Abstract: A control system (18) for an automotive vehicle (10) has a first roll condition detector (64A), a second roll condition detector (64B), a third roll condition detector (64C), and a controller (26) that uses the roll condition generated by the roll condition detectors (64A-C) to determine a wheel lift condition. Other roll condition detectors may also be used in the wheel lift determination. The wheel lift conditions may be active or passive or both.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a vehicle steering system are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the method includes receiving a desired front road wheel angle signal at a controller. The desired front road wheel angle signal is indicative of a desired front road wheel angle of vehicle wheels. The method further includes receiving a parking assist request signal at the controller indicating a parking assist operational mode is desired. The method further includes generating a desired motor torque signal for controlling a power steering motor in the parking assist operational mode utilizing the controller, based on the desired front road wheel angle signal and the parking assist request signal.

Abstract: A communication system including a communication terminal apparatus and a wireless key apparatus in wireless communication is provided. The communication terminal apparatus includes a first communication unit operable to receive a first wireless signal, and a first control unit operable to determine a distance between the communication terminal apparatus and the wireless key apparatus based on the received first wireless signal, wherein the first control unit limits a predetermined function of the communication terminal apparatus based on determining the distance. The wireless key apparatus includes a second communication unit operable to receive a second wireless signal, and a second control unit operable to determine the distance between the communication terminal apparatus and the wireless key apparatus based on the received second wireless signal, whereby the second control unit decreases transmission power associated with the second communication unit based on the determined distance.

Abstract: In a control and management system for automobiles, a central processor in the system connects traditionally unrelated vehicle subsystems together to realize synergistic functions such as smart driving, automatic parking, etc. A master interface having a display is employed in the system to help a user control and manage the vehicle functions.

Abstract: A system and method for discouraging stop-arm violations is provided having a image recording means positioned on a stop-arm of a bus, ice cream truck or other such vehicle. The image recording means may be a digital still camera or video camera and is connected to a storage unit, such as a video cassette recorder (VCR), a digital video recorder (DVR) or solid-state memory storage. The image recording means is configured to activate and begin recording images when the stop-arm is fully extended and cease recording of images once the stop-arm is fully retracted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a turn-indicator light module having an outer contour and comprising one or more light guiding elements and one or more visible-light emitting light sources coupled to at least one of the one or more light guiding elements, wherein at least one infrared light emitting light source is coupled to at least one of the one or more light guiding elements. At least a major portion of a longitudinal extension between a first end and a second end opposite of the first end of the one or more light guiding elements follows the outer contour and wherein the one or more light guiding elements are adapted to emit light at least along the major portion of their longitudinal extension.

Abstract: A rolling angle control device 21 is disposed to provide the rolling angle control device for a remote-controlled two-wheeled vehicle so as to facilitate the control of the vehicle by an operator and stabilize the posture of the remote-controlled two-wheeled vehicle in a wide speed range.

Abstract: A control system (18) for an automotive vehicle (10) has a first roll condition detector (64A), a second roll condition detector (64B), a third roll condition detector (64C), and a controller (26) that uses the roll condition generated by the roll condition detectors (64A-C) to determine a wheel lift condition. Other roll condition detectors may also be used in the wheel lift determination. The wheel lift conditions may be active or passive or both.

Abstract: A wire is provided in a turn signal power cord drawn out from a turn signal indicator fixed to a front fork while achieving a good appearance. A turn signal indicator includes a lamp case housing a lamp, and a stay member coupled to the lamp case. The stay member includes an annular collar fitted around a circumference of a front fork shaft. A cord-housing groove is formed in an outer part of the annular collar. A turn signal power cord is drawn out from the lamp case to the annular collar through an arm part to the outside through the groove. The cord-housing groove is covered with a cover, which is formed integrally with a locking member that engages with a slot part of a top bridge, as an anti-rotation component of the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of smart cars and automatic signaling of a vehicle's intent. The invention allows a driver to choose between manual or automatic signaling (turns, deceleration, acceleration) and a prominent feature is that the system is not cooperative and can be phased in over time, one car at a time and offer immediate benefits. Much of the prior art relating to newer automotive technologies relies on the use of cooperative technologies, such as transponders or beacons and the like, requiring all cars to equip in order to gain benefits. While this is technically achievable it is an institutional limitation, and therefore systems that do not rely on this extent of cooperation are more practical and can be introduced sooner. The invention has the capability of ensuring that many more cars on the road provide proper turn signals as well as acceleration and deceleration signals.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for determining lift-off or wheel departure of one or more wheels associated with a vehicle from a road. The system includes a sensor that measures the wheel speed of at least one wheel, and a controller that calculates the resonance frequency of the at least one wheel, calculates variations in the resonance frequency, compares the variations with a threshold, and indicates lift-off of the wheel from the road if the variations exceed a threshold.

Abstract: A turning indication system for a two-wheeled vehicle includes a first unit connected to a two-wheeled vehicle and emits signals when the vehicle turns. The first unit includes a mode switch unit from which the rider can set different operation modes. A second unit is connected to a helmet and includes a first light unit, a second light unit and a power source which is electrically connected to the first and second light units. The second unit receives the signals from the first unit and activating the first light unit and/or the second light unit according to a command of the mode switch unit. The first light unit includes at least one light emitting diode and the second light unit displays in a form of a pattern or character. The system provides an obvious signal to the riders following.

Abstract: A computer readable medium for instructing the steps of a method for providing stability, control and management of a prime mover connected to an auxiliary vehicle is disclosed. A plurality of computer instructions is stored on a computer readable medium and executed by a processor to perform the steps of connecting the auxiliary vehicle to the prime mover with an electronic stability enhancing system and an auxiliary stability enhancing system, including the processor and memory. The computer instructions instruct communication between the processor and a plurality of sensors regarding forces, motions, and combinations thereof, and communications with a database storage containing specifications representing the prime mover and auxiliary vehicle for comparisons to preset threshold values.

Abstract: A vehicle deceleration warning apparatus is activated immediately when a driver of the vehicle intends to decelerate. The vehicle deceleration warning apparatus includes an ignition monitoring module, a first microprocessor module, a wireless transmitting module, a wireless receiving module, a second microprocessor module, and a display driving module. The ignition monitoring module receives an ignition signal and delivers it to the first microprocessor module. The first microprocessor module performs a calculation by adopting the ignition signal to generate a control signal. Then, the control signal is transmitted to the second microprocessor module wireless transmission. Finally, the second microprocessor module controls the display driving module to generate a display driving signal to a display device, such as a brake light and a warning lamp, so as to generate a warning light representing deceleration of the vehicle.

Abstract: An instrument panel, for use with a vehicle including a body, wheels, a driver seat, and an engine, is configured to be disposed at least partially in front of the seat and includes a steering wheel disposed in front of the seat, a display configured to provide information to a person seated in the seat, and a modular housing configured to hold the display and the steering wheel, the steering wheel being rotatably connected to the housing, the display connected to the housing, the housing extending substantially an entire width of a passenger area of the vehicle, the modular housing including independent sections that can be removed and replaced independently of any other section of the housing.

Abstract: An auxiliary vehicle steering system includes a user interface for receiving a user input and transmitting a control output signal associated with the input signal. The interface is located within the vehicle. A mechanism is included for rotating a vehicle's front wheels along an arcuate path offset 90 degrees from equilibrium. The front wheel rotating mechanism includes grooved plates that have tapered outer edge portions extending along an outer perimeter thereof. A mechanism is included for rotating a vehicle's rear wheels along an arcuate path offset 90 degrees from equilibrium. The rear wheel rotating mechanism includes grooved plates that have tapered outer edge portions extending along an outer perimeter thereof. A controller is coupled to the interface that receives the control output signal and instructs the front wheel and the rear wheel rotating mechanisms to contemporaneously register the wheels orthogonal to the vehicle so that same can be laterally displaced.

Abstract: A system for determining a rollover property of a vehicle includes sensors capable of sensing lateral acceleration, a first left tire rotational speed, a first right tire rotational speed, and a mass property. The sensors output a lateral acceleration signal, a first left tire rotational speed signal, a first right tire rotational speed signal, and a mass property signal. A processing unit receives the signals and uses the received signals to determine a rollover property of the vehicle.

Abstract: An integrated motorcycle light frame and turn indicator is provided. In one embodiment, the integrated light frame and turn siganal includes both turn-signals integrated into a headlight frame, or bezel. One feature of the present invention is that the manufacturer installed turn signal lights may be eliminated. Alternatively, the additional lights provided by the integrated light frame and turn signal assembly provided additional warning to on-coming motorists that a motorcycle rider wishes to turn. This Abstract is provided for the sole purpose of complying with the Abstract requirement rules that allow a reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure contained herein. This Abstract is submitted with the explicit understanding that it will not be used to interpret or to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a conventional tail light arrangement, and also includes an indicator light that can be actuated by a vehicle operator. The indicator light is configured to provide a signal to a driver of another vehicle that the other driver is “tailgating” or otherwise following the lead vehicle too closely. The indicator light arrangement may include a timer that turns the indicator light off a preselected time, such that the light is not turned on again unless the vehicle operator again actuates the switch.

Abstract: A method for determining a control standard of an active steering device (10) of a vehicle (1) controllable by a control device (11). A driving dynamic of the vehicle (1) is influenced according to the control standard. The control standard is determined according to a nominal yawing rate calculated at least with reference to different actual operating parameters of the vehicle and one dynamic vehicle state determined according to the nominal yawing rate and actual operating state parameters. The control standard is superimposed on a steering transit angle preset by a driver so that an existing actual yawing rate is changed in direction of the nominal yawing rate.

Abstract: An intelligent turn signal control system for turning on and off left and right turn signals in a vehicle. The system includes a computer, such as an antilock braking system computer, with programmed software operably disposed on a vehicle, and a driver interface switch assembly as input to the computer. Sensors transmit angle, differential wheel movement or related data as input to the computer, while a circuit drives turn signal indicator lamps from conditionally computed output data from the computer to turn on and off turn signals in a situation-appropriate manner. Upon turn signal indication intent data input from the driver, extensive travel and turn data is computed, including yaw rotation and steering system position to turn off or cancel the turn signal at the appropriate point.

Abstract: An enhanced police Doppler direction sensing radar detects possibly dangerous traffic conditions during certain vehicle maneuvers such as U-turns and returns to travel after roadside stops. By monitoring a host or primary vehicle speed, speed transitions, transmission state (e.g. gear selection), and the closing vehicle position, range and speed, a number of selectable conditions are detected, resulting in an alert indication to a primary vehicle operator. User preferences and thresholds allow the traffic alert function to be customized according to a primary vehicle operator's desire to suppress alerts in situations which the user does not deem dangerous. The traffic alert function may be automatically triggered under certain detected conditions, or manually initiated when the primary vehicle operator intends to make a driving maneuver.

Abstract: A visual steering wheel direction indicator for a self-propelled machine. The indicator may additionally exhibit an indicator of the amount that the steering wheel must be turned in order to reach neutral. The indicator may be integrated into a neutral start system.

Abstract: A lane departure prevention apparatus is configured to avoid lane departure even when the driver is not focused on driving operations, in a state in which the system-operating switch is OFF. The lane departure prevention apparatus has a driver condition detection section or device for detecting that the condition of the driver which is a condition in which the driver cannot perceive that the host vehicle is tending toward departure, and a lane departure avoidance control device for setting the braking control for avoiding departure in an operable state when the system-operating switch for the driver to instruct the operation of control braking for avoiding the lane departure is OFF, the braking control for avoiding departure is OFF, and the driver condition detection section or device has detected that the condition of the driver is a condition in which the driver cannot perceive that the host vehicle is tending toward departure.

Abstract: The device automatically actuates the vehicle emergency lights when the brake pedal and one of the turn signals are simultaneously used. To do so it uses an integrated circuit that actuates a periodic pulsating signal in its outputs when a continuous signal is received in its inputs that comes from the brake pedal switch, and, at the same time, a pulsating signal from one of the turn signals. The device is especially indicated for warning that a dangerous maneuver with left or right turns is going to be performed on two-way highways, for example.

Abstract: A control system (18) for an automotive vehicle (10) has a first roll condition detector (64A), a second roll condition detector (64B), a third roll condition detector (64C), and a controller (26) that uses the roll condition generated by the roll condition detectors (64A-C) to determine a wheel lift condition. Other roll condition detectors may also be used in the wheel lift determination. The wheel lift conditions may be active or passive or both.

Abstract: A vehicle drive assist system detects an intention of an own vehicle to turn right in an intersection and detects an oncoming vehicle waiting for a right turn on an oncoming lane in front of the own vehicle in the intersection. Further, the system establishes a detecting area in the vicinity of the right edge of the oncoming vehicle waiting and searches an oncoming vehicle traveling straight in the detecting area. When a new solid object is detected and the solid object is a part of the left corner of the solid object, the solid object is judged to be an oncoming vehicle traveling straight.

Abstract: A lane departure prevention apparatus is provided to improve safety while preventing lane departure. The lane departure prevention apparatus determines whether or not the driver is holding the steering wheel steady, determines whether or not the host vehicle has a tendency to depart from its driving lane, and, on the basis of these determination results, outputs a warning and performs braking control for avoiding the lane departure of the host vehicle when the host vehicle has a tendency to depart from its driving lane, and the driver is not holding the steering wheel steady.

Abstract: A U-turn indicator for motor vehicles having a light fixture housing and a plurality of light sources located therein. The housing is divided into a U-turn indicating region and a non-U turn indicating region, and the plurality of light sources located in the U-turn indicating region are lightable separately from the plurality of light sources in the non-U turn indicating region. The light fixture housing forms a light fixture housing for one of a left and right turn signal indicator on a front and rear of a automobile. The light fixture functions as one of a left and right turn signal indicator when the plurality of light sources in both the U-turn indicating region and the non-U turn indicating region are activated, and as a U turn indicator when only the plurality of light sources in the U-turn indicating region are activated.

Abstract: A vehicle warning system and a method of modifying a vehicle is provided. The system is installable on a vehicle having a brake pedal operatively connected to a brake light mounted on a rear portion of the vehicle. In one aspect, the vehicle warning system includes a distance proximity sensor adapted for mounting on the rear portion of the vehicle and a controller operatively connected to the sensor. The controller is adapted to receive a brake signal when the brake pedal of the vehicle is depressed, which activates the controller to send a start flashing signal to the brake light. The sensor sends a stop flashing signal to the controller upon sensing a vehicle within a selected distance behind the vehicle.

Abstract: A steering angle sensing system includes at least one steering angle sensing device for outputting an analog signal representative of a steering angle position of a steering wheel. A first processor is operably coupled to the at least one steering angle sensing device and is disposed proximate the at least one steering angle sensing device. The first processor receives the analog signals output by the at least one steering angle sensing device, computes a steering angle value based upon the analog signals, and outputs a pulse width modulated signal representative of the computed steering angle value. A second processor is disposed non-proximate the at least one steering angle sensing device and is operably coupled to the first processor to thereby receive the pulse width modulated signal representative of the computed steering angle value.

Abstract: A two-step control signal device is mounted on an automobile and has a turn signal, a U-turning signal and a two-step control circuit. The turn signal has base having a recess and a turn light. The turn light is mounted in the recess. The U-turn signal is mounted on the base and has a circuit board and multiple U-turn lights. The circuit board is mounted on the base and is connected electrically to the turn light. The U-turn lights are mounted electrically on the circuit board around the recess. The two-step control circuit is connected electrically to the turn signal and the U-turn signal, operates the turn signal when in a turn step and operates simultaneously the turn signal and the U-turn signal when in a U-turn step. The operating U-turn signal warns other automobiles nearby that the automobile is making a U-turn.

Abstract: A system comprises an equipment service vehicle and an off-board computer system. The equipment service vehicle further includes a power source, a power transmission link, a plurality of input devices, a plurality of output devices, and an on-board computer system. The on-board computer system further includes a plurality of microprocessor-based interface modules and a communication network. The plurality of interface modules are coupled to the power source by way of the power transmission link and are interconnected to each other by way of the communication network. Each of the plurality of interface modules is coupled to respective ones of the plurality of input devices and the plurality of output devices by way of respective dedicated communication links. The on-board computer system stores I/O status information for the plurality of input devices and the plurality of output devices.

Abstract: A U-turn signal assembly for indicating to other drivers and pedestrians that a vehicle is making a U-turn. The vehicle has a left front quarter panel, a rear window, and a turn signal handle. The U-turn signal assembly has two light assemblies, one installed on the left front quarter panel of the vehicle and the other one installed on the rear window of the vehicle. The light assemblies each have a lens, backlit by a light fixture. The lens has a plurality of lettering and arrows for uniquely signaling the U-turn. An activation switch is attached to the turn signal handle. A control panel is in communication with the activation switch and light assemblies for controlling the light assemblies.

