Neutral switch diagnostics

Abstract

A process for diagnosing a neutral switch includes operating a vehicle system including an engine, a manual transmission operably coupled with the engine, an engine starter system operably coupled with the engine and including a neutral switch, and an electronic controller operably coupled with the neutral switch; determining an expected state of the neutral switch by evaluating the one or more engine operating parameters and the one or more vehicle operating parameters with the electronic controller; determining an actual state of the neutral switch by evaluating a signal provided by the neutral switch with an electronic controller; and determining one or more error conditions of the neutral switch by evaluating the expected state of the neutral switch and the actual state of the neutral switch with the electronic controller.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to neutral switch diagnostics and related devices, systems and processes. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicles with manual transmissions may include a neutral switch in their engine starter system. The neutral switch restricts engine starting to the manual transmission when it is in neutral. If the neutral switch is stuck on or stuck off, or if it malfunctions, it will not accurately reflect the actual state of the manual transmission. Therefore, damage to the transmission, flywheel, or other components of the vehicle system, as well as uncomfortable driving conditions, may occur. The unique devices, processes, and systems disclosed herein remain in high demand. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To clearly, concisely, and accurately describe exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, as well as the manner and process of making and using this disclosure, and to enable the implementation, making, and use of this disclosure, reference will now be made to certain exemplary embodiments, including those shown in the accompanying drawings, and this disclosure will be described using specific language. However, it should be understood that this does not limit the scope of the invention, and the invention includes and protects such variations, modifications, and further applications of the exemplary embodiments that would occur to those skilled in the art.

[0004] Some embodiments include an apparatus comprising a process for diagnosing one or more malfunctions of a neutral switch. Some embodiments include a unique system configured to diagnose one or more malfunctions of a neutral switch. Some embodiments include unique apparatus configured to diagnose one or more malfunctions of a neutral switch. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits will become apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0005] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram depicting certain aspects of the example vehicle system.

[0006] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram depicting certain aspects of the example engine starter system.

[0007] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram depicting certain aspects of an example electronic control system.

[0008] Figure 4 It is a flowchart depicting certain aspects of an example diagnostic process.

[0009] Figure 5 It is a flowchart depicting certain aspects of an example diagnostic process.

[0010] Figure 6 It is a flowchart depicting certain aspects of an example diagnostic process. Detailed Implementation

[0011] refer to Figure 1 An example system 100 is shown, comprising at least a portion of an engine system 110 (also referred to herein as system 110) and one or more loads 109. System 100 may be provided in a variety of forms, including, for example, a vehicle or vehicle power system (e.g., a highway vehicle or vehicle power system or an off-highway vehicle or vehicle power system) or a work machinery or work machinery power system, to name just a few non-limiting examples. It should be understood that system 100 may include a number of other components that would be conceived by one of those skilled in the art based on the insights of this disclosure.

[0012] In the illustrated example, system 110 includes an intake treatment system 112, an engine 114, an exhaust system 116, a refueling system 158, an engine starter system 120, and an electronic control system 130. It should be understood that system 110 may include a number of other components that will be conceived by those skilled in the art based on the insights of this disclosure. In other example embodiments, system 110 may be configured and provided as another type of prime mover system, such as, for example, a hybrid internal combustion engine-electric prime mover system or another type of prime mover system.

[0013] The intake treatment system 112 may include one or more air treatment ducts, air filters, compressors (such as turbochargers or compressors for turbochargers), coolers (such as turbo air coolers, intercoolers and / or aftercoolers, which may be, for example, air-to-air or air-to-liquid), sensors (such as temperature sensors, pressure sensors, mass flow sensors and other types of sensors), and other components.

