Abstract: A device having a first gearing part for meshing with a second gearing part, in particular a starter device having a pinion for meshing with a ring gear of an internal combustion engine, in which at least one arrangement is provided whereby a motion state of the first gearing part and a motion state of the second gearing part are ascertainable. A method for operating a device having a first gearing part for meshing with a second gearing part, in particular a starter device having a pinion for meshing with a ring gear of an internal combustion engine, in which at least one arrangement is provided whereby a motion state of the first gearing part and a motion state of the first gearing part and a motion state of the second gearing part are ascertained.

Abstract: A method for operation of a vehicle having an internal combustion engine is provided. The internal combustion engine may include one or more combustion chambers, a fuel delivery system including a direct fuel injector coupled to each combustion chamber, an ignition system including one or more spark plugs coupled to each combustion chamber, a piston disposed within each combustion chamber, and an intake and an exhaust valve coupled to each combustion chamber, the internal combustion engine providing motive power to the vehicle. The method may include discontinuing combustion operation within the internal combustion engine responsive to idle-stop operation. The method may further include, during a direct-start, performing multi-strike ignition operation per combustion cycle via one or more selected spark plug(s) for at least a first combustion cycle in a combustion chamber following the discontinuation of combustion operation, the one or more selected spark plug(s) coupled to the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for starting an internal combustion engine is disclosed. A motor is mechanically coupled to the engine, the engine having at least one moveable element mounted in a chamber, the moveable element being operable to cause a changing compression condition within the chamber and being mechanically coupled to a shaft for generating mechanical power. The method involves causing the motor to supply a positioning torque to the engine to move the at least one moveable element into a starting position, The method also involves causing the motor to supply a starting torque to the engine when the at least one moveable element is in the starting position to cause the moveable element to accelerate from the starting position under low compression conditions to generate sufficient momentum to overcome a peak compression condition in the chamber, thereby reducing the starting torque required to start the engine.

Abstract: An engine starting assist system. A battery is selectably coupled to an ultracapacitor with a contactor. In addition, a controller is configured to perform at least one of: monitor the condition of the battery, monitor the condition of the ultracapacitor, control the flow of energy between the battery and the ultracapacitor by selective actuation of the contactor, receive a start input control. The controller issues a start output control to a starter solenoid of the engine, such that energy stored in the ultracapacitor may be used to at least one of charge the battery and provide cranking current to a starter of the engine in conjunction with the battery.

Abstract: A vehicle control device, including a vehicle control unit that controls engagement between an engine and a starter motor for starting the engine, wherein the vehicle control unit, along with cutting off fuel supply to the engine and causing the engine to rotate inertially, also, in a state in which fuel supply to the engine is cut off and the starter motor is not engaged with the engine, rotates the starter motor, and thereafter controls supply of electrical power to the starter motor so as to causes the starter motor to rotate inertially, and engages the starter motor to the engine while both the engine and the starter motor are performing inertial rotation.

Abstract: In a power output apparatus of the invention, a battery 36 is constructed by a lithium ion battery satisfying a first requirement of Sb/Pm2max>0.09 (m2/kW) as a relation of a total electrode area Sb of the battery to a rated output (maximum output) Pm2max of a motor MG2 in power operation and a second requirement of Sb/(|Pm1min+Pm2min|)>0.04 (m2/kW) as a relation of the total electrode area Sb of the battery to a rated output Pm1min of a motor MG1 in regenerative operation and a rated output Pm2min of the motor in regenerative operation. The lithium ion battery satisfying the first requirement and the second requirement ensures sufficient exertion of the drive characteristics of the motor MG2 and the power generation characteristics of both the motors MG1 and MG2.

Abstract: A vehicle power unit including a speed reducing gear train including a starter driven gear, a starting one-way clutch interposed between the starter driven gear and a crankshaft. The speed reducing gear train and the starting one-way clutch are provided between a starter motor and the crankshaft. A transmission includes gear trains for a plurality of gear speeds wherein the gear trains are provided between a main shaft and a counter shaft. A hybrid type configuration is possible wherein the starter motor produces power for driving the vehicle and to impart a drive assisting force. The starter motor can be changed over between a normal rotational operation and a reverse rotational operation. A power transmission idle gear is interposed between the starter driven gear and a power transmitting gear through a running one-way clutch for permitting power transmission to the side of the main shaft.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a direct start engine, an automatic transmission having a threshold fluid pressure sufficient for enabling operation of the transmission when the engine is off, a controller, and a fuel delivery system. The controller determines the presence of predetermined engine states, and optimizes a stop-and-go functionality of the engine. The fuel delivery system includes a motor and an integrated pump assembly having a secondary high-pressure (HP) fuel pump which is selectively connectable to a rotatable shaft of the motor, and a secondary low-pressure (LP) fluid pump which is continuously connected to the shaft. The motor continuously energizes the secondary LP fluid pump via the rotatable shaft to thereby maintain the threshold fluid pressure during a first or second engine state, and selectively energizes the secondary HP fuel pump via the rotatable shaft to maintain the threshold fuel pressure during the second engine state.

