Ford Global Technolgoies, LLC

Nicholas James Brown

Ryan Wells

Rob Anthony Richardson

Christopher Harrison

Simon J W Hurr

Systems and methods are provided herein to improve control of automatic driver assist systems in a vehicle and a vehicle comprising said systems, for example, by enabling the automatic driver assist systems to be selectively deactivated or activated under certain conditions.

Methods and systems to control driver assist systems

A vehicle apparatus has a controller, a first key reader disposed in a cabin of the vehicle, and a second key reader disposed external of the vehicle, such as on an auxiliary equipment. The controller is configured to actuate an engine control unit upon receipt of an authenticated signal. The controller is configured to receive a signal from the first key reader when the vehicle apparatus is operable in a first mode, and the controller is configured to receive a signal from the second key reader when the vehicle apparatus is operable in a second mode.

Remote starting and stopping engine

A thermal fuse is installed in the exhaust flow path in or from a diesel particulate filter (DPF) of a combustion engine. At a temperature corresponding to overheating, or imminent overheating, of the DPF, the thermal fuse is activated to generate a signal initiating steps to avoid overheating of the DPF, such as shutting down of the engine.

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Hornchurch, United Kingdom

Nicholas James Brown