Method and apparatus for detecting the presence of a prescribed heat exchanger

摘要

A method and apparatus for detecting the presence of a prescribed heat exchanger, such as a catalytically active radiator, in a motor vehicle are performed during operation of the motor vehicle. The temperature of a heat-exchanger medium is observed together with further current operationally relevant parameters of the motor vehicle for a prespecified time window. An expected temperature gradient over time of the heat-exchanger medium is detected, as well as the current temperature gradient over time of the temperature of the heat-exchanger medium. The presence of a prescribed heat exchanger is detected taking into account the expected temperature gradient and the current temperature gradient.