Abstract: A hybrid electronic control unit sends a combustion start command to an engine ECU when the rotation speed of an engine reaches a combustion start rotation speed by engine cranking. The engine ECU sends an initial explosion advance notification to the hybrid electronic control unit when the crank position of the engine reaches a specific position prior to an ignition timing of an initial explosion cylinder by a preset crank angle ?ec. Ignition of the initial explosion cylinder is performed at a timing when the crank position is further rotated by the preset crank angle ?ec. The hybrid electronic control unit sends a torque command in view of a counter torque T? to a motor ECU after elapse of a preset time period tv.

Abstract: A method for starting a vehicle engine includes determining a throttle angle command output based on a throttle adjustment parameter. The throttle angle command output may be further adjusted based on a learned compensation adder and may be based on a number of vehicle engine starts. A throttle angle corresponding to the throttle angle command output is provided.

Abstract: The start control device for a vehicle has previously stored a plurality of coolant temperature maps in association with information on a plurality of engines in which determination rotational speeds for use in determining whether or not the each engine has achieved complete combustion are determined for several different engine coolant temperatures. The start control device for a vehicle starts cranking when detecting a signal from an engine starting switch, selects a coolant temperature map associated with engine information acquired out of the plurality of coolant temperature maps, determines a determination rotational speed NE determined for the coolant temperature at start in the selected coolant temperature map, and terminates the cranking when the engine rotational speed reaches the determination rotational speed NE.

Abstract: A diesel engine start-up assisting device includes a plurality of first-and-second switching elements 11a to 11d between a common direct-current power source 1 and a plurality of electrical load 3a to 3d, a plurality of start-up assisting main parts 10a to 10d and an input-and-output unit 7. The diesel engine start-up assisting device is constructed so as to enable start-up of a diesel engine when power distribution is applied to at least one of the electrical loads 3a to 3d. In arrangement, the first-and-second switching elements 11a to 11d, the start-up assisting main parts 10a to 10d and the input-and-output unit 7 are integrated into one package having a lead frame. Defining the first-and-second switching element as a pair of switching elements, the first-and-second switching elements 11a to 11d are arranged in parallel with each other on the lead frame, and the lead frame has a notch part formed between two pairs of switching elements adjoined to each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a starter for starting of an internal combustion engine, comprising a starter relay (1) having a relay switch (2). A main current path (7) to a starter motor (4) can be opened or closed with said relay switch. The service life of the starter relay (1) can be increased considerably if a further switch (9) is provided in addition to the relay switch (1), the further switch being actuated by means of an electronic system (10) such that it is closed at least at the time at which the relay switch (2) opens and/or closes.

Abstract: In a method of monitoring an engine starting system in an engine, the engine starting system includes a charging system, a battery, a starter, a flywheel, and a controller. The controller and monitors can monitor components and systems associated with starting of an engine, such as engine or cranking speed, power cylinder unit compression, injection timing, and proper fuel delivery to predict and/or diagnose problems. For example, a charging system voltage is monitored and the charging system voltage is compared with predetermined charging system voltage values. Voltage of the battery is monitored and battery voltage is compared with predetermined battery voltage values. A signal to an operator is provided if one or more of the charging system voltage and the battery voltage are outside of predetermined ranges for the one or more of the charging system voltage and the battery voltage.

Abstract: When a start command of an engine is given in the presence of the driver's power demand, the start control sets the ignition timing of the engine to a power demand ignition timing, in order to enable quick output of a large power from the engine in response to the driver's power demand. When the start command of the engine is given in the absence of the driver's power demand in a vehicle drive state, there is little possibility of the occurrence of gear chattering noise because of application of a torque to a driveshaft. The start control accordingly sets the ignition timing of the engine to a vibration control ignition timing, in order to reduce the vibration of the vehicle body. When the start command of the engine is given in the absence of the driver's power demand in a vehicle stop state, on the other hand, application of a small torque may cause the occurrence of chattering noise.

