Track

Still getting to know the Z06. Can someone please explain the system logic behind this 1 to 4 Econ shift? At seemingly random times the shifter kicks you straight to 4th. The owner’s manual mentions it, but does not explain what triggers it...and I sure can’t see any consistency.

Second question would be if it can be turned off. Guess I’m old school, but if I want a 1-4 shift I would like to choose when to do it.

Judgment Day

There are other threads on it buried in the archives and I believe someone will explain it better than I could, but I believe the Skip Shift is supposed to be "active" while in 1st and between 15-20MPH...so if you attempt to shift from 1st in that range, 2nd and 3rd gears are locked out. This cannot be turned off, but you can buy accessories to override it.

I usually don't worry about it, as I don't shift to 2nd until around 22-25MPH.

Track

Thanks. I’ve been trying to search for it without luck. I’ll try different words.

There must be something else factored in, as I have duplicated the shift speeds immediately after it triggered the skip once, and it will not always do it. It’s a bit disconcerting, to say the least.

WMark

This is a good answer, and close. It is actually RPM's and not MPH. Someone will correct me, but I believe if you can keep the revs above 2000, you can shift 1-2, 2-3, etc.

I'm on my fourth manual with this distraction. Over time, with the first one, learned how to drive keeping the rev's up just enough that it is no longer an issue. You can buy something to eliminate it, but I saved the money and just changed my driving technique. It ends up becoming second-nature.

fugly1

Pretty sure that you override it if you exceed 18 mph or exceed a certain amount of acceleration (i.e., press on the accelerator hard enough). I have learned to largely avoid it, and when I can't avoid it (reasonably), I shift from 1 to neutral to 2. Not really an issue anymore.

4thC4at60

It only happens when I want it to. You can quickly learn to provide enough rpms to skip it. I've got 55K in my C7 with M7.

owc6

Use the go pedal more and shift later to avoid it. It won't happen then. The concept hasn't changed since I owned my C6 Z06.

I do have a question, though. I thought this was something to avoid the gas guzzler tax? I thought the manual C7 Z06 paid the gas guzzler tax? Why is the 1-4 shift still there? Educate me.

Track

Thanks to all. I’ll have to play with it a bit more. The criteria just seems backwards from what would be logical. I.e., if you rev higher, then it makes sense to skip 2 gears so you go into to 4th with decent revs to keep accelerating...while reving lower and skipping the gears leaves the rpm REALLY low and engine lugs when you skip to 4th?!? Guess the reverse logic is why it was confusing me so much.

Higher revs it is!

Avanti

Just drive it like the sports car it is and you'll never experience "skip-shift." Trust me on this, I know what of I speak!!!

JerryU

Been used on the Vette for a number or years. It's there to allow GM to get more mpg in the fixed EPA specified driving test required when reporting mpg! If you shift above 19/20 mph it does not activate. If you look in the Owner's Manual you'll see for best mpg they suggest shifting at what brings the rpm down to ~1000 rpm and eliminate shifting to 2nd and 3rd! Doubt anyone drives a Vette that way! Although forced skip shift doesn't happen often in the C7, why not eliminate it ever happening?!

Installed what is called a skip shift eliminator in my C6, C7 Z51 and now my Grand Sport. They cost ,<$15 (Google skip shift eliminator) and worth the small amount of time it takes. Saw a gal in "All Girls Garage" install one in less than two minutes when she had a standard shift Camaro already on a lift!

Here is a PDF of my installs: http://netwelding.com/Skip_shift_Eliminator.pdf
(Note, I added insulation around the plastic connectors but it is not really needed if you use tie wraps so they can't touch the exhaust pipe.)

Possible Safety Hazard IMO!
Since I installed a skip shift eliminator in my C6 M6, never had it occur in 6 years, so forgot it was there! When I got my 2014 C7 M7 was in bumper-to-bumper traffic when I first got the car. Went to shift to 2nd and it didn't go in gear. Looked down and thought it was me getting used to the 7 speed! Car slowed as I fumbled!

Had the person behind, moved forward when I did, then got a beep on their phone, they could have looked down and been in my bumper! Bought a skip shift eliminator!

