Abstract: Method for CVT and powertrain control in a kinetic hybrid that integrates two constituent control strategies at the same time, one for the kinetic energy exchange between a vehicle and a flywheel to recover the vehicle's kinetic energy and to cancel the effect of the vehicle's inertia on changes in speed, and one for operating the kinetic hybrid's prime mover on its ideal operation line to optimize efficiency. Two different rates of change in the CVT ratio are computed in real time and are superimposed to realize both strategies. Using the combined rate of change in the CVT ratio derived by the present invention to control the powertrain, the primary power source need not expend a significant portion of its power to overcome the vehicle's inertia, and performance is not compromised.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, input clutch, transmission, and controller. The transmission includes an input member, output member, and bidirectional speed sensor. The speed sensor measures a magnitude and direction of a rotational speed of the output member. Engagement of the input clutch selectively connects the engine to the input member. The controller has a commanded gear shift monitoring (CGSM) module. The CGSM module executes a method via a processor to cause the controller to detect a requested shift of the transmission to a destination gear, and to receive the measured magnitude and direction from the speed sensor. The controller determines a calibrated maximum output speed for the destination gear using the measured magnitude and direction, and executes a control action with respect to the transmission when the measured magnitude exceeds the calibrated maximum output speed. A transmission assembly includes the transmission and controller.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a motor vehicle having: prime mover means; at least first and second groups of one or more wheels; and a driveline operable to connect the prime mover means to the first and second groups of one or more wheels such that the first group of one or more wheels and not the second group is coupled to a torque transmission path from the prime mover means when the driveline is in a first mode of operation and both the first and second groups of one or more wheels are coupled to a torque transmission path from the prime mover means when the driveline is in a second mode of operation, the driveline including an auxiliary portion for connecting the second group to the torque transmission path from the prime mover means, the auxiliary portion comprising first and second releasable torque transmitting means and a prop shaft, the first releasable torque transmitting means being operable to connect a first end of the prop shaft to the torque transmission path from the prime move

Abstract: A vehicle operating condition profile can be determined over a given route while also considering imposed constraints such as deviation from time targets, deviation from maximum governed speed limits, etc. Given current vehicle speed, engine state and transmission state, the present disclosure optimally manages the engine map and transmission to provide a recommended vehicle operating condition that optimizes fuel consumption in transitioning from one vehicle state to a target state. Exemplary embodiments provide for offline and online optimizations relative to fuel consumption. The benefit is increased freight efficiency in transporting cargo from source to destination by minimizing fuel consumption and maintaining drivability.

Abstract: A vehicle drive control device in a vehicle has an engine and an electric motor for running, the vehicle running with at least one of the engine and the electric motor for running used as a drive power source for running, the vehicle drive control device rotating the engine remaining in a no-drive state if a vehicle speed is equal to or greater than a predetermined determination vehicle speed during vehicle running with the engine in the no-drive state, the vehicle drive control device making the determination vehicle speed higher when a gradient of a running road surface on which the vehicle is running is larger, the gradient having a positive direction corresponding to descent.

Abstract: A method and a vehicle cruise control system performing the steps of driving with the cruise control active and set to maintain a set target speed, registering a first position when driving in an uphill slope of a hill where vehicle retardation has decreased vehicle speed to a first speed below the set target speed and where the retardation has decreased to zero or acceleration has just started in order to increase speed to the set target speed, registering a desired speed in a second position downhill of the crest at a first distance after the crest, based on the desired speed calculating a minimum speed at the crest with which the vehicle has to pass the crest in order to be able to reach the desired speed with zero fuel consumption during the first distance, controlling speed between the first position and the crest so that the vehicle reaches the minimum speed when passing the crest.