Abstract: In a method, a device, a computer program and a computer program product for operating an internal combustion engine having a starter: a first threshold value and a second threshold value are specified; a first variable and a second variable are determined, which characterize the operating state of the internal combustion engine; the first variable is compared to the specified first threshold value and the second variable is compared to the specified second threshold value; and the starter starting, or not starting, the internal combustion engine as a function of the comparison result.

Abstract: When cranking is started, a control unit of an ECU determines an advance amount by which an intake valve closing timing is advanced from a fully retarded position toward a bottom dead center, and transmits the determined advance amount to a variable valve timing mechanism. After cranking is started, the control unit determines that there is an abnormality in the variable valve timing mechanism, when the advance amount is larger than 0, and when an actual intake valve closing timing, determined using an intake cam angle from a cam angle sensor and a crank angle from a crank angle sensor, is not advanced from the fully retarded position. When it is determined that there is an abnormality in the variable valve timing mechanism, the control unit outputs a control signal to an inverter to increase an output torque of a motor, which is a driving source for cranking.

Abstract: When an ignition switch (22) is operated to other than a start position for cranking an engine (20), a switch (relay 28) places a megafuse (30) in circuit with protecting cables to the electric starter motor (18) and alternator (16) to protect against shorts. When ignition switch (22) is operated to start position for cranking the engine (20), switch (28) removes the megafuse (30) from protecting the cables. If a short blew the megafuse (30) before starting, the ignition switch (22) cannot operate the switch (28) and the engine cannot be cranked.

Abstract: A plunger relay includes a movable actuating element on which a first solenoid actuator is acting in force-transmitting manner. The plunger relay has at least one second solenoid actuator, which is acting on the same movable actuating element in force-transmitting manner, and whose magnetic force is able to be set independently of the magnetic force of the first solenoid actuator.

Abstract: A method for starting an engine of a vehicle ensures that a stationary vehicle cannot unintentionally begin to move during the starting operation. In the event of a starting command, a check is made as to whether the vehicle is stationary. If the vehicle is stationary, at least one vehicle brake is activated. After activation of the vehicle brake, starting of the engine is authorized.

Abstract: An engine start-up control device for a vehicle is provided with a structure which prevents the occurrence of an uncomfortable shock arising from amplified engine load torque fluctuation caused by resonance, when an output of a first motor generator starting up an engine by driving the same is limited. With a second motor generator having reactive torque restricting the rotation of a transfer member, the first motor generator rotatably drives a sun gear to crank the engine for start-up thereof.

Abstract: A system for cold starting a machine is disclosed. The system may have an engine and a reductant tank. The system may also have a temperature sensor, which may be configured to generate a signal indicative of a temperature within the reductant tank. Additionally, the system may have a controller, which may be in communication with the engine and the temperature sensor. The controller may be configured to increase an operating temperature of the engine, based on the signal.

Abstract: A method and a device are for the optimized starting of an internal combustion engine using a starter, which is connected to a capacitor store, the capacitor store being connected via a DC/DC converter to a vehicle electrical system of a vehicle, and the vehicle electrical system including an energy store for supplying electrical energy having a nominal voltage, and the starter consuming a starting energy for starting the internal combustion engine, which is a function of a temperature of the internal combustion engine, the temperature of the internal combustion engine being measured by at least one temperature sensor and the capacitor store being charged to a setpoint voltage with the aid of a battery via another DC/DC converter, which connects the battery in parallel to the capacitor store parallel to a switch, the setpoint voltage being set by a control unit such that the electrical energy stored in the capacitor store charged to the setpoint voltage is greater than the starting energy ascertained on the b