[0014] Engine 114 may be provided in various forms and typically includes a block with multiple cylinders and a cylinder head coupled to the block. The cylinder head typically includes an intake port, an intake valve configured to selectively open and close the intake port, an exhaust port, an exhaust valve configured to selectively open and close the exhaust port, an injector port, a fuel injector disposed in the injector port, a spark plug port, and a spark plug disposed in the spark plug port. Multiple pistons may be disposed in respective cylinders of the multiple cylinders. A crankshaft may be coupled to the multiple pistons and configured to convert the reciprocating motion of the multiple pistons to provide torque to drive load 109, which may include internal loads of system 110 (such as an oil pump, valve mechanism, fuel pump, and other loads of engine 114, as well as accessory loads of system 110). It should be understood that system 110 may include a number of other components that would be conceived by those skilled in the art based on the insights of this disclosure.

[0015] The exhaust system 116 may include one or more exhaust treatment ducts, turbines (such as the turbine of a turbocharger), aftertreatment components (such as oxidation catalysts, specific filters, selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalysts and / or other catalysts and aftertreatment components), sensors (such as temperature sensors, pressure sensors, oxygen or lambda sensors, mass flow sensors and other types of sensors), and other components.

[0016] The refueling system 158 can be configured and provided as a high-pressure common rail fuel injection system, comprising a plurality of fuel injectors in fluid communication with a common fuel rail, which supplies fuel to the fuel injectors at a relatively high pressure. Fuel can be supplied to the common fuel rail by a high-pressure pump, which can then be fed by a relatively low-pressure fuel circuit including a booster pump, which can be submerged in a fuel tank containing a fuel reservoir.

[0017] The engine starter system 120 is configured to perform a starting operation to start the engine 114. The starting operation includes key-operated starting, which can be generated by operator commands such as operating the key switch and / or pressing the start button. The starting operation may also include automatic engine starting performed by an electronic control system, for example, exiting the engine-off mode during engine start / stop operations when the vehicle is stationary but still operating in a task, or exiting the engine-off mode during engine-off coasting operations when the vehicle is in motion.

[0018] The electronic control system 130 preferably includes one or more programmable microcontrollers of the solid-state integrated circuit type, and one or more non-transitory memories configured to store instructions executable by the one or more microcontrollers. For the purposes of this disclosure, the term microcontroller should be understood to also include microprocessors and other types of integrated circuit processors. For the purposes of this disclosure, non-transitory memory refers to any of a variety of devices and storage media that can be configured to store information, such as data or instructions, that is readable or executable by other components of a processor or computer system, and this term includes and covers a single or single device or medium storing such information, multiple devices or media storing various portions of such information across or between, and multiple devices or media storing multiple copies of such information across or between.

[0019] The electronic control system 130 operatively communicates with and is configured to control the operation of the intake treatment system 112, engine 114, exhaust system 116, engine starter system 120, refueling system 158, and other components and system sensors or controllers of system 100, and is configured to receive input from them. The electronic control system 130 operatively communicates with one or more sensors 102 of system 100 and is adapted and configured to receive input from one or more sensors 102 of system 100. Figure 3 As shown, one or more sensors 102 may include, for example, a vehicle speed sensor 103, an engine speed sensor 104, and a transmission gear position status sensor 105, configured to sense the status or gear selection of a manual transmission gear selector or the status or gear selection of the manual transmission itself. One or more sensors 102 may also include system switches operable to provide indications of their status, such as an ignition switch 260, a neutral switch 280, and a clutch switch 290. Status indications may include indications of an on / off or closed / disconnected state, or indications of a selected state of a switch with more than two states.

[0020] The electronic control system 130 includes one or more communication links 132 with various sensors, components, and systems of system 100. The one or more communication links 132 may include and utilize various communication hardware and may be implemented using protocols such as one or more controller area networks (CAN) or other communication components.