When I brought my Grand Sport home from the dealer, installed low dust ceramic brake pads I had purchased. (Did not want to bother with cleaning the rotors as I have with my 2017 C7, Z51 when switching pads.) When the drivers side rear wheel was jacked up (with jack stands in place) and wheel off, slid under from the side and installed the inexpensive skip shift eliminator I had also purchased! Now can shift in any gear I want only when I want!

The device simply disconnects the wires to the blocking solenoid. It puts a resister across the wires going to the computer so it still "think it activated the blocking solenoid" which is actually disconnected! Can't just unplug the solenoid connector as it will trip a CEL!

SFCTeach

Like others mentioned you can adapt your driving to minimize the message and lockout, but if you tune the tuner can also remove the skip shift through the software (I am tuned).

JerryU

^^^
Yep tuning can elimintae it but any tune voids the warranty!

A ~$15 skip shift eliminator does not nor does the computer know it happened! That is why you just can't disconnect the plug to the blocking solenoid on the trans. That ~$15 gets two connectors plus the proper value resistor that "fools" the computer into thinking it energized the solenoid! If shifting at a low speed, you'll still get the 1 to 4 shift light on the dash, showing the computer "thinks" it did it's job!

nytrorcr

Drive it like you stole it,,,,,,,problem solved. when I got my C6 it was a pain but got used to the right RPM level and all is well, I can't remember if my C7 has ever locked me out to 4th gear.

J.Moore

CAGS has been part of the Corvette for nearly 30 years now. Seriously, owners still don't know about it or understand it? GM built the Corvette with the "skip shift eliminator" already designed and built into production from the start. It's the vertical pedal under drivers right foot. No need for switches, gadgets and gizmos.

Who grannies a Vette on takeoff under 2000 RPM in 1st? So even if you do have to go 1-4 whats the problem? You can start off in 2nd too and not see that dreaded 1-4.

C6_Racer_X

Pressing harder on the tall pedal with your right foot will eliminate the "skip shift."

If you're on a fuel economy run, starting in 2nd gear also eliminates/disables the "skip shift." Not recommended for up hill starts, but generally acceptable for level ground or down hill starts.

And it's not just about the "gas guzzler tax." That skip shift also adds significantly to the fuel economy number on the window sticker, and to CAFE numbers.

JerryU

Funny, this is my 5th Vette and installed a skip shift eliminator on those with skip shift! Sure it seldom occurs on my Grand Sport, not sure I have seen the little 1 to 4 light on the dash and frankly don't look! However don't like anything telling me when to shift to what gear and when! I'll make those decisions!

At 75 I drive aggressively! Live it a rural area with farm fields on long stretches of little used roads where the cows and cotton don't care how fast I drive! Hit near redline frequently up through 3rd gear! Yep in normal driving shift out of 1st well past where it would activate.

For those of us with jacks, who change our own oil and get our hands dirty a ~$15 shift eliminator is so simple to install-why not! For you young folks, skip two Starbucks Lottas and by one! That assumes you have a jack!

rrsperry

Just install the CAGS eliminator, and be done. Yes, you can press the loud pedal more, but there are times I don't want to. Now, I never have to think about it. For $20... it's a no brainer. As was the Vittesse controller, and the MGW shifter. The car is much better with them, than without them.

Oh, and if anybody lives near Maryland, I'll install the CAGS plug for free. Just to help a guy out...

Speednet

As others have mentioned, install the CAGS eliminator and never worry about it again. Very simple install and cheap.

davidtcpa

Learn to shift at a slightly higher RPM and you wont have an issue. Around 2000.

I rarely get the 1-4 skip. Only in heavy traffic.

JerryU

Gald to see support for this simple, inexpensive mod!

I got flack when I installed the Vittesse controller as well. Not Needed! The reason I added was interesting. I had a 2014 Z51 without mag shocks and always drove in Sport Mode. That had the most aggressive throttle response. My Grand Sport comes with mag shocks and I normally drive in Touring. See below table, the 2017 has 4 throttle setting and to have the most aggressive need to drive in Track Mode. That rattles your teeth and is warned against as hitting a pot hole can break a wheel or shock!

Just to get back to the more aggressive throttle response I was used to for 3 1/2 years, the Vittesse is perfect. Have set a 4/5 of their 0 to 9 options.