Methods and systems are provided for dealing with a change of mind event during an automatic shut-down of an engine in which the speed at which a starter motor used to restart the engine is disengaged is based upon the comparison of current engine speed (N) with a cranking speed limit (SLIM). In one example, during an engine restart while the engine is spinning down, the starter motor may crank the engine to a threshold cranking engine speed adjusted based on a position of the gear.