Abstract: In a vehicular wireless communication apparatus in a subject vehicle, a rear vehicle determination process determines whether another vehicle is a rear vehicle within a predetermined range based on a past locus of the subject vehicle determined by a subject-vehicle locus determination process, and a locus information-set of the another vehicle received by a wireless communication portion. When the another vehicle is determined to be the rear vehicle, a necessary-position determination process determines position information-items of two end points of a line segment of the past locus of the subject vehicle which intersects with a perpendicular line drawn from a present position of the another vehicle. A simple transmission process transmits a locus information-set including (i) a present position information-item of the subject vehicle and (ii) the necessary-position information-item determined in the necessary-position determination process, from the wireless communication portion.

Abstract: A powertrain includes a controller and gear sets, clutches, rotatable members, and torque actuators, e.g., an engine and one or more motor/generator units. Each torque actuator outputs a total control torque. The total control torque from a given actuator is used to achieve a target value, which is a torque value of a member of one of the gear sets, clutches, or rotatable members. The controller includes proportional-integral (PI) control logic. The total control torque is the sum of proportional and integral torque terms from the PI control logic. The controller detects a predetermined vehicle event, for instance a change in a hybrid range state or a control gain reduction event, and then automatically resets the integral control torque term(s) for the physical target value during the requested vehicle event to thereby maintain the total control torque for the same target value through the execution of the predetermined vehicle event.

Abstract: A machine has a power train including a prime mover connected to a transmission having two or more selectable gear settings, and a user interface providing an operator selection of at least two gear identifiers of a whole number. Each whole number gear identifiers corresponds to high idle speeds for respective gear settings. The user interface provides a signal indicative of selected gear identifier to an electronic controller, which also receives and transmits signals indicative of machine parameters. The electronic controller contains computer executable instructions which determine an optimal gear setting and whether a gear shift should be made.

Abstract: A vehicle drive control device in a vehicle has an engine and an electric motor for running, the vehicle running with at least one of the engine and the electric motor for running used as a drive power source for running, the vehicle drive control device rotating the engine remaining in a no-drive state if a vehicle speed is equal to or greater than a predetermined determination vehicle speed during vehicle running with the engine in the no-drive state, the vehicle drive control device making the determination vehicle speed higher when a gradient of a running road surface on which the vehicle is running is larger, the gradient having a positive direction corresponding to descent.

Abstract: An ECU that integrally controls a vehicle travel control system includes an initial travel plan producing section which produces an initial travel plan including a decelerating interval in which an engine of a vehicle is stopped to decelerate the vehicle, a travel plan reconfiguring section which reconfigures the initial travel plan produced by the initial travel plan reconfiguring section, and a travel control section which controls travel of the vehicle based on a travel plan. When a non-stop state of the engine occurs while the vehicle is traveling, the travel plan reconfiguring section reconfigures the initial travel plan so that target deceleration in the decelerating interval in the initial travel plan is reset to new target deceleration that is larger deceleration.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for conserving energy used by an energy consuming device. In certain embodiments, an energy conservation system can be configured to deliver energy to the energy consuming device for a period, followed by a period where energy delivery is dampened and/or cut. By cycling the delivery of energy in this fashion, the energy conservation can achieve a pulsed efficiency.

Abstract: An output power of the internal combustion engine (1) is transmitted to a drive wheel via a torque converter (2B) having a pump impeller and a turbine runner. A lockup clutch (2C) directly connects the pump impeller and the turbine runner during a coast running of a vehicle. When the accelerator pedal is slightly depressed during a coast running of a vehicle in a fuel cut-off state, the lockup clutch (2C) disengages. In addition, fuel recovery of the internal combustion engine (1) is suppressed until the engaging pressure of the lockup clutch (2C) decreases, thereby preventing a vehicle speed change caused by an output power increase of the internal combustion engine (1) before the lockup clutch (2C) substantially disengages.

Abstract: A method includes interpreting a powertrain load variation amplitude and an internal combustion engine output profile. The method further includes determining an engine output differential in response to the powertrain load variation amplitude and the internal combustion engine output profile. The method further includes providing an energy accumulator sizing parameter and/or an alternate motive power provider sizing parameter in response to the engine output differential.

Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle having a transmission system, an engine system, and a braking system includes detecting a braking condition of the braking system. The braking condition is at least one of a brake temperature being above a predetermined brake temperature limit and a braking load being above a predetermined braking load limit. The method also includes detecting a second condition of at least one of the transmission system and the engine system. The method also includes determining whether the second condition satisfies predetermined criteria. Furthermore, the method includes detecting an absolute vehicle acceleration that is below a predetermined acceleration limit. Moreover, the method includes downshifting from a current gear to a lower gear to thereby cause engine braking when the braking condition is satisfied, the second condition satisfies the predetermined criteria, and the absolute vehicle acceleration is below the predetermined acceleration limit.

Abstract: A disconnect mechanism is configured to disconnect a predetermined rotating element from an engine and an auxiliary drive wheels while the vehicle is traveling in a two-wheel drive mode. The predetermined rotating element is configured to transmit power to the auxiliary drive wheels while the vehicle is traveling in a four-wheel drive mode. An electronic control unit is configured to: execute shift control when a shift condition of an automatic transmission is satisfied; selectively engage or release the disconnect mechanism based on a traveling state of the vehicle and a driver's predetermined operation; and control at least one of the automatic transmission or the disconnect mechanism such that a shift period based on the shift condition of the automatic transmission and an engagement-release period of the disconnect mechanism at least partially overlap with each other.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling anti-jerk in order to reduce vibration of a vehicle is provided. More specifically, a rotation speed (?m) of a driving source device of the vehicle is received and a speed (?lwh, ?rwh) of a left wheel and a right wheel connected to the driving source device is detected by a sensor respectively. Then, a controller, which receives this data, calculates an average speed (?fwh) based on the detected left and right wheel speeds, produces a virtual speed through interpolation of the detected left and right wheel speeds and the average speed based on a predetermined sampling value, and calculates a model speed (?ref) based on the detected left and right wheel speeds, the average speed, the virtual speed, and a final gear ratio (?j; where j is the number of the gear) considering a final reduction gear ratio (FGR) and a current gear of the vehicle.

Abstract: A gearbox of a twin clutch includes dog portions of a movable gear and a fixed gear which may be disengaged and reengaged with each other. A control device for a vehicle including the twin clutch includes a shift actuator control unit that, when shifting a gear to another speed outputs a target position signal so as to shift a rotation position of a shift actuator to a gear shift position at which a gear shift operation is performed by a transmission, and a clutch control unit that outputs torque signals so as to connect a clutch that transmits power to, among movable gears and fixed gears, a movable gear or a fixed gear including a dog portion to be disengaged. The shift actuator control unit outputs the target position signal so as to return the rotation position of the shift actuator to a neutral position.

Abstract: A method of controlling a start-stop vehicle transmission pump, includes: assessing how long an engine has been turned off; and when the engine has been turned off for longer than a predetermined threshold and the vehicle is on, priming the transmission pump.

Abstract: A deceleration indication value is set so as to prevent a collision between the vehicle and an obstacle on the basis of front side information or to prevent traffic lane deviation, and automatic braking is performed. When automatic braking is performed, a transfer clutch is coupled, a deceleration generated by synchronization of a main drive shaft and a propeller shaft is calculated, the deceleration indication value G is corrected based on the deceleration and a brake liquid pressure corresponding to a corrected deceleration indication value is applied to a brake drive unit.

Abstract: A speed change controlling apparatus in which the mode of driving force transmission is depends upon the roll angle of a vehicle body. When a roll angle is within a range from a second roll angle, which corresponds to a full bank state, to a first roll angle, speed change operation is carried out by soft speed change control in which variation of the driving force with respect to time is smaller than that by normal speed change control. If the roll angle is within another range from the first roll angle to a third roll angle, then normal speed change is carried out and if the roll angle is within a further range from an uprightly standing state to the third roll angle, then speed change operation is executed by direct speed change. When the roll angle is greater than the second roll angle, speed change is inhibited.

