Abstract: A system and method for providing engine torque load in real time. The system includes a sensor to determine, in real time, a clutch state of an alternator clutch and a controller for determining an alternator torque value and applying the alternator torque value to the engine torque load in real time.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a vehicle to implement an engine torque management strategy. The engine torque management strategy implements a sophisticated engine knock control method that alleviates/mitigates the cause of the knock while also optimizing vehicle performance and engine efficiency without compromising engine hardware protection. Whenever suitable, the system and method attempt to reduce the amount of air trapped in a knocking cylinder to reduce its effective compression ratio and to eliminate the knock while keeping the same optimal spark timing for combustion efficiency.

Abstract: A vehicle system includes a first sensor that provides first data indicating at least one of vehicle speed and ambient temperature. The system also includes a shutter control module. The shutter control module includes a first sub-module that provides a first amount of modification to an opening amount for a shutter based on the first data.

Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle's exhaust gas recirculation system. The method controls the exhaust gas recirculation system in a manner that is suitable for a pedal tip-out transition while also being optimized for normal operating situations.

Abstract: A method is described for improving fuel economy in a vehicle having an engine, a generator driven by the engine, and an energy storage unit by using an energy storage efficiency model. The method includes evaluating a current efficiency state of the engine, evaluating a current efficiency state of the generator, evaluating a current efficiency state of the energy storage unit, and, controlling the generator to provide an optimized voltage output, based on the results of the evaluations and the energy storage efficiency model. A voltage regulator implementing this method is also described.

Abstract: A starter control system is disclosed. In one example, the starter control system may be activated via predetermined control logic or via an operator action that is not subject to the predetermined control logic.

Abstract: A vehicle system includes a first sensor that provides first data indicating at least one of vehicle speed and ambient temperature. The system also includes a shutter control module. The shutter control module includes a first sub-module that provides a first amount of modification to an opening amount for a shutter based on the first data.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an internal combustion engine having an EGR valve determine a base valve position to deliver a target flow using a stored map and adjust the base position in response to differential pressure across an orifice in the EGR flow to move the valve to a position different from the base position to provide the target flow.

Abstract: A starter control system is disclosed. In one example, the starter control system allows both automatic and manual control over an engine starting sequence. The starter control system can enhance starter control system flexibility.

Abstract: A starter control system is disclosed. In one example, the starter control system allows both automatic and manual control over an engine starting sequence. The starter control system can enhance starter control system flexibility.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an internal combustion engine having an EGR valve determine a base valve position to deliver a target flow using a stored map and adjust the base position in response to differential pressure across an orifice in the EGR flow to move the valve to a position different from the base position to provide the target flow.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling EGR of an internal combustion engine is presented. The system is capable of controlling EGR over a wide range of flow rates.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing an automobile engine idle speed based on actual air conditioner usage. The automobile engine may supply power to the air conditioner upon engagement of an air conditioner clutch with the automobile engine. The system may include at least one sensor for transmitting electrical signals representative of air conditioner activities, and a control system for receiving the electrical signals and controlling engagement of the air conditioner clutch with the automobile engine. The control system may determine an air conditioning cycling percentage based on an amount of time the air conditioner clutch is engaged with the automobile engine over an amount of time air conditioning is requested by a user. The control system may adjust an idle engine speed based on the air conditioning cycling percentage to optimize operation of the air conditioner.

Abstract: A starter control system includes a power source, a starter motor, a starter relay, a control module, and an ignition switch. The starter motor is in operative communication with the power source. The starter relay is operatively interposed between the power source and the starter motor, and includes a high side node and a low side node. The starter relay is controllable to selectively enable power delivery from the power source to the starter motor responsive to activation of the high side node and the low side node. The control module includes a high side driver in operative communication with the high side node of the starter relay and a low side driver in operative communication with the low side node of the starter relay. The ignition switch is in operative communication with the high side node of the starter relay and in operative communication with the control module.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling EGR of an internal combustion engine is presented. The system is capable of controlling EGR over a wide range of flow rates.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a power take off device connected to an internal combustion engine is presented. According to the method, power take off speed control may be improved and the possibility of engine stalling may be reduced.

Abstract: A method for detecting a malfunction in a manifold absolute pressure sensor used in an internal combustion engine. The method includes obtaining a plurality of samples from the manifold absolute pressure sensor. A plurality of samples is obtained from a mass airflow sensor for measuring air flow to the engine. A plurality of inferred manifold absolute pressures is estimated from the plurality of samples obtained from the mass airflow sensor. A linear functional relationship is determined between manifold absolute pressure and inferred absolute pressure from the obtained samples of the manifold pressure sensor and the estimated inferred manifold absolute pressures, such functional relationship having an offset term and a slope. A comparison is made between the determined offset term and the determined slope with a predetermined offset threshold and a predetermined slope threshold level, respectively.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a power take off device connected to an internal combustion engine is presented. According to the method, power take off speed control may be improved and the possibility of engine stalling may be reduced.

Abstract: A method is described for detecting exhaust pressure buildup in an engine's exhaust system using information from an exhaust gas recirculation system having a valve.

Abstract: A method is described for detecting exhaust pressure buildup in an engine's exhaust system using information from an exhaust gas recirculation system having a valve.