Abstract: A heater control system is provided for controlling the temperature of a heater used to heat a solid electrolyte-made sensing element of a gas concentration sensor up to a given temperature at which the sensing element is activated to provide a desired gas concentration output for controlling a preselected variable used in a given feedback control system. The heater control system controls an electric power supplied to the heater to bring the temperature of the sensing element into agreement with a target temperature value and determines the target temperature value as a function of the preselected variable used in the feedback control system so that only desired quantity of power may be supplied to the heater, thereby minimizing a consumption of the power.

Abstract: A diagnostic equipment for an exhaust gas cleaning apparatus installed for an engine, comprising a misfire detector which detects the misfire of the engine, and a secondary-air-system failure detector which detects the failure of a secondary air system. An index corrector corrects a deterioration index calculated by a deterioration-index calculator, in accordance with the detected result of the detector. A deterioration decision unit decides if the diagnostic equipment has failed, by the use of the corrected deterioration index. In a case where the extent of the misfire or the like is severe, a decision interrupter interrupts the decision of the deterioration decision unit. Thus, even when the misfire of the engine or the failure of the secondary air system has occurred, the detection of the deterioration of a catalyst does not err. It is therefore avoided to erroneously replace the catalyst which has not deteriorated yet, or to run the engine in spite of the deterioration of the catalyst.

Abstract: Periodic forced stimulations are asserted on setpoint values for a lambda control and a system response of a lambda control loop is simulated by a model that includes a sensor delay time as the model parameter. Amplitude gains of the model and the system are compared with each other and adapted according to the result of the comparison of the model parameters. If the adaptation value lies above a threshold, a lambda probe is classified as defective.

Abstract: In the event that a throttle position sensor fails, a method is provided which allows a pseudo throttle position sensor value to be calculated as a function of volumetric efficiency, pressure, volume, temperature, and the ideal gas constant. This is accomplished by first determining an air per cylinder (PAC) value and then calculated the mass air flow into the engine as a function of the air per cylinder (APC) value. The mass air flow is then used, as a ratio of the maximum mass air flow at maximum power at sea level for the engine, to calculate a pseudo throttle position sensor value. That pseudo TPS (BARO) value is then used to select an air/fuel target ratio that allows the control system to calculate the fuel per cycle (FPC) for the engine.

Abstract: The present invention increases the frequency of the LAF sensor deterioration determination in the case that air-fuel ratio control is being carried out while the deterioration of the LAF sensor is being monitored. When the monitor conditions are no longer satisfied during the deterioration determination of the LAF sensor (as shown in (a) and (b) of FIG. 6), the LAF prohibition timer is operated (as shown in (c) of FIG. 6), and switching to a lean burn is prohibited for a predetermined time interval (for example, 7 seconds), and in addition, after the LAF sensor deterioration determination has completed, after passage of a time interval shorter than this predetermined time interval (for example, 2 seconds) (as shown in figures (c) and (d) of FIG. 6), a lean burn is permitted.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a diagnostic arrangement for a potentiometric, electrical exhaust-gas probe for the control of combustion processes with a periodic change of the composition of the combusting air/fuel mixture between oxygen deficiency and oxygen excess. The exhaust-gas probe is heated by an electric heater and outputs a probe signal when the exhaust-gas probe operates without fault which changes between a first region of high signal values (oxygen deficiency) and a second region of low signal values (oxygen excess) with the first region and the second region being separated by a third region of values. A fault announcement is outputted when the probe signal lies within the third region longer than a pregiven longest duration. A fault announcement is also outputted when changes of the current supplied to the electric heater occur within the pregiven longest duration and when the probe signal has temporarily left the third region of values after the change of the heater current.

Abstract: A control device for an air-fuel ratio sensor for detecting, from an oxygen concentration detecting device, a current corresponding to a concentration of oxygen contained in a gas by applying a voltage to the oxygen concentration detecting device. The control device detects an alternating impedance of the oxygen concentration detecting device corresponding to each frequency by applying alternating voltages of a plurality of frequencies to the oxygen concentration detecting device and analyzing each of the alternating impedances detected by the impedance detecting means so as to calculate a parameter indicating a change in the characteristic of the oxygen concentration detecting device, and thereby achieve control of the air-fuel ratio sensor.

