Detection of a Humidity Sensor Failure in an Internal Combustion Engine
AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorMichael Cullen
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A system and method for utilizing a humidity sensor with an internal combustion engine of a vehicle is described. Specifically, information from the humidity sensor is used to adjust a desired air-fuel ratio to reduce engine misfire while improving vehicle fuel economy. Further, such information is also used to adjust timing and/or lift of the valve in the engine cylinder. Finally, diagnostic routines are also described.
Claims11
1-9. (canceled)
A method to determine degradation of a humidity sensor used for controlling an engine of a vehicle, the humidity sensor exterior to a passenger compartment of the vehicle, the method comprising:
- determining whether to enable monitoring of the sensor based on a duration since vehicle operation;
- and
- in response to a determination to enable monitoring,
- comparing a signal from a second humidity sensor to a signal from the humidity sensor exterior to said passenger compartment of the vehicle to determine whether either of sensors has degraded.
A method to determine degradation of a humidity sensor used for controlling an engine of a vehicle, the humidity sensor exterior to a passenger compartment of the vehicle, the method comprising:
- determining whether to enable monitoring of the sensor based on an engine off duration;
- and
- in response to a determination to enable monitoring,
- comparing a signal from a humidity sensor interior to a passenger compartment of the vehicle to a signal from the humidity sensor exterior to said passenger compartment of the vehicle to determine whether either of said interior or exterior sensor has degraded.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.