Abstract: In order to enable a transmission to reliably perform a switching to a parking range thereof, a vehicle control device includes a shift-by-wire device which switches a shift range of a transmission mounted on a vehicle in accordance with a request by an electric signal, an acceptance unit which accepts a request for switching to a parking range of the transmission, a detection unit which detects that switching to the parking range of the transmission has been settled, and a braking device which generates a braking force when the acceptance unit accepts a request for switching to the parking range of the transmission, from the time of acceptance of the request for switching until the detection unit detects settlement of the switching to the parking range.

Abstract: A vehicle brake control system includes a clutch stroke acquiring section, a braking force holding section, a first release determination section, and a release execution section. The clutch stroke acquiring section acquires a clutch stroke. The braking force holding section holds a braking force imparted to a wheel brake of a vehicle being at a halt. The first release determination section includes a peak value holding part and a returned amount calculator. The peak value holding part holds a peak value of the clutch stroke. The returned amount calculator calculates a returned amount by which a clutch is returned from the peak value. The first release determination section determines whether or not the held braking force should be released, based on the calculated returned amount. If the first release determination section determines that the held braking force should be released, the release execution section releases the held braking force.

Abstract: A method for determining a need for contact point adaptation for a clutch (106) of a vehicle (100), which clutch (106) transmits driving power between a power source engine (101) and at least one powered wheel (113, 114). At a first point in time, determining a first temperature (T1) of the clutch (106), comparing the first temperature (T1) with a second temperature (T2) of said clutch (106) determined at a second point in time which precedes the first point in time, and determining a need for contact point adaptation when the first temperature (T1) differs from the second temperature (T2) by more than a first value (?T)).

Abstract: A device for road and urban mobility and for solving the problem of traffic congestion, installed on a vehicle in order to make traffic flow more fluid in and between cities. The device consists of a set of five electronic modules, including a processor. The processor analyzes and extracts positional data of the equipped vehicle from a satellite signal and sends the requests of same for an exchange with a server, bi-directionally. The device is incorporated into an onboard housing. The present device is intended, in particular, to make the traffic flow more fluid and to communicate with a dedicated server in order to guide the driver of the equipped vehicle during his/her journey from a start point to the point entered into the device as the desired final destination. The present device reduces traffic congestion and pollution caused by greenhouse gas emissions.

Abstract: A transmission control system and method for controlling the level of creep torque supplied by a powertrain. The transmission control system having a controller configured to receive output signals from any one of a driver interface device sensor, a grade sensor, and a brake pedal sensor. Based on the output signals, the level of necessary creep torque and be determined and supplied, reducing unnecessary fuel consumption.

Abstract: A method of controlling a transmission brake of an automated change-speed transmission having a control cylinder, that is pressurized by inlet and outlet valves, and an upstream main cut-off valve by which a nominal pressure, supplied to the control cylinder, is regulated. Functional deviations of the transmission brake can be considered during a shifting operation, when the transmission is in neutral, the motor coupling clutch is disengaged and the transmission brake is engaged. The rotational speed gradient and the mass of the transmission components to be braked are determined and used to calculate the current braking torque of the transmission brake. The current braking torque relates to the current regulated nominal pressure, and the determined values are stored in a control unit and used during subsequent actuation of the transmission brake.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine and a transmission assembly having a stationary member, gear sets, an input member connected to one of the plurality of gear sets, a binary clutch assembly, and a transmission control module (TCM). The binary clutch assembly includes a freewheeling element which holds torque only in a first rotational direction and a binary device that, when engaged, prevents rotation of the binary clutch assembly in a second rotational direction, and that allows the binary clutch assembly to freewheel in the second rotational direction when released. The TCM executes a method via instructions to determine a total amount of clutch energy of the binary clutch assembly, compare the determined total amount of clutch energy to a calibrated clutch energy threshold, and delay an execution of the requested shift when the determined total amount of clutch energy exceeds the calibrated clutch energy threshold.

