Transmission shift control apparatus arranged to perform compulsory shift-down action of continuously variable transmission

This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-377367 filed on Dec. 12, 2000, the contents of which are incorporated hereinto by reference. A shift control apparatus for controlling a continuously variable transmission device including a continuously variable transmission mechanism having rotary elements and operable to transmit a rotary motion of a drive power source of an automotive vehicle to a drive wheel of the automotive vehicle, such that a speed ratio of said mechanism is continuously variable, the shift control apparatus includes a power-transmission-state determining device for determining whether the mechanism is placed in a non-power-transmitting state, a speed-ratio determining device for determining whether the mechanism is placed in a lowest-speed position, a rotation-stop detecting device for determining whether the rotary elements are at rest, and a compulsory-speed-ratio-change implementing device for effecting a compulsory shift-down action of the mechanism toward the lowest-speed position when the mechanism is placed in the non-power-transmitting state while the mechanism is not placed in the lowest-speed position and while the rotary elements of the mechanism are at rest.