METHOD OF TIMED SHIFT TO NEUTRAL IN APPARENT STATIONARY MODES

摘要

A control for a transmission and a clutch monitors conditions to determine when a vehicle associated with the clutch and transmission is likely in a stationary state. If the vehicle appears to be stationary, with the transmission engaged and the clutch open, then the control determines that the transmission should be moved to a neutral position. Upon movement to the neutral position, the control then closes the clutch. It is preferable for a vehicle remaining stationary to have its clutch closed and its transmission in neutral than to have its transmission engaged and its clutch open. In a further aspect of this invention, the neutral state is verified by testing the ability to move of one of the transmission shift components. If the transmission shift component can move beyond a predetermined amount, this is indicative that the transmission is in neutral.