Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) that includes an internal combustion engine and a climate control system (CCS) coupled to controllers configured to auto start-stop the engine when the HEV decelerates to an engine-stop threshold speed. The controllers are also configured to adjust a climate-fan-speed by a predetermined initial-factor, and at subsequent timed-intervals with a speed-factor that is adjusted from the initial-factor at each timed-interval, such that engine restart is inhibited by perceptually small speed adjustments and perceptually slow timed-interval cabin cooling adjustments. Such gradual adjustments are tuned to increase passenger perceptions of continuing cabin comfort, which reduce the likelihood that a passenger may adjust the CCS to require engine restart, and to increase auto stop-start fuel economy.

Abstract: An exemplary charge port covering assembly includes, among other things, a biasing device configured to move to a first position when a charger is decoupled from a charge port, and to a second position when the charger is coupled to the charge port. A charge port door is moveable to a closed position when the biasing device is in the first position, and is held in an open position when the biasing device is in the second position. An exemplary charge port covering method includes, among other things, biasing a charge port door toward an open position with a biasing device in a first position, and moving the biasing device from the first position to a second position to close the charge port door.

Abstract: A vehicle control method includes, by a controller, while an engine is auto-stopped and an electric parking brake is engaged, auto-starting the engine without releasing the electric parking brake responsive to application of an accelerator pedal less than a predefined amount, and auto-starting the engine and releasing the electric parking brake responsive to application of the accelerator pedal greater than the predefined amount. The method also includes comprising auto-stopping the engine and engaging the electric parking brake responsive to vehicle speed being less than a predefined threshold speed.

Abstract: A system and method for operating an automatic start/stop system in a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine, an automatic transmission and a torque converter with an impeller disconnect clutch is disclosed. A controller may implement an engine start/stop system by, at appropriate times, stopping engine by halting fuel and restarting engine when propulsion is needed. During an engine start/stop event, the engine is automatically shut down and the impeller clutch of the torque converter may be disengaged to decouple the impeller and the engine to provide for fuel and emissions savings.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine configured for autostop and autostart. The vehicle further includes an electric actuator for an active front steering system. Before the engine is autostopped, a controlled decrease in demand current for the electric actuator is initiated. After the engine is autostarted, a controlled increase in demand current for the electric actuator is initiated.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle includes a combustion engine, and an electric machine and storage battery coupled to one or more controller(s) configured to respond to various signals from a driver and vehicle components. In response, such controller(s) enable an automatic or auto ICE start stop capability that is managed for optimal HEV lifecycle operation, and fuel economy and efficiency. The controller(s) automatically start and stop the ICE in response to one or more of a torque demand signal, a vehicle speed signal, a steering torque power signal, and a brake signal. The controller(s) inhibit automatic stop of ICE responsive to the steering torque power exceeding a stop threshold, and in contrast initiate or enable automatic start responsive to the steering torque power exceeding a start threshold. The start threshold is calibrated and adjusted to exceed the stop threshold by a stability factor that is predetermined and/or adjusted by the controller(s).

Abstract: A method of controlling a stop-start vehicle includes, in response to an engine being in an auto-stopped condition and a signal indicative of a driver exiting the vehicle, maintaining the engine in the auto-stopped condition. The method additionally includes securing vehicle wheels against rotation and reducing a convenience feature power consumption.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided. The vehicle may include an engine that is configured to auto-stop and auto-start. The system may also include a controller programmed to power an electrical actuator coupled to a steering mechanism to synchronize a drive angle of the vehicle and a steering wheel angle of the vehicle, in response to a parameter indicative of a likelihood of a wheel slip event exceeding a threshold and the steering-wheel angle being greater than a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A system includes first and second vehicle power distribution buses electrically isolated from one another, each electrically connected to an electric generator. Each of the first and second buses includes a high voltage portion, electrically connected to a first load with a power consumption exceeding a threshold, and a low voltage portion electrically connected to a second load with a power consumption less than the threshold.

