Patent ID: 7229384

Claim:
A method for controlling a drive train ( 40 ) of a motor vehicle ( 42 ), the drive train ( 40 ) comprising one internal combustion engine ( 44 ) with an engine output shaft ( 78 ) that can load the drive train ( 40 ); a transmission device ( 48 ) in which different ratios may be engaged; a starting clutch ( 46 ) disposed between the internal combustion engine ( 44 ) and the transmission device ( 48 ); a transmission input shaft ( 84 ) between a clutch device ( 46 ) and the transmission device ( 48 ) that extends to the transmission device ( 48 ); and, on the side of the clutch device ( 46 ) facing the internal combustion engine ( 44 ), a plurality of drive train components are coupled having play, comprising the steps of: operating the drive train ( 40 ) under pre-determined conditions in a first operating mode comprising the internal combustion engine ( 44 ) moving the motor vehicle ( 42 ) against the resistances opposing a movement of the motor vehicle ( 42 ) and closing the play in the loading direction pre-determined by the rotary direction of the engine output shaft ( 78 ); and operating the drive train ( 40 ) outside the first operating mode under pre-determined conditions in a second operating mode comprising introducing in a drive train section a first load, causing the play to be closed or remain closed on the output side of this load introduction point, this first load being of such a type that it would not be sufficient to overcome the resistances opposing the movement of the vehicle ( 42 ) on level road.