Patent ID: 6044318
Filing Date: 2000-03-28
Classification: B60K,F02D,Y10T

Abstract:
A powertrain control system for a motor vehicle having a range change means for selecting one of two ranges of gear ratios, comprising:a power output varying means for varying the power output of the vehicle powertrain,a driver operated power demand means for producing a power demand signal,detection means for detecting whether the vehicle is in one of an on-road driving condition and an off-road driving condition;a control means operative for controlling said varying means in response to said power demand signal in accordance with a control characteristic, and said control means can select either of first and second different control characteristics over at least a range of conditions of the power demand means,wherein the power demand means is movable by a driver through a range of positions to vary the power demand signal, and when the first control characteristic is selected, for low displacement of the power demand means, the control means is more sensitive to changes in the power demand signal than when the second control characteristic is selected, and the control means is arranged to select the first control characteristic when the vehicle is in the on-road condition and the second control characteristic when the vehicle is in the off-road condition;the detection means is arranged to operate by detecting selection of a gear ratio or a range of gear ratios in the powertrain;a gear change means for selecting gear ratios within said range of gear ratios, andthe detection means is arranged to detect changes of range of the range change means.