Patent attributes
In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for operating an electronically controlled internal combustion engine in a vehicle to perform at least one rationality check on at least one sensor to detect impending sensor failure and verify component functionality. The engine is equipped with an engine control system (ECS) having a memory and in electronic communication with various sensors. The sensors transmit data signals to the ECS indicative of associated engine and vehicle component functionality. The method comprises determining a measured operating condition of a first component from sensor data signals indicative of first component functionality, determining a measured operating condition of a second component from sensor data signals indicative of second component functionality, comparing the measured condition of the first component to the measured operating condition of the second component to determine whether sensor readings from the first component are indicative of a component operating within a normal range but indicative of impending sensor or component failure, logging an indication of an impending sensor or component failure as a fault in MPU memory if it occurs for a predetermined period of time and for more than a predetermined number of times and drive cycles, and activating a warning alert to an operator and initiating remedial actions responsive to the indication of impending component or sensor failure. The data logged includes time of fault, type of fault, number of occurrences of the fault, number of drive cycles where the fault occurred and distance traveled with the fault logged.
