Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus that includes a vehicle battery terminal having a first terminal and a second terminal. The apparatus also includes a bracket having a first region aligned with the first terminal and a second terminal region aligned with the second terminal. The first and second regions space apart the first terminal and the second terminal. The apparatus also includes a post and a shield. The post extends from the bracket to partially surround the first terminal. The shield has a cover plate and a frame extending outwardly from the cover plate. The frame is provided to protect the first terminal and the second terminal.

Abstract: A vehicle assembly includes, among other things, a replaceable outer body panel having an illuminatable portion, and at least one step within the replaceable outer body panel. The at least one step provides a step platform. A vehicle illumination method includes emitting light from a phosphor material of a replaceable outer body panel, and providing at least one step platform within the replaceable outer body panel.

Abstract: Vehicle assemblies may include a plurality of loose layered build components. One or more of the loose layered build components may include locating features for locating and supporting the component relative to other components of the assembly while still permitting movement of the component or one of the other components in at least one direction during the assembly process.

Abstract: A washer fluid delivery system includes a washer fluid reservoir having a first zone with a first low point and a second zone with a second low point. A first valve is disposed in the first zone. The first valve is moveable back and forth between a flow permitting position and a flow restricting position in response to an amount of washer fluid within the first zone. A second valve is disposed in the second zone. The second valve is moveable back and forth between a flow permitting position and a flow restricting position in response to an amount of washer fluid within the second zone. A pump operates to draw a washer fluid from the first zone when the first valve is in the flow permitting position, and to draw a washer fluid from the second zone when the second valve is in the flow permitting position.

Abstract: An emblem for a vehicle comprises: (a) a light source configured to emit visible light; (b) a cover assembly disposed over the light source, the cover assembly having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a transparent portion that is transparent to the visible light, the visible light being incident to the inner surface, and the visible light that the light source emits transmitting through the transparent portion out of the outer surface to an external environment beyond the emblem; and (c) one or more surface relief patterns disposed on the cover assembly, the one or more surface relief patterns configured to manipulate (i) the visible light that the light source emits, (ii) visible light from the external environment, or (iii) both (i) and (ii).

Abstract: This disclosure details tie-down systems for securing cargo within vehicle cargo spaces. An exemplary tie-down system may include a vehicle-mounted magnetic assembly and a tie-down that may be magnetically connected to the magnetic assembly for securing cargo within the cargo space. A magnet of the magnetic assembly may be energized to hold the tie-down and cargo in place within the cargo space or de-energized to release the tie-down and the cargo relative to the cargo space.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an exterior light assembly for a motor vehicle and a method of using the same. An example light assembly includes a light source and a lens arrangement including a near field lens, a reflective plate, and an outer lens. The light assembly further includes a reflector including a first surface configured to reflect light exiting the near field lens toward the reflective plate and further includes a second surface opposite the first surface. The second surface is configured as a decorative surface and is visible from an exterior of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a motor vehicle including remote terminals connected to battery so as to prevent electronic tampering, and a corresponding method. An example vehicle includes a battery with battery terminals. The vehicle further includes remote terminals electronically connected to the battery terminals so as to prevent electronic tampering with the battery via the remote terminals.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling power generation in a vehicle. In one example, the vehicle includes a controller coupled to an auxiliary device through a communication link, the auxiliary device drawing power from a generator at a power interface. Power supplied to the auxiliary device is regulated by the controller through signals transmitted over the communication link.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to accessories for motor vehicles with removable doors. In particular, the accessories may be mounted to a motor vehicle when a traditional, or factory, door is removed. Example accessories include covers, grab handles, tube doors, and pieces of furniture, each of which may include one or more lights or other electrically powered devices.

Abstract: A method of transferring an item between a motor vehicle and a locker can include extending an extension mechanism between a motor vehicle and a locker. The extension mechanism includes a conveyor system having an extension mechanism item carrying surface. The locker includes a conveyor system having a locker item carrying surface. The method assesses whether the motor vehicle is receiving an item from the locker, or transferring an item to the locker. When the item is to be transferred from the locker, the method positions the extension mechanism relative to the locker such that the extension mechanism item carrying surface is vertically lower than the locker item carrying surface. When the item is to be transferred from the motor vehicle, the method positions the extension mechanism relative to the locker such that the extension mechanism item carrying surface is vertically higher than the locker item carrying surface.

Abstract: An apparatus, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a housing and a plunger moveable between a retracted position within the housing and an extended position to spray fluid on a vehicle component. A heater is mounted for movement with the plunger. A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, molding a heater element and a body having an internal channel extending between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet together to form a plunger configured to spray fluid out of the fluid outlet.

Abstract: This disclosure details two toned door handles for vehicle doors. An exemplary two toned door handle may include a non-metallized portion and a metallized portion. The metallized portion may include a metallic layer that is transparent to signals sent and received by an antenna module packaged inside the two toned door handle. Exemplary methods for cost-effectively manufacturing the two toned door handle are also disclosed.

Abstract: A liquid diverter assembly for a vehicle door includes, among other things, a funnel adjacent a vertically lower end portion of a glass run within a vehicle door, and a conduit that communicates liquid from the funnel around an electrically powered component of the vehicle door. A method of diverting liquid within a vehicle door includes, among other things, collecting liquid from a glass run of a vehicle door within a funnel, communicating liquid from the funnel to a conduit, and communicating liquid through the conduit such that the liquid moves around an electric component of the vehicle door.

Abstract: A vehicle assembly includes, among other things, a bumper assembly, a skid plate, and a capacitive sensor system of the skid plate. A sensing method for a vehicle includes using a capacitive sensing system to detect a proximity of a vehicle to an object. The capacitive sensing system is incorporated into a skid plate that is vertically beneath a portion of a bumper assembly of the vehicle.

Abstract: A roof panel storage system for vehicle is disclosed herein. A storage bag is configured to hold a roof panel of the vehicle. The sensor is coupled to the storage bag and is configured to sense a position of the storage bag. A sound source device is coupled to the storage bag and is configured to issue an auditory alert based on the sensed position of the storage bag.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to vehicle fuel systems that include door opening modules for controlling a fuel door opening sequence. An exemplary door opening module may include an actuator (e.g., a motor, an electromagnet, a solenoid, etc.) for automatically moving the fuel door to an ajar position after a fuel tank depressurization sequence is completed. Sound messages may be communicated to a user during the depressurization sequence by an audio actuator.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling power generation in a vehicle. In one example, the vehicle includes a controller coupled to an auxiliary device through a communication link, the auxiliary device drawing power from a generator at a power interface. Power supplied to the auxiliary device is regulated by the controller through signals transmitted over the communication link.

Abstract: A structural cooling assembly for a vehicle includes a housing defining a first pocket between a front face and a back face. The housing comprising a single integrated part including a fluid reservoir portion, a vane portion, a fan shroud portion, a bolster portion, and at least one mounting portion mountable to a frame of a vehicle. A condenser is mounted within the first pocket, a charge air cooler is mounted in a second lower packet, a fan assembly is mounted within the fan shroud portion and a radiator is mounted to the back face.

Abstract: A vehicle grille assembly is disclosed that is passively illuminated by accent lighting sources provided in a corresponding headlamp assembly. A primary light guide in communication with a light source and a secondary light guide is disposed within the vehicle grill. The secondary light guide receives light from the primary light guide to illuminate a portion of the vehicle grille.