Abstract: An oxygen concentration sensor abnormality-detecting system is provided for an internal combustion engine having first and second oxygen concentration sensors arranged in the exhaust system upstream and downstream of a catalytic converter therein. An ECU determines that the first oxygen concentration sensor is functioning abnormally if an output from the first oxygen concentration sensor does not change when an output from the second oxygen concentration sensor changes.

Abstract: An oxygen concentration sensor trouble discriminating apparatus in which a counter executes a counting operation every time a lean state of an air-fuel ratio is detected on the basis of an output signal of an oxygen concentration sensor for the first time after a feedback control operating state was not detected. In the case where the air-fuel ratio feedback control operating state is detected, if the output signal of the oxygen concentration sensor indicates an inversion of the rich and lean states of the air-fuel ratio, a count value of the counter is reset to an initial value. When the count value is larger than a predetermined value, the oxygen concentration sensor is decided to be in trouble.

Abstract: An air-fuel ratio sensor system is diagnosed for the presence/absence of an abnormality on the basis of a reference voltage appearing at one end of a current detecting resistor and a detection voltage appearing at the other end of the current detecting resistor for detecting a current output by an air-fuel ratio sensor. If the reference voltage is outside a normal range and higher than the detection voltage, the air-fuel ratio sensor system is determined to be in a rich abnormality. If the reference voltage Vafon is outside the normal range and lower than the detection voltage, the air-fuel ratio sensor system is determined to be in a lean abnormality. If the reference voltage is within the normal range and a state of the detection voltage being close to a power supply voltage has been continuing for a predetermined period of time, the air-fuel ratio sensor system is determined to be in a circuit-shorting.

Abstract: An emission control system is monitored by measuring time periods during which the signal of a post-catalyst lambda probe lies below or above an engine speed/load dependent threshold value. The measurements are weighted with an engine speed/load dependent value and subsequently summed so that a total reference time period, which constitutes a measure of the additionally emitted pollutants, can be related to the overall operating time period. If the ratio exceeds a predefined value, a faulty function of the pre-catalyst lambda probe is diagnosed. The method permits the onboard diagnosis of the lambda control of the catalytic emission treatment system.

Abstract: In a system using a gas concentration sensor such as an A/F sensor having a heater, a microcomputer detects an abnormality in a heater power supply control. After the detection of abnormality, the computer reduces the electric power to the heater to a minimum and determines whether the heater has restored its normal operation. The power supply to the heater is stopped and returned to the normal power supply control when it is determined that the detected abnormality continues and discontinues during the reduced power supply period, respectively.

Abstract: A catalyst deterioration-determining system for an internal combustion engine has a catalyst arranged in the exhaust system, for purifying exhaust gases emitted from the engine, an oxygen concentration sensor arranged in the exhaust system at a location downstream of the catalyst, for detecting the concentration of oxygen present in the exhaust gases, and an ECU which controls the air-fuel ratio of an air-fuel mixture supplied to the engine in a feedback manner in response to the output from the oxygen concentration sensor. Determination of deterioration of the catalyst is carried out based on the output from the oxygen concentration sensor during execution of air-fuel ratio feedback control.

Abstract: A diagnostic equipment for an exhaust gas cleaning apparatus installed for an engine, comprising a misfire detector which detects the misfire of the engine, and a secondary-air-system failure detector which detects the failure of a secondary air system. An index corrector corrects a deterioration index calculated by a deterioration-index calculator, in accordance with the detected result of the detector. A deterioration decision unit decides if the diagnostic equipment has failed, by the use of the corrected deterioration index. In a case where the extent of the misfire or the like is severe, a decision interrupter interrupts the decision of the deterioration decision unit. Thus, even when the misfire of the engine or the failure of the secondary air system has occurred, the detection of the deterioration of a catalyst does not err. It is therefore avoided to erroneously replace the catalyst which has not deteriorated yet, or to run the engine in spite of the deterioration of the catalyst.

