Patent ID: 6032648
Filing Date: 2000-03-07
Classification: G01M

Abstract:
A method for controlling an ignition in a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine, the multi-cylinder internal combustion engine including a misfire detection system, comprising the steps of:sensing a parameter of the multi-cylinder internal combustion engine;determining a control variable for the ignition as a function of the sensed parameter;initiating a combustion event as a function of the control variable;sensing a first torque of the combustion event;comparing the first torque to an average of a plurality of second torques, the plurality of second torques corresponding to a predefined number of previous combustion events; andif a deviation of the first torque from the average of the plurality of second torques is greater than a predefined threshold value, performing the steps ofdetermining whether the deviation is plausible as a function of the control variable,if the deviation is plausible, performing a misfire detection operation, andif the deviation is not plausible, switching the misfire detection system to an inactive status.