Abstract: A system for controlling an automatic engine stop-start system of a vehicle includes a controller, an engine configured to be automatically stopped and started in response to a signal from the controller, a primary power source electrically coupled to the controller, and an auxiliary power source electrically coupled to the controller. A power control relay is electrically connected between the primary power source and the auxiliary power source and is configured to be selectively activated to isolate the auxiliary power source from the primary power source such that only the auxiliary power source is configured to supply power to the controller. The controller is configured to determine if the auxiliary power source is electrically disconnected from the vehicle when the power control relay is activated.

Abstract: A system for controlling an automatic engine stop-start system of a vehicle includes a controller, an engine configured to be automatically stopped and started in response to a signal from the controller, a primary power source electrically coupled to the controller, and an auxiliary power source electrically coupled to the controller. A power control relay is electrically connected between the primary power source and the auxiliary power source and is configured to be selectively activated to isolate the auxiliary power source from the primary power source such that only the auxiliary power source is configured to supply power to the controller. The controller is configured to determine if the auxiliary power source is electrically disconnected from the vehicle when the power control relay is activated.

Abstract: An electrical system for an automotive vehicle has a plurality of electrical generating machines having field windings energized by pulse width modulated drive signals generated by an external electronic voltage regulator. The pulse width modulated drive signals have a duty cycle determined by the electronic voltage regulator. A controller selects one of electrical generating machines to evaluate for failure and evaluates that electrical generating machine for failure by causing the PWM drive signal for the field windings of that electrical generating machine to be disabled. The controller then determines that this electrical generating machine has failed if the duty cycle for the PWM drive signals has then not been increased by the electronic voltage regulator by a pre-determined amount. The electrical generating machines are either generators or alternators. In an aspect, the PWM drive signals for the plurality of electrical generating machines are out of phase with each other.

Abstract: An electrical system for an automotive vehicle has a plurality of electrical generating machines having field windings energized by pulse width modulated drive signals generated by an external electronic voltage regulator. The pulse width modulated drive signals have a duty cycle determined by the electronic voltage regulator. A controller selects one of electrical generating machines to evaluate for failure and evaluates that electrical generating machine for failure by causing the PWM drive signal for the field windings of that electrical generating machine to be disabled. The controller then determines that this electrical generating machine has failed if the duty cycle for the PWM drive signals has then not been increased by the electronic voltage regulator by a pre-determined amount. The electrical generating machines are either generators or alternators. In an aspect, the PWM drive signals for the plurality of electrical generating machines are out of phase with each other.

Abstract: An electrical system for an automotive vehicle has a plurality of electrical generating machines having field windings energized by pulse width modulated drive signals generated by an external electronic voltage regulator. The pulse width modulated drive signals have a duty cycle determined by the electronic voltage regulator. A controller selects one of electrical generating machines to evaluate for failure and evaluates that electrical generating machine for failure by causing the PWM drive signal for the field windings of that electrical generating machine to be disabled. The controller then determines that this electrical generating machine has failed if the duty cycle for the PWM drive signals has then not been increased by the electronic voltage regulator by a pre-determined amount. The electrical generating machines are either generators or alternators. In an aspect, the PWM drive signals for the plurality of electrical generating machines are out of phase with each other.

Abstract: An electrical system for an automotive vehicle has a plurality of electrical generating machines having field windings energized by pulse width modulated drive signals generated by an external electronic voltage regulator. The pulse width modulated drive signals have a duty cycle determined by the electronic voltage regulator. A controller selects one of electrical generating machines to evaluate for failure and evaluates that electrical generating machine for failure by causing the PWM drive signal for the field windings of that electrical generating machine to be disabled. The controller then determines that this electrical generating machine has failed if the duty cycle for the PWM drive signals has then not been increased by the electronic voltage regulator by a pre-determined amount. The electrical generating machines are either generators or alternators. In an aspect, the PWM drive signals for the plurality of electrical generating machines are out of phase with each other.

Abstract: A method for detecting an engine block heater includes block heater detection logic and a data table containing calibration thresholds. The method determines a time-series of delta (?) engine coolant temperatures (ECT), which represent the respective differences between a start-up ECT and a plurality of operating ECT values measured thereafter. The method integrates the time-series to obtain a ? ECT integral. The method also maintains an integrated engine speed parameter accumulated over the course of the detection period. Throughout the detection period, the method retrieves a threshold value from the table based on the integrated engine speed (Y-axis) versus an elapsed time (X-axis) since the detection period began. When the calculated ? ECT integral value exceeds the retrieved threshold, the method determines that the block heater was operated, which can thereafter be used to suppress sensor rationality testing or reporting of results thereof.

Abstract: A method for detecting an engine block heater includes block heater detection logic and a data table containing calibration thresholds. The method determines a time-series of delta (?) engine coolant temperatures (ECT), which represent the respective differences between a start-up ECT and a plurality of operating ECT values measured thereafter. The method integrates the time-series to obtain a ? ECT integral. The method also maintains an integrated engine speed parameter accumulated over the course of the detection period. Throughout the detection period, the method retrieves a threshold value from the table based on the integrated engine speed (Y-axis) versus an elapsed time (X-axis) since the detection period began. When the calculated ? ECT integral value exceeds the retrieved threshold, the method determines that the block heater was operated, which can thereafter be used to suppress sensor rationality testing or reporting of results thereof.

Abstract: An automotive system has a primary control module, such as an engine control module (ECM) configured for connection to a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL), and a secondary control module, such as a transmission control module (TCM), each in communication with each other over a bus. Each control module includes a respective diagnostic data status record. Each record includes a pending fault field, a confirmed fault field and an MIL control status field. An improved method for synchronizing the diagnostic data contained in the respective status records includes an extended status signal set that is used to communicate over the bus. The set includes a diagnostic testing complete signal, a fault present signal and a MIL request signal indicative of a request to illuminate the MIL. Logic in the receiving control module (ECM) interprets the extended status signal set to properly synchronize its diagnostic data status record with the TCM's, including both pending and confirmed faults.