CAGS (aka: Skip Shift)

[Apex Motorsports]

I've come across several threads lately on this and other forums where new Camaro owners have posted that they can't figure out why their transmission won't let them shift or are upset that GM is trying to tell them how to drive. With all the converts from other performance segments the new Camaro is attracting, I thought I'd try to explain what is going on and how to fix it as simply as possible.

CAGS, or Computer-Aided Gear Selection, is a feature on newer domestic performance vehicles equipped with a six speed manual transmission. The stated purpose of CAGS is to improve fuel economy under “normal” driving conditions and is activated when:

● the transmission is in 1st gear
● you are applying 35% throttle or less
● the vehicle is traveling between 15 and 21 mph
● engine coolant temperature is greater than 171 F (77 C)

When these parameters are met, CAGS overrides the driver and locks out 2nd and 3rd gear, forcing the driver to shift directly from 1st to 4th gear. Most serious drivers are unwilling to accept this factory installed nuisance and eliminating it is priority number one. There is a crude do-it-yourself fix, but the safest way to eliminate CAGS is by installing a Skip Shift Eliminator.

A quality Skip Shift Eliminator uses OEM weather-proof plugs and is installed by simply lifting your vehicle, unplugging the CAGS wiring harness from its solenoid (the solenoid is located on the drivers side towards the top of the transmission), and plugging the Skip Shift Eliminator inline between the harness and solenoid. These units trick the CAGS into thinking it's still in control but will not allow it to activate and will not trigger trouble codes or the “Service” light on your dash board.

[Big Brunsy]

This is the one I got

[Sheitskees]

That's funny that you posted this, just earlier I was asking myself how this worked lol. Thanks for the great info!

[rray200]

I just test drove a 6-speed 1SS today and didn't notice that skipshift thing at all. Completely non intrusive. Nothing wrong with having CAGS. Good thing is its a great way to avoid getting hit with gas guzzler tax. Apparently, the Challengers have the same thing.

[kwicslvr]

The best way around it is to always be more than 35% throttle in first gear when you start moving.

[Apex Motorsports]

Originally Posted by Sheitskees

That's funny that you posted this, just earlier I was asking myself how this worked lol. Thanks for the great info!

No problem. I hoped it would be helpful.

[TaylorRyanSS]

I got one but I do not even know where it it supposed to go to

[snizzle]

Originally Posted by Apex Chase

I've come across several threads lately on this and other forums where new Camaro owners have posted that they can't figure out why their transmission won't let them shift or are upset that GM is trying to tell them how to drive.

Well, GM is government owned and we do have the dems in majority.... first healthcare, now this... AHHHH!!!!

Tongue in cheek of course

[fielderLS3]

Originally Posted by Apex Chase

CAGS, or Computer-Aided Gear Selection, is a feature on newer domestic performance vehicles equipped with a six speed manual transmission. The

CAGS isn't that new. Didn't Corvettes have that back in the mid 80s already?

[Apex Motorsports]

Originally Posted by fielderLS3

CAGS isn't that new. Didn't Corvettes have that back in the mid 80s already?

I used "newer" in reference to modern performance vehicles, not to say CAGS is something new. The oldest vehicles I'm aware of that were equipped with CAGS are from the mid-90s.

[Apex Paul]

Originally Posted by Big Brunsy

This is the one I got

I think there might be a better deal out there somewhere

[Kwik]

My 94 1LE Z-28 had it.

[Apex Motorsports]

Originally Posted by Kwik

My 94 1LE Z-28 had it.

I'm pretty sure CAGS debuted on those 4th generation Camaros in 93 or 94.

[sask-man]

Originally Posted by Big Brunsy

This is the one I got

Got mine off E-Bay - $12.95 same thing