Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for controlling an internal combustion engine of a vehicle utilizing a control unit which detects operating data of the engine. The control unit includes a computing unit for processing the operating data and the control unit drives actuating elements for influencing the operating state of the engine in dependence upon the detected operating data. In the method, the concentration of at least one component of the ambient air is detected with a sensor and the concentration is processed in the control unit. The actuating elements are driven in dependence upon the at least one component of the ambient air. An arrangement for carrying out the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An ignition system is provided for internal combustion engines for detecting combustion misfirings. The ignition system of an internal combustion engine detects the spark voltage transformed on to the primary side of a double spark coil for evaluating the ignition spark duration and/or the ignition spark voltage so as to allow a comparison to be made with limit values for a correct ignition. The limit values for a correct ignition are determined from the measured variables of a reference ignition. The reference ignition is the ignition which is triggered by the energy potential of the same ignition coil.

Abstract: An ignition system for internal combustion engines is provided which has a control device (7) for triggering a sequential spark ignition, which measures the primary current (I.sub.p) of each individual ignition of said sequential spark ignition upon the reconnecting of the flow of current, and which compares it with a reference value. The result of this comparison makes predictions possible concerning the conditions in the combustion chamber, and action, e.g. , increasing the primary disconnection current, can be taken by the control device so that for example any shunts which, are present can be eliminated.

Abstract: An ignition system for internal combustion engines with sequential spark ignition is provided which serves to ensure that the last individual spark (EZ) of a sequential spark ignition does not lead to damage to the internal combustion engine, for instance damage caused by ignition during the exhaust stroke. A closing time corresponding to a charging process (AL) for an individual ignition is subtracted from a distribution limit (VG) to obtain a calculated limit (11). Once this limit is reached, the current charging process proceeds unimpeded to trigger the individual ignition, but no new charging process will be started.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of damping abnormal vibrations or bucking of spark ignition engines by adjustment of the ignition angle, including simultaneous detection and temporary storage of a value representative of the effective or instantaneous load and, by comparing the load value against successive load values, establishing changes in the load, whereby such change in load, in case a predetermined threshold is exceeded, affects an adjustment of the effective ignition angle, with resetting of the ignition angle to the effective or characteristic field angle taking place as a function of the gradient of engine rotations.

Abstract: Monitoring apparatus is provided for the ignition system of an internal combustion engine such as is provided in a motor vehicle, which is capable of detecting a variety of malfunctions of ignition under a variety of engine operating ranges, so that the catalyst used in the exhaust system of the engine can be protected by setting lambda=0 and/or cutting off fuel injection to an inoperative cylinder, in as many instances of malfunction as possible. Various methods of monitoring are available and are correlated for selection in accordance with the different operating ranges of the engine. The ignition spark duration and the ignition discharge voltage are measured for individual sparks on the primary side of an ignition coil and are compared with limit values for correct ignition, these limit values being selected from a memory in accordance with the particular range of operating conditions in which the engine is operating.