Control Device for Internal Combustion Engine and Control Method for Variable Mechanism for Internal Combustion Engine

A control method for a variable mechanism for an internal combustion engine for a vehicle, for controlling a variable mechanism that makes operating characteristics of the internal combustion engine variable by changing a position of an electric actuator within a range defined by a restriction provided by stoppers, the variable mechanism receiving a reaction force that changes the position of the electric actuator by operation of the internal combustion engine,

• the control method comprising:
• a first step of determining whether communications through an in-car communication line for receiving a target value for the variable mechanism from an external device is abnormal or not;
• a second step of determining whether or not the position of the electric actuator changes from a position apart from the stoppers;
• a third step of maintaining a stopped state of driving of the electric actuator, when the position of the electric actuator does not change;
• and
• a fourth step of restarting the driving of the electric actuator, when the position of the electric actuator changes.