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Engine cold start aid malfunction alert

  • US 7,188,597 B2
  • Filed: 06/07/2005
  • Issued: 03/13/2007
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/07/2005
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A motor vehicle comprising:

  • an internal combustion engine that has a cold start aid for aiding combustion of fuel in combustion chambers of the engine when the engine is cold and an ignition switch is operated to start the engine;

    a first circuit for signaling the cold start aid to commence operation in anticipation of engine cranking by operating a switching device through which electric current is conducted to operate the cold start aid;

    a second circuit for indicating failure of the switching device to conduct electric current to the cold start aid after the first circuit has signaled for commencement of cold start aid operation; and

    a third circuit, including a warning signal device, for activating the warning signal device to inform a driver of the vehicle of an indicated failure upon the first circuit having signaled the cold start aid to commence operation and the second circuit having indicated failure of the switching device to conduct electric current to the cold start aid.

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