Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for conducting remote refueling events of a passenger vehicle, and for coordinating said remote refueling events with a fuel tank fill level prior to the remote refueling event, a loading state of a fuel vapor storage device, and current and predicted fuel tank pressure. In one example, an amount of fuel that can be added to the fuel tank without overwhelming a capacity of the fuel vapor storage device is increased responsive to scheduling the remote refueling event to take place at a time when the fuel tank is at a negative pressure, thus resulting in partial purge of the fuel vapor storage device prior to commencing refueling. In this way, environmentally friendly refueling events may be enabled, thus reducing the potential for undesired evaporative emissions during refueling events.

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: 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: A method is provided, comprising indicating a fuel vapor canister load based on a steady-state fuel vapor circulation rate in a vapor recovery line during a refueling event; and adjusting a canister purging operation in response to the indicated fuel vapor canister load. Restrictions in the vapor recovery line may increase the rate of fuel vapor canister loading during a refueling event. In this way, an accurate canister load may be determined following a refueling event, and canister purging operations adjusted accordingly.

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: Methods and systems are provided for regulating evaporative emissions from a fuel system. In one example, a method may comprise spinning an engine unfueled responsive to a hydrocarbon concentration at a fresh air end of a fuel vapor canister increasing above a first threshold. The method may comprise spinning the engine to pull hydrocarbons away until a hydrocarbon concentration at a purge end of the fuel vapor canister, opposite the fresh air end, increases above a second threshold.

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 aging a new plastic fuel tank in a vehicle. In one example, during a plug-in event to recharge a battery of the vehicle, the fuel tank is isolated and the fuel pump is actuated to agitate fuel within the tank and increase fuel vapors until the plastic fuel tank becomes aged to a predetermined degree by fuel vapors generated therein. In this manner, the fuel tank is aged more rapidly, resulting in more accurate fuel level readings and less noise and vibration.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for indicating a restriction in a fuel system vapor recovery line. Responsive to such an indication, methods and systems are provided for taking mitigating actions such that an entirety of a vehicle fuel system and evaporative emissions system, including a fuel filler system, may be diagnosed as to a presence or absence of undesired evaporative emissions, even with the restriction in the vapor recovery line present. In this way, undesired evaporative emissions may be reduced or avoided, completion rates for such tests may be increased, and customer satisfaction may be improved.

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 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 loss of communication in a vehicle network. In one example, a method may include determining a diagnostic time threshold based on an estimated duration for failure of vehicle operation under current operating conditions due to a loss of communication with a control module in the vehicle network. Further, in response to a duration of loss of communication exceeding the time threshold, a loss of communication DTC may be activated.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling the purging of a fuel vapor canister coupled to a vehicle fuel tank, configured for capturing and storing vapors emanating from the tank. In one example, two canister purge valves are coupled in series in a fuel vapor conduit between the fuel vapor canister and engine intake, one at the intake manifold and one at the fuel vapor canister, such that fine control over the introduction of fuel vapors into the engine is maintained via the purge valve at the intake manifold, while thorough purging of the fuel vapor canister may be regulated via the purge valve at the fuel vapor canister. In this way, fuel vapors in the fuel vapor canister may be effectively purged to intake, thus reducing the potential for undesired evaporative emissions.

Abstract: A method for a fuel system, comprising: indicating a leak in a fuel tank following applying a vacuum to the fuel tank by running a vacuum pump in a first direction; then purging a fuel vapor canister to the fuel tank by running the vacuum pump in a second direction, opposite the first direction. In this way, the fuel vapor canister may be purged of its contents following a fuel system leak check. This may reduce bleed emissions while increasing the efficiency of the vehicle, as the engine does not need to be turned on in order to purge the canister.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for enabling a vehicle operator to select a desired amount of fuel to add to a fuel tank, and wherein overfilling of the tank is prevented by pressurizing the fuel system with an onboard pump. In one example, the tank may be sealed to induce an automatic shutoff of a refueling dispenser if the fuel level is below the capacity of the tank, and in another example, wherein it is indicated that the tank is full, the fuel system may be pressurized via the pump to induce automatic shutoff of the refueling dispenser and to prevent further overfilling of the tank. In this way, vehicle operators may add desired amounts of fuel to the tank wherein shutoff of the refueling dispenser is automatic, and wherein liquid fuel entering an evaporative emissions control system as a result of overfilling a fuel tank is prevented.

Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle system is provided. The method includes monitoring a change in a temperature of the fuel vapor canister coupled to a fuel tank via a canister temperature sensor and adjusting operation of a fuel tank isolation valve based on the change in temperature of the fuel vapor canister.

Abstract: A method for localizing restrictions in a fuel system during refueling, comprising: monitoring fuel tank pressure, fuel vapor canister temperature, and evaporative leak check module pressure during a refueling event; and responsive to a premature shutoff event, indicating a location of a restriction among a plurality of locations based on whether monitored pressure and temperature changes during the refueling event are greater than respective thresholds. In this way, the cause of a premature shutoff event may be diagnosed without requiring additional sensors within the fuel system.

Abstract: A fuel system is provided, including a fuel tank isolation valve comprising an actuation coil and a latchable valve shaft at least partially disposed within the actuation coil. A controller may be configured to indicate a position of the valve shaft based on a measured current-voltage relationship between the first and second terminal wires during a condition in which the magnetic field generated by actuation coil current has a flux density below a threshold required to adjust a position of the latchable valve shaft. In this way, the position of the latchable valve shaft may be indicated without moving the valve shaft, and without requiring a dedicated valve position sensor.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for detecting a fuel tank oil-canning event during conditions when a vacuum is applied to the fuel tank, such as during a fuel system leak test or during purging of a fuel system canister. In one example, a method may include comparing the fuel tank pressure changes during a leak test to changes in fuel tank temperature or fill level and indicating fuel tank oil-canning in response to a higher than threshold rise in fuel tank pressure during or following application of vacuum to the fuel tank while each of a fuel temperature and fill level remain unchanged. By detecting fuel tank oil-canning accurately, appropriate countermeasures can be taken.

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.