Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for diagnosing functionality of a vehicle fuel system and a vehicle evaporative emissions system, and one or more components thereof, subsequent to refueling a vehicle fuel tank, and wherein the refueling event may comprise a remote refueling event. In one example, after completion of the refueling event, the fuel system and evaporative emissions system are sealed from atmosphere and from each other, and pressure is monitored in both the fuel system and evaporative emissions system in order to indicate the presence or absence of undesired evaporative emissions in both the fuel system and evaporative emissions system, and to indicate whether the fuel system is effectively sealed from the evaporative emissions system. In this way, costs associated with vehicle repair may be decreased, and undesired evaporative emissions to the atmosphere may be reduced.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle fuel pump at a fuel shut-off event based at least in part on whether combustion stability issues, or potential stall conditions, are indicated in a drive cycle prior to the fuel shut-off event. In one example, a method may include maintaining power to the fuel pump responsive to the potential stall condition being indicated, and independent of an indicated pressure in a fuel rail configured to receive pressurized fuel from the fuel pump, and where the fuel shut-off event includes a deceleration fuel shut-off event or an idle stop event. In this way, fuel may be kept flowing across the fuel pump during fuel shut-off events, responsive to indications of combustion stability issues, such that fuel pump cavitation and other engine and fuel pump-related complications may be avoided.

Abstract: Embodiments for controlling fuel vapors are provided. In one example, a method comprises initiating a purge of a fuel vapor canister responsive to a temperature profile at a vent side of the fuel vapor canister. In this way, release of fuel vapors to the atmosphere may be reduced.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for diagnosing functionality of a vehicle fuel system and a vehicle evaporative emissions system, and one or more components thereof, subsequent to refueling a vehicle fuel tank, and wherein the refueling event may comprise a remote refueling event. In one example, after completion of the refueling event, the fuel system and evaporative emissions system are sealed from atmosphere and from each other, and pressure is monitored in both the fuel system and evaporative emissions system in order to indicate the presence or absence of undesired evaporative emissions in both the fuel system and evaporative emissions system, and to indicate whether the fuel system is effectively sealed from the evaporative emissions system. In this way, costs associated with vehicle repair may be decreased, and undesired evaporative emissions to the atmosphere may be reduced.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for estimating fuel levels in a fuel tank. In one example, a method may comprise adjusting estimates of a fuel level in a fuel tank based on an amount of fuel added to the fuel tank during a refueling event. The amount of fuel added to the fuel tank may be provided by a vehicle operator via one or more of a dashboard user interface, a wireless device user interface, and a digital camera included within a user device.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for conducting a diagnostic routine of the fuel vapor system using pressure generated by raising or lowering a vehicle body element such as a hood or a trunk. In one example, by utilizing lift gate cylinders coupled to the hood or trunk, during raising a hood or trunk, the fuel vapor system may be evacuated and during lowering the hood or trunk, the fuel vapor system may be pressurized. A change in vacuum or higher pressure in the fuel vapor system may be monitored over a time period to detect any undesirable evaporative emissions from the fuel vapor system.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for detecting leaks in an engine fuel system coupled in a vehicle including a first fuel tank and a second fuel tank, and a canister coupled together via a three-way valve. A leak test may be initially performed on the first fuel tank by supplying vacuum to the first fuel tank. The second fuel tank may be tested for leaks immediately following the leak test on the first fuel tank by recycling vacuum from the first fuel tank.

Abstract: A method for a vehicle, comprising: following a refueling event, venting a capless refueling assembly to a fuel tank; and then executing an evaporative emissions leak test. In this way, residual fuel trapped in the capless refueling assembly may be removed. This, in turn will prevent a pressure build-up in the capless refueling assembly which could lead to the downstream door opening during a leak test, thereby confounding results.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for managing fuel vapor in a vehicle evaporative emissions system configured with a fuel vapor canister for capturing and storing vapors from a vehicle fuel tank. In one example, a three-way valve is positioned between the fuel vapor canister and atmosphere, and may function during engine-off conditions to direct fuel tank vapors through the fuel vapor canister where they may be adsorbed, and then to an intake manifold of the engine where a second adsorbent for capturing and storing fuel vapors is positioned. In this way, fuel vapors that are not adsorbed by the fuel vapor canister, or fuel vapors that are freed from the canister during engine-off conditions may be routed to the second adsorbent prior to exiting to atmosphere, thus reducing undesired bleed emissions.

