A system and method for controlling a hydraulic transmission uses a clutch fill profile having a hold level that varies as a function of torque. A pressure required for an on-coming clutch to hold the gear of the off-going clutch without a flare or over-speed condition is calculated. This pressure approximates the pressure of the on-coming clutch when a disengage command with respect to the off-going clutch is reached. The pulse and hold phases for the clutch are executed at times that are constant from shift to shift and do not vary as a function of torque or slip.