LS3 Transmission Question

[Seawolf]

First off, let me apologize if this has been covered elsewhere in the forum, but after conducting a search I couldn't find any answer to my specific question; so here goes... . Also, if anyone that actually has a 1SS or 2SS with manual transmission can answer this question, the first hand experience would be much appreciated.

I know that the L99 (SS with Auto) engine is equipped with cylindar deactivation to improve fuel economy. I have also read that the LS3 (SS with Manual) is equipped with some type of "1st to 4th" transmission to improve fuel economy on its end. It's my understanding that the transmission will not allow you to shift from 1st to 2nd unless certain requirements have been met such as engine speed and/or actual speed. I also believe this is the same system the Corvette uses (so you 'vette guys can offer an answer, too). Please correct me if I'm wrong on any of this.

Here's the actual question: What factors does the Camaro look at when deciding whether to let you shift directly from 1st to 2nd? Do you have to reach a certain engine speed, i.e. 3000 RPM or what? Also, is there a light or something on the dash that tells you when it is possible to shift directly from 1st to 2nd instead of going directly from 1st to 4th?

Again, I appreciate any information you guys can give me on this and please correct me if I'm wrong about any of this.

[TomServo]

Originally Posted by Seawolf

First off, let me apologize if this has been covered elsewhere in the forum, but after conducting a search I couldn't find any answer to my specific question; so here goes... . Also, if anyone that actually has a 1SS or 2SS with manual transmission can answer this question, the first hand experience would be much appreciated.

I know that the L99 (SS with Auto) engine is equipped with cylindar deactivation to improve fuel economy. I have also read that the LS3 (SS with Manual) is equipped with some type of "1st to 4th" transmission to improve fuel economy on its end. It's my understanding that the transmission will not allow you to shift from 1st to 2nd unless certain requirements have been met such as engine speed and/or actual speed. I also believe this is the same system the Corvette uses (so you 'vette guys can offer an answer, too). Please correct me if I'm wrong on any of this.

Here's the actual question: What factors does the Camaro look at when deciding whether to let you shift directly from 1st to 2nd? Do you have to reach a certain engine speed, i.e. 3000 RPM or what? Also, is there a light or something on the dash that tells you when it is possible to shift directly from 1st to 2nd instead of going directly from 1st to 4th?

Again, I appreciate any information you guys can give me on this and please correct me if I'm wrong about any of this.

Taken from the 2009 Corvette Owners Manual (since I can't find a pdf version of the Camaro's Owners manual), but I'd bet the rules are exactlt the same.

"Notice: Forcing the shift lever into any gear except
FOURTH (4) when the 1 TO 4 SHIFT light comes
on may damage the transmission. Shift only from
FIRST (1) to FOURTH (4) when the light comes on.
This light will come on when:
• The engine coolant temperature is higher than
169°F (76°C),
• the vehicle is going 15 to 19 mph (24 to 31 km/h) and
• the vehicle 21 percent throttle or less.

Tom

[MarkSS]

I have just over 2100 miles on my 1SS with a manual. The short answer: 1.There is a light that comes on in the Driver Information Center (between speedo and tach) when the 1-4 is activated. 2. I have experienced this twice in all of the miles.

I imagine that the owners manual lays out the conditions for 1-4, but since I don't have it here, I will give you what it seems like from behind the wheel. A low speed start and a quick shift out of first when the engine is warm gives you the 1-4, definitely below 3000 RPM.

[BigRigMike]

I will search but i believe number 3 posted a picture of the DIC that shows the image when skip shift is active. I call it skip shift but the official name is CAGS.

For searching here or google i would recommend the key words "skip shift" or "CAGS" and if i remember correctly CAGS stands for Computer Aided Gear Selection.

[Chrisrp454]

On my stock 98 4th gen, I do not even notice 1st to 4th skip, but than I been behind the wheell for 240000+ miles.

[Wild Bill]

If you excelarate slowly, at low rpms (like in city traffic), you will be forced to shift into 4th when you attempt to shift to second. More rpms and harder acceleration allows you to go into 2nd and 3rd, etc. It's a bit disconcerting at first, but you will get used to it and it will save you on gas in city traffic.

I'm still waiting on my Camaro, but I had a C6 Vette and I had no problem with the skip shift. There are products available that will attach to your engine that will eliminate the skip shift. I do not know if they will void your warantee. Search the theads for Skip Shift eliminator, if you're interested.

[gen5-ss]

TomServo's post is identical to the explanation provided in the Camaro Owners Manual. When conditions are met, a picture appears on the driver information screen, located between the speedometer and tack, that shows the manual gear pattern with an arrow drawn from 1st to 4th. It rarely happens unless you are driving in heavy traffic. Although I plan on having the skip shift eliminator installed, I really haven't found this to be much of a problem

[Seawolf]

Originally Posted by MarkSS

I have just over 2100 miles on my 1SS with a manual. The short answer: 1.There is a light that comes on in the Driver Information Center (between speedo and tach) when the 1-4 is activated. 2. I have experienced this twice in all of the miles.

I imagine that the owners manual lays out the conditions for 1-4, but since I don't have it here, I will give you what it seems like from behind the wheel. A low speed start and a quick shift out of first when the engine is warm gives you the 1-4, definitely below 3000 RPM.

The two times you've had to shift from 1st to 4th, did you notice any significant "bog" in the engine? I know there's a lot of torque on hand, but even with that it just boggles my mind that going from 1st to 4th at low speed wouldn't bog the engine down. Sorry for my incompetence, but the most powerful manual I've driven was a 2007 Impreza STI and even with that car I don't think I'd ever try that.

Anyway, thanks to the other guys, too. Thanks for the 'vette info and I will definitely use those search terms to search the site and google. Thanks again for the speedy responses.

[gen5-ss]

To respond to your question, yes, you definetly feel the engine bog when you shift from 1st to 4th, however, if that becomes a problem you can quickly downshift into 3rd.

[2010SSRS]

a little picture shows up on the DIC of the shift pattern showing 1-4 with it.

when this happens, you pullthe shifter down into 2nd but the shift automatically tunnels over to 4th. can u force it into 2nd? yes......it will grind like all hell! (buddy did it in his.......like shifting a muncie with no clutch)

this happens when accelerating very, very slowly. rpm's don't matter. when i see the 1-4 graphic in the DIC, i have tried raising the rpm's, but it doesn't matter. it's an acceleration thing. if you drive normal........it won't come into play.

and yes, when it does happen and your in 4th...........it's boggy (ur only doing 20ish and in 4th)

SLP and i hear dealers sell a plug that installs in seconds that disables this and doesn't void ur warranty. it's about $20 - $40. but while it allows u to shift as u want..........the DIC display still appears. to get rid of it 100%, it has to be "tuned" out.

[slick rick]

Originally Posted by Seawolf

Also, is there a light or something on the dash that tells you when it is possible to shift directly from 1st to 2nd instead of going directly from 1st to 4th?

Here is a video and picture posted by Embalmer:

[TomServo]

This is what a Corvette CAGS By-Pass looks like (I believe they will work on the Camaro since they share the same M6)
http://www.westcoastcorvette.com/p-4...c5-c6-z06.aspx

Tom

[slick rick]

Originally Posted by 2010SSRS

SLP and i hear dealers sell a plug that installs in seconds that disables this and doesn't void ur warranty. it's about $20 - $40. but while it allows u to shift as u want..........the DIC display still appears. to get rid of it 100%, it has to be "tuned" out.

Even Jay Leno recommends the skip shift eliminator: http://www.nbc.com/The_Tonight_Show_...verride/39182/

[Gentry78]

Originally Posted by TomServo

Taken from the 2009 Corvette Owners Manual (since I can't find a pdf version of the Camaro's Owners manual), but I'd bet the rules are exactlt the same.

"Notice: Forcing the shift lever into any gear except
FOURTH (4) when the 1 TO 4 SHIFT light comes
on may damage the transmission. Shift only from
FIRST (1) to FOURTH (4) when the light comes on.
This light will come on when:
• The engine coolant temperature is higher than
169°F (76°C),
• the vehicle is going 15 to 19 mph (24 to 31 km/h) and
• the vehicle 21 percent throttle or less.

Tom

this is the same as the camaro manual