Method and apparatus for controlling a switching element of a step automatic transmission

There is described a stepped automatic transmission, a method and apparatus for controlling a switching element (1). The switching element (1) is provided with a frictional member (2) and a form-fitting element (3). In a switching of this switching element (1) is first over-session capability of the frictional element (2) is set and in the presence of a synchronous state of the interlocking element (3), the form-fitting element (3) is closed. With a closed form-locking element (3) a Ubetragungsfahigkeit of the frictional element (2) is reduced. If there is a request to turn off the switching element (1) before the Ubetragungsfahigkeit of the frictional element (2) before opening the interlocking element (3) is raised in such a manner under load, that a power flow, which via the closed form-fitting element (3) of the switching element (1) is guided, is guided during opening of the interlocking element (3) via the friction member.