Patent ID: 7957873

Claim:
A method for controlling a transmission of a vehicle having an engine, wheels, and a powertrain control module (PCM) in communication with the transmission, wherein one side of the transmission is connected to the engine and the other side is connected to a transmission output shaft which transfers an actual transmission output speed to the wheels, the method comprising: recording, via the PCM, a threshold transmission output speed; detecting the actual output speed of the transmission using a speed sensor; detecting a shift request of the transmission in the direction opposite that of the direction of travel of the vehicle using a shift sensor; using the PCM to compare said detected actual output speed to said threshold transmission output speed; and executing, via the PCM: a first pedal progression map in the direction of travel; a second pedal progression map in a direction opposite the direction of travel for which the first pedal progression map is executed when said detected actual output speed is less than or equal to said threshold transmission output speed; a set of shift inhibit limits, which are imposed on the second pedal progression map prior to executing the second pedal progression map and prior to executing the shift request, when said detected actual output speed is greater than said threshold transmission output speed; and the shift request after reaching the threshold transmission output speed, thereafter continuing to operate according to the second pedal progression map; wherein said shift inhibit limits inhibit a shift of the transmission by providing a gradual and controlled deceleration of the vehicle in response to said shift request by slowing the vehicle to below said threshold transmission output speed.