Abstract: A method for adapting a measured value (MW1) of an air mass sensor comprises the steps pf determining a correction value (KW) in the event of predetermined operating conditions (BB1), namely depending on the measured value (MW1) and a comparative value (VW) which in turn depends on at least one additional measured value (MW2) of a second sensor. An adaptation value (AD1) is adapted depending on the correction value (VW), on the duration (D_AD1) since the last determination of the adaptation value (AD1) and on the change of the adaptation value (AD1) since the last adaptation of the adaptation value (AD1). Subsequently measured values (MW1) are corrected using the adaptation value (AD1).

Abstract: In control systems (5) for internal combustion engines (14) in motor vehicles it is known that fault diagnoses are carried out to ensure the functional reliability of the internal combustion engine (14) or the motor vehicle even in the event of a fault. If a fault symptom (1) occurs, the cause of the fault is determined and a diagnosis manager (3) is used as a rule to deactivate the defective control system (5) completely or to initiate an emergency operation function. It is proposed that all information relating to fault symptoms should be listed, the actual cause should be determined by comparison with stored fault profiles and as a result only the smallest possible restriction of the functions of the relevant control systems (5) should be initiated. This has the advantage that the control system (5) can as a rule continue to be operated despite their restricted functional scope.

Abstract: In a control method, the setting for a setting device (5), comprising a device (9) for reporting the setting, is regulated in a range between two end positions by using a measured parameter, given by the device (9) for reporting the setting, depending on the setting of the setting device and a characteristic curve, whereby, during the regulation a set value or an actual value for the setting is monitored. The characteristic curve is adapted when the set value or the actual value for the setting lies within a given separation from a given value for an adaptation setting.

Abstract: The invention relates to the diagnosis of an exhaust gas recycling valve, whereby, on switching off the internal combustion engine, the throttle valve and the exhaust recycling valve are closed and a check is made of whether a compression is detectable in the cylinders of the internal combustion engine, by means of an engine speed check within a segment. Should an engine speed difference (Ndiff) be greater than a threshold value (Ndiff SW), then an incompletely closed exhaust gas recycling valve is recognized, assuming a complete closure of the throttle valve.

Abstract: For the checking of an exhaust gas recycling valve, the control signal for the exhaust gas return valve is returned from a defined value to zero, in the idle state of the internal combustion engine whilst the vehicle is at a standstill and the reaction of the signal (MAF) from an airflow detector in the inlet tract is evaluated. Should said signal not exceed a given threshold value (MAF SWD), within a first time period (T2), then a faulty dynamic is assigned to the exhaust recycling valve. Should the signal not exceed a second given threshold value(MAF SWS), within a second time period (T3), then it is determined that the exhaust recycling valve can not be completely shut.

Abstract: A capacitive actuating element is driven using a control signal of duration T1.