Ford Global Technolgoies, LLC

Frederick Page

Jeff Doering

Hank Kwong

Brad Riedle

Rob Ciarrocchi

Scott Redmon

William Eckenrode

John Eric Rollinger

Jeff Malcolm Travis

Rob Ciarrochi

Bradley Dean Riedle

Thomas Francis Mausolf

A vehicle control method for a vehicle having an internal combustion engine coupled to a torque converter is described. In one embodiment, the engine air flow and spark are adjusted to control torque converter operation. The method can improve vehicle response to driver accelerator commands.

System and method for improved vehicle response during vehicle acceleration conditions

A vehicle control method for a vehicle having powertrain with an internal combustion engine and a transmission having a clutch, the method comprising of transitioning through a lash region of the transmission during clutch slipping conditions in response to a driver tip-in; and during the transition, first retarding ignition timing past maximum torque timing while increasing engine airflow, and then second, advancing ignition timing from the retarded timing while continuing to increase engine airflow.

Vehicle response during vehicle acceleration conditions

A vehicle control method for transitioning through transmission lash regions is described using a variety of information, such as, for example, gear ratio, clutch slippage, etc. Further, different adjustment of spark and throttle angle is used to provide a rapid torque response while still reducing effects of the lash. Finally, transitions taking into account both slipping and non-slipping transmissions are described.

A control system and method for preventing exhaust gases from entering an intake manifold of an engine after engine shutdown is provided. The engine includes a valve controlling air flow into the intake manifold . The method includes determining when the engine has been shutdown. The method further includes opening the valve for a predetermined amount of time after the engine shutdown to allow air at ambient atmospheric pressure to communicate with the intake manifold . Thus, a relatively high air pressure in an intake manifold prevents exhaust gases from migrating into the intake manifold which reduces a subsequent engine crank period.

System and method for preventing exhaust gases from entering an intake manifold of an engine

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Canton, MI, United States of America

Frederick Page