摘要:
An engine start control apparatus and method for use in a vehicle equipped with a driver-operated pushbutton switch (27) that generates a command to activate the starter motor (139) of an engine. The apparatus includes a first starter switching element (131) and a second starter switching element (152) connected in series in a power supply circuit for providing power to the starter motor (139). A first controller (126) that sequentially turns on and off the first starter switching element (131) and the second starter switching element (152) based on the operation of the switch (127). A voltage detection means (144) has an input coupled to a connection point (P) between the first starter switching element (131) and the second starter switching element (152) and an output indicative of the voltage at the connection point (P). A second control means (126) has an input responsive to the output of the voltage detection means (144) and has an output providing an indication of the existence of abnormalities in the first starter switching element (131) and the second starter switching element (152) based on the voltage at the connection point (P).