Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating an automatic transmission as a function of the engine rotational speed of a variable speed internal combustion engine. Upon a failure of the electronic control system, a return home of a motor vehicle under its own power is enabled. A delivery system delivers a working medium with which a transmission ratio adjusting device is actuated by a first control device that, in turn, is controlled by a pilot pressure that can be accurately changed by a second control device to actuate the transmission ratio adjusting device. The pilot pressure for controlling the first control device is changed by a third control device as a function of the rotational speed of the internal combustion engine when an adjusting device is switched out of a normal operation position into an emergency operation position.