Abstract: A method and system for operating a vehicle that includes an automatic transmission with a torque converter clutch is described. In one example, the method includes predicting a time that the torque converter clutch will open so that stopping rotation of the engine may be requested before the torque converter clutch is opened. The stopping rotation of the engine is requested to conserve fuel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating an engine that may selectively enter and exit a fuel cut-off mode are described. In one example, the method holds the engine in the fuel cut-off mode even though a propulsive effort pedal is applied. An electric machine may provide torque to a vehicle driveline while the engine is in the fuel cut-off mode.

Abstract: A method and system for operating a vehicle that includes an automatic transmission with a torque converter clutch is described. In one example, the method includes predicting a time that the torque converter clutch will open so that stopping rotation of the engine may be requested before the torque converter clutch is opened. The stopping rotation of the engine is requested to conserve fuel.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for mitigating reverse vehicle rollback. In one example, in response to a request to shift a transmission from reverse to forward when vehicle speed is elevated, vehicle brakes are applied and the actual transmission shift is delayed until the vehicle motion in the reverse direction is sufficiently decelerated. Additionally, the engine may be stalled and restarted before the transmission shift is performed.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for extending a duration of engine idle-stop while reducing a frequency of engine restart from idle-stop. In one example, in response to engine restart conditions where combustion torque is not necessary, an engine can be rotated electrically, without fuel delivery, via an electric motor. The unfueled engine spinning via the motor drives an FEAD which in turns drives an actuator coupled to the FEAD, such as an AC compressor or an automatic transmission oil pump.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing engine compression torque when an engine having a split exhaust system is spun unfueled. In one example, a method may include maintaining closed a blowdown exhaust valve of a cylinder, the blowdown exhaust valve coupled to a first exhaust manifold that directs gases from the cylinder to a catalyst, and opening a scavenge exhaust valve of the cylinder, the scavenge exhaust valve coupled to a second exhaust manifold that directs gases from the cylinder to an exhaust gas recirculation system. In this way, compression of gases within they cylinder is reduced while gas flow to the catalyst is prevented.

Abstract: A method for controlling a climate control system is disclosed. In one example, the climate control system includes adjusting an air mixing valve state and adjusting a displacement of a compressor in response to an energy conversion device load. The method may provide improved climate control in a vehicle cabin during high energy conversion device load conditions.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for extending a duration of engine idle-stop while reducing a frequency of engine restart from idle-stop. In one example, in response to engine restart conditions where combustion torque is not necessary, an engine can be rotated electrically, without fuel delivery, via an electric motor. The unfueled engine spinning via the motor drives an FEAD which in turns drives an actuator coupled to the FEAD, such as an AC compressor or an automatic transmission oil pump.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing vacuum to a vehicle are described. In one example, a method adjusts an engine air-fuel ratio in response to provide additional vacuum to the vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing engine compression torque when an engine having a split exhaust system is spun unfueled. In one example, a method may include maintaining closed a blowdown exhaust valve of a cylinder, the blowdown exhaust valve coupled to a first exhaust manifold that directs gases from the cylinder to a catalyst, and opening a scavenge exhaust valve of the cylinder, the scavenge exhaust valve coupled to a second exhaust manifold that directs gases from the cylinder to an exhaust gas recirculation system. In this way, compression of gases within they cylinder is reduced while gas flow to the catalyst is prevented.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for mitigating reverse vehicle rollback. In one example, in response to a request to shift a transmission from reverse to forward when vehicle speed is elevated, vehicle brakes are applied and the actual transmission shift is delayed until the vehicle motion in the reverse direction is sufficiently decelerated. Additionally, the engine may be stalled and restarted before the transmission shift is performed.

Abstract: A method for improving operation of a vehicle that includes an engine, a transmission, and a torque converter clutch is disclosed. In one example, the method assesses whether or not driver braking is expected and adjusts driveline braking accordingly. The method freewheels the driveline to extend vehicle coasting when driver braking is not expected and the method increases or decreases driveline braking based on a closing distance between the vehicle and an object in the vehicle's path.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting powertrain torque in a vehicle based on driver intent. Driver intent is inferred based on foot motion inside a foot well monitored via a foot well region sensor and changes in clearance outside the vehicle monitored via a range sensor. By adjusting powertrain torque based on operator foot motion and traffic movements outside the vehicle, frequency of lash transitions can be reduced and lash transition initiation can be adjusted based on expected changes in torque demand.

Abstract: Methods and systems for improving vacuum generation for an engine that may be operated at higher altitudes are presented. In one non-limiting example, a transmission that is mechanically coupled to the engine may be shifted from a gear to neutral in response to an actual total number of times a vehicle brake pedal is applied and partially released while the vehicle is stopped and the brake pedal is applied.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing perception of transitions from shifting a transmission from neutral to drive are described. In one example, the transmission is shifted from neutral to drive in response to brake pedal motion before the brake pedal is fully released so that timing of pressurizing clutches and engaging a forward gear is advanced to occur while the brake pedal is still applied.

Abstract: Systems and methods for increasing engine vacuum production and catalyst heating of a hybrid powertrain are described. In one example, a motor/generator rotates an engine at idle speed while the engine combusts air and fuel without providing torque sufficient to rotate the engine so that spark timing may be advanced or retarded from minimum spark timing for best torque to heat a catalyst and generate vacuum for vacuum consumers.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting powertrain torque in a vehicle based on driver intent. Driver intent is inferred based on foot motion inside a foot well monitored via a foot well region sensor and changes in clearance outside the vehicle monitored via a range sensor. By adjusting powertrain torque based on operator foot motion and traffic movements outside the vehicle, frequency of lash transitions can be reduced and lash transition initiation can be adjusted based on expected changes in torque demand.

Abstract: A method for improving operation of a vehicle that includes an engine, a transmission, and a torque converter clutch is disclosed. In one example, the method assesses whether or not driver braking is expected and adjusts driveline braking accordingly. The method freewheels the driveline to extend vehicle coasting when driver braking is not expected and the method increases or decreases driveline braking based on a closing distance between the vehicle and an object in the vehicle's path.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting powertrain torque in a vehicle based on driver intent. Driver intent is inferred based on foot motion inside a foot well monitored via a foot well region sensor and changes in clearance outside the vehicle monitored via a range sensor. By adjusting powertrain torque based on operator foot motion and traffic movements outside the vehicle, frequency of lash transitions can be reduced and lash transition initiation can be adjusted based on expected changes in torque demand.

Abstract: A method of applying a brake force to all four wheels of a motor vehicle to stop the vehicle while torque continues to be applied to its driven wheels; and preventing wheel slippage of the driven wheels by reducing the applied torque when the vehicle is stopped or nearly stopped from moving in a forward direction. In this way, unintentional lateral movement of the vehicle due to creep torque applied to the driven wheels on slippery surfaces can be prevented or corrected.