Abstract: In a method for operating an actuating device in a motor vehicle including the steps of measuring an actuating force exerted by the actuating drive, comparing the actuating force to a limit force, and reversing the actuating drive if the limit force is exceeded, provision is made that, while the motor vehicle is being driven, the measured values of the actuating force are filtered, prior to the comparison operation, in accordance with a first method, to suppress rapid changes in the actuating force on the basis of the path covered by the actuating drive, and, while the motor vehicle is at rest, with the engine turned off, in accordance with a second method where rapid changes are suppressed to a lesser extent than in the first method, or not filtered at all. A device for carrying out the method is specified.

Abstract: Sensors for motor vehicles emit a base signal when the variable which they measure takes on a base value. For example, a road-speed transducer supplies no pulses when either the vehicle is at standstill or when the sensor is defective. A method for providing a reliable operation of a motor vehicle includes the step of starting a substitute/emergency-function immediately when only the base signal is received from the sensor. If it is later determined that the base signal was only emitted because the measured variable took on its base value, then the substitute/emergency-function is again reversed. By starting a substitute/emergency-function basically always when a checked sensor emits no signal, it is ensured that safety measures are taken as rapidly as possible.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic engine control (EEC) equipped with a fuel cutoff safety device in the form of a relay 12 for controlling the winding of the fuel pump 16. A single conductor (FCOM) connects the fuel pump power supply line with the EEC in order to test and/or monitor the voltage applied across the terminals of the fuel pump, at least when the engine is started up.