[0021] The electronic control system 130 can be implemented in any of a variety of ways, combining control functions or distributing control functions across one or more electronic controllers. The electronic control system 130 can execute operational logic defining various control, management, and / or regulation functions. This operational logic can be in the form of dedicated hardware, such as a hardwired state machine, an analog computing machine, programming instructions, and / or other forms conceived by those skilled in the art. The electronic control system 130 can be provided as a single component or a collection of operatively coupled components, and can include digital circuitry, analog circuitry, or a hybrid combination of both. When in a multi-component form, the electronic control system 130 can have one or more components located remotely relative to other components in a distributed arrangement. The electronic control system 130 can include multiple processing units arranged to operate independently in a pipelined processing arrangement, a parallel processing arrangement, or other similar configurations. It should also be understood that the electronic control system 130 and / or any of its components may include one or more signal conditioners, modulators, demodulators, arithmetic logic units (ALUs), central processing units (CPUs), limiters, oscillators, control clocks, amplifiers, signal conditioners, filters, format converters, communication ports, clamping circuits, delay devices, memory devices, analog-to-digital (A / D) converters, digital-to-analog (D / A) converters, and / or various circuits or components that a person skilled in the art would conceive of to perform the desired communication.

[0022] Figure 1 The document also describes an operating environment 99. As described above, during typical operation of system 100, ambient air 91 of the operating environment 99 is received as input to system 100, and treated exhaust gas 93 from system 100 is released into the operating environment 99. In some embodiments, load 109 may at least partially comprise a portion of the operating environment 99. For example, in embodiments where system 100 is provided in the form of a generator set or generator power system, one or more loads 109 may also comprise loads at various nodes in a distributed power network, in addition to load components that are, even if small, integral to system 100. As another example, in embodiments where system 100 is provided in the form of a vehicle or vehicle power system, load 109 may also comprise forces such as wind, gravity, road friction, and other environmental load components, in addition to load components that are, even if small, integral to system 100.

[0023] refer to Figure 2Further aspects of the engine starter system 120 of system 100 are shown. The engine starter system 120 includes a starter motor 240 operably coupled to engine 114 and configured to output torque to turn or twist engine 114 during engine start-up operation. Engine start-up operation may include key-activated start, which may be generated by operator commands such as operating a key switch and / or pressing a start button. Engine start-up operation may also include automatic engine start performed by an electronic control system, for example, exiting engine-off mode during engine start / stop operation when the vehicle is stationary but still operating in a task, or exiting engine-off mode during engine-off coasting operation when the vehicle is in motion. During engine start-up operation, starter motor 240 is operably coupled to starter coil 230 and configured to receive current from starter coil 230.

[0024] The starter coil 230 is operatively coupled to a relay 220, which in turn is operatively coupled to the positive terminal of the battery 210. During engine 114 starting operation, the relay 220 can be controlled to selectively close or open to operatively couple the positive terminal of the battery 210 to the starter coil and starter motor 240. The relay 220 can also be controlled to selectively disconnect or close to disconnect the positive terminal of the battery 210 from the starter coil and starter motor 240 during other operating conditions, including when the engine 114 is off and when the engine 114 is running after starting operation.

[0025] Ignition switch 260 is operably coupled to battery 210 and configured to receive the positive voltage of battery 210. Ignition switch 260 can be adjusted by the operator of system 100 to a closed position 261, an accessory position 262, a running position 263, and a start position 264. In the closed position 261, ignition switch 260 disconnects the positive terminal of battery 210 from all other components of system 100. In the accessory position 262, ignition switch 260 connects the positive terminal of battery 210 to only certain accessory components of system 100 and disconnects the positive terminal of battery 210 from other components of system 100. In the running position 263, ignition switch 260 connects the positive terminal of battery 210 to all components of system 100 except for neutral switch 280, relay 220, starter coil 230, and starter motor 240. In the start position 264, the ignition switch 260 connects the positive terminal of the battery 210 to the neutral switch 280, the relay 220, the starter coil 230, and the starter motor 240, and disconnects the positive terminal of the battery 210 from the other components of the system 100.

