The present disclosure relates to a control apparatus (1) for automatically activating a vehicle propulsion apparatus (4). The control apparatus (1) includes a controller (6) comprising an electronic processor (7) having an electrical input for receiving at least a first control signal generated in dependence on driver operation of a transmission controller (12) or a primary vehicle control (15, 16, 17). An electronic memory device (8) is electrically coupled to the electronic processor (7) and has instructions stored therein. The electronic processor (7) is configured to access the memory device (8) and execute the instructions stored therein such that it is operable to receive the first control signal from the first vehicle control (10); and, in dependence on said first control signal, output at least a first activation signal (SIG.sub.EG) for automatically activating the vehicle propulsion apparatus (4).

Methods and systems are disclosed for activating a vehicle ignition system. An example vehicle includes an ignition system, a plurality of sensors, and a processor. The processor a processor is configured to determine, based on data received from the sensors, (i) that a person occupies a driver's seat of the vehicle, (ii) that a key fob corresponding to the vehicle is present, and (iii) that an input has been received at a shifter of the vehicle. The processor is also configured to responsively activate the ignition system.

A sobriety ignition interlock system including an engine control device and a method for managing available vehicle engine power using the sobriety ignition interlock system. The engine control device includes an engine control processor (ECP) that is electronically connected in between an engine control unit (ECU), an engine sensor assembly, and a sobriety processor. The sobriety processor determines a sobriety level of a vehicle driver and sends a corresponding sobriety signal to the ECP. The ECP intercepts an engine signal transmitted from the engine sensor assembly to the ECU and manipulates the engine signal according to the sobriety signal, in order to manage the available power of the vehicle engine.

A vehicle is provided. The vehicle may include a controller that, in response to a number of engine stops that occur within a first predefined time period exceeding a user defined threshold value, inhibit further engine auto stops. The vehicle may include a controller that, in response to a number of engine stops that occur within a first predefined distance travelled by the vehicle exceeding a user defined threshold value, inhibit further engine auto stops.

An exhaust gas heat recovery (EGHR) system for a vehicle is configured to selectively distribute a fluid heated by engine exhaust through a coolant path for heating an engine, a transmission and a battery during cold operating conditions until a desired operating temperature is reached. In response to receiving one or more heating requests from the engine, transmission and/or battery, a controller distributes the fluid through the coolant path according to a priority level for each heating request received, wherein the priority level for each heating request may be based on current vehicle operating conditions and/or driver demand.

A depletion amount of energy required to charge a user device connected to a device port of a vehicle is estimated based on a state of charge (SoC) of a device battery of the connected user device. Responsive to an expected SoC of a LV battery of the vehicle after providing the depletion amount of energy exceeding a calibrated threshold amount of energy of the LV battery, the connected user device is charged during key off. Otherwise, an engine start/stop schedule defining a time to start an engine of the vehicle and a duration of run time for the engine is utilized to generate additional energy to charge the connected user device to ensure the LV battery remains above the calibrated threshold amount of energy.

Engine anti-idling and restart may be implemented in a machine having a power source, a movable work tool, a pump driven by the power source, an actuator receiving fluid from the pump and moving the work tool, a high-pressure fluid reservoir, and an assist motor operatively connected to the power source. Engine restart may include detecting operator input to start the power source, and fluidly connecting the fluid reservoir to the assist motor to assist in starting the power source in response to detecting the operator input. Prior to shutting down the power source during anti-idling, fluid from the pump may be input to the assist motor, pressurized and communicated to the high-pressure fluid reservoir in response to determining that idle condition exists and a reservoir charge pressure is less than a reservoir minimum restart pressure needed to restart the power source.

A method of encouraging safe driving of a vehicle using a remote starter device installed at a vehicle is provided. The remote starter device determines whether it is in signal communication with a remote starter application operating at a mobile computing device separate from the remote starter device. When the remote starter device is in signal communication with the remote starter application, the remote starter device permits ignition of the vehicle. When the remote starter device is not in signal communication with the remote starter application, the remote starter device prevents ignition of the vehicle. The remote starter application may present to a driver of the vehicle an insurance rate for taking a trip in the vehicle.

A method to control engine stop-start in a vehicle is provided. The method includes a controller outputting an engine command to auto-start an engine based on detection of shifter position change to one of a first set of shifter positions and whether a first predetermined time threshold has expired following the shifter position change in response to presence of an engine auto-stop mode and one of a set of preselected drive modes. The vehicle may include an engine, a traction battery, and a controller. The traction battery selectively powers components of the vehicle when the engine is auto-stopped. The controller is programmed to, in response to detecting an engine auto-stop condition, one of a set of preselected drive modes, and a shifter position change to one of a first set of shifter positions with a brake application, output an engine command to engage engine auto-start.

A single control for manipulating a fuel valve, a choke condition, and an ignition system condition of an engine of a portable engine powered device that simplifies starting, stopping, and operation of the engine associated with use of the device. The control includes a dial that can be rotated to positions between a first radial position and a second radial position. When the dial is in the first radial position, the fuel valve is maintained in a closed position and the ignition system is grounded such that the engine is rendered inoperable. Rotation of the dial away from the first radial position completes the ignition circuit, opens the fuel valve, and initiates a choke position suitable for subsequent starting and self-sustained operation of the engine. The dial is also axially displaceable to activate an electronic starter for engines so equipped.