Abstract: In an example of a method for heating or cooling a vehicle, an application resident on an electronic memory of a mobile communications device is launched. The electronic memory is coupled to a microprocessor. The microprocessor is operatively connected to a mobile device communications platform (MDCP). Preset climate control modes are displayed on a display. A user input identifying a selected preset climate control mode is received at a user interface. In response to receiving the user input, the selected preset climate control mode is transmitted to a vehicle communications platform (VCP). In response to receiving the selected preset climate control mode, a climate control instruction is transmitted by the VCP to a climate control system. In response to receiving the climate control instruction at the control module of the climate control system, the selected preset climate control mode is caused to be implemented in the vehicle.

Abstract: The present technology includes a washer system comprising a washer switch assembly and an electronic module. The washer switch includes a ground configured for electrical connection with a washer pump by way of a switch and a fuse contact configured to receive control signals from a power-mode relay. The electronic module includes a controller comprising a computer-readable storage device, and the controller is electrically isolated from the washer switch assembly and the washer pump in operation of the system.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and vehicles are provided for controlling intermittent operation of windshield wiper systems for vehicles. In accordance with one embodiment, a control system for a vehicle windshield wiper system includes one or more detection units and a processor. The one or more detection units are coupled to a user interface disposed onboard the vehicle, and are configured to detect an amount of time pertaining to a position or engagement of a user interface for the wiper system. The processor is coupled to the one or more detection units, and is configured to at least facilitate updating a time step for intermittent operation for the wiper system based at least in part on the amount of time.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and vehicles are provided for controlling rear wiper units and rear washer units for a rear windshield of a vehicle. In accordance with one embodiment, the vehicle includes, in addition to the rear windshield, the rear washer unit, and the rear windshield, a control system. The control system includes a detection unit and a processor. The detection unit is coupled to a single input device onboard the vehicle. The detection unit is configured to detect a user's engagement of the single input device. The processor is coupled to the detection unit. The processor is configured to at least facilitate automatically controlling the rear wiper unit and the rear washer unit based on the detecting of the user's engagement of the single input device.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for estimating a fluid level in a reservoir disposed in a vehicle compartment having a compartment cover. The method includes monitoring at least one operational parameter relating to the reservoir, monitoring a state of the compartment cover using a sensing device, detecting a triggering event based on the at least one operational parameter, the state of the compartment cover, or both, and in response to the triggering event, determining an estimate for an amount of fluid in the reservoir based on data related to the triggering event, and initiating a notification to a vehicle occupant when the estimated amount of fluid in the reservoir is less than or equal to a low level threshold.

Abstract: A method of controlling a rear wiper system of a vehicle includes determining at least one current vehicle operating parameter with a vehicle controller in response to the rear wiper system being activated. The current vehicle operating parameter may include an on/off status of a front wiper system, a wiper speed of the front wiper system, a ground speed of the vehicle, or some other parameter dependent upon a body style of the vehicle. A delay time for the rear wiper system is defined, with the vehicle controller, based on one or more of the current vehicle operating parameters. The rear wiper system is controlled, with the vehicle controller, to repeatedly actuate the rear wiper system at time intervals separated by the defined delay time. Accordingly, the delay time of the rear wiper system is controlled by the vehicle controller as a function of the current vehicle operating parameters.

Abstract: The present technology includes a washer system comprising a washer switch assembly and an electronic module. The washer switch includes a ground configured for electrical connection with a washer pump by way of a switch and a fuse contact configured to receive control signals from a power-mode relay. The electronic module includes a controller comprising a computer-readable storage device, and the controller is electrically isolated from the washer switch assembly and the washer pump in operation of the system.

