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Method and system for detecting a presence of a block heater in an automobile

  • US 8,140,246 B1
  • Filed: 10/25/2010
  • Issued: 03/20/2012
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/25/2010
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method for detecting an engine malfunction comprising:

  • detecting, using an engine coolant temperature sensor, engine coolant temperature data;

    determining, using an engine control unit, a maximum temperature of the engine coolant temperature data at a first time period;

    determining, using the engine control unit, a minimum temperature of the engine coolant temperature data at a second time period after the first time period;

    determining, using the engine control unit, a temperature difference between the maximum temperature and the minimum temperature;

    determining, using the engine control unit, a presence of a block heater using the temperature difference;

    detecting, using the engine control unit, an engine malfunction, when the block heater is determined to not be present; and

    masking, using the engine control unit, the detection of the engine malfunction when the block heater is determined to be present.

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