Abstract: A manual transmission is partially automated by utilizing a controller to regulate the torque capacity of the clutch. Under most circumstances, the controller manipulates the clutch according to driver manipulation of a clutch pedal to simulate a non-automated manual transmission. However, to save fuel, the controller may enter a sailing mode in which the clutch is disengaged without the driver depressing the clutch pedal. The controller exits sailing mode in response to the vehicle speed decreasing below a threshold which is a function of the currently selected gear ratio. The threshold is selected such that the engine will not stall and will be able to generate sufficient power for acceleration when the clutch is re-engaged to exit sailing mode. In order to extend the use of sailing mode, the controller may activate a downshift indicator at a slightly higher speed threshold to encourage the driver to downshift.

Abstract: Systems and methods for shifting a transmission of a hybrid driveline that include a torque converter with a lockup clutch are presented. The systems and methods may adjust a feedforward motor torque command to match application of motor torque to a time that a gear clutch closes so that shifting may be improved and so that driveline torque disturbances may be less noticeable.

Abstract: Methods and systems for improving operation of a vehicle driveline that includes an engine and an automatic transmission with a torque converter are presented. In one non-limiting example, the engine may be stopped while a vehicle in which the engine operates is rolling. A transmission coupled to the engine may be shifted as the vehicle rolls so that vehicle response may be improved if a driver requests an increase of engine torque.

Abstract: Methods and systems for improving operation of a vehicle driveline that includes an engine and an automatic transmission with a torque converter are presented. In one non-limiting example, the engine may be stopped while a vehicle in which the engine operates is rolling. A transmission coupled to the engine may be shifted as the vehicle rolls so that vehicle response may be improved if a driver requests an increase of engine torque.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a vehicle that includes a manual transmission are presented. In one example, a clutch actuator that responds to a position of a manual operated clutch pedal is adjusted to operate a clutch so that the vehicle may be stopped, while the engine is running or not, without the driver applying the clutch pedal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing driveline mode change busyness for a hybrid vehicle are presented. The systems and methods may delay a driveline mode change in response to a time since a change from a first desired vehicle speed to a second vehicle speed, or alternatively, driveline mode changes may be initiated in response to an estimated time to change from the first desired vehicle speed to the second desired vehicle speed.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle powertrain is configured to provide a regenerative-braking torque limit on a transmission during a regenerative-braking downshift. The regenerative-braking downshift event has sequential boost, start, torque, inertia, and end phases. The transmission may be operated in absence of a regenerative-braking torque limit during the boost and start phases to recapture more energy. The transmission may be operated with a regenerative-braking torque limit during the torque and inertia phases to protect for an input shaft speed dip that may occur without the limit. The limit may be removed once the regenerative-braking downshift event is completed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving transmission gear shifting of a hybrid vehicle are presented. The systems and methods prepare the hybrid vehicle for conditions that may occur after a requested gear shift is performed. In one example, a motor speed that would occur after a downshift, if the downshift were allowed to occur, is determined and control actions may be taken in response to the predicted motor speed.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle having a discrete ratio transmission shifts according to distinct shift schedules in various operating modes. For example, different shift schedules may be used for operating with the engine off, operating with the engine running, and regenerative braking. When the vehicle transitions from one mode to another, the new shift schedule may schedule a shift that the driver would not expect. To avoid annoying the driver, a control strategy inhibits the shift until either the old strategy would also schedule a shift or a customer event occurs.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing driveline mode change busyness for a hybrid vehicle are presented. The systems and methods may delay a driveline mode change in response to a time since a change from a first desired vehicle speed to a second vehicle speed, or alternatively, driveline mode changes may be initiated in response to an estimated time to change from the first desired vehicle speed to the second desired vehicle speed.

Abstract: A manual transmission is partially automated by utilizing a controller to regulate the torque capacity of the clutch. Under most circumstances, the controller manipulates the clutch according to driver manipulation of a clutch pedal to simulate a non-automated manual transmission. However, to save fuel, the controller may enter a sailing mode in which the clutch is disengaged without the driver depressing the clutch pedal. The controller exits sailing mode in response to the vehicle speed decreasing below a threshold which is a function of the currently selected gear ratio. The threshold is selected such that the engine will not stall and will be able to generate sufficient power for acceleration when the clutch is re-engaged to exit sailing mode. In order to extend the use of sailing mode, the controller may activate a downshift indicator at a slightly higher speed threshold to encourage the driver to downshift.

Abstract: Systems and methods for shifting a transmission of a hybrid driveline that include a torque converter with a lockup clutch are presented. The systems and methods may adjust a feedforward motor torque command to match application of motor torque to a time that a gear clutch closes so that shifting may be improved and so that driveline torque disturbances may be less noticeable.

Abstract: A control strategy is provided for a hybrid vehicle that will increase drivability during low or decreasing driver demands. Coordination between shifting the transmission and stopping or (non-demand) starting of the engine can increase drivability. The vehicle includes a motor/generator with one side selectively coupled to the engine and another side selectively coupled to the transmission. The control strategy acts when an engine start or stop is requested while driver demand is decreasing and a shift of the transmission is demanded. To inhibit these events from proceeding simultaneously, the control strategy delays the engine from starting or stopping until the transmission has finished shifting, or vice versa.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a vehicle powertrain that may be automatically stopped and started are presented. In one example, a method adjusts a position of a transmission clutch in response to battery current during engine cranking. The method may reduce clutch wear and improve vehicle launch from a stop.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving gear shifting of a step-ratio automatic transmission in a hybrid vehicle are presented. The systems and methods may provide for adjusting torque capacity of one or more driveline clutches to reduce driveline torque disturbances that may be related to driveline inertia torque during transmission gear shifting.

Abstract: In response to a transmission upshift command and a transmission element speed being greater than a threshold, a controller may reduce a rate of engine air intake prior to initial engagement of an oncoming shift element, at least until a target speed ratio is achieved. This reduction may reduce a transmission input torque such that upshift driveline disturbances are reduced.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an engine and an electric machine selectively coupled to the engine via a disconnect clutch. At least one controller issues commands to control the engine, the electric machine, and the clutch. During cruise control, the controller controls the torque output of the engine and electric machine, as well as the slipping of the clutch, such that the speed of the vehicle is attempted to be maintained at the cruise control set speed. For example, when the engine is off and additional torque is necessary to maintain the speed, the controller can issue a command to change the state of the engine from off to on. When the vehicle experiences oscillations in road load, the controller delays or inhibits changing the on/off state of the engine for an amount of time that is based on the oscillation associated with road load.

Abstract: A control system including a method and apparatus for operating a hybrid vehicle. A disconnect clutch selectively separates an electric machine from a combustion engine. If a wide open throttle or high torque command is requested and the combustion engine is shut down, a 12 volt starter may be used to start the combustion engine while disconnected from the electric machine and all of the electric machine torque available may be used for traction.

Abstract: Methods and systems for improving operation of a vehicle driveline that includes an engine and a driveline disconnect clutch that selectively couples the engine to a torque converter are presented. In one non-limiting example, a torque converter clutch is closed before the driveline disconnect clutch is opened so that output of a transmission pump may be maintained and so that torque converter impeller speed may be determined.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving gear shifting of a step-ratio automatic transmission in a hybrid vehicle are presented. The systems and methods may provide for adjusting torque capacity of one or more driveline clutches to reduce driveline torque disturbances that may be related to driveline inertia torque during transmission gear shifting.