Accelerator pedal calibration and fault detection

Abstract

A system and method for automatically calibrating an electronic accelerator pedal having an idle validation switch is disclosed. Automatic calibration accommodates variation between vehicles so that error tolerances may be reduced. The system and method utilize the idle validation switch in combination with the accelerator pedal to provide redundancy by cross-checking signals received from each component. Automatic calibration is performed throughout operation of the vehicle. An initial idle position and an initial full throttle setting are chosen to induce a vehicle operator to fully depress the accelerator pedal. The fully depressed pedal determines the new full throttle position. Thereafter, under proper conditions, a new full throttle position (and analogously a new idle position) is set when a pedal sensor indicates the current position exceeds the current full throttle set point (or is less than the current idle set point). The system and method also provide a fail-safe design which returns to idle fueling when certain fault conditions are detected.