Vehicle diagnostic tool—running multiple tests
First Claim
1. A diagnostic method for an automotive power plant implemented with the aid of instrumentation including a microprocessor;
- the power plant including an engine, a powertrain control module and one or more sensors;
the microprocessor being programmed to acquire parameter identification (hereinafter “
PID”
) data from the powertrain control module;
the microprocessor also being programmed with one or more algorithms which permit the analysis of extracted PID data, the transformation of PID data, or both, for the purpose of enabling at least two tests for diagnosing one or more problems associated with the power plant the diagnostic method including the steps of;
a. acquiring PID data from the powertrain control module with the microprocessor, which acquired PID data can be utilized by the one or more algorithms to perform a plurality of diagnostic tests;
b. utilizing data acquired from at least one PID to run a second test for the purpose of diagnosing at least one problem associated with the power plant; and
c. utilizing data acquired from at least a second PID to run a second test for the purpose of diagnosing at least one problem associated with the power plant.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An analysis tool which extracts all the available parameter identifications (i.e. PIDS) from a vehicle'"'"'s power train control module for diagnostic decisions. This is done by checking these PIDS and other information (e.g., calculated PIDS, Break Points, charts and algorithms) in three states; key on engine off, key on engine cranking, key on engine running. In all three modes the tool is comparing the live data from PIDS and voltage to the other information (e.g, Break Points). If any of this data are outside the programmed values a flag is assigned to the failure or control problem. The relationship between a particular PID and its associated preprogrammed value(s) may be indicated by a light. The depth of the problem (if any) is conveyed by the color of the light. Also included are tests/charts for fuel trim, engine volumetric efficiency, simulated injector, power, catalyst efficiency, and engine coolant range.
13 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A diagnostic method for an automotive power plant implemented with the aid of instrumentation including a microprocessor;
- the power plant including an engine, a powertrain control module and one or more sensors;
the microprocessor being programmed to acquire parameter identification (hereinafter “
PID”
) data from the powertrain control module;
the microprocessor also being programmed with one or more algorithms which permit the analysis of extracted PID data, the transformation of PID data, or both, for the purpose of enabling at least two tests for diagnosing one or more problems associated with the power plant the diagnostic method including the steps of;a. acquiring PID data from the powertrain control module with the microprocessor, which acquired PID data can be utilized by the one or more algorithms to perform a plurality of diagnostic tests; b. utilizing data acquired from at least one PID to run a second test for the purpose of diagnosing at least one problem associated with the power plant; and c. utilizing data acquired from at least a second PID to run a second test for the purpose of diagnosing at least one problem associated with the power plant. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
- the power plant including an engine, a powertrain control module and one or more sensors;
-
18. An automotive power plant diagnostic method implemented with the aid of instrumentation including a microprocessor and apparatus for obtaining exhaust gas data the power plant including an engine, a powertrain control module, one or more sensors, and an exhaust system;
- the microprocessor being programmed to acquire parameter identification (hereinafter “
PID”
) data from the powertrain control module;
the microprocessor also being programmed with one or more algorithms which permit at least one of the analysis or transformation of data from both the powertrain control module and the apparatus for obtaining exhaust gas data for the purpose of enabling at least one test for diagnosing one or more problems associated with the power plant the method including the steps of;a. acquiring PID data from the powertrain control module with the microprocessor; b. c. obtaining exhaust gas data from the engine with the apparatus for obtaining exhaust gas data; and d. with at least one of the one or more algorithms comparing at least some of the acquired PID data with the exhaust gas data. - View Dependent Claims (19)
- the microprocessor being programmed to acquire parameter identification (hereinafter “
Specification