A method for ascertaining a type of a computing device of an apparatus of a motor vehicle. The computing device is designed to at least partially control at least one function of the apparatus. Access to at least one register of a memory device of the apparatus takes place. A type of the computing device is ascertained based on a result of the access.

A vehicle control system includes a plurality of devices, a first device included in the devices including: a storage configured to store consistency information including a permitted combination of versions of software installed on each of one or more devices in association with each of the control functions; a determination unit configured to determine whether the consistency information consistent with versions of software installed on a part of the devices exists when consistency does not exist in the versions of all software installed on each of the devices; and a performance control unit configured to permit performance of a part of control functions associated with the consistency information consistent with the versions of software installed on the part of the devices when the consistency information consistent with the versions of software installed on the part of the devices exists.

A control system and diagnostic method for a hybrid vehicle having a hybrid powertrain each utilize a controller comprising (i) a hybrid control processor (HCP) and (ii) a motor control processor (MCP), a monitoring circuit that is distinct from the controller and is configured to monitor operation of the HCP and the MCP, and a gate drive circuit that is distinct from the controller and the monitoring circuit and is configured to enable/disable torque output by the hybrid powertrain based on first, second, and third independent shutoff signals. A diagnostic method performs a shutoff line integrity verification routine by performing six steps corresponding to different combinations of shutoff signals in a predetermined test sequence. These shutoff signals are provided to three independent shutoff lines, which are connected between (i) the gate drive circuit and (ii) the HCP, the MCP, and the monitoring circuit, respectively.

A vehicle activation system is configured so that when a switch is turned on, current is passed from a backup power supply circuit to a signal circuit and electric power is supplied from the backup power supply circuit to a power supply relay. The vehicle activation system includes an interruption circuit which is capable of interrupting the supply of electric power from the backup power supply circuit to the power supply relay.

A vehicle control system includes a plurality of devices, a first device included in the devices including: a storage configured to store consistency information including a permitted combination of versions of software installed on each of one or more devices in association with each of the control functions; a determination unit configured to determine whether the consistency information consistent with versions of software installed on a part of the devices exists when consistency does not exist in the versions of all software installed on each of the devices; and a performance control unit configured to permit performance of a part of control functions associated with the consistency information consistent with the versions of software installed on the part of the devices when the consistency information consistent with the versions of software installed on the part of the devices exists.

A control system and diagnostic method for a hybrid vehicle having a hybrid powertrain each utilize a controller comprising (i) a hybrid control processor (HCP) and (ii) a motor control processor (MCP), a monitoring circuit that is distinct from the controller and is configured to monitor operation of the HCP and the MCP, and a gate drive circuit that is distinct from the controller and the monitoring circuit and is configured to enable/disable torque output by the hybrid powertrain based on first, second, and third independent shutoff signals. A diagnostic method performs a shutoff line integrity verification routine by performing six steps corresponding to different combinations of shutoff signals in a predetermined test sequence. These shutoff signals are provided to three independent shutoff lines, which are connected between (i) the gate drive circuit and (ii) the HCP, the MCP, and the monitoring circuit, respectively.

A vehicle includes an ignition, selector, and controller. The ignition is configured to start and shutdown the vehicle. The selector is configured to transition the vehicle between a standard driving mode and an economy driving mode. The controller is programmed to, in response starting the vehicle after a prior shutdown with the economy mode selected, generate a notification that the vehicle was operating in the economy mode upon the prior shutdown.

Systems and methods for operating a hybrid vehicle during an end of assembly line test are presented. In one example, torque of an integrated starter/generator (ISG) is adjusted so that the ISG may not affect engine data that is collected during end of assembly line engine testing. The collected engine data may be a basis for adapting engine operation.

A vehicle includes an ignition, selector, and controller. The ignition is configured to start and shutdown the vehicle. The selector is configured to transition the vehicle between a standard driving mode and an economy driving mode. The controller is programmed to, in response starting the vehicle after a prior shutdown with the economy mode selected, generate a notification that the vehicle was operating in the economy mode upon the prior shutdown.

A vehicle computing system having a computer processor in communication with a wireless transceiver, such that the wireless transceiver is capable of communication with a wireless communication device located remotely from the processor. The computer processor may be configured to receive input identifying at least one checksum value from one or more modules in the vehicle. The computer processor may transmit the at least one checksum value to a remote server through the wireless communication device. The remote server may compare the at least one checksum value to a predetermined value. Based on the compared results, the processor may receive one or more messages from the remote server to indicate whether the at least one checksum is equal to the predetermined value. The processor may generate one or more remedial actions if the at least one checksum is not equal to the predetermined value.