[0026] Neutral switch 280 is operatively coupled to ignition switch 260 and can selectively couple the positive voltage of battery 210 by adjusting ignition switch 260 to ignition position 264. Neutral switch 280 is also operatively coupled to transmission gear position sensor 105, which is operatively coupled to manual transmission 115 (e.g., gear selector or other components thereof).

[0027] Neutral switch 280 is configured and operated to switch to the open or closed position when it receives a signal from transmission gear position sensor 105 indicating that the transmission is in neutral. In this state, neutral switch 280 provides a closed circuit between ignition switch 260 and relay 220. Therefore, when ignition switch 260 is set to the start position 264, the positive voltage of battery 210 is supplied to relay 220, which is then switched to the open or closed circuit position to connect the positive voltage of battery 210 to starter coil 230 and starter motor 240 to start engine 114.

[0028] The neutral switch 280 is also configured and operable to switch to the off or open position when it receives a signal from the transmission gear position sensor 105 indicating that the transmission is not in neutral. In this state, the neutral switch 280 provides an open circuit between the ignition switch 260 and the relay 220. Therefore, when the ignition switch 260 is set to the start position 264, the positive voltage of the battery 210 is not supplied to the relay 220, which remains in the off or open position to disconnect the positive voltage of the battery 210 from the power starter coil 230 and the starter motor 240, thereby preventing the engine 114 from starting.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, the neutral switch 280 is provided in series between the ignition switch 260 and the relay 220. Other embodiments may utilize other connections of the neutral switch between the ignition switch 260 and the relay 220, or other connections of the neutral switch between other components of the engine starter system 120.

[0030] refer to Figure 3 This illustrates other aspects of the electronic control system 130 of system 100. The electronic control system 130 includes an electronic controller 330 configured to implement and operate neutral switch diagnostics 350. The electronic controller 330 may be implemented in one or more microcontrollers of one or more electronic control units. Neutral switch diagnostics 350 may be implemented in a combination of hardware and software, such as executable instructions stored in one or more non-transitory storage media. Neutral switch diagnostics 350 may be configured and operable to implement and execute combined... Figure 4 The described diagnostic process 400, combined with Figure 5 The described diagnostic process 500, combined with Figure 6 One or more of the diagnostic procedures described in 600.

[0031] The electronic controller 330 and neutral switch diagnostics 350 are configured to receive multiple input signals, including vehicle speed 321 from vehicle speed sensor 103, engine speed 322 from engine speed sensor 104, transmission gear position status 323 from transmission gear position status sensor 105, ignition switch status 324 from ignition switch 260, neutral switch status 325 from neutral switch 280, and clutch switch status 327 from clutch switch 290. The electronic controller 330 is also configured to determine and provide engine load 329 to the neutral switch diagnostics 350. Engine load 329 may include, or may be determined or processed by, engine torque, engine power, or engine fuel parameters.

[0032] refer to Figure 4 An example diagnostic process 400 is shown. Process 400 may be implemented and performed by one or more components of an electronic control system, such as the electronic controller 330 of electronic control system 130, one or more other components of electronic control system 130, or one or more components of another electronic control system.

[0033] Process 400 begins with start operation 402 and proceeds to condition 404, which evaluates whether a vehicle speed condition is met. Condition 404 may evaluate whether the current vehicle speed is greater than a threshold (or greater than or equal to a threshold). The threshold may be a calibrable or adjustable value. Condition 404 may also evaluate whether the current vehicle speed signal is valid, for example, by evaluating a vehicle speed signal error condition.

[0034] If condition 404 evaluates negatively, process 400 returns and repeats condition 404. If condition 404 evaluates positively, process 400 proceeds to condition 406, which evaluates whether the engine load condition is met. Condition 406 may evaluate whether the current engine load is greater than a threshold (or greater than or equal to a threshold). The threshold may be a calibrable or adjustable value. The current engine load may be evaluated or determined based on engine torque, engine power, engine fuel, or other parameters representing engine load.

