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This paper shows the results obtained from the implementation of an automated system for verification and validation of End-of-Line test executions in an automotive production plant environment. The objective is to assure all external tool test commands sent to the vehicle ECUs have been sent correctly and the answers from the respective ECUs to these commands are appropriate. The aim of this automation process is to increase security in the analysis and to spare time in the tests, considering that the activity is often done manually and repeatedly. With this purpose, a computer program was developed in open source language, allowing it to be executed on common market operating systems. The software was developed to allow the creation of specific test command lists for each vehicle model in a way that the lists can be edited and stored, according to project modifications in new vehicles.

A flex fuel engine which operates with high ethanol content fuel can show a significant level of oil sump contamination with ethanol depending on startup coolant temperature and driving behavior. In general, the lower the coolant and the more aggressive the driving pattern the higher the oil sump contamination. As the engine warms up and the oil temperature increases, the liquid ethanol mixed in oil sump evaporates (boil-off phenomenon) and returns into the induction system through the engine venting system. Oil contamination and boil-off phenomena have to be properly considered by the engine management controller so that closed loop fuel control, fuel trim diagnosis and ethanol learning are not fooled by the extra fuel coming by blow-by. This paper presents the results of an analysis conducted in a GMPT 1.4L Flex Fuel engine running with E85 and E100 fuels.

Short timing and complexes strategies are mandatory in a competitive market as automotive industry. Therefore quality problems identification during and after the coding phase, may be the difference between the business success and undesired conflicts with customer, solving problems that were not previously identified. Consequently the usage of technique Mahalanobis Taguchi System (MTS) to analyze coding metrics, create an environment to improve the final product quality and mitigate potential problems later identified.