A vehicular control apparatus that functions more reliably is provided. A quasi-abnormality control circuit brings one of a clock signal, an internal watchdog signal, and an answer signal into a quasi-abnormal state when an ignition is switched on. A clock determining circuit, an internal watchdog signal determining circuit, and a Q&A watchdog circuit output determination signals, respectively. One of the determination signals corresponds to a monitoring target signal brought into the quasi-abnormal state and indicates an abnormality. A reset signal determining circuit receives the determination signals, and generates a reset signal in accordance with determination results in the determination signals. A quasi-abnormality control circuit switches the monitoring target signal to be brought into the quasi-abnormal state each time the ignition is switched on.

A method for operating a data processing unit of a driver assistance system, the unit including main and slave computers. The main computer ascertains surroundings data from a surroundings detection system by using a processing specification. The slave computer operates a communication interface of the data processing unit, using a communication instruction. The method includes initializing, a first testing, a carrying out, a second testing and a forwarding. In initializing, the main computer, in response to a signal, is initialized by performing an initialization instruction on the main computer. In the first testing, the slave computer, in response to the signal, is initialized by performing a self-test instruction on the slave computer. In the carrying out, the communication instruction is performed on the slave computer to send and/or receive data via the communication interface, when the slave computer is tested and while the main computer is initialized. In the second testing, the main computer is tested by performing a test instruction on the slave computer, when the main computer is initialized. In the forwarding, the surroundings data are forwarded via the communication interface by performing the communication instruction on the slave computer, when the main computer is tested.

A method of servicing a hybrid system is disclosed wherein the hybrid system includes a detected fault. As a result of the detected fault the hybrid system has been disabled. The hybrid system includes a controller and a service detection interlock (SDI). The method steps include first powering up the controller and then assessing a special fault flag status. If a special fault flag is set, the next step is to check to see if the SDI is removed. If the SDI is removed then the special fault flag is cleared while the hybrid system remains disabled. The controller is then powered down with the key-off input and with the next key-on input, the hybrid system can be enabled.

A system for testing braking and steering systems of a vehicle includes a steering actuator to cause rotation of the steering wheel and electropneumatic modules associated with each wheel brake that include a solenoid controlling fluid communication between a brake actuator of the wheel brake and one of a fluid source and atmosphere. A controller transmits a first control signal to an electropneumatic module associated with a wheel brake on one side of the vehicle to actuate the solenoid of the electropneumatic module. The controller transmits a second control signal to the steering actuator to cause rotation of the steering wheel during actuation of the solenoid of the electropneumatic module and in a rotational direction towards the same side of the vehicle.

A method for operating a motor vehicle, the motor vehicle has a drive device and multiple X-by-wire control devices. A central computer of the motor vehicle determines an overall status from status messages transmitted by the control devices and controls the drive device and/or the control devices on the basis of the overall status.

A system for testing braking and steering systems of a vehicle includes a steering actuator to cause rotation of the steering wheel and electropneumatic modules associated with each wheel brake that include a solenoid controlling fluid communication between a brake actuator of the wheel brake and one of a fluid source and atmosphere. A controller transmits a first control signal to an electropneumatic module associated with a wheel brake on one side of the vehicle to actuate the solenoid of the electropneumatic module. The controller transmits a second control signal to the steering actuator to cause rotation of the steering wheel during actuation of the solenoid of the electropneumatic module and in a rotational direction towards the same side of the vehicle.

A system for testing braking and steering systems of a vehicle includes a steering actuator to cause rotation of the steering wheel and electropneumatic modules associated with each wheel brake that include a solenoid controlling fluid communication between a brake actuator of the wheel brake and one of a fluid source and atmosphere. A controller transmits a first control signal to an electropneumatic module associated with a wheel brake on one side of the vehicle to actuate the solenoid of the electropneumatic module. The controller transmits a second control signal to the steering actuator to cause rotation of the steering wheel at least one of prior to, partially simultaneously to and during the actuation of the solenoid of the electropneumatic module and in a rotational direction towards the same side of the vehicle.