Systems and methods for starting an engine that may be started via two different electric machines are described. In one example, the method reserves an amount of torque that is based on a torque capability of a belt integrated starter/generator and the engine is started with the reserved torque if engine starting torque is greater than a torque capability of the belt integrated starter/generator.

System comprising an internal combustion engine including a crankshaft, a crankshaft sprocket coupled to the crankshaft, an electric motor in mechanical communication with the crankshaft sprocket, a bidirectional engine position sensor coupled to the crankshaft sprocket, a controller in electrical communication with the bidirectional engine position sensor and a non-transitory memory having instructions that, in response to execution by a processor, cause the processor to determine a position of an engine component upon shutdown of the engine, store the position of the engine component at shutdown in the non-transitory memory, and control the electric motor at restart in response to the position of the engine component at shutdown are disclosed. Methods are also disclosed.

A method and an apparatus for controlling a mild hybrid electric vehicle are provided. The method includes detecting data for operating the vehicle and determining a target torque of an engine based on the detected data. Additionally, the method includes determining whether an operating condition of a limiting logic of a combustion torque of the engine is satisfied based on a temperature of coolant of the engine and operating the limiting logic when the operating condition of the limiting logic is satisfied. A first available combustion torque of the engine is determined based on a speed of the engine and the temperature of the coolant when the limiting logic is operated and a target torque of a MHSG is determined based on the target torque of the engine and the first available combustion torque of the engine. The MHSG is then operated to generate the target torque of the MHSG.

A vehicle includes a rotary electric machine, an internal combustion engine, a temperature sensor, and a limiter. The rotary electric machine generates power to move the vehicle. The internal combustion engine is started by the rotary electric machine to generate power to move the vehicle. The temperature sensor detects temperature of the rotary electric machine or of a drive circuit for the rotary electric machine. The limiter restricts the power generated by the rotary electric machine if the temperature is higher than a first threshold temperature. The start prohibitor prohibits the rotary electric machine from starting the internal combustion engine if the temperature is higher than a second threshold temperature which is higher than the first threshold temperature.

Systems and methods for starting an engine of a hybrid vehicle are disclosed. The systems and methods disclosed may apply to series or parallel hybrid driveline configurations. In one example, engine cranking torque may be adjusted in response to a variety of operating conditions so that the engine may be started faster or slower.

A method and system for operating a vehicle that includes feedback of operating status of an engine starting system is described. In one example, the method inhibits automatic engine pull-down in response to feedback from an engine starting system that does not meet expectations. The system and method may provide diagnostics for the engine starting system.

A method for operating a vehicle that may be automatically stopped and started is described. In one example, the method includes supply electrical current to a starter motor independently from supplying electrical current to a starter solenoid. In addition, the method includes adjusting and amount of electrical current that is delivered to the starter motor in response to a level of urgency of an automatic engine start.

Systems and methods for operating a hybrid vehicle are described. In one example, a torque reserve for starting an engine via an electric machine is adjusted responsive to vehicle operating conditions. The torque reserve may set aside a portion of torque that an electric machine may produce for cranking and starting an engine.

A control device prevents damage due to backward rotation of a rotary engine and prevents misjudgment of backward rotation of the rotary engine. The control device for a rotary engine includes a motor mechanically connected to the shaft of the rotary engine, a controller (a motor ECU) that performs energization control of the motor to start the rotary engine by driving the motor, and a sensor (such as a motor rotation sensor). When starting the rotary engine, the controller stops energization to the motor based on an electric signal from the sensor when the shaft of the rotary engine rotates backward a predetermined angle or more, and then the shaft of the rotary engine continues to rotate backward for a predetermined time.

A control apparatus for a vehicle includes: a characteristic storage portion configured to store therein torque-characteristic information representing an output torque characteristic as a characteristic of an output torque of an engine of the vehicle, which has appeared in a certain control operation, such that the stored torque-characteristic information is divided into a plurality of groups corresponding to respective refueling points that provide the fuel; and a factor determination portion configured, when the output torque characteristic represented by the torque-characteristic information belonging to one of the plurality of groups and the output torque characteristic represented by the torque-characteristic information belonging to another one of the plurality of groups are different from each other and a characteristic difference therebetween is not smaller than a threshold value, to determine that the characteristic difference is caused by a difference in a property of the fuel.