Patent ID: 8157035

Claim:
A method of operating an engine control system comprising: receiving an auto start command signal; reducing pressures within cylinders of an engine based on the auto start command signal comprising: receiving a torque request signal corresponding to at least one of spark and fuel; calculating a powertrain output torque based on engine air flow commands of an engine control module; and controlling air flow to the engine based on the powertrain output torque; and during a startup of the engine: increasing electric motor torque to a first predetermined level to overcome friction and pumping pressures of the engine; reducing electric motor torque to ramp up a current speed of the engine and to engage a transmission; activating and increasing combustion torque of the engine after the current speed of the engine is within a predetermined range of an idle speed and after a manifold absolute pressure of the engine is less than a second predetermined level; generating a crankshaft output torque signal subsequent to the reducing of the electric motor torque; and increasing the electric motor torque based on the crankshaft output torque signal to increase a crankshaft output torque of the engine subsequent to the reducing of the electric motor torque and while performing the activating of the combustion torque of the engine.