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Method of compensating for the effects of using a block heater in an internal combustion engine

  • US 6,714,854 B2
  • Filed: 08/28/2002
  • Issued: 03/30/2004
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/28/2002
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method of determining and compensating for the usage of a block heater in an internal combustion engine which utilizes an engine control system that relies on several variables including engine coolant temperature value, comprising the steps of:

  • sensing an engine start command;

    sensing ambient air temperature;

    determining if said air temperature is below a predetermined value;

    sensing engine coolant temperature if said air temperature is below said predetermined value;

    providing an inferred engine coolant temperature value;

    determining if said sensed engine coolant temperature differs from said inferred engine coolant temperature value by at least a predetermined amount;

    calculating a normalized value of engine coolant temperature value according to a predetermined function when said sensed engine coolant temperature differs from said inferred engine coolant temperature value by at least a predetermined amount;

    providing said normalized engine coolant temperature value to said engine control system as a substitute for the sensed engine coolant temperature value.

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