Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

Gary J Brand

David C Poirier

Richard A Marsh

Dale L Phillips

Robert Charles Simon, Jr

Joseph M Tolkacz

John C Haraf

Michael A Davis

George T Stephens

Harold M Martin

Richard C Mamolen

Peter Jarzyna

Mark G Reifenberger

Sami M Hamade

Potentially damaging operation of a viscous converter clutch (VCC) is detected in relation to the slippage thereacross. The slippage is compared with a reference slip value indicative of excessive VCC slippage to develop a net overslip indicator. The value of the net overslip indicator changes in the direction of a first limit value so long as the detected slip is at least as great as the reference slip, and in the direction of a second limit value so long as the detected slip is less than the reference slip. When the net overslip indicator reaches the first limit value, the friction clutch is disengaged to release the VCC. According to a first embodiment, the transmission fluid temperature at the time of such deactivation is measured and stored, and the VCC is reactivated when transmission fluid temperature falls below the stored temperature, assuming other criteria for activation are also met. According to a second embodiment, the VCC is reactivated a predetermined time after its deactivation and measurement of the transmission fluid temperature is not required.

Control method for protecting a viscous converter clutch in a motor

An engine spark timing control system and method for addressing various engine output torque constraints. Preignition and knock concerns are addressed according to the conventional practice of calibrating spark control table, and the most limiting of the drivetrain-related torque constraints is referenced to such table to determine the additional retard, if any, required to satisfy such constraint. With this control, the preignition spark control table or any of the drivetrain-related torque constraints may be changed at will without violating the other constraints or calibrations.

Engine spark timing control for torque management of a motor vehicle

An engine control normally effective for regulating the fuel and spark timing to provide substantially optimum engine performance. Periods of heavy operator loading are identified and integrated over time to define engine operating conditions for which engine protection concerns predominate. At such time, the normal controls are overriden to operate the engine at a reduced performance level, thereby to protect the engine from preignition damage.

Control method for protecting an IC engine during extended heavy loading

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Irvine, CA, United States of America

Gary J Brand