A method for operating a vehicle includes the vehicle receiving a start signal for starting the vehicle via a communication network, and responding to the start signal only when one or multiple predetermined conditions are met. Additionally, a device for operating a vehicle, a parking facility management server, and a computer program can be provided for restricting a response to a start signal to only when the one or multiple predetermined conditions are met.

A vehicle-internal security device is configured to perform a method, for example, by executing a computer program, in which method, when access takes place to a vehicle component or a to plurality of vehicle components from outside the vehicle, the vehicle-internal security device restricts or interrupts the access if a corresponding request was received by the vehicle via a communications network.

Embodiments of the present invention describe a recreational vehicle spindle, including a spindle body having one or more sockets in the spindle body, and an upper attachment mechanism in contact with the spindle body and adapted to attach to a steering component. The spindle also includes a lower attachment mechanism in contact with the spindle body and adapted to attach to a ski or wheel. The one or more sockets are adapted to each receive a ball and stud forming one or more ball joints.

The apparatus is a trapped key safety interlock device for use with a coupling that comprises a body provided with a face seal, a rim on one side and a projecting spur on the diametrically opposite side. The safety device includes a coupling part (201) which is complimentary to the said coupling (102) and which comprises a body portion having a rim portion (207) on one side for engagement with the spur of the said coupling and having a spur portion (206) on the diametrically opposite side for engagement with the rim of the said coupling (102). The rim portion accommodates a release mechanism (16, 18) for selectively enabling and disabling a key retention mechanism within the device. The key retention mechanism has a key retention condition and a key releasable condition, wherein the release mechanism comprises a primary release mechanism (16) and a secondary latching mechanism (18) resisting movement of the primary release mechanism until it is actuated itself. The method uses this apparatus as the safety device can prevent a vehicle releasably attached to a loading bay by the safety interlock device from being driven away from the loading bay until released using the safety interlock's release procedure.

An apparatus is provided to inhibit forcible separation of a shift cable 100 coupled to a shift lever 220 by a cover member 300 combined with a shifting device 200 which includes a shift lever housing 210 and the shift lever 220, thereby preventing forcible changing of a current gear from a P-stage to a N-stage in a vehicle. Accordingly, it is possible to help prevent theft of the vehicle.

A communication system provided to a working vehicle includes: an information receiving unit that communicates with identification devices and receives identification information; a first area information storage that stores first area information indicating an area where use of the information receiving unit is permitted; a comparing unit that compares the first area information with second area information indicating an area where the working vehicle is used; and a communication control unit that prohibits the information receiving unit from outputting electric waves when the second area information is not included in the first area information.

One method for remotely starting an engine of a vehicle includes notifying, from the vehicle, a remote user of the vehicle that a battery of the vehicle has a charge level below a predetermined threshold. This method includes remotely starting the engine to charge the battery with energy from the engine upon receiving from the user a confirmation to start the engine. Another method includes remotely starting the engine in response to a command, from the user, to start the engine for preconditioning the vehicle. This method assesses charge level of the battery following engine start and adjusts engine-on time and vehicle settings to prioritize battery charge maintenance versus preconditioning based on the charge level.

One method for remotely starting an engine of a vehicle includes notifying, from the vehicle, a remote user of the vehicle that a battery of the vehicle has a charge level below a predetermined threshold. This method includes remotely starting the engine to charge the battery with energy from the engine upon receiving from the user a confirmation to start the engine. Another method includes remotely starting the engine in response to a command, from the user, to start the engine for preconditioning the vehicle. This method assesses charge level of the battery following engine start and adjusts engine-on time and vehicle settings to prioritize battery charge maintenance versus preconditioning based on the charge level.

A vehicle includes: a communication unit performing low frequency (LF) communication and radio frequency (RF) communication with a fob key and performing short-range communication with a portable device; and a controller estimating a position of a user having the fob key using the LF and RF communication with the fob key and controlling a connection between the portable device and the communication unit according to the estimated position of the user using the short-range communication with the portable device.

A lock assembly for locking a tailgate relative to a body assembly of a vehicle includes a coupling member, a carriage, a trunnion, and a catch. The carriage is rotatably disposed within the coupling member and includes a first aperture and a first slot. The trunnion is removably received by the carriage and includes a second aperture aligned with the first aperture. The catch is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The catch is received by the first aperture and the second aperture in the locked position.