Abstract: A torque response control apparatus for an electric motor of a vehicle comprises a motor torque response control means that is configured to carry out finding a difference between a required acceleration that is variable in accordance with a change of a vehicle driving condition and an actual acceleration that is obtained, at the time of the change of the vehicle driving condition, with the aid of a torque characteristic of the electric motor, the difference being caused by the torque characteristic of the electric motor in which the maximum torque is varied in accordance with a rotation speed of the electric motor; and controlling the torque response of the electric motor in a manner to cause a driver to feel the difference of the actual acceleration from the required acceleration to be small by compensating the difference between the required acceleration and the actual acceleration.

Abstract: A method of determining a fill current value of at least one frictionally engaging shift element of an automatic transmission. The automatic transmission includes a hydrodynamic converter at which a speed ratio arises and an output shaft. In a control sequence, with a stationary output shaft, the speed ratio is influenced by changing a control current, and the fill current value is determined from the progression of the speed ratio arising during the control sequence, in conjunction with the progression of the control current.

Abstract: A method of controlling a transmission brake of an automated change-speed transmission, of a countershaft design provided with claw clutches, the brake being functionally connected, on its input side, to a transmission shaft and actuated hydraulically or pneumatically by way of inlet and outlet valves such that, for an upshift from a gear under load to a target gear, when the loaded gear is disengaged, in order to synchronize the target gear, first the inlet valve is opened and the outlet valve is closed, then to produce a substantially constant braking torque, the inlet valve is closed after having been open for a determinable opening duration, and to reach a synchronous rotational speed, the outlet valve is opened after having been closed for a determinable closing duration. The time during which the inlet valve is open is determined as a function of a specified characteristic parameter of the synchronization process.

Abstract: An electronic controller for a variable ratio transmission and an electronically controllable variable ratio transmission including a variator or other CVT are described herein. The electronic controller can be configured to receive input signals indicative of parameters associated with an engine coupled to the transmission. The electronic controller can also receive one or more control inputs. The electronic controller can determine an active range and an active variator mode based on the input signals and control inputs. The electronic controller can control a final drive ratio of the variable ratio transmission by controlling one or more electronic solenoids that control the ratios of one or more portions of the variable ratio transmission.

Abstract: A transmission control system is provided for used in a bicycle having a crank, a front sprocket that is rotatable independent of the crank, a rear wheel, a rear sprocket that is rotatable independent of the rear wheel, a chain that engages with the front sprocket and the rear sprocket, and at least one external transmission mechanism. The transmission control system is basically provided with a driving force output device, a detection device and at least one controller. The detection device is one of a rotational state detection device, a manual drive force detecting device and a speed detection device. The at least one controller is programmed to control the driving force output device to drive the chain and to control a gear shifting action of the at least one external transmission mechanism to shift gears, based on a comparison of the detection results by the detection device and a prescribed state or a prescribed value.

Abstract: A hill rollback control system and method for controlling a rollback speed of a motor vehicle with wheel brakes. Upon ascertaining that the vehicle is rolling back, the system and method determine, based on a grade angle of the terrain that the vehicle is traveling on and a temperature of a transmission, a target rollback speed for the vehicle. The target rollback speed is lower when the grade of the terrain is above a threshold value. Also, the target rollback speed is lower when the temperature of the transmission is above a threshold value. The actual rollback speed of the vehicle is set and maintained at the target rollback speed by applying the vehicle's wheel brakes.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiments provide a method and apparatus for controlling movement of a vehicle. Movement of an operator located at a side of the vehicle is identified with a plurality of sensors located in the vehicle and the vehicle is moved in a path that maintains the operator at the side of the vehicle while the operator is moving.

