System and method to provide lubrication for a plug-in hybrid

Abstract

In hybrid electric vehicles having increased battery storage capacity and plug-in capability, electric-only operation of significant duration is available. To supplement lubrication for the electric and mechanical components provided in a fluid circuit by an engine-driven mechanical pump, an electric pump is provided in parallel to the mechanical pump. When the electric pump is operating, a diagnostic can be performed to determine system integrity. According to one embodiment, an actual quantity provide to the circuit is determined; an expected quantity is estimated; and a fault is determined when the actual and expected quantities differ by more than a predetermined amount. The fault may indicate a leak or plug in the fluid circuit or a failure of a component in the fluid circuit.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.