An engine control for a motor vehicle powertrain coordinates engine speed and torque limiting during automatic transmission range changing so as to provide both vehicle rocking capability and adequate protection for the transmission. A transmission controller temporarily limits the engine speed to a predetermined value on each transition to or from the forward or reverse ranges, and superimposes continuous engine speed and torque limitations when an abusive rocking maneuver is detected. An abusive rocking maneuver is detected when the driver commands at least a specified number of successive range shifts during a predetermined time interval, and the speed and torque limitations are imposed until range shifting is discontinued for at least a calibrated period of time.