Abstract: There is disclosed a continuously variable ratio transmission assembly (“variator”) comprising a roller which transmits drive between a pair of races, the roller being movable in accordance with changes in variator ratio, a hydraulic actuator which applies a biasing force to the roller, at least one valve connected to the actuator through a hydraulic line to control pressure applied to the actuator and so to control the biasing force, and an electronic control which determines the required biasing force and sets the valve accordingly, wherein the valve setting is additionally dependent upon a rate of flow in the hydraulic line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting and compensating for pressure transducer errors includes a valve for regulating operation of a hydraulic device, a pressure transducer for detecting a pressure output from the valve, and a microprocessor comprising logic for computing a pressure measurement error of the pressure transducer. The pressure transducer is configured to output a pressure reading representing the detected pressure. The pressure measurement error may be computed using a first pressure reading from the pressure transducer taken at an operating condition in which the actual output pressure of the valve is substantially known, together with the substantially known actual output pressure of the valve.

Abstract: A method for the safe operation of a drive of a motor vehicle, the drive being controlled by at least one control unit, including acceleration monitoring in which the allowability of an operating state of the drive results as a function of a comparison of an ascertained actual acceleration with an allowable acceleration, a fault response being initiated as a function of whether a braking request is present, if the comparison shows that an inadvertent acceleration is present.

Abstract: A hill rollback control system and method for controlling a rollback speed of a motor vehicle with wheel brakes. Upon ascertaining that the vehicle is rolling back, the system and method determine, based on a grade angle of the terrain that the vehicle is traveling on and a temperature of a transmission, a target rollback speed for the vehicle. The target rollback speed is lower when the grade of the terrain is above a threshold value. Also, the target rollback speed is lower when the temperature of the transmission is above a threshold value. The actual rollback speed of the vehicle is set and maintained at the target rollback speed by applying the vehicle's wheel brakes.

Abstract: A method for safety improvement when a motor vehicle (100) having a power train with an engine (230), automatic gearbox (240) and torque converter (237) is stationary and particle filter (320) for the exhaust gases of the engine (230) is being regenerated; The step of applying safety brake action to keep the vehicle (100) stationary despite torque transfer being maintained in the power train. The step of choosing in the gearbox (240) a gear step which is higher than an initial gear step of the gearbox (240) in order to reduce the torque transferred to the vehicle's tractive wheels (247a, 247b) when the vehicle is thus kept stationary. Also a computer programme product with program code (P) for a computer (200; 210) for implementing the method. Also a device for safety improvement when a motor vehicle (100) is stationary and a particle filter (320) for the exhaust gases of the engine (230) is being regenerated. Also, a motor vehicle (100) equipped with the device.

Abstract: A deceleration indication value is set so as to prevent a collision between the vehicle and an obstacle on the basis of front side information or to prevent traffic lane deviation, and automatic braking is performed. When automatic braking is performed, a transfer clutch is coupled, a deceleration generated by synchronization of a main drive shaft and a propeller shaft is calculated, the deceleration indication value G is corrected based on the deceleration and a brake liquid pressure corresponding to a corrected deceleration indication value is applied to a brake drive unit.

Abstract: A system for shifting a vehicle's transfer case into or out of the neutral position, using an electronic vehicle information center. The system comprises a transfer case control module connected to a transfer case and an electronic vehicle information center connected to the transfer case control module. The electronic vehicle information center instructs the transfer case control module to shift the transfer case into or out of the neutral position by detecting an input signal request from a control panel to shift the transfer case into or out of a neutral position, and sending an instruction signal to the transfer case control module to shift the transfer case into or out of the neutral position.

Abstract: A method managing a device distributing engine torque between main and secondary wheel sets of a motor vehicle, the distributing device including an actuator distributing engine torque, a control unit exhibiting plural distribution modes of the engine torque and adopting one distribution mode as a function of a variable and a button selecting a distribution mode delivering an information item representative of the button position, the control unit determining, in regular operation, the variable, as a function of the information item; the method includes: detecting potential failure of the selection button, including verifying consistency of the information item; activation of degraded mode of operation, when a failure of the button is detected, in which a constant value is allocated to the variable; during degraded operation, monitoring end of failure, including verifying consistency of the information item; activation of regular mode of operation, when end of failure is detected.

