System and method for operating a transmission during an engine stopping and starting motor for a rolling vehicle

Methods and systems for improving the operation of a vehicle powertrain will be presented, which includes an engine and an automatic transmission with a torque converter. In one non-limiting example, the engine may be stopped while a vehicle in which the engine is operating rolls. A coupled with the motor gear, when the vehicle rolls, are switched so that the response of the vehicle can be improved when a driver demands an increase in the engine torque.