Abstract: An air-fuel ratio control system for an internal combustion engine is provided, which includes an oxygen concentration sensor arranged in the exhaust system and having an output characteristic that an output thereof is substantially proportional to concentration of oxygen present in exhaust gases from the engine. An ECU is responsive to the output of the oxygen concentration sensor, for carrying out feedback control of the air-fuel ratio of a mixture supplied to the engine so as to make the air-fuel ratio equal to a desired air-fuel ratio. An activated state of the oxygen concentration sensor is detected. Correction of the air-fuel ratio of the mixture by the feedback control is limited, depending upon the detected activated state of the oxygen concentration sensor.

Abstract: A method that detects an air-fuel ratio in each cylinder of an internal combustion engine by properly setting a cycle of detecting an element resistance of an A/F oxygen concentration sensor. Although an actual A/F signal is at the stoichiometric ratio in each cylinder at exhaust timing cycle in a practical engine rotational speed range, the ratio is largely deviated to the rich side in the #1 cylinder. The first element resistance detection timing cycle coincides with generation timing of the actual A/F signal, so that the A/F signal cannot be detected. When the element resistance detection timing cycle is preset so as to be longer than the exhaust timing cycle, the second actual A/F signal detection timing for the #1 cylinder does not coincide with the element resistance detection timing. Consequently, the actual A/F signal of the #1 cylinder can be detected as an A/F signal by the A/F sensor.

Abstract: An air-fuel ratio sensor of a limit current type is used for an air-fuel ratio feedback control. When the air-fuel ratio sensor is in a semi-activated state, the air-fuel ratio sensor is driven into an electromotive force generating mode by a current externally applied thereto thereby to shift an electromotive force changing point so that an air-fuel ratio at which the electromotive force changes stepwisely is shifted from the stoichiometric ratio point to a lean zone. When the air-fuel ratio sensor is in a completely activated state, the air-fuel ratio sensor is applied with a voltage to produce a limit current varying with an air-fuel ratio so that a feedback control is performed based on the advanced control theory by using a linear current output characteristics.

Abstract: A defect recognition device is provided for internal-combustion engines, as well as a process for operating an internal-combustion engine having at least two exhaust gas trains, with one lambda probe respectively being in each exhaust gas train. A joint measuring device detects the supplied air and a joint timing device apportions the fuel. The lambda probes, which generate a continuous signal for the lambda value of the exhaust gas, are used to provide improved defect recognition. The defect recognition device recognizes a defect when the signals supplied by the lambda probes deviate from one another.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and an arrangement for controlling an internal combustion engine wherein the operational reliability of the control is ensured by comparing the actual torque of the engine to a maximum permissible torque. This torque comparison is switched off and another monitoring function is activated when a fault in the area of charge detection is suspected.

Abstract: An air/fuel ratio control system controls the supply of fuel to an internal combustion engine to achieve a target air/fuel ratio, based on the output of an air/fuel ratio sensor. The system may determine whether there is an abnormality in the air/fuel ratio sensor based on a comparison between a change of an air/fuel ratio correction coefficient, used to drive the air/fuel ratio to the target value, and a change of the target air/fuel ratio if the target air/fuel ratio has sharply changed.

Abstract: A method for controlling an engine exhaust gas system includes the steps of detecting an air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas discharged from an internal engine by an oxygen sensor, controlling the exhaust gas to near the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio by a closed-loop control referring to a resultant signal, and leading the exhaust gas to a three-way catalyst to treat nitrogen oxide, hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide. A nitrogen oxide sensor is provided downstream of the three-way catalyst, and a control value of air-fuel ratio by a closed loop control by the oxygen sensor is corrected to set the nitrogen oxide concentration to a predetermined value in accordance with an output of the nitrogen oxide sensor. The deterioration of the three-way catalyst and/or oxygen sensor is detected by comparing a change in control corrected value for the air-fuel ratio of closed loop control referring to an output of the nitrogen oxide sensor with a predetermined value.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the operatibility of catalytic converters and/or lambda probes in exhaust gas detoxification systems. It is characterised in that a pollutant sensor is placed downstream of (in relation to the exhaust gas stream) or in the catalytic converter, in that the lambda value and/or oxygen content of the exhaust gas are altered by a specific amount either by the engine or by a device, and in that the electrical output signal from the pollutant sensor is compared in a comparator circuit to a value curve stored in a storage unit and corresponding to the defined alteration of the lambda value.

