression ratio mode or the higher compression ratio mode by comparing the ignition timing change required to cause engine knock to a corresponding threshold.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a variable displacement internal combustion engine having dedicated actuators associated with a group or bank of cylinders pre-positions actuators associated with the deactivated cylinders based on operating conditions associated with the activated cylinders to reduce torque excursions during reactivation. In one embodiment, a variable cam timing mechanism associated with the deactivated bank of cylinders is pre-positioned to achieve the stead state air charge based on engine speed and manifold pressure of the activated cylinders.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a variable displacement engine during cranking and starting period include a hybrid operating mode to allow intake/exhaust valve operation while preventing fuel delivery or spark, or both, to at least one subsequently deactivated cylinder or bank of cylinders during the cranking and starting period. The system and method provide advantages to starting the engine relative to either a variable displacement mode or a full activation mode.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting an operating mode of an engine or engine component modulate a first engine parameter and analyze a change in a second engine parameter in response to modulating the first engine parameter to detect a current operating mode based on changes in at least one of the first and second engine parameters. In a variable compression ratio (VCR) engine embodiment, the system and method modify ignition timing of at least one cylinder until engine knock is detected and determine whether the cylinder is operating in the lower compression ratio mode or the higher compression ratio mode by comparing the ignition timing change required to cause engine knock to a corresponding threshold.

Abstract: A vehicle reciprocating piston, variable displacement internal combustion engine arrangement 7 is provided. The arrangement 7 includes a first cylinder group 12. A second selectively deactivatable cylinder group 14 is also provided. A manifold 18 is provided which is exposed to at least one of the cylinder groups. A vacuum system 24 is powered by manifold 18. An engine controller 16 is cognizant of a vacuum level of the vacuum system 24.

Abstract: A vehicle reciprocating piston, variable displacement internal combustion engine arrangement 7 is provided. The arrangement 7 includes a first cylinder group 12. A second selectively deactivatable cylinder group 14 is also provided. A manifold 18 is provided which is exposed to at least one of the cylinder groups. A vacuum system 24 is powered by manifold 18. An engine controller 16 is cognizant of a vacuum level of the vacuum system 24.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a variable displacement engine during cranking and starting include a hybrid operating mode to allow intake/exhaust valve operation while preventing fuel delivery and/or spark to at least one of the subsequently deactivated cylinders or bank of cylinders during cranking and starting. The system and method provide advantages to starting the engine relative to either pure variable displacement mode or full activation mode.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a variable displacement internal combustion engine having dedicated actuators associated with a group or bank of cylinders pre-positions actuators associated with the deactivated cylinders based on operating conditions associated with the activated cylinders to reduce torque excursions during reactivation. In one embodiment, a variable cam timing mechanism associated with the deactivated bank of cylinders is pre-positioned to achieve the stead state air charge based on engine speed and manifold pressure of the activated cylinders.