PURPOSE: To set adequate speed shift timing at all times regardless of the change of engine torque and reduce speed shift shock by conducting the opening/ closing control of a timing valve provided to realize predetermined speed shift timing, according to the change speed of throttle opening.

CONSTITUTION: In the case of an automatic transmission controller in which an orifice and a timing valve that can bypass the orifice are provided in parallel with other at an oil passage communicating with the oil chamber of the clutch of the automatic transmission, a throttle change speed detecting means to detect the change speed of the throttle opening of an engine is equipped. The timing valve is closed by means of a timing valve closing means in a case in which the change speed of the throttle opening is less than a predetermined value, and the timing valve is opened by means of a timing valve opening means in which the change speed is more than the predetermined value. Also, the opening/closing control of the timing valve can be conducted in consideration of a vehicle speed, too. For example, even if a throttle valve change speed is more than a predetermined value, the timing valve is arranged to be opened in a case in which a vehicle speed is more than a predetermined value.