Patent ID: 6060981
Filing Date: 2000-05-09
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
A vehicle theft deterrent system for controlling the operation of a vehicle engine when such engine is in an idle mode of operation, said theft deterrent system comprising:a vehicle speed sensor for determining the ground speed of the vehicle;an engine speed sensor for determining the speed of the engine;an operator input device actuatable to enter a security code;a PTO switch operable to permit power from the engine to be provided to a remote location, said PTO switch being operable between a first mode of operation corresponding to a condition when power is not being transferred to said remote location and a second mode of operation corresponding to a condition when power is being transferred to said remote location;an electronic controller coupled to said speed sensors, said operator input device, said PTO switch, and receiving signals therefrom, said controller being operable to receive a signal from said vehicle speed sensor indicative of the ground speed of the vehicle, a signal from said engine speed sensor indicative of the engine speed, a signal from said operator input device indicative of the entry of a valid security code, a signal from said PTO switch indicative of said switch being in either its first mode of operation or its second mode of operation, said controller calculating an engine speed error and a fuel flow command; andsaid controller enabling the theft deterrent system when said controller receives a signal indicative of the vehicle ground speed being less than a predetermined ground speed signal indicative of the engine speed being less than a first predetermined value, a signal indicative of the first entry of a valid security code, a signal indicative of said PTO switch being in its first mode of operation, said fuel flow command being less than a predetermined value, and said engine speed error being less than a predetermined value.