How do I defeat 1st to 4th shift?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,119
Likes: 213
From: Pittsburgh PA
How do I defeat 1st to 4th shift?
My good friend :cheers: just bought a 2002 with a 6 speed. I told him I thought there was a simple way to defeat the low RPM 1st to 4th shift. I thought I read about disconnecting a wire. :smash: Please help.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 589
Likes: 0
From: Kirtland Ohio
Re: How do I defeat 1st to 4th shift? (minivanownerseeksvette)
Many of the forum vendors sell an item called a CAGS Eliminator. This small device is easily installed on the side of the transmission. It defeats the activation of the 1 to 4 upshift solenoid. You will, however, see the 1 to 4 message on the dash display but it will not function. I presently am having a problem with mine after 2 years in that it is showing a diagnostic code and occasionally will enable the check engine light. I think I can correct this easily but need to get the car on a lift. I will probably replace it with a new one.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 1,908
Likes: 0
From: Manassas, VA, USA
Re: How do I defeat 1st to 4th shift? (minivanownerseeksvette)
Very simple method: don't shift from 1st until your rpm is above 2100. I tested the 1 - 4 shift just to make sure it worked on when my C5 was new, and haven't done it since. And the best part about this method is the cost:
$0.00 :yesnod: :yesnod:
$0.00 :yesnod: :yesnod:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,331
Likes: 39
Re: How do I defeat 1st to 4th shift? (Lashtal)
My 1st to 4th shift deal came on the other day because I was in a parking lot or something, so I just shifted to 4th and went on. It was pretty natural because I was going slow.
It also came on when I was on the way home from the dealer, when the car was new 18 months ago, I think its been on twice other than that.
It really depends on your driving style. It only comes on if you are accelerating less than 17%? If I'm ever moving that slow I think a shift to 4th is a good idea.
For me buying and shipping a peice of plastic to put in between the connecter and the contact is a waste of time, effort, and $.
But that's just my opinion because I have a heavy right foot.
It also came on when I was on the way home from the dealer, when the car was new 18 months ago, I think its been on twice other than that.
It really depends on your driving style. It only comes on if you are accelerating less than 17%? If I'm ever moving that slow I think a shift to 4th is a good idea.
For me buying and shipping a peice of plastic to put in between the connecter and the contact is a waste of time, effort, and $.
But that's just my opinion because I have a heavy right foot.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 8,655
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, NY
Re: How do I defeat 1st to 4th shift? (minivanownerseeksvette)
CAGS stands for Computer Aided Gear Selection (aka Corvettes Aganinst Granny Shifters ;) )
It was implemented by GM to avoid the Gas Guzzler Tax
You will see the 1 to 4 light on the dash come on and it will guide you from 1st gear to 4th gear under the following conditions for 99 and later Vettes:
1) You are travelling between 15 MPH and 19 MPH
2) You are at 21% throttle or less
3) Coolant temperature is above 169F
* For 97 and 98 the parameters are 12-19MPH, 35% throttle, and coolant above 135F
CAGS is easily defeated by waiting to shift until you hit 20 MPH. Or, you can purchase and install one of the numerous CAGS disablers offered by most Corvette vendors. Check in the Corvetteforum mall for details.
And, NEVER force the shifter into 2nd gear when CAGS is enabled. Damage can occur. Always shift into 4th and then downshift from there (if necesary).
It was implemented by GM to avoid the Gas Guzzler Tax
You will see the 1 to 4 light on the dash come on and it will guide you from 1st gear to 4th gear under the following conditions for 99 and later Vettes:
1) You are travelling between 15 MPH and 19 MPH
2) You are at 21% throttle or less
3) Coolant temperature is above 169F
* For 97 and 98 the parameters are 12-19MPH, 35% throttle, and coolant above 135F
CAGS is easily defeated by waiting to shift until you hit 20 MPH. Or, you can purchase and install one of the numerous CAGS disablers offered by most Corvette vendors. Check in the Corvetteforum mall for details.
And, NEVER force the shifter into 2nd gear when CAGS is enabled. Damage can occur. Always shift into 4th and then downshift from there (if necesary).
Racer
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 371
Likes: 0
From: Paris TX
Re: How do I defeat 1st to 4th shift? (minivanownerseeksvette)
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Drifting
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,480
Likes: 0
Re: How do I defeat 1st to 4th shift? (minivanownerseeksvette)
I have an install page for the CAGS eliminator on my web site. See sig. 
It's not as cheap as the Radio Shack resistor, but it works... and I feel a little more comfortable with it this way.
Dave
It's not as cheap as the Radio Shack resistor, but it works... and I feel a little more comfortable with it this way.
Dave
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 26,714
Likes: 344
From: Houston, TX
Re: How do I defeat 1st to 4th shift? (Sunset Vette)
If the damn thing comes on once in eight years, it's once too much. For $20 just get the CAGS eliminator. If you don't have a lift, drive it up on a couple of boards. Even if you have never done it, and are totally inept, it takes about 10 minutes. Why do you guys even debate this for such little expense and work? :D
