Abstract: An automatic engine power control system for a motor vehicle has a power control element which is uncoupled from the operation of the vehicle accelerator pedal, and can be controlled as a function of various operating parameters by means of an electronic control unit. In the event of a failure, an emergency driving mode is implemented with a power which is reduced by defining a maximum permissible engine torque. When the driver's power demand is increased during an emergency driving mode, the power is automatically controlled by means of the power control element such that, at the point in time of the increase of the power demand, an immediate acceleration is initiated, and if the increased power demand is maintained, a defined acceleration course is implemented until the maximum permissible engine torque is reached.

Abstract: A method for releasing the contacts of a sticking relay by sensing whether or not the relay contacts stick together in a closed condition and when the contacts stick together, applying an AC voltage on pulsating DC voltage to the winding of the relay coil. The mechanism for sensing the sticking relay contact condition is a comparator to compare the output load of the relay with the exciting control signal to energize the relay coil.