Could someone explain Skip-Shift?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 183
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From: Lower Burrell PA
Could someone explain Skip-Shift?
Hey guys, new to the C5 world. What is the purpose of the 1-4 skip shift? When the light comes on, will car still go into 2nd, and am I doing damage to the tranny by doing this? I have drove sticks for 30+ years and now I am asking a question about how to shift, maybe I need an automatic. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Plainfield IL
It is annoying at first but all you have to do is get your revs a little higher before 2nd and it goes away. GM did it to keep the mpg rating higher and possibly to avoid the gas guzzler tax. Many of us "old timers" here on the CF have deactivated the "CAGS" using an inexpesive little device. Do a search on this topic and you'll find there's alot of info out there.
And no, you DIDN'T make a mistake by getting the MN6
And no, you DIDN'T make a mistake by getting the MN6
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CAGS - Computer Assisted Gear Selection is a device that GM installed on the Vette and the F-Bodies when they had the LS1. The point of it as Red Vamp stated, was to improve the CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) rating for Chevrolet. By forcing you to go from first to fourth, the car gets into a higher gear and as a result returns better mileage - and avoids the gas guzzler penalty.
Many have installed the CAGS Eliminator - it's a simple solenoid that plugs into the side of the transaxle and fools the computer. Personally, I just rev the engine to a higher point - say 2K rpm and the annoying CAGS never becomes an issue. Drive it like a sportscar and it won't be a problem. Save the $20 and go buy a Toy for Tots gift.
Many have installed the CAGS Eliminator - it's a simple solenoid that plugs into the side of the transaxle and fools the computer. Personally, I just rev the engine to a higher point - say 2K rpm and the annoying CAGS never becomes an issue. Drive it like a sportscar and it won't be a problem. Save the $20 and go buy a Toy for Tots gift.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Nesconset NY
St. Jude Donor '04 & '05
Originally Posted by blacksedan87
CAGS - Computer Assisted Gear Selection is a device that GM installed on the Vette and the F-Bodies when they had the LS1. The point of it as Red Vamp stated, was to improve the CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) rating for Chevrolet. By forcing you to go from first to fourth, the car gets into a higher gear and as a result returns better mileage - and avoids the gas guzzler penalty.
Many have installed the CAGS Eliminator - it's a simple solenoid that plugs into the side of the transaxle and fools the computer. Personally, I just rev the engine to a higher point - say 2K rpm and the annoying CAGS never becomes an issue. Drive it like a sportscar and it won't be a problem. Save the $20 and go buy a Toy for Tots gift.
Many have installed the CAGS Eliminator - it's a simple solenoid that plugs into the side of the transaxle and fools the computer. Personally, I just rev the engine to a higher point - say 2K rpm and the annoying CAGS never becomes an issue. Drive it like a sportscar and it won't be a problem. Save the $20 and go buy a Toy for Tots gift.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,164
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From: Lutz FL
Originally Posted by blacksedan87
Personally, I just rev the engine to a higher point - say 2K rpm and the annoying CAGS never becomes an issue. Drive it like a sportscar and it won't be a problem. Save the $20 and go buy a Toy for Tots gift.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,957
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From: Witness Protection Program Somewhere, USA
Originally Posted by finallygot1
Hey guys, new to the C5 world. What is the purpose of the 1-4 skip shift? When the light comes on, will car still go into 2nd, and am I doing damage to the tranny by doing this? I have drove sticks for 30+ years and now I am asking a question about how to shift, maybe I need an automatic.
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I just ignore it, give it some more gas and it goes away...or slip it into Neutral and wait and then go to 2nd. I'll install the bypass someday 
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Apparently you are driving the car to where the CAGS is not engaging if you can get it in second. I would recommend you buy a CAGS eliminator from one of the forum vendors and not have to worry about it again. Simple install and about $20.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,083
Likes: 710
From: Sunnyvale CA
When I bought my car I got locked out a couple times including once going uphill. The most common situation is in heavy traffic. I bought the CAGS eliminator because I didn't want the car telling me what I could or couldn't do.
I see the 1 to 4 light occasionally in heavy traffic and consider it a safety issue to be unable to shift into 2nd if needed.
I see the 1 to 4 light occasionally in heavy traffic and consider it a safety issue to be unable to shift into 2nd if needed.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 6,710
Likes: 2
From: Southern California
Originally Posted by blacksedan87
CAGS - Computer Assisted Gear Selection is a device that GM installed on the Vette and the F-Bodies when they had the LS1...
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,732
Likes: 21
From: Napa Ca
Originally Posted by blacksedan87
CAGS - Computer Assisted Gear Selection is a device that GM installed on the Vette and the F-Bodies when they had the LS1. The point of it as Red Vamp stated, was to improve the CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) rating for Chevrolet. By forcing you to go from first to fourth, the car gets into a higher gear and as a result returns better mileage - and avoids the gas guzzler penalty.
Many have installed the CAGS Eliminator - it's a simple solenoid that plugs into the side of the transaxle and fools the computer. Personally, I just rev the engine to a higher point - say 2K rpm and the annoying CAGS never becomes an issue. Drive it like a sportscar and it won't be a problem. Save the $20 and go buy a Toy for Tots gift.
Many have installed the CAGS Eliminator - it's a simple solenoid that plugs into the side of the transaxle and fools the computer. Personally, I just rev the engine to a higher point - say 2K rpm and the annoying CAGS never becomes an issue. Drive it like a sportscar and it won't be a problem. Save the $20 and go buy a Toy for Tots gift.
Just watch the light on the dash. Once it goes off you can shift to 2nd instead of being forced into 4th. You'll notice it doesn't take much throttle to get past the 1-4 shift light.
