Patent ID: 8876655

Claim:
A method for controlling a powertrain in a motor vehicle, the powertrain having in series an engine connected to a disconnect clutch connected to an electric motor connected to a transmission and to a transmission pump, the transmission having at least one selectively engageable launch clutch for initiating a first or a reverse gear ratio, the method comprising: increasing a speed of the electric motor above a pump threshold speed; actuating the launch clutch to partially engage; actuating the launch clutch to fully engage when the speed of the electric motor approximately equals a target threshold speed; actuating the disconnect clutch to partially connect the engine with the electric motor when the speed of the electric motor approximately equals an engine start threshold speed; actuating the disconnect clutch to disconnect the engine from the electric motor when a speed of the engine reaches the engine start threshold speed; starting the engine; and actuating the disconnect clutch to connect the engine to the electric motor when the speed of the engine approximately equals the target threshold speed.