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System and method for automatic neutral and automatic return-to-range for use with an automatic transmission

  • US 9,228,654 B2
  • Filed: 04/11/2014
  • Issued: 01/05/2016
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/11/2014
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method executable by an electronic control system mounted to a transmission of a powered vehicle while the vehicle is in operation, wherein the transmission has a number of forward ranges and a neutral gear selectable by a transmission gear selector, the method comprising:

  • a) receiving a service brake signal from a service brake sensor coupled to a service brake of the vehicle;

    b) receiving a parking brake signal from a parking brake sensor coupled to a parking brake of the vehicle;

    c) receiving a transmission gear selector signal from a selector sensor coupled to the transmission gear selector;

    d) determining a currently selected one of the forward ranges using the transmission gear selector signal;

    e) determining that the transmission is in the neutral gear; and

    f) issuing a transmission return-to-range command to the transmission to cause the transmission to transition from the neutral gear to the currently selected one of the forward ranges when it is determined that;

    f.1) the service brake signal indicates that the service brake has been transitioned between applied and not applied a predetermined number of times after the electronic control system has been initialized;

    f.2) the service brake signal indicates that the service brake is currently applied; and

    f.3) while the service brake signal indicates that the service brake remains applied, the parking brake signal indicates that the parking brake is released.

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