METHOD OF DIAGNOSING A LOW RANGE LIMITING MALFUNCTION OF AN ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR
First Claim
1. A method of diagnosing low range limiting malfunctions of an engine coolant temperature sensor, comprising the steps of:
- sampling a first value of a signal produced by said sensor at an initiation of engine operation;
sampling a second value of the signal produced by said sensor following an interval of engine operation;
computing a temperature difference between said first and second values;
periodically sampling said signal during an initial diagnostic interval to detect a stuck condition of said sensor;
reporting an absence of low range limiting malfunctions if the computed temperature difference exceeds a calibrated temperature difference; and
reporting a low range limiting malfunction if the computed temperature difference is less than said calibrated temperature difference and a stuck condition of said sensor is not detected during said initial diagnostic interval.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Low range limiting malfunctions of an engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor are diagnosed by comparing a change in the sensed temperature during engine operation with a calibrated temperature change. If the change in sensed temperature fails to exceed the calibrated temperature change, and a diagnostic for detecting a stuck ECT signal is either inconclusive or passed, a low range limiting malfunction of the sensor is indicated. If the diagnostic for detecting a stuck ECT signal is failed, the low range limiting diagnostic concludes with no report even if the change in sensed temperature fails to exceed the calibrated temperature change.
8 Citations
6 Claims
-
1. A method of diagnosing low range limiting malfunctions of an engine coolant temperature sensor, comprising the steps of:
-
sampling a first value of a signal produced by said sensor at an initiation of engine operation;
sampling a second value of the signal produced by said sensor following an interval of engine operation;
computing a temperature difference between said first and second values;
periodically sampling said signal during an initial diagnostic interval to detect a stuck condition of said sensor;
reporting an absence of low range limiting malfunctions if the computed temperature difference exceeds a calibrated temperature difference; and
reporting a low range limiting malfunction if the computed temperature difference is less than said calibrated temperature difference and a stuck condition of said sensor is not detected during said initial diagnostic interval. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
-
Specification