Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle's lighting functionality is disclosed herein. The method may include realizing a preferred vehicle lighting configuration and transmitting a signal to the vehicle via a radio frequency communication system. In response to the signal, the vehicle lighting system may alter a current vehicle lighting configuration to correspond with the preferred vehicle lighting configuration.

Abstract: A vehicle HVAC system as described herein obtains solar intensity data from an onboard solar sensor, along with current vehicle position data from a telematics system or a GPS system. The current vehicle position data is processed to determine the current sun position, which is used to provide a real-time and accurate estimate of the solar intensity in the vehicle interior. Vehicle configuration information, including position data related to light-obstructing features such as pillars, may also influence the solar intensity estimate. The solar intensity estimate can be utilized to control the operation of the vehicle HVAC system.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for cooling a passenger compartment in a hybrid vehicle that operates an engine intermittently during vehicle operation. The hybrid vehicle includes an HVAC system having an HVAC duct, a blower for directing a flow of air through the HVAC duct, an evaporator located within the HVAC duct, and a heater core. The heater core has a coolant inlet outlet and is located downstream of the evaporator in the HVAC duct. The method includes the steps of cooling a refrigerant; inducing a flow of the cooled refrigerant through the evaporator; blocking a flow of coolant through the coolant inlet and outlet to trap coolant in the heater core; activating the blower to move air through the evaporator and heater core; turning off the vehicle engine; measuring a duct outlet temperature; and starting the engine when the measured duct outlet temperature is above a predetermined temperature.