Thermostat malfunction detecting system for engine cooling system
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Abstract
A malfunction of a thermostat in a coolant circulating path is detected from an engine side coolant temperature in consideration of the following behavior of the coolant temperature. When an open-malfunction occurs, the coolant temperature becomes different considerably from that in the normal time in the temperature range in which the thermostat is to be normally closed. When a closure-malfunction occurs, the coolant temperature becomes different considerably from that during the normal time in the temperature range in which the thermostat is to be normally opened. Alternatively, the malfunction may be detected from a difference between the engine side coolant temperature and a radiator side coolant temperature.
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Citations
49 Claims
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1-36. -36. (canceled)
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37. A method for detecting an abnormality of a thermostat in a cooling system of an internal combustion engine, comprising:
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detecting a coolant temperature on a side of the engine after an engine start in a temperature range in which the thermostat normally is closed;
calculating a heat radiation amount of the coolant; and
detecting an abnormality of the thermostat by using the detected coolant temperature and the calculated heat radiation amount. - View Dependent Claims (38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49)
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Specification