Abstract: An exemplary latching system includes, among other things, a striker, a latch assembly that engages the striker to transition the latch assembly to a latched position, and a bumper containing rheological material. The bumper contacts the striker when the latch assembly is in the latched position. An exemplary latching method includes, among other things, contacting a striker with a bumper when a latch assembly engages the striker in a latched position, and increasing a hardness of the bumper by aligning particles within rheological material of the bumper.

Abstract: A door latch for a motor vehicle according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a pawl, a release lever, and a clutch selectively engaged by a magnetic field. Further, when the clutch is engaged, motion of the release lever is transmitted to the pawl via the clutch. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A door latch system for vehicle doors, deck lids, hatches, hoods, or the like includes a latch. The latch has a predicted life that may be based on a number of times the latch is used. A sensor that generates a signal that can be used to determine if the latch has reached the predicted life and/or if the latch is approaching the predicted life and/or if the latch has exceeded the predicted life. The system may include a controller that causes a display in a vehicle interior to display an end-of-life signal.

Abstract: A door latch for a motor vehicle according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a pawl, a release lever, and a clutch selectively engaged by a magnetic field. Further, when the clutch is engaged, motion of the release lever is transmitted to the pawl via the clutch. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An exemplary latching system includes, among other things, a striker, a latch assembly that engages the striker to transition the latch assembly to a latched position, and a bumper containing rheological material. The bumper contacts the striker when the latch assembly is in the latched position. An exemplary latching method includes, among other things, contacting a striker with a bumper when a latch assembly engages the striker in a latched position, and increasing a hardness of the bumper by aligning particles within rheological material of the bumper.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle includes a door having a window and a powered actuator that moves the window from a closed position to a partially open (set) position to permit the vehicle door to open. A controller actuates the powered actuator to shift the window to a set position upon receiving a door open request signal. The controller actuates a powered vibrating mechanism to break ice on the window if actuating the powered actuator does not cause the window to move to the set position.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle includes a door having a window and a powered actuator that moves the window from a closed position to a partially open (set) position to permit the vehicle door to open. A controller actuates the powered actuator to shift the window to a set position upon receiving a door open request signal. The controller actuates a powered vibrating mechanism to break ice on the window if actuating the powered actuator does not cause the window to move to the set position.

Abstract: A door latch system for vehicle doors, deck lids, hatches, hoods, or the like includes a latch. The latch has a predicted life that may be based on a number of times the latch is used. A sensor that generates a signal that can be used to determine if the latch has reached the predicted life and/or if the latch is approaching the predicted life and/or if the latch has exceeded the predicted life. The system may include a controller that causes a display in a vehicle interior to display an end-of-life signal.