Abstract: A control system for a plant includes a sensor for detecting an output from the plant, an adaptive controller for controlling a manipulated variable applied to control of the plant in a manner such that an output from the sensor becomes equal to a desired value, and an adaptive parameter-adjusting device for adjusting adaptive parameters used by the adaptive controller. The adaptive controller is configured in a manner adapted to a predetermined dead time shorter than an actual dead time which the plant and the detection means possess. Sampling timing of an input vector input to the adaptive parameter-adjusting device corresponds to the actual dead time.

Abstract: An object is to carry out abnormality diagnosis of a wide range air-fuel ratio sensor to a high accuracy, with a relatively simple construction. Judgment is made as to whether abnormality diagnosis permit conditions have materialized, and if materialized, a detection value of an air-fuel ratio sensor is monitored. It is then judged if the responsiveness of a change in the detection value of the air-fuel ratio sensor subsequent to changing a target air-fuel ratio is within a predetermined range. If so, an OK judgment is given. If not, an NG judgment is given and a warning lamp is illuminated to advise the driver of the abnormality in the air-fuel ratio sensor so as to take action. With this arrangement, abnormality diagnosis of a wide range air-fuel ratio sensor can be carried out to a high accuracy with a relatively simple construction.

Abstract: An air-fuel ratio control using an A/F sensor which outputs a current representing an air-fuel ratio in response to a voltage applied thereto. If the A/F sensor is still in a state prior to activation and the actual air-fuel ratio is different from an air-fuel ratio represented by a current of the sensor in the state prior to activation when the engine is started, that is, if the air-fuel ratio is put on the rich side by an increased amount of fuel injected at a start of an internal combustion engine at a low temperature or other causes, for example a CPU employed in an ECU, determines whether the difference between the .lambda.-conversion value of the current of the A/F sensor and a target air-fuel ratio is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. If the determination is YES, a feedback control of the air-fuel ratio is started.

Abstract: An air/fuel ratio control system controls the supply of fuel to an internal combustion engine to achieve a target air/fuel ratio, based on the output of an air/fuel ratio sensor. The system may determine whether there is an abnormality in the air/fuel ratio sensor based on a comparison between a change of an air/fuel ratio correction coefficient, used to drive the air/fuel ratio to the target value, and a change of the target air/fuel ratio if the target air/fuel ratio has sharply changed.

Abstract: The method of diagnosis determines the state of deterioration of an exhaust gas stoichiometric composition sensor placed downstream of a catalytic converter. The catalytic converter is mounted on an exhaust manifold of an internal combustion engine supplied with an air/fuel mixture, while the sensor generates an output signal correlated with the stoichiometric composition of the mixture. The method comprises the phases of registering a temperature signal correlated with the temperature of the engine; determining the operating range of the engine; determining the stoichiometric composition of the air/fuel mixture; and effecting a hot diagnosis should the temperature signal be greater than a preset reference value, the engine be in the idle operating range and the sensor register a weak stoichiometric composition of the mixture. The hot diagnosis comprises the phases of generating control signals for the engine and of gauging the output signal from the sensor.

Abstract: The air/fuel ratio of an engine is feedback controlled based upon the output of an oxygen sensor. The control includes proportional control and also correction of a control variable for this proportional control according to the actual air/fuel ratio. The period of the output signal of the oxygen sensor during feedback control is measured, a decision value is set corresponding to change in the control variable, and deterioration of the oxygen sensor is determined by comparing the period of the output signal with the decision value. By doing this, change in the control variable is prevented from exerting any influence upon the period of the output signal of the oxygen sensor, and the accuracy of deterioration diagnosis for the oxygen sensor is enhanced.

