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Method for detecting cooling system faults

  • US 6,463,892 B1
  • Filed: 02/20/2001
  • Issued: 10/15/2002
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/15/2000
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method for diagnosing a thermostat in an internal combustion engine, the method comprising:

  • estimating an engine coolant temperature based on an operating condition and a characteristic of the thermostat;

    reading said engine coolant temperature;

    determining that the thermostat performance is degraded if said reading agrees with said estimate in a first operating region, and said reading disagrees with said estimate in a second operating region; and

    indicating that said engine coolant temperature sensor performance is degraded if said estimate and said reading disagree for temperatures below and above said specified temperature.

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