Skip Shift Problem

[relapsing]

I recently brought my car to a shop to have new tires put on + adjust the height of the coils. The mechanic went ahead and resetted my check engine light.

For the past 2 weeks when the skip shift screen pops up (1-4), i'm locked out of 2nd, 3rd, and 5th gear......FOREVER! I've had my car since 2011 and whenever the skip shift screen comes on, I get locked out for a couple seconds and then it lets me back in. The first time this happened I pulled over, turned off the car and turned it back on and it let me back into all gears. However, this happened again yesterday and I was locked out for about 15 minutes. The skip shift screen popped up again while I was locked out and when it went away, it unlocked the gears...

I've gone ahead and ordered a skip shift eliminator, but i'm not sure if it's going to work. http://www.amazon.com/SLP-Performanc.../dp/B002WBRRHE

Anyone have any idea why this happening? Any help is appreciated!

[Apex Motorsports]

That should prevent the lock out from being able to physically activate but there seems to be a deeper problem. CAGS is definitely not functioning properly.

[relapsing]

Originally Posted by Apex Chase

That should prevent the lock out from being able to physically activate but there seems to be a deeper problem. CAGS is definitely not functioning properly.

Do you think it's possible that when the mechanic got rid of the CEL, something might've affected the CAGS?

[Badbubba]

What was the code for the check engine light before it was cleared? Before my tune, it would lock out 2&3 for a few seconds, but not 5th and not forever. If your not out of warranty and not heavily modded, take it to the dealership.

[relapsing]

Originally Posted by Badbubba

What was the code for the check engine light before it was cleared? Before my tune, it would lock out 2&3 for a few seconds, but not 5th and not forever. If your not out of warranty and not heavily modded, take it to the dealership.

The CEL was for the 02 sensors since i'm catless (according to the mechanic).

Only mods I have are:
1. K&N Intake
2. Ark N-II Exhaust System
3. JBA Mid-Pipe
4. BC Racing Coilovers

I have 7 year warranty so i'm good but a friend of mine told me the dealership could void my warranty for the mid-pipe and coilovers

[Badbubba]

If they void you for those mods, they would just be total a$$es. Unless when the shop that installed the exhaust damaged some wiring or the exhaust is in contact with the wiring and melted the insulation. Doubtful though. The CAGS wiring is up high on the trans, iirc, but never know.

[Apex Motorsports]

Originally Posted by relapsing

Do you think it's possible that when the mechanic got rid of the CEL, something might've affected the CAGS?

I don't see what he could have done to cause it.

Originally Posted by relapsing

I have 7 year warranty so i'm good but a friend of mine told me the dealership could void my warranty for the mid-pipe and coilovers

That would be illegal under federal law. Neither the dealership or GM can outright void your warranty due simply to the presence of aftermarket parts. They can only deny a warranty repair claim IF the issue is question is a direct result of the modification.

Will This Modification Void My Warranty?

[AG1LE]

Originally Posted by Apex Chase

They can only deny a warranty repair claim IF the issue is question is a direct result of the modification.

In theory I believe this is true, but in practice it may not be as easy as it sounds. A good dealership will be reasonable and work with you, but a not-so-good dealership may just throw their hands up and blame the problem on your mods because that's the easiest solution for them. Be prepared to push them a bit (respectfully) if they start claiming a direct connection to your mods that doesn't make sense, or that they can't fully explain. At the end of the day they can do whatever they want (reasonable or not), but given the issue you're having, I think it's worth a shot.

[relapsing]

Originally Posted by JMWNERW

In theory I believe this is true, but in practice it may not be as easy as it sounds. A good dealership will be reasonable and work with you, but a not-so-good dealership may just throw their hands up and blame the problem on your mods because that's the easiest solution for them. Be prepared to push them a bit (respectfully) if they start claiming a direct connection to your mods that doesn't make sense, or that they can't fully explain. At the end of the day they can do whatever they want (reasonable or not), but given the issue you're having, I think it's worth a shot.

Thanks for all the input guys. I'm going to install the skip shift eliminator and see what happens first. I'd like to stay away from dealerships as much as possible!

[Apex Motorsports]

Originally Posted by JMWNERW

In theory I believe this is true, but in practice it may not be as easy as it sounds. A good dealership will be reasonable and work with you, but a not-so-good dealership may just throw their hands up and blame the problem on your mods because that's the easiest solution for them. Be prepared to push them a bit (respectfully) if they start claiming a direct connection to your mods that doesn't make sense, or that they can't fully explain. At the end of the day they can do whatever they want (reasonable or not), but given the issue you're having, I think it's worth a shot.

No doubt, there are dealerships that try to take advantage of their customers ignorance. But it is your responsibility to know better and stand up. You have the law on your side. If they try to claim that your air intake is causing your driver's side window to not operate or something outrageous like that you need to speak to a manager. If that doesn't get you anywhere you need to get in touch with GM customer service. You also need to notify them both of your intentions to contact the state attorney general office if the matter is not resolved.

[Edge1]

this same scenario just happened to me today. I became completely locked out of 2nd and third gears for a couple of miles. guess it is going back to the dealership. car is completely stock. Did a CAGS eliminator fix the OP's problem?

[Chevrolet Customer Svc]

Originally Posted by Edge1

this same scenario just happened to me today. I became completely locked out of 2nd and third gears for a couple of miles. guess it is going back to the dealership. car is completely stock. Did a CAGS eliminator fix the OP's problem?

Edge1,

Sincere apologies to hear about the transmission concerns. Though you're seeking opinions, I'd be happy to communicate this with the designated Customer Experience Manager (CEM) at your preferred dealer if you feel an official diagnosis is necessary. Feel free to message us privately if you'd like to proceed, or discuss this situation further.

William R.
Chevrolet Customer Care

[shibbs]

The skip-shift eliminator will only allow you to go in second. So you'll have access to 1st, 2nd, and 4th. AFAIK, you'll still be locked out of 3rd as the connection is only severed to the second gear lockout solenoid.

EDIT: I'll check when I get home! Great excuse to go out for a drive!

[Destructo09]

Originally Posted by shibbs

The skip-shift eliminator will only allow you to go in second. So you'll have access to 1st, 2nd, and 4th. AFAIK, you'll still be locked out of 3rd as the connection is only severed to the second gear lockout solenoid.

EDIT: I'll check when I get home! Great excuse to go out for a drive!

It shouldn't lock you out of third after putting in a skip shift eliminator.