Methods and systems are provided for user controlled engine revving. In one example, the engine may be revved to a peak speed according to a target revving sequence in response to a user-initiated command. A revving sound may be provided in response to an input device, without demanding manual depression of an accelerator pedal.

In some implementations, a controller may determine whether a machine is operating in an autonomous mode or a manual mode. The controller may cause, based on a determination that the machine has been in an idle state for a first timer period, shutdown of an engine of the machine. The controller may monitor, based on a determination that the machine is operating in the autonomous mode, whether a condition for starting the engine is satisfied. The controller may cause, based on a determination that the engine has been shut down for a second timer period and that the condition is not satisfied, the machine to transition to a low power mode. The controller may cause, when the condition is satisfied, starting of the 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 method and system for operating a vehicle that includes a plurality of engine starting devices and an internal combustion engine is described. In one example, the method determines whether or not to inhibit automatic engine stopping so that a lifespan of an engine starting device may be extended. In one example, the inhibiting is based on a ratio of an actual total number of engine starts generated via the engine starting device to an actual total distance traveled by the vehicle since the engine starting device was installed.

In response to a triggering event, changing a vehicle remote engine start system from a first state to a second state. In the first state a remote engine start mode, a drive engine of the vehicle and a plurality of vehicle functions are deactivated. In the second state the remote engine start mode, at least one of the plurality of vehicle functions and the drive engine of the vehicle are activated. After activating the remote engine start mode, a timer is incremented or decremented from a predetermined start value. If the timer has not elapsed and the presence of a user is detected, the remote engine start system changes to a third state in which the last timer value and the current state of the remote engine start mode are stored and then the remote engine start mode and the timer are stopped, wherein the drive engine remains switched on.

A method and system for operating a vehicle that includes a plurality of engine starting devices and an internal combustion engine is described. In one example, the method determines whether or not to inhibit automatic engine stopping so that a lifespan of an engine starting device may be extended. In one example, the inhibiting is based on a ratio of an actual total number of engine starts generated via the engine starting device to an actual total distance traveled by the vehicle since the engine starting device was installed.

Systems and methods for operating a vehicle that includes an engine that may be automatically stopped and started are described. In one example, an amount of time to start an engine and a rate of engine acceleration are adjusted in response to what type of event triggered an automatic engine start.

In some embodiments, a vehicle includes a temperature monitoring controller. The temperature monitoring controller is a processor, control module, or other suitable hardware that is configured to receive temperature sensor values from an engine control module (ECM) when an ignition bus is in a powered on state, and to decide when the engine should be automatically started in order to maintain a temperature above a low temperature threshold. The temperature monitoring controller periodically causes an ignition bus of the vehicle to be placed in the powered on state when the engine is shut down in order to collect temperature sensor values. The temperature monitoring controller determines whether to automatically start the engine, and if not, determines how long to wait before collecting temperature sensor values again based on a rate of change of the temperature sensor values.

Methods and systems are disclosed for remotely and/or automatically controlling electronic components. The electronic components may be elements/systems of a vehicle (e.g., heating elements). In an aspect, a controller may receive a temperature value from a sensor. The controller may activate a heater based on the temperature value of the sensor. In an aspect, the heater is coupled to one or more parts of an engine.

Systems and methods for operating a vehicle that includes an engine that may be automatically stopped and started are described. In one example, an amount of time to start an engine and a rate of engine acceleration are adjusted in response to what type of event triggered an automatic engine start.