A method can include: detecting a distance between the host vehicle and a preceding vehicle and a current speed of the preceding vehicle; calculating a relative speed of the host vehicle with respect to the preceding vehicle based on a current speed of the host vehicle and the detected current speed of the preceding vehicle; determining whether to activate an engine idle sailing (EIS) function, in which a driving gear of the host vehicle shifts to neutral, based on the relative speed of the host vehicle with respect to the preceding vehicle and the detected distance between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle; and in response to determining to activate the EIS function of the host vehicle, controlling operation of the host vehicle so as to activate the EIS function of the host vehicle, causing the driving gear of the host vehicle to shift to neutral.

Methods and systems are provided for improving fuel economy by opportunistically lowering engine idle speed below a base idle speed when electrical loads are not present. A hydraulic brake pressure is increased when the idle speed is raised, in anticipation of vehicle propulsion. The brake pressure counteracts any creep torque and unintended vehicle acceleration resulting from the rising engine idle speed.

A vehicle includes an engine, a transmission mechanism, and an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit performs first switching control when there is a request for switching from a low mode to a high mode. The first switching control is to release a first engagement mechanism, and switch a second engagement mechanism to an engaged state when a difference between input and output rotational speeds of the second engagement mechanism becomes equal to or smaller than a permissible value.

Methods and systems are provided for on-board diagnostics of an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system of an engine coupled to a hybrid vehicle. In one example, a method may include, upon receiving an engine shut-down request, prior to engine spin-down, rotating the engine at an idling speed via an electric motor and carrying out diagnostics of the EGR system. EGR diagnostics may include estimating a ratio of accumulated difference between a measured EGR flow and an EGR limit to accumulated intake air flow, over a duration of time, and indicating EGR system degradation in response to the ratio being higher than a threshold.

In some examples, a controller receives information of a route of a vehicle, and selects a first parameter set from among a plurality of parameter sets based on the route of the vehicle, the plurality of parameter sets corresponding to different conditions of usage of the vehicle, where each parameter set of the plurality of parameter sets includes one or more parameters that control adjustment of one or more respective adjustable elements of the vehicle. The controller causes application of the first parameter set to control a setting of the one or more adjustable elements of the vehicle.

In some examples, a controller receives measurement data from a sensor on a vehicle, determines, based on the measurement data, a condition of usage of the vehicle, and selects a parameter set from among a plurality of parameter sets based on the determined condition of usage of the vehicle, the plurality of parameter sets corresponding to different conditions of usage of the vehicle, where each parameter set of the plurality of parameter sets includes one or more parameters that control adjustment of one or more respective adjustable elements of the vehicle. The controller causes application of the selected parameter set on the vehicle.

A method for setting an idling speed of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, in which the idling speed of the internal combustion engine is increased if a predetermined power request within an on-board power system of the motor vehicle is detected, wherein a generator for electrically supplying the on-board power system is driven by the internal combustion engine, and wherein the internal combustion engine is connected to a transmission of the motor vehicle, wherein the connection between the internal combustion engine and the transmission is disconnected, and/or a predetermined braking force is made available by means of at least one brake of the motor vehicle if the predetermined power request is detected.

A method for operating a drive device for a motor vehicle. The drive device has an internal combustion engine, an output shaft, and a clutch connected between the internal combustion engine and the output shaft. In a coasting operating mode, an idling speed control of the internal combustion engine to an idling speed is carried out and the clutch is opened, and, in an overrun operating mode, the clutch is closed. When shifting from the coasting operating mode to the overrun operating mode, while, at the same time, carrying out the idling speed control of the internal combustion engine to the idling speed, the clutch is closed, so that an entrainment of the internal combustion engine occurs.

Air ingestion into a transmission hydraulic system may lead to a number of issues. For example, the time to engage a hydraulically actuated parking mechanism may be excessive. As another example, the pump may not prime properly on a subsequent engine start. The air ingestion issue may be detected based on variability of transmission line pressure. When the line pressure variability exceeds a threshold, actions are taken to mitigate the potential issues.

In some examples, a controller receives measurement data from a sensor on a vehicle, determines, based on the measurement data, a condition of usage of the vehicle, and selects a parameter set from among a plurality of parameter sets based on the determined condition of usage of the vehicle, the plurality of parameter sets corresponding to different conditions of usage of the vehicle, where each parameter set of the plurality of parameter sets includes one or more parameters that control adjustment of one or more respective adjustable elements of the vehicle. The controller causes application of the selected parameter set on the vehicle.