Engine control system and method of automatic starting and stopping a combustion engine

A method of automatically starting and stopping an internal combustion engine installed in a vehicle having an electronic engine control system in communication with a starter motor and a plurality of fuel injectors, the method comprising:

• (a) determining that one of three conditions exist, a voltage of a battery is below a predetermined limit, a temperature of the engine is below a predetermined limit, or a temperature of a cab of the vehicle is outside of a predetermined temperature range;
• (b) confirming that a hood is closed, that a transmission is in neutral, and that a park brake is set;
• (c) confirming that a fuel level is above a predetermined level;
• (d) starting the engine;
• (e) confirming that an ignition switch is in an on position and the engine is idling;
• (f) enabling an idle shutdown timer;
• (g) initiating a pre-programmed countdown of the shutdown timer to automatic engine shutdown;
• (h) confirming that an active switch has been placed in an on position prior to expiration of the countdown;
• and
• (i) automatically shutting down the engine.

An engine control system for automatically starting and stopping a vehicle combustion engine at idle via a series of fuel injectors and a starter motor, the engine control system comprising:

• a battery having a positive lead;
• an engine control module;
• a first enabler circuit providing a digital input to the engine control module, the first enabler circuit having a park brake switch, a hood switch, and a neutral gear switch, wherein the park brake switch, the hood switch and the neutral gear switch are wired in series and grounded;
• a fuel level switch engaged electrically to the engine control module for indicating a low fuel level condition below a predetermined amount which overrides automatic starting of the engine by the engine control system;
• a second enabler circuit extending electrically between the positive lead and the engine control module, the second enabler circuit having an ignition switch having an on position for enabling the engine control system;
• and
• wherein the second enabler circuit has the fuel level switch which is wired in series between the ignition switch and the ECM.

An engine control system for automatically starting and stopping a vehicle combustion engine at idle via a series of fuel injectors and a starter motor, the engine control system comprising:

• a battery having a positive lead;
• an engine control module;
• a first enabler circuit providing a digital input to the engine control module, the first enabler circuit having a park brake switch, a hood switch, and a neutral gear switch, wherein the park brake switch, the hood switch and the neutral gear switch are wired in series and grounded;
• a fuel level switch engaged electrically to the engine control module for indicating a low fuel level condition below a predetermined amount which overrides automatic starting of the engine by the engine control system;
• and
• wherein the first enabler circuit has the fuel level switch which is wired in series with the park brake switch, the hood switch and the neutral gear switch.

An engine control system for automatically starting and stopping a vehicle combustion engine at idle;

• the system comprising:
• an engine control module for receiving inputs and providing an initiating output for starting and stopping the engine, said engine control module determining in any sequence that one of the following three conditions exists:
• a voltage of a battery is below a predetermined limit, a temperature of the engine is below a predetermined limit, or a temperature of a cab of the vehicle is outside of a predetermined temperature range;
• an input for sending an initiating signal to the engine control module from a monitoring sensor to allow said engine control system to automatically start said engine by at least in-part closing a starter relay;
• and
• a first safety enabler circuit monitoring a first set of parameters once a positive indication of one of said condition exists whereby each parameter is orientated with a respective grounded switch and opening of any one switch will prevent the engine control module from closing the starter relay thereby prevent starting of said engine;
• and wherein one of the switches is orientated with a predetermined level of fuel in a fuel tank for said engine.

An engine control system for automatically starting and stopping a vehicle combustion engine at idle;

• the system comprising:
• an engine control module for receiving inputs and providing an initiating output for starting and stopping the engine determining in any sequence that one of the following three conditions exists:
• a voltage of a battery is below a predetermined limit, a temperature of the engine is below a predetermined limit, or a temperature of a cab of the vehicle is outside of a predetermined temperature range;
• an input for sending an initiating signal to the engine control module from a monitoring sensor to allow said engine control system to automatically start said engine by closing a starter relay;
• a first safety enabler circuit monitoring a first set of parameters once a positive indication of one of said conditions exists such that when any one of said parameters is outside of a predetermined range, the safety enabler circuit will prevent the engine control module from closing the starter relay;
• and
• one of the parameters in said first set of parameters being the level of fuel in a fuel tank for said engine and said predetermined range being above a predetermined level.