An adaptive automatic transmission control system responds to stopping of a vehicle for reducing torque absorption by an automatic transmission and movement of and range to obstructions forward from a vehicle for reengaging the automatic transmission after a stop. The torque converter is released from its reduced torque absorption mode under one of three circumstances: 1) the brake pedal is released; 2) the detected obstruction moves outside a first predefined maximum range; and, 3) the detected obstruction moves outside a second predefined maximum range and at greater than a predefined minimum speed.