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Why do you think its not working? If you think its not working because the light still comes on, this is normal. The light will still come on, but the solenoid isn't operational, so you can still shift into second. If you put in the CAGS eliminator that I've seen, there is no way the solenoid could actually function because its totally disconnected.
I separated the original plug, put the CAGS substitute piece on the transmission, put the other CAGS piece in the other connection, installing per instructions.
Yes, I know the light doesn't matter.
Sometimes, between 15 and 19 mph, though, the gear shift will go only from 1st to 4th; other times it goes straight to 2nd with no problem.
It sounds like you got the CAGS eliminator done correctly, so the solenoid can't be the source of the problem. I wonder if you just aren't able to get the gears to mesh properly some times. Do you ever have trouble getting into any other gears?
I will mention something else, although I don't think it matters -- it looked to me as if GM had designed the non-transmission connector to defeat the install of the CAGS plug.
In other words, the CAGS had 3 open slots on its connecting end, with the middle one being non-contact and just a stabilizer. The similar end on the GM switch had that stabilizer insert married to its holder on one side. The only way I could get the CAGS plug to go into the GM connector was by cutting a slot in the plastic with my pocket knife so that half-married stabilizer piece could slide in there and seat the plugs together.
It's more difficult to find words to describe this than it was to do it, and I don't see how this could have anything to do with the CAGS working intermittently.
Hmmm... I'm puzzeled too. There's no way that current can get from the harness to the solenoid because they're completely separated. So I don't think the problem is really with the solenoid. I'd lean towards some problem with the shift linkage, a dragging clutch, or something in the transmission. Maybe someone else out there has an idea?
I have a 2002 A4 but my buddy bought a 2002 M6 and installed the CAGS eliminator which he bought from Ecklers....works every time at any speed without fail. I doubt that GM would have bothered to build a CAGS eliminator defeat plug..
Sounds to me like you've unplugged the wrong solenoid as evidenced by:
1. CAGS still engages, and
2. You had to modify the connector
Several electrical connectors serve the gearbox including the reverse lockout solenoid, the trans fluid temp sensor, and the backup light switch. The CAGS is locatred on the driver's side, mid way down the assembly, and enters the gearbox at an upward angle.
Double check the install before you miss a gear and end up in reverse with a box of worthless metal scraps behind you.
There are 3 or 4 electrial connectors going to the transmission (temperature skip shift, etc.). You might have pulled the wrong connector. The service manual dioes have some pics and there is info on line about locating the solinoid plug. Good luck.
When we get the connector there is a web that is inside that we actually drill out of the ones we make.
Some manufactures do not take this web out and sometimes you can not install it deep enough to make a good connection. You should be able to take the web out with a needle nose pliers if it is still there.
When we get the connector there is a web that is inside that we actually drill out of the ones we make.
Some manufactures do not take this web out and sometimes you can not install it deep enough to make a good connection. You should be able to take the web out with a needle nose pliers if it is still there.
This reply is to all of you who responded to my query about my CAGS installation.
Thanks to your feedback, I was able to determine it was my goof -- I did install it on the wrong connector.
Have a laugh on el stupido, because it wasn't even a connection that went to the transmission. I just replaced the first thing I saw that looked like the CAGS (dumber than ....).
Just guessing, it was probably the speed sensor or the backup light connector.
Please laugh, it really is funny, and know that I'm very grateful to each of you for helping me correct the mistake.
The Forum works. Nobody knows it all or has seen it all. I'm happy that this situation was corrected before you fragged your gearbox or did major hurt to yourself. or failed to illuminate your backup lights :eek: