Abstract: The invention is directed to a system for adjusting a transmission ratio in a transmission built into a motor vehicle. The system includes at least two transmission ratio criteria with which first transmission ratios are determined based on at least two different determining modes. The system also includes a first arrangement with the aid of which a second transmission ratio is selected in accordance with a pregiven prioritization from the determined first transmission ratios. The transmission ratio is then adjusted in dependence upon the selected second transmission ratio. In an advantageous configuration of the invention, a second arrangement is provided with which the second transmission ratio is modified in accordance with a pregiven strategy. The transmission ratio is then adjusted in dependence upon the modified second transmission ratio.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission of an automobile which varies the drive ratio arbitrarily between an input axis and an output axis is combined with a traction control device for example which performs braking corresponding to vehicle running conditions and irrespective of the accelerator pedal depression. A microprocessor calculates the vehicle speed from the rotation speed of the output axis, calculates the target drive ratio depending on the vehicle speed, and controls the drive ratio of the continuously variable transmission to be equal to the target ratio. When the brake operation device performs braking, fluctuation of the drive ratio based on the rotation variation of the output axis is prevented by the correction of the drive ratio in the upshift direction.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a vehicular powertrain including an internal combustion engine, an automatic transmission having a plurality of selectable gear ratios, and a controller in communication with the internal combustion engine, the transmission, and an accelerator pedal, include determining a driver requested wheel torque based on position of the accelerator pedal, and determining a vehicle speed ratio changing threshold based on the driver requested wheel torque. In one embodiment, the system and method determine a value indicative of current barometric pressure, determine a current gear ratio, and modify the driver requested wheel torque based on the current barometric pressure and the current gear ratio to determine a compensated wheel torque. The compensated wheel torque is used to determining the ratio changing threshold. Offset values are included to adjust for barometric pressure variation, transmission oil temperature, and to prevent gear hunting or excessive ratio changing.

Abstract: A vehicle control system comprising a vehicle speed sensor for detecting the speed of a vehicle; a recommended gear stage determine device for determining a recommended gear stage of an automatic transmission based on the vehicle speed and road situation; an upper limit gear stage set device for setting an upper limit gear stage on the basis of the recommended gear stage; and a shift device for changing the speed at the upper limit gear stage. The recommended gear stage determine device includes a suppress device for suppressing the number of determinations of the recommended gear stage at a corner.

Abstract: An electronic control unit for an automated transmission and/or an automated clutch in the power train of a motor vehicle is connected with one or more sensors denoting one or more activities by the operator of the vehicle. The control unit can become operative in response to a signal denoting the actuation of a brake and/or in response to a signal denoting that the ignition system of the vehicle has been operated to start the engine.

Abstract: The present invention offers a control device for an automatic transmission mounted on a vehicle which prevents a shock caused by sudden working of a one-way clutch, when the vehicle accelerates after a deceleration near an intersection or in an intersection. The control device includes an automatic transmission having at least a one-way clutch and achieving a down-shift by applying the one-way clutch, a driving environment detector, a low speed condition detector, and a prohibition means. The driving environment detector detects a driving environment of a vehicle including the automatic transmission. The low speed condition detector detects when the vehicle approaches or enters into a place indicative of a down-shift of the automatic transmission, and the prohibition means prohibits a down-shift caused by applying the one-way clutch when the low speed condition detector detects that the down-shift is indicated.

Abstract: Vehicle control apparatus including a running stability controller for performing a predetermined operation for improving stability of running of the vehicle by reducing engine output, braking the vehicle, holding automatic transmission in a predetermined position or shifting up the transmission, for example, and a device for preventing an interference between the operation of the running stability controller and an operation of a device, such as the automatic transmission, a torque converter lock-up clutch and a differential limiting clutch, which device is provided in a power transmitting system and which is controlled by an appropriate controller.

Abstract: An automatic transmission control system having gearing that establishes multiple forward driving ratios and a reverse ratio as well as a neutral mode, an electrohydraulic control valve circuit for controlling the application and release of clutch and brake elements for the transmission gearing, a driver-controlled range selector for transmitting operator commands to shift control logic, and a failure mode management circuit that monitors the shift control logic and the response of the transmission system to operator commands, as well as the transmission range selector signals delivered to the shift control logic whereby multiple control redundancies in the electronic range control system ensure that system failures and component failures develop an error signal to alert the driver of possible malfunctions during the range selection period.

Abstract: In a control device for an automatic transmission which holds a line pressure solenoid of an automatic transmission in a stationary ON state while an engine is in a stop state, when a key switch is switched ON, "stationary ON control device" supplies a high voltage to the line pressure solenoid for a short time so as to over-excite it, and a holding magnetization of the line pressure solenoid is then maintained by a low voltage. Subsequently, if it is determined by engine rotation speed detection device that a cell motor is being driven, ordinary control is performed wherein an over-excitation, holding magnetization and OFF cycle is repeated. Further, when a battery voltage drops while the cell motor is being driven so that the line pressure solenoid with holding magnetization switches OFF, recovery device rapidly restores the solenoid to the normal stationary ON state by performing intermittent over-excitation.

Abstract: The power train of a motor vehicle has an automated clutch which can transmit torque from a prime mover to a transmission in response to signals from an electronic control unit. The latter causes the clutch to transmit a constant torque during a first interval, to thereupon transmit a gently varying torque during a second interval if the operator of the motor vehicle fails to carry out certain necessary operations prior to elapse of the first interval, and to thereafter transmit a pronouncedly varying torque during a third interval if no remedial undertakings were completed during the second interval. The third interval is cut short if the engine tends to choke, and the full or shortened third interval can be followed by a fourth interval corresponding to the first interval or by a further interval corresponding to the second interval.

Abstract: A combined engine and transmission control unit for a motor vehicle uses the position of the accelerator pedal to calculate setpoint values for the engine and the transmission of the motor vehicle. The control unit has a drive-train controller, which, when the engine is not in traction mode, controls the driving mode of the motor vehicle. The driving mode is adapted to the surroundings of the motor vehicle and the driving style of the driver. The drive-train controller activates an engine torque control when brake slip is detected, and the transmission controller prescribes a lower gear than is provided for the unbraked mode of the motor vehicle by a characteristic diagram.

Abstract: There is provided control over transmission stages which suppresses unnecessary shifts to a higher speed based on road information stored in a navigation system to allow smooth acceleration. An intersection ahead of the vehicle in the traveling direction is detected based on the road information stored in the navigation system and, when the vehicle is decelerated as it approaches the intersection, an optimum transmission stage for acceleration is selected in advance in accordance with the speed of the vehicle by predicting the acceleration to be performed when exiting the intersection. This eliminates the need for a shift to a lower speed before effecting acceleration by pressing the accelerator and thereby ensures smooth acceleration.

Abstract: In a vehicle, such as a construction vehicle, which has a payload of variable but significant weight with respect to the empty weight of the vehicle, a sensor senses the weight of the payload and transmits a signal representative thereof to a processor. The processor modulates clutch transmission fluid pressure as a function of the payload, permitting more uniform operating characteristics. The sensor can be a hydraulic fluid pressure sensor installed in a hydraulic cylinder used to lift a payload bucket arm.

Abstract: A control system for an automatic vehicle transmission which has auto-shifting means or auto-shift mode for determining a gear to be shifted to in accordance with predetermined gearshift scheduling characteristics in response to the detected vehicle speed and the engine load, and manual-shifting means or manual-shift mode for determining a gear to be shifted to in response to a manual-shift command generated by the vehicle driver. The system further includes auto-downshifting means or sub-auto-shift mode for determining a gear to be downshifted to if the detected vehicle speed is less than a threshold value when the manual-shifting means is in operation. In the system it is estimated whether the vehicle is hill climbing or hill descending, and the threshold value is increasing when the vehicle is hill climbing or descending. With the arrangement, it becomes possible to downshift before the drivability or driver's comfort is degraded during the hill climbing or descending.

Abstract: Vehicle control apparatus including a running stability controller for performing a predetermined operation for improving stability of running of the vehicle by reducing engine output, braking the vehicle, holding automatic transmission in a predetermined position or shifting up the transmission, for example, and a device for preventing an interference between the operation of the running stability controller and an operation of a device, such as the automatic transmission, a torque converter lock-up clutch and a differential limiting clutch, which device is provided in a power transmitting system and which is controlled by an appropriate controller.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle calculates a desired driving force required by the vehicle in response to operating conditions of the vehicle including an amount of operation of an accelerator pedal of the vehicle, and controls the driving force of the vehicle, based on the calculated desired driving force. The desired driving force is corrected depending on whether the vehicle is in a particular operating condition. For example, when the vehicle is in a standing condition while traveling on a road congested with traffic when the desired driving force is corrected in the decreasing direction, the correction amount of the desired driving force in the decreasing direction is corrected to a value closer to zero. The desired driving force is also corrected according to a time period over which the particular operating condition continues.

Abstract: A control system for a transmission, comprises a shift control function to output a shift instruction signal on the basis of a predetermined shift pattern and a road data detecting function to detect the road data of a route to be followed by a vehicle. This control system further comprises a start detecting function to detect the start of the vehicle; and a shift pattern control function to set a shift pattern for a curve, as having a control content for making it liable to set a larger gear ratio, as the shift pattern when the vehicle start is detected by the start detecting function and when a curved road is detected in the route to be followed, by the road data detecting function.

Abstract: Automotive vehicle control apparatus including a running stability control device for reducing engine output and/or applying brake to vehicle wheels for improving vehicle running stability, a shift control device for shifting an automatic transmission by engagement of at least one hydraulically operated frictional coupling device, depending upon a detected vehicle running condition as compared with a predetermined shift boundary pattern, a running stability control detecting device for detecting an operation of said running stability control device, and one of (a) a coupling pressure control device for controlling a hydraulic pressure of the frictional coupling device to be engaged to shift the automatic transmission, such that a rate of rise of the hydraulic pressure is lower when the operation of running stability control device is detected by the running stability control detecting device, than when the operation of the running stability control device is not detected, and (b) a shift point changing device

Abstract: In a transmission control apparatus and a transmission control method for an automatic transmission, when a detection point is defined in accordance with results of detection by means of a fluid temperature detecting element and a rotational speed detecting element, a plurality of points that surround the detection point are selected among a plurality of preset points. Control values for a control parameter are previously mapped corresponding to the set points, and the control values corresponding to the selected points are read from the resulting map. The controlled variable of the control parameter corresponding to the detection point is appropriately linearly calculated by interpolating the control values. Further, a learning correction value for the control parameter corresponding to the detection point is calculated, and is reflected in the control values for the selected points.

Abstract: A system for controlling air flow to an engine cooling system includes a control computer responsive to a number of engine and/or engine accessory operating conditions, and to various engine operational states to control operation of an engine cooling device. The engine operational states are each a function of at least engine fueling commands and include a "free energy" state corresponding to zero fueling, an "absorbing additional torque" state corresponding to zero fueling and activation of either service brakes or engine brakes, and a "needs additional torque" state corresponding to a rapid positive change in fueling, recent gear shifting to the lower gears of the transmission with fueling above a predefined level or a high rate of change in fueling rate. All other engine operational states are defined as a don't care state.

Abstract: A compact-sized position detecting switch-combined electronic control unit disposed on the main body of an automatic transmission and used for detecting range positions chosen by a driver during a shifting operation. The control unit has a base board on which a plurality of elements are arranged, including a microcomputer containing an automatic transmission control program, and a position detecting switch whose detecting portion is connected to the microcomputer. The base board and the position detecting switch are disposed in a single case. The position detecting switch has a rotor and a plurality of non-contact sensors disposed on the base board. The microcomputer contains a learning control program for calculating and correcting any positional deviation in the rotational angle of the rotor with respect to each sensor on the basis of signals from the sensors corresponding to rotation of the rotor. Some of the elements on the base board are arranged outside the range of rotation of the rotor.

