Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

Jeffrey S Richards

Daniel P Grenn

Voytek A Novak

Methods, program products, and vehicles are provided for providing diagnostics for a smart sensor, such as a direct current (DC) converter, for a vehicle. A result of a diagnostic test is received from the smart sensor at a first time. A sequence indicator is retrieved from memory. The sequence indicator pertains to a second time in which the diagnostic test is expected to be completed by the smart sensor. A health assessment is provided using the result via a processor, provided that the second time does not precede the first time. The health assessments may be linked individually to a diagnostic trouble code, or may be grouped together and linked as a group to a diagnostic trouble code. Multiple smart sensor health assessments may be grouped and linked to diagnostic trouble codes.

Diagnostics for smart sensors of vehicles

Methods, program products, hybrid, and non-hybrid vehicles are provided for providing diagnostics for a direct current (DC) converter of the hybrid, and non-hybrid vehicle. The vehicle includes an engine, a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS), the direct current (DC) converter, and a controller. The engine is automatically turned on and off based on driver inputs in accordance with an auto-stop feature. The RESS at least facilitates turning on the engine. The DC converter is coupled to the RESS. The controller is coupled to the DC converter, and is configured to determine a status of the engine, receive a DC converter voltage value from the DC converter, and provide diagnostics for the DC converter based on the engine status, RESS voltage, and the DC converter voltage.

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Fenton, MI, United States of America

Jeffrey S Richards