Methods and apparatus for engine diagnostics

#This invention relates generally to engines and, more particularly, to performing engine diagnostics using a computer.

#Many known internal combustion engines for use with watercraft include an electronic control unit (ECU) for controlling at least some operations of the engine. In a typical implementation, an ECU is electrically connected to engine components such as the engine ignition, lubrication pumps, water circulation system (if any) and fuel injectors. The ECU controls timing of the engine ignition and fuel injection in accordance with a pre-programmed control program.

#In order to determine whether an engine is operating properly, and to assist in diagnosing an engine failure, an external computer can be coupled to a communications port of the ECU. A diagnostic program implemented in computer software, such as the BMCA FFI engine diagnostic software available from Bombardier Motor Corporation of America, Waukegan, Ill., is loaded in the external computer. Fault codes stored in the ECU memory are read by the external computer, and the fault codes are indicative of certain messages that are then displayed to the operator. In addition, an operator may input commands via a keyboard of the computer and/or touch screen, and based on the operator inputs, the external computer instructs the ECU to run diagnostic tests on the engine.

#FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an engine and an external computer coupled to the engine.

#FIG. 2 illustrates an initial screen display for permitting an operator to select between a diagnostic program and a service utilities program.

#FIGS. 3-5 illustrate screen displays for enabling an operator to select operation of an engine diagnostic program in a desired language.

#Although the present invention is sometimes described herein in the context of performing diagnostic tests on an outboard engine, the present invention can be utilized in connection with diagnostic tests for many different types of engines, including automobile engines. For example, and although the present invention is described herein in connection with an engine that includes fuel injection, the invention can be utilized in connection with engines that include any one of a wide variety of fuel injection mechanisms, electrically powered engines and in engines that include other fuel or energy supply systems. In addition, the methods and apparatus for enabling operator selection of a language as described herein can be utilized in many different applications in addition to diagnostic testing. The present invention is not limited to use in connection with only outboard engine diagnostic test operations.

#FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an engine 10 and an external computer 12 coupled to engine 10. Engine 10 is, in one embodiment, an internal combustion engine including fuel injection, such as an Evinrude outboard engine commercially available from Bombardier Motor Corporation of America, Waukegan, Ill. As explained above, engine 10 may be an automobile engine, or any other type of engine which can benefit from the use of diagnostic software.

#Engine 10 includes an electronic control unit (ECU) 14 coupled to engine components such as engine ignition 16 and fuel injectors 18, which can be conventional or non-conventional. Generally, ECU 14 controls operation of engine 10 and provides information to the operator by controlling various indicator lights in gauges. ECU 14 controls operation of engine 10 by, for example, controlling firing of spark plugs via ignition 16 and controlling supply of fuel to the engine cylinders via injectors 18.