Abstract: An adjustable pedal system for a motor vehicle is presented. The system includes an adjustable pedal assembly being movable to at least two pedal positions and an adjustable pedal module, responsive to a pedal command, to control the movement of the adjustable pedal assembly. The pedal module includes a lockout module to disable the movement of the adjustable pedal assembly when a predetermined lockout condition is detected. The pedal module is interconnected through a data bus to at least one of vehicle electronic modules. The predetermined lockout condition is communicated to the adjustable pedal module over the data bus.

Abstract: An adjustable pedal system for a motor vehicle is presented. The system includes an adjustable pedal assembly being movable to at least two pedal positions and an adjustable pedal module, responsive to a pedal command, to control the movement of the adjustable pedal assembly. The pedal module includes a lockout module to disable the movement of the adjustable pedal assembly when a predetermined lockout condition is detected. The pedal module is interconnected through a data bus to at least one of vehicle electronic modules. The predetermined lockout condition is communicated to the adjustable pedal module over the data bus.

Abstract: A system of verifying the integrity of a data bus for a motor vehicle. The system includes a first module for acknowledging a manual input signal initiated by the motor vehicle occupant. The first module has active and inactive mode. The first module is in inactive mode during its normal condition, and it is activated upon receiving the input signal. The first module transmits a triggering signal to a second module over the data bus. The second module also has active and inactive modes, and it is in inactive mode during the normal condition. The second module is activated upon receiving the triggering signal from the first module, and subsequently transmits a signal back to the first module. The integrity of data bus is verified by the data transfer between first and second modules over the data bus within a predetermined time period.

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 remote keyless entry system includes a remote key fob or transmitting unit which may be carried by the operator. This fob may transmit coded function signals directing the vehicle to perform requested functions, e.g. unlock the doors, and an on-board receiver that receives the request and performs the function. The receiver may be reprogrammed by the customer to accept signals from a different transmitter in the event that a key fob is either lost or stolen. To program the receiver, the system is put in a programming mode by using a transmitter whose security code is already stored within the receiver. This programming mode is entered by depressing specified buttons on the transmitting unit for a predetermined amount of time. Once in the programming mode, all previous security codes are erased, and a new transmitting unit code may be programmed into the receiver by depressing any button on that unit. The receiver will chime to acknowledge to the customer that the new security code has been accepted.

Abstract: In a starter control system for an engine equipped with a starter motor, starter relay, ignition switch, and electronic control unit (ECU), a circuit and method whereby the ECU will deactivate the starter relay if the operator of a vehicle attempts to re-start the vehicle when the current engine speed is greater than the minimum engine running speed, under both initial starting and engine running conditions. The deactivation of the starter relay will prevent engagement of the pinion gear to the ring gear of the starter motor, potentially reducing wear on the starter motor, grinding of the pinion gear to the ring gear when engaging the gears at a high RPM, and noise to an operator of the vehicle.