Abstract: Methods and systems for adjusting vehicle operation in response to vehicle weight are described. In one example, an adaptive driver demand correction is adjusted in response to vehicle weight. The methods and systems may provide for more consistent powertrain response and lower vehicle emissions at lower vehicle weights.

Abstract: A system (18) for controlling a safety system (44) of an automotive vehicle (10) includes a longitudinal acceleration sensor (36), a vehicle speed sensor (20), a lateral acceleration sensor (32), a yaw rate sensor, and a controller (26). The controller (26) determines a stability index and provides a first observer that determines a reference longitudinal velocity in response to the longitudinal acceleration signal, the yaw rate signal, a pitch attitude and vehicle speed from wheel speed sensors. The controller (26) determines a reference lateral velocity in response to the lateral acceleration signal, the yaw rate signal, a roll attitude, a pitch attitude and vehicle speed from the wheel speed sensors. The controller provides a second observer that determines a second longitudinal velocity in response to the longitudinal acceleration signal, the yaw rate signal, a lateral velocity, the pitch attitude and a first adjustment based on the longitudinal reference velocity.

Abstract: A method of controlling a traction control system (30) includes continuously adapting a steady state driven wheel speed to reference wheel speed ratio, so that said traction control system can avoid unnecessary actuations (e.g., demanding torque reduction). The continuous adaptation methodology provides traction control robustness to vehicles equipped with a spare tire, or a different final drive such as in the use of aftermarket parts. The method includes a dual rate adaptation that allows both fast adaptation and fine tuning capabilities of the ratio. The method includes comparing the instant driven wheel speed to reference wheel speed ratio to the filtered driven wheel speed to reference wheel speed ratio, to obtain a ratio difference. When the difference is above a threshold, the first filter constant is selected and the first constant is applied to an adaptation filter, resulting in a first filtered and adapted ratio. The traction control system is controlled with the adapted ratio.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling an automotive vehicle includes selecting a brake-steer mode, selecting a transfer case so that the front wheels are driven and the rear wheel are not driven and applying brake-steer to the rear wheels to reduce the turning radius of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling an automotive vehicle includes determining a steering wheel angle, determining a steering wheel direction, determining a steering wheel angular rate and applying brake-steer as a function of steering wheel angle, steering wheel angular rate and steering wheel direction.

Abstract: A method of controlling an automotive vehicle having a turning radius includes determining a hand wheel torque and applying brake-steer as a function of hand wheel torque.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling an automotive vehicle includes generating a reverse direction signal corresponding to a reverse direction of the vehicle and generating brake-steer in response to the reverse direction signal.

Abstract: A control system for an automotive vehicle that has a brake system includes an object detection system that generates an object detection signal and an object distance signal. A controller is coupled to the object detection system. The controller generates a brake control signal proportional to the object distance signal in response to the object detection signal and the object distance signal. The controller controls the brake system in response to the brake control signal.

Abstract: A method of controlling an automotive vehicle includes detecting a parking mode and applying brake-steer to a first wheel to reduce the turning radius of the vehicle. Simultaneously, the normal force on a wheel can be increased by adjusting a chassis control mechanism such as a controlled suspension.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling an automotive vehicle with a yaw stability control system and a trailer comprises determining a presence of a trailer, changing a side slip angle parameter threshold of the vehicle to a modified side slip parameter in response to the trailer signal, and controlling the yaw stability control system in response to the modified side slip parameter.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling an automotive vehicle having a controllable suspension component includes applying brake-steer to at least one wheel, generating a suspension control signal in response to the brake-steer signal, and allowing at least one wheel coupled to the suspension component to articulate to reduce the turning radius of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system (18) for controlling a safety system (44) of an automotive vehicle (10) includes a longitudinal acceleration sensor (36), a vehicle speed sensor (20), a lateral acceleration sensor (32), a yaw rate sensor, and a controller (26). The controller (26) determines a reference pitch in response to the longitudinal acceleration signal and the vehicle speed signal and a reference roll angle in response to the yaw rate signal, the wheel speed signal and the lateral acceleration signal. The controller (26) determines a roll stability index and a pitch stability index. The controller (26) determines an adjusted pitch angle in response to the reference pitch angle and the pitch stability index and an adjusted roll angle in response to the reference roll angle and the roll stability index. The controller (26) controls the safety system (44) in response to the adjusted roll angle and the adjusted pitch angle.