Idling control method and system for internal combustion engine providing anti creep action

In a vehicle comprising an engine and an automatic transmission including a fluid torque converter, a forward clutch and a manual range setting valve, a system for controlling said automatic transmission for anti creep ready-to-start temporary stop of the vehicle, comprising:

• first means for detecting a vehicle speed,
• second means for detecting a setting position of said manual range setting valve,
• third means for detecting a rotational speed associated with said fluid torque converter, and
• means for controlling said forward clutch with reference to said rotational speed associated with said fluid torque converter detected by said third means such that said rotational speed associated with said fluid torque converter does not drop below a certain rotational speed value when said first means is detecting that the vehicle is substantially stopped and said second means is detecting that said manual range setting valve is set to a forward speed range.