C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

CAGS Solenoid Delete?

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Old Jan 19, 2021 | 06:07 PM
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Default CAGS Solenoid Delete?

There might already be a forum thread on this but I wasn't able to find it. I have a 95 and I just got a rebuilt ZF-6 trans for it. Do I need to remove the CAGS solenoid and install it on my new transmission or could I just get a plug for the hole? I dont want the 1-4 shift feature but I am unsure if completely removing the solenoid will make anything else in the transmission not work properly.
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Old Jan 19, 2021 | 07:24 PM
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I used one of those CAGS bypass things in my 95. I think I got it from ZIP. You plug it in the harness that would be plugged into the solenoid. It comes with simple instructions. I didn't have or notice anything weird after installing.
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Old Jan 19, 2021 | 07:53 PM
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Since you have a '95 you can remove CAGS from your PCM for the low-low price of buying a $70 USB cable. I'd leave the solenoid and wiring and all that intact, and just disable it in software. This both stops the solenoid from working and gets rid of the annoying "ONE TO FOUR" light on the dash (which the silly bypass thing doesn't).

As an added bonus the cable also lets you datalog, which can help if and when something goes wrong with the car, or you intend to try your hand at tuning the car.

Cable: http://aldlcable.com/products/aldlobd2u.asp

If you feel like doing it this way, I'd be more than happy to walk you through the steps. It's really pretty easy to do.
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Old Jan 19, 2021 | 09:12 PM
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I remove them and toss them in the trash on my race cars and replace with a plug. Just makes more room.

Nothing that says you have to have it. You can also install it and unplug it.
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Old Jan 19, 2021 | 09:35 PM
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Originally Posted by Nomake Wan
Since you have a '95 you can remove CAGS from your PCM for the low-low price of buying a $70 USB cable. I'd leave the solenoid and wiring and all that intact, and just disable it in software. This both stops the solenoid from working and gets rid of the annoying "ONE TO FOUR" light on the dash (which the silly bypass thing doesn't).

As an added bonus the cable also lets you datalog, which can help if and when something goes wrong with the car, or you intend to try your hand at tuning the car.

Cable: http://aldlcable.com/products/aldlobd2u.asp

If you feel like doing it this way, I'd be more than happy to walk you through the steps. It's really pretty easy to do.
I appreciate the response, I got a new trans and I forgot to take the solenoid off of my old trans and I didn't want the hassle of buying another CAGS solenoid just to disable it.
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Old Jan 19, 2021 | 09:36 PM
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Originally Posted by ChumpVette
I remove them and toss them in the trash on my race cars and replace with a plug. Just makes more room.

Nothing that says you have to have it. You can also install it and unplug it.
What did you use to plug it?
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Old Jan 20, 2021 | 01:33 AM
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Originally Posted by TDehler
What did you use to plug it?

An Allen plug, similar to what closes off the port next to it. I’ll get the size tomorrow.
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Old Jan 20, 2021 | 02:55 AM
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Originally Posted by TDehler
I appreciate the response, I got a new trans and I forgot to take the solenoid off of my old trans and I didn't want the hassle of buying another CAGS solenoid just to disable it.
Ah, didn't know you didn't have the solenoid already. Sorry about that.

In any event, reprogramming the PCM will get rid of the "ONE TO FOUR" light on the dash if it bugs ya.
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Old Jan 20, 2021 | 10:16 AM
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Originally Posted by Nomake Wan
Ah, didn't know you didn't have the solenoid already. Sorry about that.

In any event, reprogramming the PCM will get rid of the "ONE TO FOUR" light on the dash if it bugs ya.
No Problem, I'll definitely reach out if the light bothers me.
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Old Jan 20, 2021 | 11:08 AM
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I'd think the CAGS thread is likely M20-1.5 and there should be many local sources to buy and 'confirm'.
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Old Jan 20, 2021 | 02:00 PM
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I also misunderstood you. Sorry about that.
@Nomake Wan I also was not aware you could program the cags function out. Next time around
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Old Jan 20, 2021 | 02:25 PM
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Originally Posted by 93torchy
I also misunderstood you. Sorry about that.
@Nomake Wan I also was not aware you could program the cags function out. Next time around
On the 94-95 it's very easy to do, and the software is freely available. On a 96 it can be done but the software--at least for the moment--is over $400. On the earlier cars it can be done, but it requires modifying the MEMCAL chip in the ECM.
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Old Jan 20, 2021 | 08:17 PM
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I just unplugged the CAGS in my '89 and just smile then the "upshift" light comes up.
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Old Sep 21, 2023 | 10:39 AM
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Originally Posted by Nomake Wan
Since you have a '95 you can remove CAGS from your PCM for the low-low price of buying a $70 USB cable. I'd leave the solenoid and wiring and all that intact, and just disable it in software. This both stops the solenoid from working and gets rid of the annoying "ONE TO FOUR" light on the dash (which the silly bypass thing doesn't).

As an added bonus the cable also lets you datalog, which can help if and when something goes wrong with the car, or you intend to try your hand at tuning the car.

Cable: http://aldlcable.com/products/aldlobd2u.asp

If you feel like doing it this way, I'd be more than happy to walk you through the steps. It's really pretty easy to do.
Hello,

New to the forum and Corvette ownership. I just picked up a '95 last week. My heart nearly stopped when shifting from 1st as I noticed it will get "stuck" while trying to go into 2nd. I assumed the worst and thought there may be an issue with the transmission, but this seems hopeful for an easy fix. This happened a handful of times which led me to this thread. If this is solvable through this USB product, I will gladly spend the $70. I just wanted to confirm before purchasing--all I would do is plug that USB into a computer while connected to the car and I will be able to disable the CAGS solenoid from there? I'm fairly knowledgeable with computers but have no experience with car software (or much car hardware for that matter--first time learning of CAGS). Any confirmation or advice is greatly appreciated.

-Phil
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Old Sep 21, 2023 | 11:01 AM
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Originally Posted by theGavone
Hello,

New to the forum and Corvette ownership. I just picked up a '95 last week. My heart nearly stopped when shifting from 1st as I noticed it will get "stuck" while trying to go into 2nd. I assumed the worst and thought there may be an issue with the transmission, but this seems hopeful for an easy fix. This happened a handful of times which led me to this thread. If this is solvable through this USB product, I will gladly spend the $70. I just wanted to confirm before purchasing--all I would do is plug that USB into a computer while connected to the car and I will be able to disable the CAGS solenoid from there? I'm fairly knowledgeable with computers but have no experience with car software (or much car hardware for that matter--first time learning of CAGS). Any confirmation or advice is greatly appreciated.

-Phil
For a '95 I don't believe you need to spend the 70$. For a '95 you just unplug to defeat it. Some I believe just tape off the electrical connector to keep out the weather. There's of course electrical connectors that could be used to provide a more OE appearance. Probably less than 6$ and local maybe. How annoying is the 'LIGHT'?

*** If you're unfamiliar with the connectors 10$ might get them shipping included! Search CAGS on eBay seems to populate the correct.

Last edited by WVZR-1; Sep 21, 2023 at 11:18 AM.
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Old Sep 21, 2023 | 11:17 AM
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Originally Posted by WVZR-1
For a '95 I don't believe you need to spend the 70$. For a '95 you just unplug to defeat it. Some I believe just tape off the electrical connector to keep out the weather. There's of course electrical connectors that could be used to provide a more OE appearance. Probably less than 6$ and local maybe. How annoying is the 'LIGHT'?
Fair enough. The light is the last of my worries. At this time, I do not have access to a lift. is it possible to access without? Suppose I can dig around to find instructions on Youtube on how to unplug. Thank you for the resposne.
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Old Sep 21, 2023 | 11:40 AM
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Originally Posted by theGavone
Fair enough. The light is the last of my worries. At this time, I do not have access to a lift. is it possible to access without? Suppose I can dig around to find instructions on Youtube on how to unplug. Thank you for the resposne.
A lift isn't required. Jacking up is. It's on the drivers side of the trans and quite obvious, center of the main transmission housing. I've never looked for a video but I imagine there's a hundred+.
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Old Oct 19, 2023 | 01:34 PM
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I pulled the solenoid and cannot figure out a plug. I assume needs flange to tighten on but all the ones I have found are too short to get down to the threads. Anyone have luck finding the right plug?
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Old Oct 19, 2023 | 01:46 PM
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Originally Posted by STK 327
I pulled the solenoid and cannot figure out a plug. I assume needs flange to tighten on but all the ones I have found are too short to get down to the threads. Anyone have luck finding the right plug?

Here you go
https://www.ebay.com/p/1210798955?iid=314296877001
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Old Oct 19, 2023 | 01:56 PM
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I removed mine and plugged the hole. However I haven't put the car back together yet... LOL

I don't expect there to be a problem.
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