Abstract: A lighting system for a vehicle passenger includes, among other things, a light emitting conduit disposed about at least a portion of an opening through a vehicle roof. The light emitting conduit includes a push-through retainer that is insertable through an aperture in a vehicle structure to hold the light emitting conduit relative to the vehicle structure.

Abstract: A smart hinge assembly includes a fixed hinge pin, a rotary drive cup including a hinge pin socket to engage the fixed hinge pin and a drive cup position sensor. That drive cup position sensor is configured to monitor current rotary position of the rotary drive cup.

Abstract: A powered hinge assembly includes a first gate hinge feature, a drive unit connected to the first gate hinge feature and a controller configured to displace the first gate hinge feature to an installation position upon connection to a power source. A powered tailgate assembly, incorporating the powered hinge assembly, and a method of installing a tailgate are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for moving a tailgate about a hinge axis. The hinge assembly includes a first hinge part and a second hinge part for mating with the first hinge part. The second hinge part may be moved to a release position for releasing from the first hinge part, and a lock is provided for locking the second hinge part in the release position. A tailgate including the hinge assembly is also disclosed, which may also be provided with a powered raising and lowering capability. A related method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of generating warnings associated with a vehicle is provided. The method broadly includes the steps of: (a) receiving an indication that a warning relating to operation of an electric motor is appropriate; (b) generating a drive current for the electric motor; (c) superimposing a warning signal onto the drive current; and (d) driving the electric motor with the drive current and the superimposed warning signal such that the electric motor produces the warnings. The warning signal may produce an audio warning, a tactile warning, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A method of generating warnings associated with a vehicle is provided. The method broadly includes the steps of: (a) receiving an indication that a warning relating to operation of an electric motor is appropriate; (b) generating a drive current for the electric motor; (c) superimposing a warning signal onto the drive current; and (d) driving the electric motor with the drive current and the superimposed warning signal such that the electric motor produces the warnings. The warning signal may produce an audio warning, a tactile warning, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A method for re-initializing a moon roof control system includes sequentially re-initializing first a sunshade controller and then a moon roof panel controller. The step of sequentially re-initializing is implemented by actuating one or more sunshade and/or moon roof panel actuators for a predetermined re-initializing time period that is less than a full duration of the re-initializing.

Abstract: A method for re-initializing a moon roof control system includes sequentially re-initializing first a sunshade controller and then a moon roof panel controller. The step of sequentially re-initializing is implemented by actuating one or more sunshade and/or moon roof panel actuators for a predetermined re-initializing time period that is less than a full duration of the re-initializing.

Abstract: A device for preventing intrusion of collected water into a vehicle is provided, defined by a water diverter configured and dimensioned to divert water from at least a vehicle-rearward edge of a roof panel aperture provided for a vehicle sun roof/moon roof assembly. The water diverter further includes end portions configured and dimensioned to divert water from at least a portion of opposed vehicle-outboard edges of the roof panel aperture.

Abstract: A smart hinge assembly includes a fixed hinge pin, a rotary drive cup including a hinge pin socket to engage the fixed hinge pin and a drive cup position sensor. That drive cup position sensor is configured to monitor current rotary position of the rotary drive cup.

Abstract: A device for preventing intrusion of collected water into a vehicle is provided, defined by a water diverter configured and dimensioned to divert water from at least a vehicle-rearward edge of a roof panel aperture provided for a vehicle sun roof/moon roof assembly. The water diverter further includes end portions configured and dimensioned to divert water from at least a portion of opposed vehicle-outboard edges of the roof panel aperture.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for moving a tailgate about a hinge axis. The hinge assembly includes a first hinge part and a second hinge part for mating with the first hinge part. The second hinge part may be moved to a release position for releasing from the first hinge part, and a lock is provided for locking the second hinge part in the release position. A tailgate including the hinge assembly is also disclosed, which may also be provided with a powered raising and lowering capability. A related method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A powered hinge assembly includes a first gate hinge feature, a drive unit connected to the first gate hinge feature and a controller configured to displace the first gate hinge feature to an installation position upon connection to a power source. A powered tailgate assembly, incorporating the powered hinge assembly, and a method of installing a tailgate are also disclosed.

Abstract: An automotive glass for a vehicle is provided by a glass panel including an exterior layer defining a non-ceramic UV-blocking band on an edge of the glass panel. In an embodiment, the exterior layer is a polymer film sheet sized to match a size dimension of the glass panel. The polymer film sheet may include a tinted portion bordering a substantially transparent interior. In another embodiment, the exterior layer is a non-ceramic paint applied to a border of the glass panel.