Abstract: A control system (18) and method for an automotive vehicle (10) used for detecting lift of a wheel includes a passive wheel lift detector (58) that generates a passive wheel lift signal, an active wheel lift detector (60) that generates an active wheel lift signal, and an integrated wheel lift detector (62) coupled to the passive wheel lift detector (58) and the active wheel lift detector (60). The integrated wheel lift detector (62) generates a final wheel lift signal in response to the passive wheel lift signal and the active wheel lift signal. The final wheel lift signal may be used to control a safety device such as a rollover prevention system.

Abstract: A turn proportioned turn signaling system for vehicles. The lamp arrays are provided signals from rotary sensors 30 from the steering column, the rack and pinion gear system, or trailer hitch mechanism that either directly affect the signaling pattern or drive a logic control unit that in turn drives the signaling pattern. The signal display panels may consist of a plurality of lamps or light emitting diodes intended to alert the surrounding people and vehicles. The display pattern selected by the logic control unit depends the magnitude and rate of turn.

Abstract: A control system (18) for an automotive vehicle (10) has a first roll condition detector (64A), a second roll condition detector (64B), a third roll condition detector (64C), and a controller (26) that uses the roll condition generated by the roll condition detectors (64A–C) to determine a wheel lift condition. Other roll condition detectors may also be used in the wheel lift determination. The wheel lift conditions may be active or passive or both.

Abstract: A combination vehicle advisory system which consists of a multiplicity of warning lights that are on the front of the vehicle at a location such as above the front bumper and beneath the grill and at a location on the rear of the vehicle such as above the licence plate and on the door of the vehicle, both on the passenger side and the driver side, combined with a window advisory systems comprising a multiplicity of words which are embedded into the front of the front window so they can be read by oncoming traffic, embedded into the rear window so they can be read by traffic following the vehicle embedded into a side window on the driver side of the vehicle so that they can be read by cars on that side of the vehicle, a multiplicity of words embedded into a window on the passenger side of the vehicle so that they can be read by drivers of vehicles of that side of the vehicle, and a multiplicity of words embedded into the interior of the front of the window so that they can be read by passengers in the vehicle.

Abstract: An oncoming vehicle is detected on the basis of images captured by CCD cameras when an own vehicle is making a turn with passing over an oncoming lane at an intersection. On this occasion, after the own vehicle has reached a predetermined turning state, by extracting three-dimensional objects having speed components Vnz not lower than a first threshold in the longitudinal direction of the own vehicle and in a direction along which the oncoming vehicle is coming closer to the own vehicle and having other speed components Vnx not lower than a second threshold in the lateral direction of the same and by detecting an oncoming vehicle out of the extracted three-dimensional objects, even in the case, for example, where the oncoming vehicle apparently moves in an image screen from obliquely left ahead of the own vehicle toward obliquely right behind of the same, the oncoming vehicle is properly detected.

Abstract: A horn actuation mechanism senses a deliberate movement of a driver's hand on a side of a steering plane distant from the driver, the steering wheel plane lying crossswise a rotational axis of the steering wheel and approximating a plane bisecting a peripheral gripping region of the steering wheel. The vehicle horn is energized in response to the sensing of such movement. A hand-operational portion of the horn actuation mechanism is advantageously disposed in a position in which a hand grasping a peripheral gripping portion of the wheel can simultaneously actuate the mechanism without removal of the hand from controlled contact with the wheel.

Abstract: A remote motor vehicle signal indicator system comprising a transmitter coupled to a vehicle indication signal drive line. The transmitter wirelessly transmits a receiver activation signal corresponding to a vehicle indication signal of the vehicle indication signal drive line. Optionally, the transmitter may be configured to bypass transmission of a brake signal to a remote vehicle signal indicator in order to conserve power at the remote vehicle signal indicator. The vehicle indication signal is selected may comprise a turn signal, a brake signal, a reverse gear signal, and a hazard signal or any other signal displayable on a vehicle. The system also includes a remote vehicle signal indicator coupled to a surface outside of the vehicle and includes a signal indicator display.

