System and method for improving fuel economy of a vehicle powertrain

摘要

A controller for a vehicle may include communication channels and control logic. The communication channels may be configured to receive distance data from a proximity sensor disposed on a vehicle and to send shift commands to a transmission. The control logic may be configured to respond to distance data indicating a second vehicle disposed at a distance closer than a threshold distance while the vehicle is moving at or below a threshold speed by sending a shift command to the transmission.

主权项

1. A method of controlling a vehicle transmission comprising:
capturing data from a proximity sensor to estimate a distance between the vehicle and an object; monitoring a speed sensor to estimate a vehicle speed; entering a traffic mode in response to the object being within a threshold distance of the vehicle and the vehicle speed being less than a threshold speed; and while in the traffic mode with a shift selector in a drive position, shifting the transmission to a neutral state.