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Methods and apparatus for operating a motor vehicle

  • US 20040132580A1
  • Filed: 10/09/2003
  • Published: 07/08/2004
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/09/2002
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method for controlling the operation of a power train in a motor vehicle, wherein the power train comprises a spark-ignited combustion engine, a transmission operable by a transmission actuator and an automated clutch operable by a clutch actuating mechanism, the automated clutch being disposed in a torque transmitting path between the combustion engine and the transmission, the method comprising:

  • controlling the clutch actuating mechanism so as to open the clutch with the power train being in a pull mode of operation, changing the transmission from a first gear position to a second gear position via a neutral position by moving the transmission actuator, wherein the transmission in the second gear position has a lower ratio than in the first gear position, shifting an ignition angle of the combustion engine during the gear change step to cause the combustion engine to generate a negative engine torque, thereby decreasing engine speed when the transmission is disposed in the neutral position and enabling a desired engine torque to be rapidly realized as soon as the transmission actuator is disposed in the second gear position, and controlling the clutch actuating mechanism so as to close the clutch.

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