Abstract: Left and right lamps or rear are connected to a stop lamp switch or a turn signal switch by left and right relays. When the turn signal switch is made ON to left and an intermittent signal is inputted from a flasher unit, a left relay is made ON by an output of a left integrating circuit and a left lamp is flashed in accordance with the intermittent signal. During the time period, an NAND circuit for inputting the intermittent signal is made H. Since a right relay is made OFF, when the stop lamp switch is made ON, a right lamp is continuously lighted. Thereafter, when the turn signal switch is made OFF, the NAND circuit is made L and the left relay is made OFF by rapidly discharging the left integrating circuit. Thereby, also the left lamp is shifted to light continuously without delay.

Abstract: A forklift has a driving wheel capable of being steered by 360°, a steering angle detecting section for detecting a steering angle of the driving wheel, a rotary direction detecting section for detecting a rotary direction of the driving wheel, a running direction judging section for judging a running direction of the forklift based on the steering angle of the driving wheel and the rotary direction of the driving wheel. The forklift further includes a display, advancing chime and reversing buzzer for announcing the result of judgment obtained by the running direction judging section.

Abstract: A vehicular turning indicator is used for automatically showing a turning degree of a vehicle. The vehicular turning indicator includes a sensor sensing a turning angle of the vehicle; a control device asserting a control signal according to the turning direction, the turning angle and optionally the speed of the vehicle; and a plurality of lightening units in communication with the control device brightening to constitute a variable pattern in response to the control signal. The vehicular turning indicator can be implemented by currently existent vehicular lamps such as indicator light, brake light or head-up display, be incorporated into an existent vehicular accessory such as rearview mirror module or auxiliary brake light module, or independently mounted to the vehicle. Preferably, special flashing effects are performed to make the turning indication prominent.

Abstract: A control system for estimating the tongue length of a trailer being towed by a vehicle in connection with a front wheel steering with or without coordinated rear wheel steering associated with the vehicle. The control system employs an algorithm that calculates an estimated trailer yaw rate based on a corrected tongue length, a front wheel steering angle, a rear wheel steering angle, vehicle speed and a vehicle yaw rate. The estimated trailer yaw rate is compared to a measured trailer yaw rate to generate a yaw rate error that is converted to a tongue length error. The tongue length error is compared to the estimated tongue length to become a corrected estimated tongue length for a next computation period. After a few seconds of processing, the corrected estimated tongue length will be the actual tongue length of the trailer.

Abstract: A safety vest adapted to be worn by riders of exposed motor vehicles, such as motorcycles, which vest is designed to be worn over clothing and has luminescent signaling means interconnected with the signaling apparatus of the motor vehicle so that the rider's actions and intentions of braking, turning, changing lanes or hazard are visually communicated to other motorists, thereby enhancing rider visibility and safety.

Abstract: A turn signal assembly for a vehicle includes a housing adapted for association with a radiator of the vehicle. A power connection is associated with the housing and is adapted to receive power. A light source is associated with the housing and is coupled with the power connection. The light source is operative to selectively provide illumination as a turn signal indication. Motorcycles including an exemplary turn signal assembly are also provided.

Abstract: A direction indicator system and associated method for cyclists, joggers and other users includes one or more direction indicating elements and a cooperating sensor structured to sense the position of the direction indicating means such that when a direction indicating element is moved out of the sensing zones, the indicator is activated, and when the direction indicating element moves within the sensing zone, it is deactivated. In one embodiment, a pair of indicators is employed and may be used to indicate direction of intended movement of a cyclist.

Abstract: An earth-moving vehicle includes a carriage, which can move on a terrain in mutually opposite directions of movement along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and a station for driving and maneuvering, which is able to rotate with respect to the carriage about a vertical axis, houses a plurality of controls, and is oriented in a direction in which an operator is facing during maneuvering of the controls. The vehicle is further provided with a signaling device and with a control assembly, which activates the signaling device to warn, outside the station, when a direction of movement is actuated that is opposite to the direction of orientation of the station. The control assembly operates automatically according to the relative angular position of the station with respect to the carriage about the vertical axis and according to the command issued for the direction of movement.

Abstract: A system for detecting wheel lift of an automotive vehicle has a speed sensor (22) coupled to a wheel (12) of automotive vehicle (10). A torque control system (20) is coupled to wheel (12) to change the torque at the wheel. A controller (18) is coupled to the torque control system and a speed sensor. The controller (18) determines lift by changing the torque of the wheel, measuring the change in torque and indicating lift in response to change in torque which may be indicated by wheel speed.