Patent ID: 8271173

Claim:
Control method for a vehicular hybrid powertrain system including an engine and an electric machine selectively operatively coupled to a transmission device to transmit torque therebetween, the method comprising: monitoring operator inputs to an accelerator pedal and a transmission gear selector; determining an operator torque request based upon the operator inputs to the accelerator pedal and the transmission gear selector; commanding a torque output from the electric machine based upon the operator torque request; controlling engine output based upon the operator torque request and the commanded torque output from the electric machine; monitoring position of a vehicle hood; and controlling the engine output correlative to the operator input to the accelerator pedal when the monitored position of the vehicle hood is open and the operator input to the transmission gear selector is one of a PARK and a NEUTRAL position; and controlling torque output from the electric machine when the monitored position of the vehicle hood is open and the transmission gear selector is in one of the PARK and the NEUTRAL positions; wherein controlling torque output from the electric machine comprises controlling torque output from the electric machine to zero torque.