Abstract: An automatic elevated idle speed control is disclosed for use with an internal combustion engine on a vehicle. The control includes an electronic controller connected with an engine speed determining means, and a sensor that determines the power requirements of a PTO device and produces a signal. The control automatically varies an engine speed command based on the signal.

Abstract: A semi-automatic gearbox system senses when vehicle wheels are gripping poorly and responds by minimizing variations in engine torque transmitted to the wheels by different parameterization for relationships governing reducing the engine torque as requested of an engine control computer prior to gear changes; declutching prior to gear changes; clutching after gear changes; reestablishing the engine torque as requested to the computer after gear changes; and clutching while the vehicle is starting.

Abstract: An improvement is made to a torque splitting device employing hydraulic clutches so as to avoid any discontinuity in the control even when the properties of the actuating oil such as the pressure and temperature thereof deviate from standard values. For instance, when the oil temperature is low, the target value of the oil pressure for each of the clutches is modified to a lower value. Thus, it becomes possible to make less pronounced any delay in the response of the torque splitting device which may arise due to the sluggishness of the oil as it flows out of the clutch cylinder. The oil pump is typically actuated by a member rotating at a speed proportional to the vehicle speed, and the pressure output of the pump may be inadequate in a low speed range. In such a case, the target value is again reduced so as to reduce any abrupt change in the property of the torque splitting device when the vehicle is accelerated from a low speed.

Abstract: A transmission control system is proposed for reducing thermal load on engaging elements (2, 3, 4, 5) in a gearbox (1) during the starting operation. The gearbox (1) has an input shaft (7) and an output shaft (9) and at least two engaging elements or clutches (2, 3, 4, 5) each of which is allocated to a gear and comprises a first clutch half (21, 31, 41, 51) which transmits the force coming from the direction of the input shaft (7) onto a second clutch half (22, 32, 42, 52) which in turn transmits the force in the direction of the output shaft (9). Transmission elements (11, 12, 13) and shafts (7, 8, 9, 23, 33, 40, 50) are mounted between the input shaft (7) and a first clutch (2, 3) and/or between the first clutch (2, 3) and a second clutch (4, 5) and/or between the second clutch (4, 5) and a further clutch or the output shaft (9).

Abstract: A controller for a drive train of a motor vehicle having an engine and an automatic transmission, includes an engine controller through which variables that influence the torque of the engine are controlled, a transmission controller through which shift processes of the automatic transmission are controlled, and an interface which connects the engine controller and the transmission controller to one another and through which data are transmitted to give the vehicle good handling. The interface is used to transmit a status signal which signals to the transmission controller that catalytic converter regeneration is taking place, and through which a shift process in the transmission is changed in the transmission controller.

Abstract: A backlash sound reducing method utilizes backlash sounds in a planetary gear unit in a hybrid vehicle that occur within predetermined operation ranges when the vehicle is stopped or running. If the output energy of an engine is within a predetermined range, the engine is controlled so that the output energy therefrom becomes a predetermined value. In the aforementioned case, it is also possible to increase the revolution speeds of the gears undergoing backlash. This operation avoids operating the engine within a range where the torque fluctuation is large, thereby reducing the backlash sound. Further, by setting relatively high revolution speeds, the force pressing the gears to each other is increased, so that the occurrence of backlash sounds is controlled.

Abstract: A lubricant control apparatus for an automatic transmission including a lubricating unit for feeding the lubricating oil to the portions of a speed change mechanism so that the heat to be generated in the speed change mechanism may be absorbed and recovered by the lubricating oil. The lubricant control apparatus includes a detector that detects the acting state of the speed change mechanism; a determiner that determines a necessary lubricating oil flow on the basis of the calorific value in the speed change mechanism, the calorific value being calculated from the detected acting state of the speed change mechanism; and a structure for feeding the lubricating oil to the speed change mechanism on the basis of the determined necessary lubricating oil flow. The lubricant control apparatus feeds an optimum lubricating oil flow according to the acting state of the speed change mechanism.