[0035] If condition 406 is evaluated negatively, process 400 returns and repeats condition 404. If condition 406 is evaluated positively, process 400 proceeds to condition 408, which evaluates whether the transmission gear condition is met. Condition 408 may evaluate whether the current gear selection or current gear ratio is less than a threshold (or less than or equal to a threshold). The threshold may be a calibrable or adjustable value. Condition 408 is an example of an evaluation that can be used to determine the manual transmission engagement of a vehicle. Various other indications and evaluations will be apparent to those skilled in the art who benefit from the benefits of this disclosure and with the insights gained from it.

[0036] If condition 408 is evaluated negatively, process 400 returns and repeats condition 404. If condition 408 is evaluated positively, process 400 proceeds to condition 410, which evaluates whether the vehicle acceleration condition is met. Condition 410 evaluates whether the instantaneous vehicle acceleration parameter, or the change in the vehicle velocity parameter over a given time period, is greater than a threshold (or greater than or equal to a threshold). The threshold can be a calibrable or adjustable value.

[0037] If condition 410 is evaluated negatively, process 400 returns and repeats condition 404. If condition 410 is evaluated positively, process 400 proceeds to condition 412, which evaluates whether the neutral switch signal is on. This evaluation can be performed in response to a signal received from the neutral switch.

[0038] If condition 412 evaluates negatively, process 400 proceeds to operation 413, which clears the error code. From operation 413, process 400 returns and repeats condition 404. If condition 410 evaluates positively, process 400 proceeds to operation 414, which increments the counter. From operation 414, process 400 proceeds to condition 416, which evaluates whether the current count of the counter is greater than a threshold. The threshold can be a calibrable or adjustable value.

[0039] If condition 416 evaluates negatively, process 400 returns and repeats condition 404. If condition 416 evaluates positively, process 400 proceeds to operation 426, which sets an error code. This error code may be a city operation error code, indicating that the neutral switch is stuck on during city operation of system 100. It should be understood that process 400 is an example of a diagnostic procedure applicable to error detection during city operation of system 100.

[0040] In response to the error code set in operation 426, process 400 may illuminate a fault indicator light, providing another operator-perceptible error indication, or take other actions, such as sending a maintenance or repair notification or request via a telematics system. Process 400 proceeds from operation 426 to the end of operation 490; any operation can be repeated or called back later.

[0041] refer to Figure 5 An example diagnostic process 500 is shown. Process 500 may be implemented and performed by one or more components of an electronic control system, such as the electronic controller 330 of electronic control system 130, one or more other components of electronic control system 130, or one or more components of another electronic control system.

[0042] Process 500 begins with start operation 502 and proceeds to condition 504, which evaluates whether a vehicle speed condition is met. Condition 504 may evaluate whether the current vehicle speed is greater than a threshold (or greater than or equal to a threshold). The threshold may be a calibrable or adjustable value. Condition 504 may also evaluate whether the current vehicle speed signal is valid, for example, by evaluating vehicle speed signal error conditions.

[0043] If condition 504 is evaluated negatively, process 500 returns and repeats condition 504. If condition 504 is evaluated positively, process 500 proceeds to condition 506, which evaluates whether the engine load condition is met. Condition 506 may evaluate whether the current engine load is greater than a threshold (or greater than or equal to a threshold). The threshold may be a calibrable or adjustable value. The current engine load may be evaluated or determined based on engine torque, engine power, engine fuel, or other parameters indicating engine load.

[0044] If condition 506 is evaluated negatively, process 500 returns and repeats condition 504. If condition 506 is evaluated positively, process 500 proceeds to condition 508, which evaluates whether the transmission gear condition is met. Condition 506 may evaluate whether the current gear selection or current gear ratio is less than a threshold (or less than or equal to a threshold). The threshold may be a calibrable or adjustable value. Condition 508 is an example of an evaluation that can be used to determine the manual transmission engagement of a vehicle. Various other indications and evaluations will be apparent to those skilled in the art who benefit from the benefits of this disclosure and the insights gained from it.