Abstract: A diagnostic system of a vehicle is provided herein. The system includes a control unit onboard the vehicle for controlling at least one of a vehicle system and a vehicle subsystem. A device prompts the control unit to diagnose an operating condition of the vehicle and report diagnostic data to the device. A light source onboard the vehicle is operable to project a diagnostic image onto a viewing surface located external to the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for a vehicle, comprising: following a refueling event, venting a capless refueling assembly to a fuel tank; and then executing an evaporative emissions leak test. In this way, residual fuel trapped in the capless refueling assembly may be removed. This, in turn will prevent a pressure build-up in the capless refueling assembly which could lead to the downstream door opening during a leak test, thereby confounding results.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for regulating fuel flow in a fuel tank. In one example, a method may comprise fueling a fuel tank by receiving a nozzle into a filler tube which extends into a fuel tank to fuel the fuel tank, and directing fuel through the tube against vanes in a baffle which forms a compartment within the tank. Additionally, the method may comprise enabling the vanes to open so that pressure within the compartment remains below a level which would otherwise cause shut off the nozzle during the fueling.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for detecting and mitigating the presence of liquid fuel carryover in an evap system of a vehicle in response to a refueling event. In one example, during a first condition, a vacuum pump is activated to pressurize the fuel system responsive to a first fuel tank pressure decay rate being less than a threshold, and responsive to a second fuel tank pressure decay rate being greater than a threshold, the vacuum pump is maintained on until a fuel tank pressure decreases to atmospheric pressure. In this way, liquid fuel carryover can be quickly and accurately diagnosed, such that mitigating actions may be taken to ensure liquid fuel is returned to the tank prior to contacting the adsorbent material within the vapor canister.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for opening a refueling door. In one example, a method may include gradually opening the refueling door in proportion to a fuel tank depressurization rate.

Abstract: A pick-up truck bed having controllably magnetized areas for retaining cargo or attachment devices. A first permanent magnet may be attached below the lower surface of the truck bed with a second permanent being rotatable relative to the first permanent magnet to control the magnetic flux provided to retain objects in the truck bed. Alternatively, one or more electromagnets may be provided that may be turned on to retain objects in the truck bed and turned off to allow removal of objects.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a latchable refueling valve designed to reduce noise associated with opening and closing the valve. In one example, a system may include a valve armature with first and second latch indices formed on an outer diameter of the armature. The latch indices may be rounded and configured to engage with a latch guide to enable rotation between the armature and the latch guide.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle fuel pump at a fuel shut-off event based at least in part on whether combustion stability issues, or potential stall conditions, are indicated in a drive cycle prior to the fuel shut-off event. In one example, a method may include maintaining power to the fuel pump responsive to the potential stall condition being indicated, and independent of an indicated pressure in a fuel rail configured to receive pressurized fuel from the fuel pump, and where the fuel shut-off event includes a deceleration fuel shut-off event or an idle stop event. In this way, fuel may be kept flowing across the fuel pump during fuel shut-off events, responsive to indications of combustion stability issues, such that fuel pump cavitation and other engine and fuel pump-related complications may be avoided.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for regulating fuel flow in a fuel tank. In one example, a method may comprise fueling a fuel tank by receiving a nozzle into a filler tube which extends into a fuel tank to fuel the fuel tank, and directing fuel through the tube against vanes in a baffle which forms a compartment within the tank. Additionally, the method may comprise enabling the vanes to open so that pressure within the compartment remains below a level which would otherwise cause shut off the nozzle during the fueling.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for the integration of a fuel level sensor and a fuel pressure sensor in a fuel tank within a fuel system. In one example, an integrated fuel pressure and fuel level sensor for a fuel tank may include a float arm of the fuel sensor coupled to a floating body and a pressure sensor (e.g., a fuel tank pressure transducer) coupled to the floating body, the integrated fuel pressure and fuel level sensor adapted to simultaneously measure fuel level and fuel vapor pressure of the fuel tank.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for diagnosing functionality of a vehicle fuel system and a vehicle evaporative emissions system, and one or more components thereof, subsequent to refueling a vehicle fuel tank, and wherein the refueling event may comprise a remote refueling event. In one example, after completion of the refueling event, the fuel system and evaporative emissions system are sealed from atmosphere and from each other, and pressure is monitored in both the fuel system and evaporative emissions system in order to indicate the presence or absence of undesired evaporative emissions in both the fuel system and evaporative emissions system, and to indicate whether the fuel system is effectively sealed from the evaporative emissions system. In this way, costs associated with vehicle repair may be decreased, and undesired evaporative emissions to the atmosphere may be reduced.