Patent ID: 7269492

Claim:
A control unit built in a casing of a vehicle automatic transmission, said control unit comprising: a CPU which outputs a drive signal according to signals from at least one sensor for sensing vehicle operating parameters; a load drive element which supplies a drive current to a load according to the drive signal; a temperature sensor which detects a temperature of the control unit; a monitor circuit which is connected to receive a periodic signal that is output from the CPU whenever the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is below a specified value and the CPU is in normal operation; and a compulsory turn-off circuit which is connected between a control input terminal of the load drive element and ground potential; wherein, the monitor circuit outputs a first reset signal to a reset terminal of the CPU when the CPU fails to output the periodic signal; the monitor circuit outputs a second reset signal to the compulsory turn-off circuit when the number of the outputs of the first reset signal has reached a specified number; upon receipt of the second reset signal, the compulsory turn-off circuit turns off the load drive element and stops the supply of drive current to the load, even if the CPU thereafter outputs said periodic signal; and the number of the outputs of the first reset signals is cleared to zero when a key of a vehicle is turned on.