[0045] If condition 508 evaluates negatively, process 500 returns and repeats condition 504. If condition 508 evaluates positively, process 500 proceeds to condition 512, which evaluates whether the neutral switch signal is on. This evaluation can be performed in response to a signal received from the neutral switch.

[0046] If condition 512 evaluates negatively, process 500 proceeds to operation 513, which clears the error code. From operation 513, process 500 returns and repeats condition 504. If condition 510 evaluates positively, process 500 proceeds to operation 514, which starts or continues the operation of the timer. From operation 514, process 500 proceeds to condition 516, which evaluates whether the current value of the timer is greater than a threshold. The threshold can be a calibrable or adjustable value.

[0047] If condition 516 evaluates negatively, process 500 returns and repeats condition 504. If condition 516 evaluates positively, process 500 proceeds to operation 526, which sets an error code. This error code may be a highway operation error code, indicating that the neutral switch is stuck in the open position during highway operation of system 100. It should be understood that process 500 is an example of a diagnostic procedure applicable to error detection of system 100 during highway operation.

[0048] In response to the error code set in operation 526, process 500 may illuminate a fault indicator light, providing another operator-perceptible error indication, or take other actions, such as sending a maintenance or repair notification or request via a telematics system. Process 500 proceeds from operation 526 to the end of operation 590, and any operation may be repeated or called later.

[0049] refer to Figure 6 An example diagnostic process 600 is shown. Process 600 may be implemented and performed by one or more components of an electronic control system, such as electronics 330 of electronic control system 130, one or more other components of electronic control system 130, or one or more components of another electronic control system.

[0050] Process 600 begins with start operation 602 and proceeds to condition 604, which evaluates whether the past vehicle speed is met. Condition 604 may evaluate whether the past vehicle speed is greater than a threshold (or greater than or equal to a threshold). The threshold may be a calibrable or adjustable value. Condition 604 may also evaluate whether the past vehicle speed signal is valid, for example, by evaluating vehicle speed signal error conditions.

[0051] If condition 604 evaluates negatively, process 600 returns and repeats condition 604. If condition 604 evaluates positively, process 600 proceeds to condition 606, which evaluates whether the current vehicle speed condition is met. Condition 606 may evaluate whether the current vehicle speed is zero and has been or remained zero for a predetermined time, count, or duration. The predetermined time, count, or duration may be a calibrable or adjustable value. Condition 604 may also evaluate whether the current vehicle speed signal is valid, for example, by evaluating a vehicle speed signal error condition.

[0052] If condition 606 evaluates negatively, process 600 returns and repeats condition 604. If condition 606 evaluates positively, process 600 proceeds to condition 608, which evaluates whether the engine speed condition is met. Condition 608 may evaluate whether the current engine speed is greater than a threshold (or greater than or equal to a threshold). The threshold may be a calibrable or adjustable value. Condition 608 may also evaluate whether the current engine speed signal is valid, for example, by evaluating a vehicle speed signal error condition.

[0053] If condition 608 is evaluated negatively, process 600 returns and repeats condition 604. If condition 608 is evaluated positively, process 600 proceeds to condition 610, which evaluates whether the clutch switch condition is met. Condition 610 evaluates whether the clutch switch signal indicates that the clutch has been released.

[0054] If condition 610 evaluates negatively, process 600 returns and repeats condition 604. If condition 610 evaluates positively, process 600 proceeds to condition 612, which evaluates whether the neutral switch signal is closed. This evaluation can be performed in response to a signal received from the neutral switch.

[0055] If condition 612 evaluates negatively, process 600 proceeds to operation 613, which clears the error code. From operation 613, process 600 returns and repeats condition 604. If condition 610 evaluates positively, process 600 proceeds to operation 614, which increments the counter. From operation 614, process 600 proceeds to condition 616, which evaluates whether the current count of the counter is greater than the threshold.