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for positioning a crankshaft of a turned-off internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, wherein the crankshaft is rotated into a desired target position for the subsequent start of the internal combustion engine by means of an electric starter motor having a free wheel. The invention provides that at least one characteristic curve and/or characteristic value of a correlation between a covered rotational distance of the crankshaft and a position of the angle of rotation is determined at a standardized pulsed current duration of the starter motor for a defined operating case, that the current position of the angle of rotation of the crankshaft is determined, and that at least one estimated pulsed current duration is applied to the electric starter motor as a function of the determined position of the angle of rotation of the crankshaft and the target position and the characteristic curve/characteristic values.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a direct-start engine and a fuel rail with a threshold fuel pressure, a transmission having a threshold fluid pressure, and a fuel delivery system. The system has a controller, a motor having a shaft, and an integrated pump assembly including a high-pressure (HP) fuel pump and a low-pressure (LP) fluid pump each connected to the shaft. Threshold pressures are maintained during the predetermined engine state, which includes an engine idling and an engine cranking state. A method for providing stop-and-go functionality in a vehicle having a direct-start engine includes detecting a current engine state, rotating a motor shaft to energize a secondary HP fuel pump at a first threshold pressure during engine cranking, and rotating the shaft to energize an LP fluid pump at a second threshold pressure during engine idling and engine cranking. The secondary pumps can also be used when primary pumps are temporarily inoperable.

Abstract: A device for controlling the operating state of a system for the automatic starting/stopping of a heat engine of a vehicle. The invention is characterized in that the device comprises at least one operating state indicator (F1, F2) which is associated with an operating mode of the system and which can adopt a first position (B1, P1) in an operating mode inhibition state, a second position (B2, P2) in an operating mode activation state and a third position (B3, P3) in an operating mode intermediate state.

Abstract: An idling stop control of the invention attains an auto start and an auto stop of an engine. At a time point t1, pre-set stop conditions are met to cut off a fuel supply to the engine. Preset starting conditions may be met at a time point t2 when the engine still continues rotating in a normal direction by the inertial force. In this state, the idling stop control starts cranking the engine. The preset starting conditions may be met at a time point t4 when a piston does not complete a compression cycle immediately before a stop of the engine but is pressed back by the compressed air to rotate the engine in a reverse direction. In this state, the idling stop control waits until cancellation of the reverse rotation of the engine and then starts cranking the engine. The arrangement of the invention desirably ensures a quick start of the engine, while effectively preventing an excess stress from acting on a gear mechanism, which connects a starter motor to the engine.

Abstract: A power management device comprises a start management control unit having a starter hold control function for actuating a starter motor and holding the actuation based on an operating signal from a button switch, a first terminating unit for terminating cranking hold when receiving a starter stop instruction signal sent from an engine control device when it is determined that an engine reached a complete explosion, a second terminating unit for terminating cranking hold when it is determined that the engine reached a complete explosion based on an engine revolution signal sent from the engine control device, and a forced terminating unit for forcefully terminating cranking hold when cranking hold cannot be terminated by those terminating units.

Abstract: An engine start controller having a starter motor that is driven by battery to start engine, an activation switch that sends to the starter motor a START command for starting the engine, an activation circuit that connects the starter motor to the battery to supply a drive current, and an engine start control unit that issues an OPERATE command for operating the activation circuit when receiving the START command from the activation switch, and supplies the drive current to the starter motor. The controller is provided with a bypass circuit that directly sends to the activation circuit the START command that has been sent from the activation switch.

Abstract: In a remote operation control device, an in-vehicle communication unit receives a drive request signal which is transmitted from a center to request a remote operation of a predetermined in-vehicle apparatus. When the drive request signal from the center is received by the in-vehicle communication unit, a preliminary checking request unit requests an in-vehicle electronic control unit which controls operation of the in-vehicle apparatus, to perform checking of whether a precondition for carrying out the remote operation of the in-vehicle apparatus is satisfied. A remote driving unit carries out the remote operation of the in-vehicle apparatus when it is determined after the drive request signal from the center is received by the in-vehicle communication unit that the precondition is satisfied as a result of response to the request for the checking by the preliminary checking request unit.

Abstract: A device for starting an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle includes a starter motor having an actuator for engaging a pinion, drivable by the starter motor, with a ring gear, and a control unit which activates a switching output stage associated with the actuator and a switching output stage associated with the starter motor. The starting time of the internal combustion engine is substantially reduced by providing the starter device with a control unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling the start-up phase of a motor vehicle driven by an internal combustion engine (12). The internal combustion engine (12) is started by an electrical machine (16) that can be operated as a motor, and there is a preferably automatically actuatable clutch (50) in the drive train (11) between the internal combustion engine (12) and the electrical machine (16). A faster start-up response can be achieved if the internal combustion engine (12) is driven by the electrical machine (16) when the clutch (50) is engaged during start-up, and if the clutch capacitance (MK) is reduced according to a defined parameter, preferably the engine speed, the time or the torque (ME) of the electrical machine (16) or similar.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling the start-up phase of a motor vehicle driven by an internal combustion engine (12). The internal combustion engine (12) is started by an electrical machine (16) that can be operated as a motor, and there is a preferably automatically actuatable clutch (50) in the drive train (11) between the internal combustion engine (12) and the electrical machine (16). A faster start-up response can be achieved if the internal combustion engine (12) is driven by the electrical machine (16) when the clutch (50) is engaged during start-up, and if the clutch capacitance (MK) is reduced according to a defined parameter, preferably the engine speed, the time or the torque (ME) of the electrical machine (16) or similar.

