A method for controlling a powertrain includes monitoring engagement status of said selectable one-way clutch, monitoring an upshift command, monitoring a speed of an engine to torque converter shaft, monitoring a speed of a torque converter to transmission shaft, when the monitoring detects engagement of the selectable one-way clutch and the upshift command, then determining a relative rotational speed of the torque converter based upon the speed of said engine to torque converter shaft and the speed of said torque converter to transmission shaft. A locked selectable one-way clutch condition is diagnosed based upon the relative rotational speed. A torque increase is commanded from the engine based upon the locked selectable one-way clutch condition. And disengagement of the selectable one-way clutch is commanded.