Abstract: A slip control system for an automatic transmission includes a fluid coupling including a release side oil chamber, an apply side oil chamber and a lockup clutch unit that is applied and released on an basis of the oil pressure that is fed to at least one of the release side oil chamber and the apply side oil chamber; an oil pressure generating unit for generating the oil pressure; a vehicular running state detecting unit for a detecting vehicular running state; an electronic control unit for determining whether a slip control is to be made, on the basis of a determination upon whether the present vehicular running state, as detected by the vehicular running state detecting unit, belongs to a predetermined slip control region; and an oil pressure regulating unit for regulating the oil pressure in response to a signal coming from the electronic control unit, to make the slip control by sliding the lockup clutch unit.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system for determining the gear ratio changes in an automatic transmission in a vehicle having an accelerator pedal actuated by a driver of the vehicle. The system includes a first sensor for detecting the position (DK) of said accelerator pedal as a first variable and a second sensor for detecting at least one of the following as a second variable: the vehicle straight-line speed (V.sub.x), transmission output rpm and the motor rpm. An adaptation variable (BZ) is determined in an evaluation mode in dependence upon a comparison of a time-dependent change of the first variable to at least one threshold value (SW, SW1, SW2). A characteristic field receives the first and second variables as input variables. The characteristic field and the adaptation variable (BZ) are used to form a gear ratio change (SG) for the automatic transmission.

Abstract: For testing the operation of the braking system of vehicles, in particular heavy trucks having an automatic multi-ratio mechanical transmission, an estimate for the total weight of the vehicle is formed on the basis of the vehicle's own parameters and driving parameters. If account is taken for the braking force or the acceleration in this calculation, in case of considerable deviations of the calculated vehicle weight from a threshold value, it can be concluded that a defect exists in the braking system of the vehicle. In this case, an alarm signal is given to the driver of the vehicle and/or directly geared to the operation of the mechanical transmission.

Abstract: Automotive vehicle control apparatus including a running stability control device for reducing engine output and/or applying brake to vehicle wheels for improving vehicle running stability, a shift control device for shifting an automatic transmission by engagement of at least one hydraulically operated frictional coupling device, depending upon a detected vehicle running condition as compared with a predetermined shift boundary pattern, a running stability control detecting device for detecting an operation of said running stability control device, and one of (a) a coupling pressure control device for controlling a hydraulic pressure of the frictional coupling device to be engaged to shift the automatic transmission, such that a rate of rise of the hydraulic pressure is lower when the operation of running stability control device is detected by the running stability control detecting device, than when the operation of the running stability control device is not detected, and (b) a shift point changing device

Abstract: In the case of a gear shift control for automatic transmissions in motor vehicles having an electronic control unit which determines the gear change as a function of operating parameters of the vehicle, the electronic control unit controls the gear changes also as a function of input signals which are obtained from information generated outside the vehicle and which indicate environmental conditions of the vehicle.

Abstract: A power train controller and control method are provided for a passenger car driven by a combustion engine and an automatic gear changing transmission. Control sensors detect a current operating state of the passenger car. Three different modes of operation, including sports mode, economy mode, and comfortable mode are selected by the driver. Depending on the selected mode, the automobile transmission is controlled in different shifting patterns as a function of the sensed vehicle operating conditions.

Abstract: An automatic transmission controller which provides smooth shifting of gears and reduces gear shifting-caused shocks during a change in speed. There is provided a control means whereby, when gear shifting of the automatic transmission is decided during a switch-on of an air-conditioning unit, then the air-conditioning unit is kept on at least during the aforesaid gear shifting. Further, the control means selects an air conditioner-on-mode timer table in order to actuate the transmission in a controlled manner, and then to control a rev-up state of the engine speed.

Abstract: In the control system of an automatic transmission for a motor vehicle wherein power delivered from an engine is transmitted to a gear shift mechanism through a damper and then transmitted from the gear shift mechanism to driving wheels through a starting clutch, when an engine speed detected by engine speed sensor (in FIG. 1) is not higher than a predetermined value in the engine starting operation, an engageable element (in FIG. 1) constituting the gear shift mechanism is released, and when the engine speed is higher than the predetermined value, the engageable element is brought into engagement, thereby to alter the resonance point of a rotary system including the damper and to prevent the damper from resonating, so that a vibration of large amplitude does not occur in the engine starting operation.