Abstract: An engine starting device for controlling an engine start of a vehicle by driving a starter relay of the vehicle with a battery of the vehicle as a power supply has a control processing unit and a step-up circuit for stepping up the output of the battery and outputting a drive voltage for driving the control processing unit and the starter relay.

Abstract: A remote climate control system is for a hybrid vehicle having a rechargeable electrical power source and an electrical heater selectively powered thereby, a sensor associated with the rechargeable electrical power source, and a data communications bus extending throughout the hybrid vehicle. At least one of the electrical heater and the sensor is coupled to the data communications bus. The remote climate control system includes a remote transmitter and a receiver to be positioned at the hybrid vehicle for receiving signals from said remote transmitter. A vehicle remote climate controller cooperates with said receiver and to be coupled to the data communications bus extending within the hybrid vehicle for communication thereover to selectively operate the electrical heater responsive to the sensor and said remote transmitter.

Abstract: A vehicle starting system for activating an ignition of a vehicle. The system includes a remote transmitting device operable to communicate a start signal in response to a user input, and a control at a vehicle that receives the start signal. The control processes images captured by at least one imaging device to determine if the images are indicative of the vehicle being parked in an enclosed environment. The control activates an ignition of the vehicle in response to the start signal and the image processing.

Abstract: A power equipment apparatus includes an engine, an electric starter motor, a manual starter mechanism, a temperature sensor, and a starter switch. The temperature sensor is operatively coupled with the engine and is configured to generate a temperature signal reflecting a temperature of a portion of the engine. The starter switch is configured to selectively facilitate passage of electrical power to the electric starter motor for actuation of the electric starter motor only when both the starter switch is actuated and the temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has an electric power supply that includes a battery bank (122), a compression ignition engine (100), different types of cold start aids (118, 120) that draw electric current from the power supply for aiding engine starting in cold ambient temperature, and a control (124) for monitoring voltage of the power supply while the cold start aids are drawing current from the battery bank and for interrupting the current to a lower priority one of the cold start aids, but not a higher priority one of the cold start aids, when monitored voltage falls below a threshold voltage.

Abstract: A start control device of an internal combustion engine, the start control device includes: a starting unit, which cranks the internal combustion engine to start the internal combustion engine while opening and closing an intake valve; a variable valve mechanism, which can change a closing timing of the intake valve; and a control unit, which controls the variable valve mechanism so as to advance the closing timing of the intake valve while the starting unit cranks.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting a tow start operation of an internal combustion engine in a motor vehicle. In this case, a signal representing the activity and/or inactivity of a starter unit of the internal combustion engine is detected. A tow start operation of the internal combustion engine is determined when, following detection of a successful start-up process of the internal combustion engine, the signal representing the activity and/or inactivity of the starter unit has not displayed any activity of the starter unit since the beginning of the start-up process of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: In the case where predetermined abnormality detection performed with operation of an engine, such as abnormality detection of a fuel system and an ignition system of the engine and various sensors, has not been completed (in the case where an abnormality detection completion flag F is zero), self-sustaining operation of the engine is performed to continue the operation (S280) when the engine is being operated and a power demand Pe* of the engine is less than a threshold Pstop1 for stopping the operation of the engine in normal time (S130) but is a threshold Pstop2 or more smaller than the threshold Pstop1 (S200 and S210), and the engine is started when the engine is not being operated and the power demand Pe* is a threshold Pstart2 or more smaller than a threshold Pstart1 for starting the engine in normal time (S310 and S320). This ensures performance of the predetermined abnormality detection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to protect a starter from over heating during any cranking operation to start an electronically controlled internal combustion engine having an electronic control unit with a memory. The method includes constraining the time during which a cranking operation may proceed and ensuring that the starter temperature is within a predetermined range to ensure that the starter does not operate for a time period that permits the starter to heat up beyond a predetermined temperature range.

