SPARK PLUG FOULING DETECTION FOR IGNITION SYSTEM

摘要

Methods and systems are provided for inferring spark plug fouling due to accumulation of fuel additives thereon. In one example, an engine controller may infer spark plug fouling due to accumulation of fuel additive based on a combination of engine operating parameters correlated with spark plug health. For example, the engine operating parameters may include a change in an adaptive knock term, an engine pre-ignition rate, and engine exhaust oxygen sensor switching frequency over a vehicle drive cycle, and an engine misfire rate.

主权项

1. A method for an engine, comprising:
inferring spark plug fouling due to accumulation of fuel additive based on a combination of two or more of a change in an adaptive knock term, an engine pre-ignition rate, an engine misfire rate, an exhaust oxygen sensor degradation rate, and exhaust catalyst degradation rate over a vehicle drive cycle.