Method and apparatus for safe operation of engine control in deceleration mode

The method involves detecting a change to overrun mode, enabling monitoring of a drive signal for a power control element (18,28,30) if defined enabling conditions prevail, comparing a drive signal with a threshold value and triggering a fault response if the threshold is exceeded. The threshold value is reduced from an initial value to a final value during a transition phase. An independent claim is also included for the following: (a) an arrangement for operating an internal combustion engine.