Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a power liftgate in an automobile, such as a minivan, is disclosed. The invention is comprised in a control system that includes a user input interface for receiving power liftgate actuation requests from a user. The actuation signals are carried to a body control module (BCM) where the request is broadcast to a power liftgate module (PLGM) over a serial data bus communications network meeting the SAE J1850 multiplex communications protocol standard. Upon receipt of the actuation message, the PLGM monitors several operating conditions of the automobile and makes a determination whether or not to carry out the power liftgate activation request. Power liftgate actuation is controlled by the PLGM via electric motors located at or near the liftgate. The user input interface includes interior switches as well as a RKE system.

Abstract: A method for controlling an airbag system is provided. The airbag system includes an airbag module which may be deployed at different rates to optimize performance of the airbag module to a given impact. The airbag system includes a control module, an impact sensor, a seatbelt restraint sensor and an airbag module. The airbag module includes an inflator having two independent squibs, a first one of the squibs being coupled to a first charge and a second one of the squibs being coupled to a second charge. The method monitors various vehicle dynamics and controls the generation of first and second squib pulses which cause the deployment of the first and second charges so as to optimize the rate at which the airbag is deployed for an impact of a given magnitude. The method also monitors the integrity of each squib circuit and when a fault in a squib circuit is detected, the deployment algorithm is modified to ensure that the airbag will deploy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a power sliding door in an automobile, such as a minivan, is disclosed. The invention is comprised in a control system that includes a user input interface for receiving sliding door actuation requests from a user. The actuation signals are carried to a body control module (BCM) where the request is broadcast to a power sliding door module (PSDM) over a serial data bus communications network meeting the SAE J1850 multiplex communications protocol standard. Upon receipt of the actuation message the PSDM monitors several operating conditions of the automobile and makes a determination whether or not to carry out the power sliding door activation request. Power sliding door actuation is controlled by the PSDM via electric motors located at or near the power doors. A power liftgate module (PLGM) controls the power liftgate actuation upon via electric motors located at or near the liftgate. The user input interface includes interior switches as well as a RKE system.

Abstract: A method for operating a power sliding door and a power liftgate in an automobile, such as a minivan, using a remote keyless entry (RKE) is comprised in a control system that includes a user input interface for receiving sliding door actuation requests from a user. The actuation signals are carried to a body control module (BCM) where the request is broadcast to a power sliding door module (PSDM) over a serial data bus communications network meeting the SAE J1850 multiplex communications protocol standard. Upon receipt of the actuation message the PSDM monitors several operating conditions of the automobile and makes a determination whether or not to carry out the power sliding door activation request. Power sliding door actuation is controlled by the PSDM via electric motors located at or near the power doors. A power liftgate module (PLGM) controls the power liftgate actuation upon via electric motors located at or near the liftgate.

Abstract: An object detection assembly and method use at least one sensor to detect a signal indicating the presence and location of an object relative to an automotive vehicle. A receiver receives a location signal created by a transmitter. A control unit receives the location signal and identifies the presence and degree of closeness of the object by activating audible and visual indicators. The control unit operates a parameter definer to identify the spatial parameters within which a warning of the existence of the object is to be activated. The control unit receives signals of vehicle speed and transmission state to determine the spatial parameters.