Patent attributes
An automotive starting system includes an accumulator, a hydraulic motor, and an engine controller. The accumulator is adapted for holding a charge of pressurized fluid. The hydraulic motor has a fluid input operatively connected to the accumulator and has an output shaft operatively connected to an internal combustion engine of an automotive vehicle. The engine controller shuts off the engine if an idle engine condition exists and restarts the engine using the hydraulic motor following an idle engine shut-off if a predetermined engine-start condition exists. A method for starting an internal combustion engine of an automotive vehicle includes having the engine controller shut off the engine if an idle engine condition exists and thereafter having the engine controller restart the engine using the hydraulic motor if a predetermined engine-start condition exists.
