Patent ID: 8281760

Claim:
A control system for an engine including a starter for starting said engine by cranking, the control system comprising: a speed determination module that determines a first rotational speed of said engine during a run period contiguously following a period of starting said engine using said starter; and a speed control module that, when said first rotational speed is less than a first predetermined speed during said run period, determines a difference between said first rotational speed and a second predetermined speed, wherein said first predetermined speed is greater than zero, and wherein said second predetermined speed is greater than said first predetermined speed, prevents said engine from stalling including selectively activating said starter when said difference is greater than a predetermined difference, activates said starter to increase said first rotational speed by selectively adjusting a second rotational speed of a motor drive of said starter, wherein said starter supplies torque for cranking said engine, and subsequent to said activating of said starter, selectively engages one of said motor drive and a first rotational member of said starter, wherein said first rotational member is rotationally driven by said motor drive and engages with a second rotational member of said engine.