Motor vehicle powertrain control method for low traction conditions

摘要

A driver-initiated low traction control method limits the drive torque of a motor vehicle during operation on low traction road surfaces. The low traction control mode is initiated by actuation of a switch or by moving a transmission range selector to a Low range while the vehicle is substantially stopped, and terminated by further actuation of the switch or by returning the range selector back to the Drive setting. The low traction control mode limits the engine torque as required to limit the drive wheel torque and its rate of change, so long as cruise control is inactive, the accelerator pedal setting is less than a reference level, and the transmission is operating in a gear other than its top gear. When the low traction control mode is terminated, the engine torque limits are progressively removed in a way that does not produce perceptible acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle.