Importance

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Abstract

A vehicle theft deterrent system for controlling the operation of a vehicle engine when the engine is in an unattended idle mode of operation wherein a vehicle ground speed sensor, an engine speed sensor, an operator input device actuatable to enter a security code, a power takeoff (PTO) switch operable to provide power from the engine to a remote location, a throttle position indicator sensor, cruise control switches, and an ignition key switch are all coupled to an electronic controller in a particular manner such that the proper combination of a valid security code and certain signal inputs from the various system components will enable and disable a secure idle mode of operation, and will limit vehicle operation if unauthorized use is detected while the system is enabled. The present system allows the electronic controller to determine whether the vehicle is moving and/or performing some type of work function prior to any enablement of the system and, once enabled, allows an operator to elevate the engine speed above normal idle limits to run certain parasitic loads prior to leaving the vehicle unattended without triggering the theft deterrent features of the present system.

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First Claim