[0056] If condition 616 evaluates negatively, process 600 returns and repeats condition 604. If condition 616 evaluates positively, process 600 proceeds to operation 626, which sets an error code. The error code may be a stop operation error code, indicating that the neutral switch is stuck in the off position during a city operation task or highway operation task of system 100.

[0057] In response to the error code set in operation 626, process 600 may illuminate a fault indicator light, providing another operator-perceptible error indication, or take other actions, such as sending a maintenance or repair notification or request via a telematics system. Process 600 proceeds from operation 626 to the end of operation 690, and any operation may be repeated or recalled later.

[0058] While exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described in detail in the accompanying drawings and the foregoing description, these should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in terms of features. It should be understood that only certain exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, and all variations and modifications within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention are intended to be protected. It should be understood that while words such as preferred, preferred, or more preferred as used in the above description indicate that a feature so described may be more desirable, it may not be necessary, and embodiments lacking said features may be considered within the scope of the invention, defined by the following claims. When reading the claims, it is intended that the use of words such as “a,” “an,” “at least one,” or “at least a portion” is not intended to limit the claims to a single item unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claims. When the language “at least a portion” and / or “a portion” is used, the item may include a portion and / or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.

Claims

1. A process for diagnosing a neutral switch, the process comprising: An operating vehicle system, the vehicle system including an engine, a manual transmission operably coupled to the engine, an engine starter system operably coupled to the engine and including a neutral switch, and an electronic controller operably coupled to the neutral switch. The expected state of the neutral switch is determined by evaluating one or more engine operating parameters and one or more vehicle operating parameters using an electronic controller. The actual state of the neutral switch is determined by evaluating the signal provided by the neutral switch using an electronic controller. as well as One or more fault conditions of the neutral switch are determined by evaluating the expected state and the actual state of the neutral switch using an electronic controller.

2. The process of claim 1, wherein determining the expected state of the neutral switch includes evaluation using an electronic controller: Does the vehicle speed requirement apply? Does the engine load condition meet? Does it meet the transmission gear requirements, and Does the vehicle acceleration condition meet? 3. The process according to claim 2, wherein, Determining one or more error conditions of the neutral switch includes using an operation counter to count the number of times the expected state of the neutral switch differs from the actual state of the neutral switch, and setting one or more city operation error conditions that indicate the neutral switch is stuck in the open position and are applicable to error detection during the city operation of the vehicle.

4. The process according to claim 1, wherein, Determining the expected state of the gap includes evaluation using the electronic controller: Does the vehicle speed requirement apply? Does the engine load condition meet, and Does the transmission gear condition meet the requirements? 5. The process according to claim 4, wherein, Determining one or more fault conditions of the neutral switch includes operating a timer to time the duration for which the expected state of the neutral switch differs from the actual state of the neutral switch, and setting one or more road operation fault conditions that indicate the neutral switch is stuck in the open position and are applicable to fault detection during road operation of the vehicle.

6. The process according to claim 1, wherein, Determining the expected state of the gap includes evaluation using the electronic controller: Does it meet the speed requirements of past vehicles? Does the current vehicle speed condition meet? Does the engine speed requirement meet, and Does the clutch condition meet? 7. The process according to claim 6, wherein, Determining one or more error conditions for the neutral switch includes using an operation counter to count the number of times the expected state of the neutral switch differs from the actual state of the neutral switch, and setting one or more stop operation error conditions that indicate the neutral switch is stuck in the closed state and are applicable to error detection during vehicle stop operation.

8. The process according to claim 1, determining one or more fault conditions of the neutral switch includes: Identify an urban operation error condition that indicates a fault that is caused by the neutral switch being stuck in the open position and is suitable for error detection during urban operation of the vehicle. Determine a road operation error condition, which indicates that the neutral switch is stuck in the open position and is suitable for error detection during road operation of the vehicle, and Identify a stop operation error condition that indicates the neutral switch is stuck in the closed position and is suitable for error detection during vehicle stop operation.

