Method and system for providing a neutral hold mode in a shift-by-wire transmission

A system for providing a neutral hold mode in a vehicle including a door and a shift-by-wire transmission having an automatic return-to-park feature comprising:

• a transmission control mechanism for controlling the transmission;
• a detector for detecting when the transmission control mechanism has been used a first time to select neutral;
• a display for displaying a message requesting that the transmission control mechanism be used again to select neutral after detecting when the transmission control mechanism has been used to select neutral;
• and
• a controller configured to enter a neutral hold mode upon detecting that the door was open when the transmission control mechanism was used to select neutral or upon detecting when the transmission control mechanism has been used a second time to select neutral and configured to maintain the transmission in neutral and not shift the transmission to park upon detecting that a driver has exited the vehicle.