Methods and systems are provided for pinpointing a source of degradation in a vehicle engine system. In one example, a method includes spinning an engine of a vehicle unfueled in a forward and a reverse direction, in no particular order, and recording a first intake air flow and a second intake air flow, respectively, in an intake of the engine, and where the source of degradation is indicated as a function of both the first air flow and the second air flow. In this way, the degradation of the vehicle engine system may be pinpointed as to being located in the intake manifold, the exhaust system, or the engine.

An assist apparatus for an electric vehicle which is powered by rechargeable batteries. To assist in the range of the electric vehicle, a platform is secured to the vehicle to be solely supported thereto. On the platform is a hydrocarbon internal combustion engine/motor that generates electricity. The hydrocarbon engine/motor is activated, either manually, via a handheld switch, or automatically by sensors in the electric vehicle, to charge the rechargeable batteries within the electric vehicle.

A vehicle control system (VCS) in a passenger compartment interfaces with underhood components using a Bluetooth® link. The underhood components include a siren assembly with a sound generator and backup battery. The battery enables the siren assembly to function after the vehicle's battery is disabled. The siren assembly includes a Bluetooth® transceiver for establishing the link with the VCS. The siren assembly monitors the hood of the vehicle through a hood sensor, to detect unauthorized opening. In response to such opening, the siren assembly transmits an alarm to the VCS, which transmits an alarm to a user's mobile device and/or a security service. The sound generator may also be activated, by itself or under control of the VCS. The siren assembly connects to the engine computer/ignition module, to allow the VCS to monitor engine speed, and facilitate proper start of the engine when the VCS receives a remote start command.

An improved method and apparatus for powering an electric motor for starting an internal combustion engine in which the electric motor is in a 6 volt to 48 volt operating system, in which an auxiliary battery pack has a battery pack housing; at least one lithium-based rechargeable cell within the housing; associated means for receiving a radio transmitted signal; associated means for turning the rechargeable cell ON or OFF; and battery connections for connecting the auxiliary battery pack to a battery in a 6 volt to 48 volt operating system.

A locomotive being provided electrical energy from a rechargeable battery located on a separate carriage or in an alternative embodiment contained within the locomotive carriage. The rechargeable battery is optionally removable allowing a fresh rechargeable battery to be inserted to reduce down time.

An electrically powered truck and system for charging or easily changing the internal rechargeable battery. The truck has an internal rechargeable electric battery which is exposed when a hatch on the truck is opened. The replacement rechargeable battery is inserted into the holding frame once the original rechargeable battery has been removed. The new rechargeable battery is then secured within the truck.

A battery pack has a battery connection assembly for connecting to an electric motor with at least one lithium-based rechargeable cell therein and associated means for turning the at least one lithium-based rechargeable cell ON or OFF. The battery pack is configured to store a reserve within the at least one lithium-based rechargeable cell that is sufficient to start the engine electric motor. The battery pack can be activated by the associated means for turning the at least one lithium-based rechargeable cell ON or OFF to access the reserve to start the engine electric motor.

A remote vehicle starter system having an antenna that can be flashed to operate in a one-way mode or a two-way mode, such that a user will be permitted a trial period to test the remote starter system in both modes and then the user can select the desired mode by flashing the antenna via link up to a website. The user is charged a price for the remote starter system based on the mode selected by flashing.

An electric vehicle having an internal rechargeable battery which is recharged via a recharging connector. The electric vehicle has an external battery secured to an exterior of the electric vehicle. The external battery communicates electricity to the internal rechargeable battery via the recharging connector. The external battery being carried by a cantilevered platform from the electric vehicle, pulled by a trailer, or mounted to the roof of the electric vehicle.

There is provided a method and a system for authorizing a user device to send a request to a vehicle in order to prevent a physical layer relay attack. The system comprises a vehicle comprising an acoustic transducer and an RF transceiver and a user device comprising an acoustic transducer and an RF transceiver. The method relates to a signaling scheme using a combination of acoustic and RF signals for preventing a successful physical layer relay attack.