Patent ID: 8494738

Claim:
Method for controlling a powertrain in a vehicle comprising an electro-mechanical transmission including a selectable one-way clutch mechanically-operatively coupled to an internal combustion engine and configured to selectively transmit mechanical power to an output member, said method comprising: monitoring a vehicle speed; monitoring a transmission gear state; comparing said vehicle speed to a threshold low speed range; transitioning a selectable one-way clutch into an engaged mode when said vehicle speed is not in a forward direction in excess of said threshold low speed range; and maintaining said selectable one-way clutch in said engaged mode based upon said transmission gear state remaining in a first gear state with said vehicle speed remaining within said threshold low speed range, a neutral state, or a reverse state; monitoring a pedal input; determining a vehicle launch condition based upon said pedal input; and wherein said maintaining said selectable one-way clutch in said engaged mode is further based upon an absence of said vehicle launch condition.