Patent ID: 7255019
Filing Date: 2007-08-14
Classification: B60W,F16H,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for controlling automatic downshifting in a vehicular automated mechanical transmission system for a vehicle comprising a fuel-controlled engine, a multiple-speed mechanical transmission, and a controller for receiving input signals including one or more of signals indicative of engine speed, engaged gear ratio and vehicle speed, and for processing said input signals in accordance with logic rules to issue command output signals to transmission system actuators including a transmission actuator effective to shift said transmission, said method including the steps of: (a) determining an Engine Acceleration rate during a downshift from a currently engaged ratio to a desired downshift target gear ratio; (b) determining if said Engine Acceleration rate is less than a Free Engine Acceleration rate, whereby a false Neutral condition is detected when said Engine Acceleration rate is less than said Free Engine Acceleration rate.