Patent ID: 7631552

Claim:
A method for operating an electronically controlled internal combustion engine in a vehicle to perform at least one rationality check on at least one sensor to detect impending sensor failure and verify component functionality; said engine equipped with an engine control system (ECS) having a memory; said ECS in electronic communication with various sensors; said sensors transmitting data signals to said ECS indicative of associated engine and vehicle component functionality; said engine equipped with a coolant system, EGR valve in fluid communication with a manifold having an inlet and an outlet and a turbocharger; said method comprising: determining engine/vehicle/powertrain operating conditions in which the specified component information from sensor data signals indicative of first and second component functionality; determining the measured values of a first and second component from sensor data signals indicative of first and second component functionality; comparing said measured value of said first component to said measured value of said second component to determine whether sensor readings from said first and second components are indicative of a component operating within a normal range or indicative of a component or system failure based on an irrational measured values for some of the parametric information that has been evaluated; logging an indication of an impending sensor or component failure as a fault in MPU memory if it occurs for a predetermined period of time, occurs more than a predetermined number of times and drive cycles; and activating a warning alert to an operator and initiating remedial actions responsive to said indication of impending component or sensor failure.