Abstract: A control arrangement for a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine and an automatic transmission provides country-specific engine and/or transmission control commands which can be selected alternatively for different countries by a changeover device. The control arrangement permits the use, during production, of identical engine and transmission control units together with their control commands so that it is possible to activate simply in a country-by-country fashion the engine and/or transmission control commands, which determine, for example, the exhaust-gas behavior and the fuel consumption of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A manual shift control system for automatic transmissions is so constructed as to carry out automatic shift control when a motor vehicle is found in the operation area where selection of a manual speed ratio is not allowed. Acceptance of the manual upshift or downshift command is prohibited until a predetermined time elapses after occurrence of automatic shift.

Abstract: An automatic transmission control system is capable of quickly and accurately judging the normal state and faulty state of an input shaft rotation speed sensor and/or an output shaft rotation speed sensor. The system includes an input shaft rotation speed sensor condition judging device for judging whether an input shaft rotation speed sensor detecting a rotation speed NI of an input shaft of the automatic transmission is in a normal or faulty state, an output shaft rotation speed sensor condition judging device for judging whether an output shaft rotation speed sensor detecting a rotation speed No of an output shaft of the automatic transmission is in a normal or faulty state, a multiplying means for multiplying the rotation speed No of the output shaft with a current transmission gear ratio, and comparing and judging means for judging whether the multiplied value is coincident with the rotation speed NI of the input shaft.

Abstract: A control for confirming disengagement of a disengaging gear ratio (GR). Signals indicative of input shaft speed (ES or IS) are compared to signals indicative of output shaft rotational speed (OS) to determine if the quotient of input shaft rotational speed to output shaft rotational speed (IS/OS) remains outside an increasing-sized window (GR.+-.error, GR.+-.2*error, GR.+-.3*error).

Abstract: There are disclosed a method of and an apparatus for regulating the operation of a friction clutch or another torque transmission system in the power train of a motor vehicle. The regulation is such that the operator of the vehicle is informed of a prevailing or impending condition which entails or is about to entail damage to the system or to the entire power train. Such situation can arise in response to excessive and/or prolonged slip of abutting friction surfaces in a friction clutch, overheating of one or more parts of the system for any other reason(s), as a result of improper selection of the transmission speed for starting of the vehicle and/or due to excessive wear upon the friction linings and/or other parts. The remedial undertaking can include such regulation of the system that the ride become uncomfortable to the occupant(s) of the vehicle and/or automatic elimination of the cause(s) of unsatisfactory torque transmission.

Abstract: A driving-force controller in a vehicle in which, when an accelerator pedal is depressed to initially move the vehicle at a time t.sub.1, if a state in which a vehicle speed is zero due to slippage of driven wheels continues for a predetermined time, it is judged that the vehicle is on a road surface having an extremely low road surface friction coefficient. If a driven wheel speed and the vehicle speed become zero at a time t.sub.4 because a driver abandons initial acceleration and releases an accelerator pedal, a gear shift stage of an automatic transmission is forcibly shifted to a second gear shift stage, and a target slip rate set in a traction control device is switched to a decreased value. As a result, when the driver depresses the accelerator pedal to restart the vehicle at a time t.sub.5, excessive slippage is suppressed by a decrease in driven wheel torque so that the vehicle begins moving smoothly. If a driven wheel slip rate exceeds the decreased target slip rate at a time t.sub.

Abstract: A shift control strategy is provided for an automatic transmission used in a machine that is started or operated with cold oil in the transmission. When the operating value of the oil in the transmission is below a predetermined level, as sensed by a temperature sensor or a viscosity sensor, a controller turns on an indicator lamp. When a shift lever is moved from the neutral position or moved to select a different direction of travel, the controller detects the amount of time the shift lever has been in the neutral position or out of the one direction of travel and compares the amount of time to a predetermined amount of time. If the amount of time is less than the predetermined amount of time, the controller flashes the indicator lamp, inhibits the engagement of the clutches for the desired gear ratio or new travel direction, and requires the shift lever be moved back to the neutral position.