Abstract: An engine control apparatus and related control method for an engine are disclosed wherein cylinder discrimination is executed based on a crank signal and a cam signal under a normal signal mode. If a failure occurs in either the crank signal or the cam signal, the cylinder discrimination is executed based on a normal one of the crank signal and the cam signal. A starter device is driven to crank up the engine until judgment is made that the engine enters a running state. A duration time for the starter device to be driven is measured and if the duration time reaches a limit time, the driving state of the starter device is interrupted. When either the crank signal or the cam signal encounters the failure, the limit time is set to a longer time than a preset time for the normal signal mode.

Abstract: A method for detecting sustained combustion in the engine of a hybrid electric powertrain that includes a starter/generator driveably connected to the engine, a transmission for driving a load, and an input clutch for opening and closing a drive connection between the electric machine and the transmission, includes the steps of using the starter/generator to produce torque and crank the engine, preparing the engine to produce combustion, producing torque capacity across the input clutch while slipping the clutch, and continuing use of the starter/generator until a sum of the crankshaft torque applied by the starter/generator and the crankshaft torque applied by the transmission is less than some torque threshold for a predetermined period length.

Abstract: An engine control apparatus in which, when it is detected by a starter switch that a starter has changed-over from a drive state into a non-drive state, an ECU (engine control unit) predicts a time period in which an engine is completely stopped, on the basis of a revolution speed of the engine at that time, so as to turn OFF an output of a starting motor relay for the predicted period.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for starting a vehicle in a cold temperature environment and minimizing the time spent by the vehicle within a resonance frequency zone during operation. The present invention includes a method of starting a vehicle engine comprising adjusting the speed of the engine during an engine start mode in accordance with a fixed value threshold. The method also includes determining whether the engine speed has reached the fixed value threshold or whether a time-based threshold has been reached. The method further includes transitioning out of the engine start mode into a normal operating mode when either the fixed value threshold or the time-based threshold has been reached.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling the start-up phase of a motor vehicle driven by an internal combustion engine (12). The internal combustion engine (12) is started by an electrical machine (16) that can be operated as a motor, and there is a preferably automatically actuatable clutch (50) in the drive train (11) between the internal combustion engine (12) and the electrical machine (16). A faster start-up response can be achieved if the internal combustion engine (12) is driven by the electrical machine (16) when the clutch (50) is engaged during start-up, and if the clutch capacitance (MK) is reduced according to a defined parameter, preferably the engine speed, the time or the torque (ME) of the electrical machine (16) or similar.

Abstract: Upon a start of the internal combustion engine, a starting system causes an injector to inject fuel into and causes an ignition plug to ignite a mixture in a cylinder stopped in the expansion stroke, and causes the injector to inject fuel into and causes the ignition plug to ignite a mixture at or in the vicinity of the compression TDC in a compression-stroke cylinder that follows the expansion-stroke cylinder. When the engine coolant temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the starting system retards the fuel injection timing for the compression-stroke cylinder.

Abstract: A vehicular power supply apparatus includes a capacitor, an idling stop means for stopping an engine at a halt of the vehicle and restarting the engine at driver's preset driving operation by supplying current to an engine starter with the capacitor, a current detecting means for detecting the current, a cumulative value calculating means for calculating cumulative value of the current on the basis of the detected current after starting of the engine starter until a set time elapses, and an abnormality determining means for determining, when engine revolution speed at the time the set time has elapsed is outside a preset range and the cumulative value is equal to or less than a preset value, that the capacitor is abnormal.

Abstract: Provided is an intake manifold pressure control apparatus, or vacuum pump, for a hybrid propulsion system. The vacuum pump is operable to evacuate the intake manifold of an internal combustion engine, thereby lowering the Manifold Absolute Pressure, or MAP, to a predetermined level to enable a quick restart of the internal combustion engine. This vacuum pump may also be used to evacuate hydrocarbons, or HCs, from within the intake system to prevent evaporative emissions from the intake manifold upon engine shutdown. In the preferred embodiment, the vacuum pump is operated by a motor that can simultaneously operate an auxiliary transmission oil pump. Additionally, the present invention provides a method of controlling the hybrid propulsion system to enable the manifold pressure control apparatus to lower the MAP value within the intake manifold as well as a method of evacuating HCs from the intake manifold upon engine shutdown.