Abstract: A fuzzy control method of a damper clutch and, more particularly, a fuzzy control method enhances engine brake effect by directly connecting a pump to a turbine by engaging the damper when a shift control unit identifies an engine brake state. The fuzzy control method of a damper clutch includes receiving or checking input signals relating to a damper clutch; controlling shift timing by a fuzzy control; determining if an engine brake should be used or not; checking an amount of driver's engine brake will if the engine brake should be used; determining if an emergency brake should be used or not; engaging the damper clutch when an emergency brake should be used; and controlling the damper clutch through a normal control when both the engine brake and emergency brake are not used.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling an automatic transmission of a vehicle in the absence of a driving mode signal indicating a driving mode of the vehicle, includes monitoring means for monitoring output from a driving mode sensor; determining means for determining whether a driving mode signal has been received from the driving mode sensor based on the monitoring; sensing means for sensing a direction in which the vehicle is traveling; transmission control means placing the automatic transmission in first gear when the determining means determines that a driving mode signal has not been received, and for controlling the automatic transmission such that the vehicle continues to travel in the detected direction.