Patent ID: 8849540
Filing Date: 2014-09-30
Classification: G01M

Abstract:
1. A method of monitoring an engine coolant temperature sensor of a motor vehicle, the method comprising: receiving one or more sensor signals, at an electronic control unit associated with the motor vehicle, from at least one sensor associated with an engine utilizing mixed fuels; determining, by the electronic control unit, an accumulated engine mass air flow from the one or more sensor signals; determining, by the electronic control unit, an expected engine coolant temperature value based on the accumulated mass air flow, using a relationship consisting essentially of a predetermined direct correlation between accumulated engine mass air flow and engine coolant temperature independent of an air fuel ratio; receiving a current engine coolant temperature sensor signal, at the electronic control unit, from an engine coolant temperature sensor; determining, by the electronic control unit, a current engine coolant temperature value based on the current engine coolant temperature sensor signal; and generating an error signal, by the electronic control unit, if the current engine coolant temperature value is different from the expected engine coolant temperature value by a predetermined amount.