Abstract: A system includes a first and a second vehicle power distribution buses electrically isolated from one another, a first DC to DC converter electrically connected to the first power distribution bus, and a second DC to DC converter electrically connected to the second power distribution bus. The system includes a first battery electrically connected to the first power distribution bus, and a second battery electrically connected to the second power distribution bus.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operation of a lifting mechanism coupled to a mobility service vehicle. In one example, a method may include, during an engine idle-stop, in response to a request for operation of a lifting mechanism used by mobility devices to access the vehicle, the transmission may be shifted to park, an electronic braking system may be enabled, and the engine may be restarted to provide power for operation of the lifting mechanism.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine and a controller programmed to autostop and autostart the engine. The controller is further programmed to, in response to receiving signals indicative of a driver exiting the vehicle while the engine is auto stopped, autostart the engine, and after expiration of a predetermined duration, autostop the engine and inhibit vehicle propulsion until an ignition cycle is initiated.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a vehicle equipped with an automatic stop and start system is disclosed. The vehicle includes an internal combustion engine, an automatic transmission and a fluid launch device with an impeller disconnect clutch. A controller may initiate an automatic stop or start of the engine under certain operating conditions. During an engine start/stop event, the engine is automatically shut down and the impeller clutch of the fluid launch device may be disengaged to decouple the engine and transmission from the driveline to provide for improved fuel economy and reduced emissions.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle includes a combustion engine, and an electric machine and storage battery coupled to one or more controller(s) configured to respond to various signals from a driver and vehicle components. In response, such controller(s) enable an automatic or auto ICE start stop capability that is managed for optimal HEV lifecycle operation, and fuel economy and efficiency. The controller(s) automatically start and stop the ICE in response to one or more of a torque demand signal, a vehicle speed signal, a steering torque power signal, and a brake signal. The controller(s) inhibit automatic stop of ICE responsive to the steering torque power exceeding a stop threshold, and in contrast initiate or enable automatic start responsive to the steering torque power exceeding a start threshold. The start threshold is calibrated and adjusted to exceed the stop threshold by a stability factor that is predetermined and/or adjusted by the controller(s).

Abstract: An exemplary charge port covering assembly includes, among other things, a biasing device configured to move to a first position when a charger is decoupled from a charge port, and to a second position when the charger is coupled to the charge port. A charge port door is moveable to a closed position when the biasing device is in the first position, and is held in an open position when the biasing device is in the second position. An exemplary charge port covering method includes, among other things, biasing a charge port door toward an open position with a biasing device in a first position, and moving the biasing device from the first position to a second position to close the charge port door.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine and a controller. The controller starts the engine in response to a brake status before and during a change in vehicle operating mode achieving predetermined states, and expiration of a timer initiated upon completion of the change and having a duration based upon a learned mean mode-specific shift time window. The change is initiated in response to a request to change vehicle operating mode while the engine is off.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling the ramp in of current to an electronic power assisted steering motor associated with an auto stop-start engine are described. A controller is to determine a moving average voltage of a vehicle battery. The controller is also to determine a voltage rate of change based on the moving average voltage. The controller is also to determine a moving average engine speed of an auto stop-start engine of the vehicle. The controller is also to ramp in current to an electronic power assisted steering motor of the vehicle based on the moving average voltage, the voltage rate of change, and the moving average engine speed.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operation of a lifting mechanism coupled to a mobility service vehicle. In one example, a method may include, during an engine idle-stop, in response to a request for operation of a lifting mechanism used by mobility devices to access the vehicle, the transmission may be shifted to park, an electronic braking system may be enabled, and the engine may be restarted to provide power for operation of the lifting mechanism.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine operable in an auto stop-start (SS) mode. The engine is adapted to auto stop and auto start in the SS mode. The vehicle further includes a transmission operable in an idle load reduction (ILR) mode. In the ILR mode, engagement of a forward clutch is disposed in an alternate first gear state. A controller is operably connected to the engine and the transmission. The controller is programmed to command the engine to operate in the SS mode when a speed of the vehicle is below a predetermined threshold unless one or more SS inhibit conditions are present. The controller is further programmed to, when one or more SS inhibit conditions are present, inhibit operation of the engine in the SS mode and to command the transmission to operate in the ILR mode unless one or more ILR inhibit conditions are present.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) that includes an internal combustion engine and a climate control system (CCS) coupled to controllers configured to auto start-stop the engine when the HEV decelerates to an engine-stop threshold speed. The controllers are also configured to adjust a climate-fan-speed by a predetermined initial-factor, and at subsequent timed-intervals with a speed-factor that is adjusted from the initial-factor at each timed-interval, such that engine restart is inhibited by perceptually small speed adjustments and perceptually slow timed-interval cabin cooling adjustments. Such gradual adjustments are tuned to increase passenger perceptions of continuing cabin comfort, which reduce the likelihood that a passenger may adjust the CCS to require engine restart, and to increase auto stop-start fuel economy.