To enable smooth starting even when a driver failed to identify that an engine is under automatic stop control, by permitting starting of the engine exceptionally with a starter switch, when a non-seating state of a driver has been detected for a predetermined period of time after the engine is stopped in correspondence to predetermined stop conditions.
When a main control unit 160 is in a 'stop and start mode', an AND circuit 405 is enabled. When an engine speed is at or below an idling level, and a throttle sensor 257 is turned on by opening a throttle valve when a seating switch 254 for detecting seating of a driver is on, a starter motor is actuated via a starter relay 162. When predetermined stop conditions are satisfied during running, ignition control is suspended so as to stop the engine automatically. While the engine is stopped, and the seating switch 254 detects non-seating of a driver continuously for a predetermined time, starting of the engine with a starter switch 258 is exceptionally permitted.
KAWAME KAZUNORI
KAWAMOTO SHUICHI
YANAGISAWA TAKESHI
