Method for backlash reduction

A method for controlling a powertrain includes sensing a change in an accelerator pedal position indicative of a driver intended torque request, monitoring the actual engine torque and a change in driver intended torque request to determine if a trigger condition has been met, sensing an engine speed, calculating a virtual engine speed, calculating a difference between the engine speed and the virtual engine speed, determining if the difference in engine speed and virtual engine speed has exceeded a speed difference threshold, iteratively adjusting a torque output of the engine from a first value that is indicative of the driver intended torque request to a second value if the difference in engine speed and virtual engine speed has exceeded the speed difference threshold, comparing adjusted engine torque to expected torque, and applying a correction to an open loop torque control if adjusted torque differs too much from expected torque. 种用于控制动力系的方法包括：感测指示驾驶员预期转矩请求的加速器踏板位置的变化；监测实际发动机转矩和驾驶员预期转矩请求的变化，以确定触发条件是否满足