Abstract: The subject of the present invention is a method for remote starting an internal combustion engine of a vehicle that may include: detecting a wireless remote start signal; after detecting the wireless remote start signal, activating a carbon monoxide detector to detect a level of carbon monoxide adjacent to the vehicle; remote starting the internal combustion engine if the detected level of carbon monoxide is less than a predetermined first CO limit; disabling remote start of the internal combustion engine if the level of carbon monoxide is not less than the predetermined first CO limit; and automatically transmitting an emergency aid signal if the level of carbon monoxide is not less than the predetermined first CO limit.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is a host vehicle that determines a parking angle while backing out of a parking space and employs this parking angle when using a cross traffic alert system. The parking angle is determined based on the trajectories of the host vehicle and a target vehicle. The parking angle is used to determine areas of interest and areas not of interest within the fields of view of vehicle mounted sensors. The areas of interest are those used to determine if cross traffic alerts need to be issued.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is a method for remote starting an internal combustion engine of a vehicle comprising the steps of: detecting a wireless remote start signal; after detecting the wireless remote start signal, activating a parking aid system to detect the presence or absence of a garage door; and if no garage door is detected by the parking aid system, remote starting the internal combustion engine. A carbon monoxide detector or an automatic garage door opener may also be employed in the remote start process.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is a method for remote starting an internal combustion engine of a vehicle that may include: detecting a wireless remote start signal; after detecting the wireless remote start signal, activating a carbon monoxide detector to detect a level of carbon monoxide adjacent to the vehicle; remote starting the internal combustion engine if the detected level of carbon monoxide is less than a predetermined first CO limit; disabling remote start of the internal combustion engine if the level of carbon monoxide is not less than the predetermined first CO limit; and automatically transmitting an emergency aid signal if the level of carbon monoxide is not less than the predetermined first CO limit.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is a host vehicle that determines a parking angle while backing out of a parking space and employs this parking angle when using a cross traffic alert system. The parking angle is determined based on the trajectories of the host vehicle and a target vehicle. The parking angle is used to determine areas of interest and areas not of interest within the fields of view of vehicle mounted sensors. The areas of interest are those used to determine if cross traffic alerts need to be issued.

Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring system (12) for a vehicle (10) has a plurality of tires (14A-D) in respective rolling locations having a respective plurality of tire transmitters (16A-D) that generate a respective plurality of transmitter identification signals. A respective plurality of initiators (20A-D) are fixedly attached to the vehicle at a respective plurality of locations. The initiators may include orthogonal coils (112, 114). A controller (22) activates the plurality of initiators using the coils (112, 114) and receives a plurality of respective sensor signals having respective tire identifications. The activations may occur with a duty cycle of less than about fifty percent.

Abstract: A secondary seat belt warning system for a motor vehicle includes at least one control module for activating at least one secondary warning signal. The secondary seat belt warning system also includes a driver seat belt sensor for producing an input signal indicative of a state of a driver seat belt between a buckled and unbuckled condition. The secondary seat belt warning system includes at least one passenger seat belt sensor for producing an input signal indicative of a state of at least one passenger seat belt between a buckled and unbuckled condition. The at least one control module communicates with the driver seat belt sensor and the at least one passenger seat belt sensor for activating the at least one secondary warning signal to alert a corresponding occupant of the motor vehicle if the state of at least one of the driver seat belt and the at least one passenger seat belt is the unbuckled condition.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the secured/unsecured status of seat belts in rear seating rows of a vehicle notes the number and/or location of seat belts secured at a base time when all doors are closed and the vehicle starts in motion. The vehicle operator is alerted to any later change in the number of secured belts by a visual display provided by a vehicle message center and/or an audible signal. When the vehicle slows to a stop and a door opens, the number of secured belts is reset to allow continued monitoring of rear seat occupants after occupants are dropped off and/or picked up. The secured/unsecured condition may be determined by monitoring a retractor reel of the seat belt, the secured condition being defined by the seat belt being paid out beyond a threshold length and the unsecured condition being defined by the seat belt being retracted shorter than the threshold length.