Abstract: A system for starting a vehicle in cold temperatures includes a temperature sensor and a motor operable to drive at least one electrically operated pump to pump fluid. The motor provides a motor signal indicative of an operating condition of the motor. Responsive to (i) a temperature sensed by the temperature sensor being below a threshold level and (ii) the motor signal being indicative of a stall condition of the motor, the system enters a fluid heating mode. When operating in the fluid heating mode, the system generates heat in the windings of the motor and transfers heat from the motor to the fluid being pumped by the pump.

Abstract: A system for starting a vehicle in cold temperatures includes a temperature sensor and a motor operable to drive at least one electrically operated pump to pump fluid. The motor provides a motor signal indicative of an operating condition of the motor. Responsive to (i) a temperature sensed by the temperature sensor being below a threshold level and (ii) the motor signal being indicative of a stall condition of the motor, the system enters a fluid heating mode. When operating in the fluid heating mode, the system generates heat in the windings of the motor and transfers heat from the motor to the fluid being pumped by the pump.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a data signal representative of the current angular position of the steering wheel and steering wheels of a vehicle utilizes a rotary or angular velocity sensor sensing rotation of the steering column. The angular velocity sensor includes two outputs providing pulses having a distinct phase relationship and a third output which provides a signal at the center or straight ahead position of the steering wheel or column. The pulses and their leading edges are utilized to increment and decrement a counter which provides an indication of angular position. The accuracy of the output may be compared with data with front wheel speed sensors and the center position sensor to ensure continued operating accuracy. A memory device stores the current angular position when the ignition is turned off in order to provide such information when the ignition is turned on.