Abstract: The invention is based on an adaptive transmission control wherein changes in the gear ratio of the automatic transmission are determined in dependence upon the detected position of the accelerator pedal actuated by the driver or variables associated therewith and in dependence upon the vehicle straight-line speed and/or the output rpm of the transmission and/or the motor rpm or variables associated therewith. Also, an adaptive variable is determined which adapts the changes of the transmission gear ratio at least to the driving situation then present. The essence of the invention is that the path data of a navigation system is used to determine the above-mentioned adaptation variable. The navigation system is a known map-supported navigation system. In this way, it is advantageously possible to precisely detect the present as well as future driving and environmental situations to which the vehicle is just then subjected or will be subjected in the near future.

Abstract: A vehicle automatic transmission control system which makes it possible to estimate an ATF temperature without using an expensive ATF temperature sensor. The estimation of the ATF temperature is configured such that based on the coolant temperature at engine starting, the temperature increase owing to heat inflow to the ATF per unit time and the temperature decrease owing to heat outflow from the ATF per unit time are calculated quantitatively and the sum of the calculated values is used to determine the estimated ATF temperature TATF. More specifically, when it is found that only a short time has passed between engine turnoff and restarting, the ATF temperature is estimated at engine restarting from the coolant temperature at engine turnoff, the estimated ATF temperature at engine turnoff and the coolant temperature at engine restarting.

Abstract: A method of shifting in a manual mode of an electronically-controlled automatic transmission system includes the steps of determining whether a shift lever of a shift lever mechanism is presenting a position error when the shift lever is in a manual position, determining whether at least one switch on the shift lever mechanism is presenting an error if a shift lever position error is not determined, determining whether a temperature of an automatic transmission or engine coolant temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold if the at least one switch is not presenting an error, determining whether the manual position conditions have been met, determining whether an upshift or downshift of the automatic transmission is scheduled if the manual position conditions have been met, and executing either an upshift or a downshift of the automatic transmission based on the determined upshift or downshift being scheduled.

Abstract: A gear-shift control system of an automatic transmission, in which gear shift schedule is appropriately changed-over in correspondence with the change of a road surface situation. Low-friction road surface detection device detects a low-friction road surface so as to select the gear shift schedule for the low-friction road surface adopted to start the motor vehicle with second gear. After the selection, a holding device holds the gear shift schedule for the low-friction road surface until an accelerator is pressed next.

Abstract: A device is proposed to determine the rotational speed of a transfer element (3) arranged in variable-diameter pulleys (1, 2) of a continuously variable transmission system, the said device Consisting of a sliding stock (4, 15), with a sensor (10, 16) which is supported on the transfer element (3) on the inner sides of the variable-diameter pulleys, which sliding stock is connected to the transmission case (8) by a spring (6) loaded rocker arm (5) mounted in a swivelling joint (7).With the knowledge of the peripheral speed of the transfer element (3), the rotary speeds (N1, N2) of the set of variable-diameter pulleys (1, 2) and the effective transmission radii (r1, r2), the slippage can be determined between the transfer element (3) and the sets of variable-diameter pulleys (1, 2).

Abstract: A system for detecting malfunction of a transmission of a vehicle, more particularly a system for detecting a failure of a shift lever position sensor for a vehicle automatic transmission is provided with two detection modes based on urban driving and open-road driving. The number of times that the vehicle speed goes up and down between prescribed upper and lower values separately defined for the two modes is counted, when the shift lever position signal is absent. Probable failure is judged when the number of times reaches eight in the first mode and sensor failure is confirmed when the number of times reaches three in the second mode. Shift lever position sensor failure can be reliably detected irrespective of whether the driving environment is urban or open-road.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device and a method for controlling a shift position of a vehicle in response to a road condition when the vehicle is running on a steeply sloped road or a sharply curved road. The device includes a slope/curve sensor, a steering angle sensor, a throttle valve sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, and a shift controller. A solenoid valve controls a hydraulic pressure and the resulting shift position in response to a control signal applied from the shift controller.