Abstract: Provided are methods and systems for smart backlighting. For example, there is provided a system for use with a vehicle. The system includes a primary subsystem configured to perform a first function. Further, the system includes a backlight subsystem configured to perform a second function, the second function being independent of the first function. Moreover, the system can includes a controller configured to generate a single signal including a first instruction for causing the primary subsystem to perform the first function and a second instruction for causing the backlight subsystem to perform the second function.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for estimating a fluid level in a reservoir disposed in a vehicle compartment having a compartment cover. The method includes monitoring at least one operational parameter relating to the reservoir, monitoring a state of the compartment cover using a sensing device, detecting a triggering event based on the at least one operational parameter, the state of the compartment cover, or both, and in response to the triggering event, determining an estimate for an amount of fluid in the reservoir based on data related to the triggering event, and initiating a notification to a vehicle occupant when the estimated amount of fluid in the reservoir is less than or equal to a low level threshold.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and vehicles are provided for controlling rear wiper units and rear washer units for a rear windshield of a vehicle. In accordance with one embodiment, the vehicle includes, in addition to the rear windshield, the rear washer unit, and the rear windshield, a control system. The control system includes a detection unit and a processor. The detection unit is coupled to a single input device onboard the vehicle. The detection unit is configured to detect a user's engagement of the single input device. The processor is coupled to the detection unit. The processor is configured to at least facilitate automatically controlling the rear wiper unit and the rear washer unit based on the detecting of the user's engagement of the single input device.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling vehicle locks is provided that enable control of both a vehicle door lock and a vehicle closure lock using a single multipurpose switch. The system includes a vehicle door lock, a vehicle closure lock, a momentary, multi-purpose switch, and a control module. The control module receives an input signal generated by actuation of the switch and determines an elapsed time between the actuation and release of the switch. The module generates a closure lock control signal if the elapsed time meets a predetermined requirement relative to a predetermined time. The closure lock control signal unlocks the closure lock. The module also generates a door lock control signal responsive to the input signal if one or more predetermined conditions are met. The door lock control signal switches the state of the door lock between locked and unlocked states.

Abstract: In an example of a method for heating or cooling a vehicle, an application resident on an electronic memory of a mobile communications device is launched. The electronic memory is coupled to a microprocessor. The microprocessor is operatively connected to a mobile device communications platform (MDCP). Preset climate control modes are displayed on a display. A user input identifying a selected preset climate control mode is received at a user interface. In response to receiving the user input, the selected preset climate control mode is transmitted to a vehicle communications platform (VCP). In response to receiving the selected preset climate control mode, a climate control instruction is transmitted by the VCP to a climate control system. In response to receiving the climate control instruction at the control module of the climate control system, the selected preset climate control mode is caused to be implemented in the vehicle.

Abstract: A remote keyless system for a vehicle includes a plurality of slave transmitter modules arranged in a plurality of locations in the vehicle. A master transceiver module is configured to pair with a wireless device; wirelessly transmit data to and receive data from the wireless device; transmit first wired messages to the plurality of slave transmitter modules to send first wireless messages to the wireless device; receive a plurality of second wireless messages directly from the wireless device, wherein the second wireless messages comprise data including received signal strength indicators (RSSIs) corresponding to each of the plurality of slave transmitter modules, respectively; and determine a location of the wireless device relative to the vehicle based on the RSSIs in the plurality of second wireless messages.

Abstract: Provided are methods and systems for smart backlighting. For example, there is provided a system for use with a vehicle. The system includes a primary subsystem configured to perform a first function. Further, the system includes a backlight subsystem configured to perform a second function, the second function being independent of the first function. Moreover, the system can includes a controller configured to generate a single signal including a first instruction for causing the primary subsystem to perform the first function and a second instruction for causing the backlight subsystem to perform the second function.

Abstract: A method and a device for illuminating an interior space is described and includes a controller including a microcontroller connected to a power control circuit and a signal reading circuit, wherein the power control circuit electrically connects to the signal reading circuit at a node. A lighting device including a light bulb and a user switch connects to the node of the controller via a single electric cable. The microcontroller controls the signal reading circuit to monitor a signal input from the user switch, and includes a control routine executable to control electric power to the lighting device in response to a user request, a user command, and a system request.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling vehicle locks is provided that enable control of both a vehicle door lock and a vehicle closure lock using a single multipurpose switch. The system includes a vehicle door lock, a vehicle closure lock, a momentary, multi-purpose switch, and a control module. The control module receives an input signal generated by actuation of the switch and determines an elapsed time between the actuation and release of the switch. The module generates a closure lock control signal if the elapsed time meets a predetermined requirement relative to a predetermined time. The closure lock control signal unlocks the closure lock. The module also generates a door lock control signal responsive to the input signal if one or more predetermined conditions are met. The door lock control signal switches the state of the door lock between locked and unlocked states.

Abstract: A system for controlling a vehicle horn includes a current delivery circuit and a control circuit that controls the current delivery circuit in response to a horn activation signal received from a horn pad switch. The control circuit includes a control module that generates a horn termination signal if a duration of the horn activation signal exceeds a predetermined duration. The horn termination signal is configured to cause the current delivery circuit to prevent delivery of current to the horn to deactivate the horn. The control circuit further includes a bypass circuit configured to cause the current delivery circuit to deliver current to the horn to activate the horn responsive to the horn activation signal in the absence of the horn termination signal.