Abstract: Method and electronic control system using a unique driver demand (calibration) table stored in system memory to provide torque output values specific to a 4×4 mode of operation of the vehicle drive unit. For example, the torque output of the electronic control system for a 4×4 low mode of operation is controlled using a unique calibration table stored in system memory for 4×4 low mode of operation, while the torque output of the electronic control system for other modes of operation is controlled using one or more different, other calibration tables stored in system memory.

Abstract: A method is described for limiting a change in torque transmitted through a vehicle powertrain when in a predetermined range. Such a method minimizes transmission gear separation, or “clunk”. In one approach, the rate cf change of powertrain output is limited when powertrain output is near zero transmitted torque. The limitation is not used under other circumstances so as not to hinder driver performance.

Abstract: A method for controlling a powertrain of a vehicle adjusts a minimum allowed airflow based on operating conditions. Specifically, when conditions of engine speed and/or vehicle speed area away from idle conditions, no increasing of the minimum allowed airflow is carried out. However, when conditions of engine speed and/or vehicle speed area approaching idle conditions, the minimum allowed airflow is increased to the required airflow for those idle conditions.

Abstract: A vehicle control system is described for controlling a torque converter coupled to an engine. The controller engages the torque converter before negative powertrain output becomes less than a predetermined value. Such an approach allows for torque converter locking in the negative powertrain output region. Such an approach is especially suited to vehicles having certain torque converters, which are difficult to lock at large negative torque values.

Abstract: A method for controlling an engine coupled to a transmission is described. The method is especially suited for a transmission having at least one gear in which an over-running clutch is present. The invention describes a method for adjusting an engine operating parameter to maintain transmission input speed at or below a synchronous transmission input speed when the transmission is in the gear with the over-running clutch. The synchronous transmission input speed is based on transmission state and transmission output speed. Alternatively, vehicle speed can be used in place of transmission output speed.

Abstract: Method and electronic control system using a unique driver demand (calibration) table stored in system memory to provide torque output values specific to a 4×4 mode of operation of the vehicle drive unit. For example, the torque output of the electronic control system for a 4×4 low mode of operation is controlled using a unique calibration table stored in system memory for 4×4 low mode of operation, while the torque output of the electronic control system for other modes of operation is controlled using one or more different, other calibration tables stored in system memory.

Abstract: A method is described for limiting a change in torque transmitted through a vehicle powertrain when in a predetermined range. Such a method minimizes transmission gear separation, or “clunk”. In one approach, the rate of change of powertrain output is limited when powertrain output is near zero transmitted torque. The limitation is not used under other circumstances so as not to hinder driver performance.

Abstract: A powertrain controller and a method for calculating feed-forward torque for use by the controller, including a powertrain control module that calculates current and leading indicators of engine torque. The leading indicator of engine torque is used by a multiple-ratio transmission in the powertrain to control transmission line pressure for actuating pressure-operated clutches and brakes for the gearing. The same information that is used for establishing transmission line pressure control is used for commanding an electronic throttle actuator for the engine. The electronic throttle actuator responds to an engine torque request generated by the powertrain controller to achieve a relatively instantaneous response of the engine throttle to a driver command for engine torque.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine include determining a currently available maximum torque, determining a driver demanded torque based on a current accelerator pedal position and reference ambient conditions, and controlling the engine to deliver the lesser of the driver demanded torque corresponding to the reference ambient conditions and a calibratable percentage of the currently available maximum torque corresponding to the current ambient conditions. A similar torque is provided at high altitudes as that provided at sea level for a given low pedal position while smoothly blending into the currently available peak torque.

Abstract: A speed control method for vehicles having an internal combustion engine smoothly controls engine torque to control vehicle speed. Torque is controlled via airflow in a first torque control range. Torque is controlled via a coordination of air/fuel ratio, ignition timing, and cylinder deactivation is a second torque control range. The torque range is selected based on the required airflow to deliver the required torque. If the required airflow is less than a lower allowable value, then the airflow is fixed at this lower allowable value and the second range is selected. Otherwise, the first range is selected.