Abstract: Several embodiments of feedback control systems for either two or four-cycle engines that employ sensors such as oxygen sensors. The systems include an arrangement wherein the sensor condition is determined by comparing the response time with a normal response time. If the time of response is outside of the normal range, compensation may be made so as to permit continued feedback control. Embodiments are also describe that adjust the maximum permissible injection amount and also revert to an open control if the deterioration is more any predetermined amount.

Abstract: A device for determining deterioration of an air-fuel ratio sensor according to the present invention includes: an air-fuel ratio sensor provided in an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine, the air-fuel ratio sensor being capable of continuously detecting a broad range of air-fuel ratios including a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio; an air-fuel ratio feedback control circuit for feedback controlling a fuel injection amount based on a difference between an output of the air-fuel ratio sensor and a target output corresponding to a target air-fuel ratio so that an air-fuel ratio of a gaseous mixture substantially equals the target air-fuel ratio, the gaseous mixture being supplied to the engine; a variation cumulative value calculation circuit for cumulating, while the air-fuel ratio feedback control is being performed by the air-fuel ratio feedback control circuit, a variation .DELTA.FT in a fuel injection correction amount, thereby calculating a cumulative variation value .SIGMA..DELTA.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of determining the sensitivity of a hydrocarbon sensor for an internal combustion engine generating exhaust gas during the operation thereof. The hydrocarbon sensor includes a probe electrode subjected to the exhaust gas and a heater device for heating the probe electrode whereby a voltage (U) is generated in the sensor and is present at the probe electrode with the voltage (U) being a criterion for the concentration of hydrocarbon molecules in the exhaust gas. The voltage (U) present on the probe electrode is short circuited for a short time and the voltage (U) is measured as a function of time to obtain a voltage curve. A conclusion is then drawn as to the sensitivity of the hydrocarbon sensor from the voltage curve. The invention is also directed to an arrangement for carrying out the invention.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine in which air-fuel ratio feedback control is performed using an A/F sensor mounted upstream of an exhaust gas purifying catalyst, a deviation in the characteristic of the A/F sensor is estimated and the air-fuel ratio feedback control and catalyst deterioration judging processes are performed accounting for the estimated deviation. If the characteristic of the A/F sensor deviates in an output increasing direction, the amount of fuel correction will become excessively large, and the period from the time an output voltage VAF crosses a target voltage VAFT to the time it returns to the target voltage will become short compared with a normally functioning A/F sensor. On the other hand, if the characteristic of the A/F sensor deviates in an output decreasing direction, the amount of fuel correction will become excessively small, and that period will become long compared with a normally functioning A/F sensor.

Abstract: An air-fuel ratio sensor is provided in which sensor lead wires are held by a rubber bush at an end of a sensor housing. The rubber bush is made of a rubber material having a 100% modulus strength equal to or larger than 60 Kgf/cm.sup.2 even after the sensor is used under a temperature environment of 300.degree. C. for 100 hours.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for controlling the combustion parameters of an internal combustion engine with an oxygen sensor prior to a closed loop operating condition. If the output voltage of the oxygen sensor indicates a lean air to fuel ratio condition, the percent alcohol content is incremented to a limit based on an E85 possibility curve. If the voltage output of the oxygen sensor indicates a rich air to fuel ratio condition, the percent alcohol content is decremented to a limit based on an E0 possibility curve. After the end of the fuel blending period or when the internal combustion engine reaches a closed loop mode, control of the combustion parameters of the internal combustion engine are returned to normal regime oxygen sensor feedback control.

Abstract: An inflow quantity of an exhaust gas component flowing into a catalyst is calculated based upon air fuel ratio detected by an upstream air fuel ratio sensor which is provided on the upstream side of the catalyst. In addition, an outflow quantity of an exhaust gas component flowing out of the catalyst is calculated based upon air fuel ratio detected by a downstream air fuel ratio sensor which is provided on the downstream side of the catalyst. The quantity of an exhaust gas component absorbed by the catalyst can be detected in real time based upon a difference between the inflow quantity and outflow quantity. Thus, a state of the catalyst can be precisely detected in real time.

