Methods and systems for drive-to-neutral and neutral-to-drive transmission garage shift quality improvement

A method for improving the drive-to-neutral and neutral-to-drive garage shift of a vehicle, comprising:

• engaging a first clutch at key-on and when the vehicle speed approaches a zero speed with a brake signal turned on;
• and
• disengaging the first clutch responsive to the brake signal being turned off;
• wherein the method is performed only if the vehicle's throttle is below a threshold throttle value and an engine speed is below a threshold revolutions per minute value, and wherein the threshold throttle value and threshold revolutions per minute value are selected to prevent damage to the vehicle when shifting gears.

An automatic transmission system on a vehicle with improved drive-to-neutral and neutral-to-drive garage shift quality, comprising:

• a plurality of clutches;
• a plurality of force carriers operatively connected to the plurality of clutches;
• and
• a brake signal operable to determine the on/off state of a brake on the vehicle;
• wherein the plurality of clutches are engaged and disengaged such that the vehicle is in a higher gear ratio relative to a first gear after key-on when a shift lever is positioned in drive and as the vehicle speed approaches a zero speed with the brake signal turned on;
• and
• wherein the plurality of clutches are engaged and disengaged such that the vehicle is at the first gear ratio prior to vehicle launch.