Method and apparatus for determining coolant temperature rationality in a motor vehicle

Abstract

Methods, systems and devices for identifying irrational results from an engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor in a vehicle are described. The vehicle suitably includes a processor in communication with the ECT sensor and an intake air temperature (IAT) sensor. The method includes the steps of receiving an ECT reading from the ECT sensor and a IAT reading at the processor, evaluating a temperature difference between the ECT reading and the IAT reading to determine if irrationality is present, and providing a fault indication in response to the evaluating step. The evaluating step includes monitoring the IAT reading during operation of the vehicle to identify the presence of an engine block heater if the temperature difference exceeds a pre-determined threshold.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention generally relates to engine controls, and more particularly relates to techniques and devices for identifying faults in engine temperature sensors. BACKGROUND [0002] Most automobiles, trucks and other motor vehicles are affected by changing temperatures. For example, many internal combustion engines are more difficult to start in cold temperatures than in warm temperatures, so many modern vehicle fuel control systems adjust the start-up crank or crank-run transition fueling during cold weather to make the engine more likely to start. Accordingly, most vehicles now include an engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor that monitors the temperature of the engine coolant during startup and operation of the vehicle. Temperature information from the ECT can be provided to a powertrain control module (PCM), engine control unit (ECU) or other controller to adjust various engine parameters to optimize performance across a wide range of operating tem...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent relates to methods, systems, and devices for identifying irrationality in an engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor in a vehicle. The system includes a processor that receives ECT and intake air temperature (IAT) readings and evaluates them to determine if the ECT data is irrational. The system monitors the temperature difference between the ECT and IAT readings during operation of the vehicle to identify the presence of an engine block heater. The system also checks if the difference exceeds a pre-determined threshold or if it exceeds the difference that would be produced by an engine block heater to determine if there is a fault. The system can also supply default temperature values in case of a sensor fault to assist in starting the vehicle or improving its performance.

Problems solved by technology

For example, many internal combustion engines are more difficult to start in cold temperatures than in warm temperatures, so many modern vehicle fuel control systems adjust the start-up crank or crank-run transition fueling during cold weather to make the engine more likely to start.

Because the ECT is used to adjust various engine operating parameters (e.g. fuel mixture), faults in the ECT sensor may be related to production of excess pollutants in vehicle exhaust.

Monitoring the performance of the ECT sensor may be complicated, however, by the presence of an engine block heater or similar device.

Because the block heater warms the engine coolant while the engine is not running, it can be difficult for the engine controller to differentiate between actual temperature increases created by the block heater and false increases created by a sensor fault.

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