Abstract: An operating state display device for a vehicle includes a display portion that displays an energy transmission state of the vehicle. A display similar to what is shown when no energy is being transmitted to the axle is shown, regardless of the energy transmission state, when two conditions that the vehicle is stopped and that a brake operation is being performed are satisfied.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a brake pedal, engine, transmission, and controller. The transmission includes an input member and an input clutch responsive to position control signals. The controller has multiple control modules, each outputting a corresponding torque command. One module is a creep control module which outputs a calibrated creep torque. Intervention logic independently monitors the torque commands during a creep maneuver, with control actions executed when predetermined conditions are present. The torque command from the creep controller determines the position control signals of the input clutch during the creep maneuver, and creep torque is set to zero whenever the brake pedal is sufficiently applied. A transmission assembly includes the input member, input clutch, and controller.

Abstract: The control system for an automatic transmission may include, a detecting portion of driving information adapted to detect the driving information including a temperature of an engine coolant, temperature of a transmission oil, a positional change of an accelerator pedal, a current shift-speed, and driving speed. a control portion adapted to determine a virtual positional change of the accelerator pedal based on an actual positional change of the accelerator pedal and a tip-in speed transmitted from the detecting portion of driving information, to determine a target shift-speed according to the actual positional change of the accelerator pedal or the virtual positional change of the accelerator pedal and the driving speed, and to control a shift to the target shift-speed. an actuator adapted to engage the target shift-speed according to a control signal received from the control portion.

Abstract: A driver advice system for a vehicle having at least one vehicle subsystem (12a-12e) comprises selection means (20) for receiving at least one driving condition indicator for the vehicle and for selecting, from a plurality of settings, a preferred setting for the at least one vehicle subsystem in response to the at least one driving condition indicator. The driver advice system includes an indication means for providing to the driver an indication of the preferred setting for one or more of the vehicle subsystems (12a-12e).

Abstract: A method and a system for regulating, while the vehicle is in motion, the linear position of a fifth wheel of a vehicle combination which comprises a tractor unit and a semi-trailer, which linear position of the fifth wheel is regulated automatically on the basis of the vehicle speed. Forward movement of the fifth wheel ordered in response to an increase in the vehicle speed, in order to reduce the distance between the driving cab and the semi-trailer, is effected at a faster rate of movement of the fifth wheel at times when the tractor unit is performing a gear change operation than at times when the tractor unit is not performing a gear change operation. When a rearward movement of the fifth wheel to increase the distance between the driving cab and the semi-trailer has to be effected in response to a decrease in the vehicle speed, braking of the semi-trailer relative to the tractor unit is ordered, in order thereby to facilitate the rearward movement of the fifth wheel.

Abstract: A method of determining at least one drag torque acting on the input side of an automatic transmission, such that prior to the determination a separator clutch located between the transmission and an engine is disengaged. To be able to carry out the determination regardless of the type of transmission concerned, also prior to the determination, the transmission is shifted to neutral and subsequently the drag torque is calculated when the engine is deactivated. For this, a first gradient of a transmission input rotational speed is determined, before an engine rotational speed of the engine falls below the transmission input rotational speed, and a second gradient of the transmission input rotational speed is determined, after the engine rotational speed falls below the transmission input rotational speed. The method is stored as a computer program stored on data carrier of a drive-train control unit of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an internal combustion engine, an engine control module (ECM) programmed to estimate engine torque as a function of throttle request, and a transmission assembly. The transmission assembly includes a plurality of gear sets and clutches, including an offgoing clutch and an oncoming clutch for a power downshift, and a transmission control module (TCM). The TCM includes a processor and memory on which is recorded a shift line for the downshift, and instructions for executing the downshift. The TCM communicates an estimated throttle level at the shift line to the ECM, receives an estimated engine torque for the estimated throttle level at the shift line from the ECM, and decreases offgoing pressure to the offgoing clutch to a threshold pressure level prior to executing the downshift. The TCM then decreases the offgoing clutch pressure to a calibrated pressure at the shift line to execute the downshift.