9. The process according to claim 1, wherein, Identifying one or more malfunctions of the neutral switch can effectively prevent the electronic control system from performing automatic engine start / stop operations.

10. The process according to claim 1, wherein, Identifying one or more erroneous conditions of the neutral switch can effectively prevent the engine from being started by pressing the button.

11. A vehicle system configured to diagnose a neutral switch, the vehicle system comprising: engine; A manual transmission that is operablely coupled to the engine; An engine starter system, operably coupled to the engine, and including a neutral switch; as well as An electronic controller, operablely coupled to a neutral switch, is configured to: The expected state of the neutral switch is determined by evaluating one or more engine operating parameters and one or more vehicle operating parameters using an electronic controller. The actual state of the neutral switch is determined by evaluating the signal provided by the neutral switch using an electronic controller, and one or more fault conditions of the neutral switch are determined by evaluating the expected state of the neutral switch and the actual state of the neutral switch using an electronic controller.

12. The vehicle system according to claim 11, wherein, The electronic controller is configured to determine the expected state of the neutral switch, including that the electronic controller is configured to evaluate: Does the vehicle speed requirement apply? Does the engine load condition meet? Does it meet the transmission gear requirements, and Does the vehicle acceleration condition meet? 13. The vehicle system according to claim 11, wherein, The electronic controller is configured to determine one or more error conditions of the neutral switch, including configuring the electronic controller to operate a counter to count the number of times the expected state of the neutral switch differs from the actual state of the neutral switch, and setting one or more urban operation error conditions that indicate the neutral switch is stuck in the open position and are applicable to error detection during urban operation of the vehicle.

14. The vehicle system according to claim 11, wherein, The electronic controller is configured to determine the expected state of the neutral switch, including that the electronic controller is configured to evaluate: Does the vehicle speed requirement apply? Does the engine load condition meet, and Does the transmission gear condition meet the requirements? 15. The vehicle system according to claim 12, wherein, The electronic controller is configured to determine one or more error conditions of the neutral switch, including configuring the electronic controller to operate a timer to time the duration for which the expected state of the neutral switch differs from the actual state of the neutral switch, and to set one or more road operation error conditions indicating that the neutral switch is stuck in the open position, applicable to error detection during road operation of the vehicle.

16. The vehicle system according to claim 11, wherein, The electronic controller is configured to determine the expected state of the neutral switch, including that the electronic controller is configured to evaluate: Does it meet the speed requirements of past vehicles? Does the current vehicle speed condition meet? Does the engine speed requirement meet, and Does the clutch condition meet? 17. The vehicle system according to claim 14, wherein, The electronic controller is configured to determine one or more error conditions of the neutral switch, including configuring the electronic controller to operate a counter to count the number of times the expected state of the neutral switch differs from the actual state of the neutral switch, and setting one or more stop operation error conditions, the stop operation error conditions indicating that the neutral switch is stuck in the closed position, and applicable to error detection during vehicle stop operation.

18. The vehicle system of claim 11, wherein the electronic controller is configured to determine one or more malfunctions of the neutral switch, including that the electronic controller is configured to: Identify an urban operation error condition that indicates a fault that is caused by the neutral switch being stuck in the open position and is suitable for error detection during urban operation of the vehicle. Determine a road operation error condition, which indicates that the neutral switch is stuck in the open position and is suitable for error detection during road operation of the vehicle, and Identify a stop operation error condition that indicates the neutral switch is stuck in the closed position and is suitable for error detection during vehicle stop operation.

19. The vehicle system according to claim 11, wherein, The electronic controller is configured to prevent automatic engine start / stop operation in response to one or more erroneous conditions of the neutral switch.

20. The vehicle system according to claim 11, wherein, The electronic controller is configured to prevent the engine start operation from being performed by pressing the button in response to one or more erroneous conditions of the neutral switch.

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