Kenneth J Wozniak

US Patent:

58358765, Nov 10, 1998

Filed:

Aug 20, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/699741

Inventors:

Richard Reynolds Hathaway - Canton MI
Kenneth Paul Wozniak - Chelsea MI

Assignee:

Ford Global Technologies, Inc. - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

G01M 1500

US Classification:

701 62

Abstract:

A method and system for testing the functionality of a solenoid used to change the apply state of a torque converter clutch in a vehicle having an electronic control unit and a driveline system including an engine, a transmission, a torque converter. A first torque converter speed ratio is established. The commanded apply state of the torque converter clutch is determined, then a second torque converter speed ratio is calculated using engine speed and output shaft speed. The functionality of the torque converter clutch solenoid is established by determining whether the torque converter clutch solenoid has changed the applied state of the torque converter clutch by performing a comparison of the first and second torque converter speed ratios.

US Patent:

59958871, Nov 30, 1999

Filed:

Oct 6, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/944502

Inventors:

Richard Reynolds Hathaway - Canton MI
Earl Roslin Hoffman - Livonia MI
Bruce John Palansky - Livonia MI
Philip Joseph Wiethe - Redford MI
Kenneth Paul Wozniak - Chelsea MI

Assignee:

Ford Global Technologies, Inc. - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

G01M 1900
G06F 1900

US Classification:

701 34

Abstract:

A method and apparatus are provided to determine a failure of an automatic transmission temperature sensor in an automobile. The apparatus detects a start-up of the vehicle. A sensor detects the transmission fluid temperature. The transmission fluid temperature at start-up is checked to see if the temperature is below a first predetermined temperature or above a second predetermined temperature. If the sensor does not detect a predetermined change in temperature during operation of the vehicle after it is determined the transmission fluid temperature at start-up is above the first predetermined or below the second predetermined temperature, the sensor has failed.