Systems and methods for operating an engine with deactivating and non-deactivating valves are presented. In one example, estimates of engine fuel consumption for operating the engine with a plurality of cylinder modes or patterns while a transmission is engaged in different gears are determined and are used as a basis for deactivating engine cylinders.

In a variable valve control device, a variable valve control system and a method for controlling a variable valve mechanism according to the present invention, An ECM (201) transmits a phase detection value (RA1) computed based on a crank angle signal (CRANK) and a cam angle signal (CAM) to a VTC control unit (202) via a communication network (211), and VTC control unit (202) computes a phase detection value (RA2) based on a motor angle signal (MAS), controls a variable valve timing mechanism (114) based on phase detection value (RA2) in the transient state of an internal combustion engine, and controls variable valve timing mechanism (114) based on phase detection value (RA1) in the steady state of the internal combustion engine.

Systems and methods for managing excessive intake flow path pressure and counter flow are implemented to support enhanced engine braking applications, such as 2-stroke or 1.5-stroke engine braking implementations where the intake flow path may be exposed to excessive transient pressures in the combustion chamber during activation or deactivation of an engine brake. Intake throttle, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve, intake manifold blow-off valve, compressor bypass valve, exhaust throttle, turbocharger geometry or turbocharger waste gate may be controlled to effectuate counter flow management separately or in combination. Excessive transient conditions may also be prevented or managed by sequential valve motion in which brake motion activation occurs first and then exhaust valve main event deactivation occurs second. Delay between brake activation and main event deactivation may be facilitated using mechanical and/or hydraulic implements as well as electronically.

Systems and methods for operating an engine with deactivating and non-deactivating valves is presented. In one example, the engine may include non-deactivating intake valves, deactivating intake valves, and only non-deactivating exhaust valves. The non-deactivating exhaust valves may operate to open and close during an engine cycle while deactivating intake valves remain closed during the engine cycle to prevent air flow through selected engine cylinders.

A control system for a hydraulic variable valve. The control system may include an OCV configured with a housing, a flow passage defined in the housing, a main port, first and second drain ports, a spool, and a relief valve; a main line connecting the main port and the oil pump to each other; a control line connecting the control port and the lash adjuster to each other; an orifice provided between the main line and the control line; and a controller controlling the OCV to allow at least one combination of the main port and the first drain port, the control port and the second drain port, and the main port and the control port to communicate with each other.

Methods and systems are provided for monitoring and controlling a cylinder valve deactivation mechanism. In one example, a method may include sending a lower command signal to a cylinder deactivation valve control (CDVC) system without actuating a cylinder valve transition, determining an impedance of a solenoid of the CDVC system while sending the lower command signal, and actuating the cylinder valve transition responsive to the determined impedance by sending a higher command signal to the CDVC system. In this way, the cylinder valve transition is performed when the impedance is high enough to prevent over-current.

A method of controlling an internal combustion engine in a vehicle that includes a cylinder, a fuel system for supplying fuel to the cylinder, an air guide arranged to guide an air flow to the cylinder, and an exhaust guide arranged to guide a gas flow from the cylinder, the method including controlling the engine to provide a braking torque, the control including terminating the supply of fuel to the cylinder, restricting the flow through the exhaust guide, and restricting the flow through the air guide. The control of the engine to provide a braking torque also includes determining a value of a rotational speed of a turbocharger of the engine, and adjusting, in dependence on the determined turbocharger rotational speed value, the restriction of the flow through the air guide, and/or the restriction of the flow through the exhaust guide.

A vehicle includes a variable displacement engine and a controller. The variable displacement engine has a plurality of cylinders and is configured to operate at a commanded air-fuel ratio. The controller is programmed to, in response to a command to perform a diagnostic test, operate the engine such that each of the cylinders is shut down for a portion of the diagnostic test while one or more of the remainder of the cylinders remain operating. The controller is further programmed to, in response to a deviation from the commanded air-fuel ratio exceeding a threshold while a first of the cylinders is shut down during the diagnostic test and a subsequent command to decrease the number of operating cylinders, shut down one or more of the plurality of cylinders other than the first of the cylinders.

A vehicle includes a variable displacement engine, a conduit, a sensor, and a controller. The variable displacement engine has a plurality of cylinders. The conduit is configured to channel exhaust gas away from the cylinders. The sensor is disposed within the conduit and is configured to measure an amount of particulate matter within the exhaust gas. The controller is programmed to, in response to a command to run a diagnostic test, operate each of the plurality of cylinders independently to produce an exhaust gas stream for each cylinder and measure the amount of particulate matter within each of the exhaust gas streams.

Methods and systems are provided for a phase control apparatus in a variable cam timing (VCT) system of an engine, the phase control apparatus having a locked configuration where a locking pin coupled to a first vane of the vane rotor is engaged with a locking pin recess in a cover plate of the phase control apparatus. In one example, the phase control apparatus includes a rubber or plastic isolator pad positioned in a recess in a wall adjacent to the first vane such that when the vane rotor is rotated to the locked configuration, the first vane contacts the isolator pad before it can strike the housing. The isolator pad serves to maintain the gap between the first vane and the housing, and also reduces the likelihood of other vanes of the vane rotor from striking the housing.