A control system/method controls a vehicular automated transmission system so as to overcome a tooth butt condition. The automated transmission system including an internal combustion engine having an engine output member, a multiple speed change gear transmission having an input shaft, a centrifugal friction clutch for drivingly connecting said engine output member to said input shaft, a throttle responsive to manually requesting of a degree of engine fueling, and a system controller. The system controller varies the engine speed to encourage gear engagement upon sensing the tooth butt condition.