Abstract: A driving device for a plurality of sensors or a plurality of actuators comprises a measuring unit for measuring currents flowing through the sensors or the actuators, and a switching arrangement for selectively energizing the sensors or the actuators. The driving device measures a current flowing through each of the sensors or the actuators by means of a single measuring unit, which is time shared.

Abstract: An air-fuel control system for an internal combustion engine is equipped with an exhaust system having a catalytic converter, a linear O.sub.2 sensor and a .lambda.O.sub.2 sensor for feedback controlling an air-fuel ratio on the basis of output representative of oxygen content from at least the linear O.sub.2 sensor. The system delivers a target air-fuel ratio of a fuel mixture. A determinant output, based on which the air-fuel ratio is feedback controlled, is shifted from output from the linear O.sub.2 sensor to output from the .lambda.O.sub.2 sensor before the linear O.sub.2 sensor is effectively active.

Abstract: A device is provided for detecting a malfunction of an air fuel ratio sensor disposed downstream of a catalytic converter in an exhaust passage of an engine. The device calculates a differential value of a sensor output with respect to time. Then the device compare the differential value of said sensor output with a predetermined value and calculate a frequency of the differential value of the sensor output which exceeds the predetermined value. Then the device compares the frequency with a predetermined value and determine that the sensor is malfunctioning if the frequency does not exceed the predetermined value.

Abstract: A feedback control system for controlling the fuel/air ratio of an engine. The system employs a fuel/air ratio or combustion condition sensor and includes a checking system for checking if the sensor is providing reliable data. This is determined by determining whether the output of the sensor changes when an adjustment in the amount of fuel supplied is made. If the sensor check indicates unreliable signals, then the system operates on an open control.

Abstract: There is provided an air-fuel ratio control system for an internal combustion engine installed on an automotive vehicle. The control system controls the air-fuel ratio of a mixture supplied to the engine to a value leaner than a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio immediately after the start of the engine. Operating conditions of the engine and/or operating conditions of the automotive vehicle is detected. Starting of the vehicle is predicted based on the detected operating conditions of the engine and/or the detected operating conditions of the automotive vehicle. The air-fuel ratio of the mixture supplied to the engine is changed to a richer value than the leaner value when the starting of the vehicle is predicted.

Abstract: An engine feedback control system that includes an arrangement for setting lower tolerance limits on the rich and lean side in response to certain engine running characteristics so as to avoid unstable running as might occur under abnormal conditions when wider limits are set as with prior art type constructions. In addition, the increasing limit of fuel supply is set different from the decreasing limits so as to maintain the engine operation within the stable running area regardless of whether the conditions are normal or abnormal.

Abstract: A malfunction detecting apparatus detects malfunctions in an air-fuel ratio sensor employed in an internal combustion engine. The air-fuel ratio sensor is located in an exhaust passage. The output current value of the sensor varies in accordance with an applied voltage and the concentration of oxygen in the exhaust gas. An electronic control unit controls the amount of fuel in the mixture in accordance with the magnitude of the output current of the sensor such that the air-fuel ratio of the mixture is made to coincide with a target air-fuel ratio. The sensor has an applied voltage range in which the output current value remains substantially zero when the air-fuel ratio of the mixture matches a theoretical optimum air-fuel ratio.

Abstract: An air-to-fuel ratio control apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes an air-to-fuel ratio sensor of a current limiting type for detecting an air-to-fuel ratio of an air-fuel mixture from a condition of exhaust gas originating from the air-fuel mixture. An air-to-fuel ratio controlling device is operative for performing feedback control in response to an output signal of the air-to-fuel ratio sensor so that the detected air-to-fuel ratio will be substantially equal to a target air-to-fuel ratio. A gain setting device is operative for setting a feedback gain of the air-to-fuel ratio feedback control in response to an atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: The fuel ratio control system controls the supply of fuel to an internal combustion engine to achieve a target air-fuel ratio, based on the output of an air-fuel ratio sensor. The system may determine whether there is an abnormality in the air-fuel ratio sensor based on a comparison between a change of an air-fuel ratio correction coefficient, used to drive the air-fuel ratio to the target value, and a change of the target air-fuel ratio if the target air-fuel ratio has sharply changed.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining whether or not an air-fuel ratio sensor, which is arranged in an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine to detect the air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas, is activated. The apparatus has a heater for heating the air-fuel ratio sensor, a detector for detecting whether or not the air-fuel ratio sensor has reached a half-activated state to start changing the output thereof after the start of the engine, a unit for integrating power supplied to the heater from the start of the engine until the air-fuel ratio sensor reaches the half-activated state, a unit for estimating, according to the integrated power, the power to be supplied to the heater to bring the air-fuel ratio sensor to a full-activated state, and a unit for determining that the air-fuel ratio sensor is in the full-activated state once the estimated power has completely been supplied to the heater.

Abstract: A diagnostic equipment for an exhaust gas cleaning apparatus installed for an engine, comprising a misfire detector which detects the misfire of the engine, and a secondary-air-system failure detector which detects the failure of a secondary air system. An index corrector corrects a deterioration index calculated by a deterioration-index calculator, in accordance with the detected result of the detector. A deterioration decision unit decides if the diagnostic equipment has failed, by the use of the corrected deterioration index. In a case where the extent of the misfire or the like is severe, a decision interrupter interrupts the decision of the deterioration decision unit. Thus, even when the misfire of the engine or the failure of the secondary air system has occurred, the detection of the deterioration of a catalyst does not err. It is therefore avoided to erroneously replace the catalyst which has not deteriorated yet, or to run the engine in spite of the deterioration of the catalyst.

Abstract: An air-fuel ratio control system for an internal combustion engine has an air-fuel ratio sensor arranged in an exhaust passage of the engine for detecting an air-fuel ratio of exhaust gases emitted from a plurality of cylinders. An output from the air-fuel ratio sensor is sampled whenever the engine rotates through a predetermined crank angle, and sampled values of the output from the air-fuel ratio sensor are sequentially stored. An output characteristic of the air-fuel ratio sensor is detected. One of the sampled values of the output from the air-fuel ratio sensor is selected at least depending on the output characteristic of the air-fuel ratio sensor. An air-fuel ratio of a mixture supplied to each of the cylinders is estimated, separately from other ones of the cylinders, based on selected ones of the sampled values of the output from the air-fuel ratio sensor and a model representative of a behavior of the exhaust passage.

Abstract: Disclosed is an inactive-state determining method of an oxygen sensor, including the steps of determining whether the oxygen sensor is in a condition where the oxygen sensor can be activated. It is determined whether an engine is in an idle state. A predetermined time is counted. It is determined whether electromotive force from the oxygen sensor is below a slice level even after the predetermined time is passed. An amount of fuel injected is increased by 20%. It is determined whether the electromotive force of the oxygen sensor is below the slice level even when the increased fuel is injected.

Abstract: There is provided an air-fuel ratio control system for an internal combustion engine. The air-fuel ratio control system has an air-fuel ratio sensor arranged in an exhaust passage of the engine, which generates an output proportional to concentration of oxygen in exhaust gases emitted from the engine. The air-fuel ratio of a mixture supplied to the engine is controlled to a desired air-fuel ratio in response to the output from the air-fuel ratio sensor by the use of a proportional term and an integral term. A repetition period of inversion of the output from the air-fuel ratio sensor with respect to a predetermined reference value is calculated. Deterioration of the air-fuel ratio sensor is detected based the repetition period of inversion of the output from the air-fuel ratio sensor.

Abstract: An oxygen concentration detecting apparatus precisely and easily performs diagnosis of a limit current type oxygen sensor. The limit current type oxygen sensor has an oxygen concentration detecting element for outputting limit current proportional to the oxygen concentration and a heater for heating the detecting element. A CPU of a microcomputer controls energization of the heater to activate the oxygen sensor. The CPU calculates element resistance based on the voltage applied to the oxygen sensor and the current detected in the sensor. In a sensor diagnosis routine, the CPU determines whether preconditions for the diagnosis have been met. If all the preconditions have been met, the CPU executes the diagnosis. That is, the CPU determines whether the element resistance is within a predetermined range. If it is below the range, the CPU determines that the sensor has high element temperature abnormality.