Skip Shift Elimination!

The following is THE way IMO to eliminate the Skip Shift "feature" on 94 and 95 F-Bodies.  Unfortunately, this method only works on 94 and 95 models which are the OBD-I type.  This will throw an SES light if done on an OBD-II F-Body; the 96+.  It is very "clean," simple, and doesn't involve resistors that can burn up or fall out.  I have done this on my 95 Trans Am and 96 SS without problems.  (The 96 has a 94 PCM... that's why it works on *this* particular 96 :)

The actual method to do this is taken from the FAQ at www.f-body.org but I have added pictures for easier reference.There is a lot of other excellent information in the FAQ and it's definitely worth checking out! 

First, a little history behind CAGS.

Q: What's CAGS (skip shift) and how does it work?

A: CAGS stands for Computer Assisted Gear Selection and is on 1994 and on cars with 6 speed transmissions. It's purpose is to improve gas mileage and avoid the "gas-guzzler" new car tax. CAGS comes into play under the following conditions:

• you're in 1st gear (of course)
• you're at 35% throttle or less
• you're between 15 and 21 mph
• engine coolant temperature is greater than 171 F (77 C)

This will energize the skip-shift solenoid and force a 1st to 4th shift. What happens is you'll be moving happily along when suddenly the "Skip Shift" light goes on in the dash. At this point you will be locked out of 2nd and 3rd. You simply cannot shift into them. At this point several options are available to you:

• shift into 4th
• shift into 5th
• shift into 6th
• coast in neutral until the RPMs drop and CAGS is disengaged
• open up the throttle a bit more and shift into 2nd or 3rd

Interestingly, 1st gear is determined by the PCM calculating from the speed sensor input and the RPM values. Disconnecting the solenoid connector disables CAGS but an error code 84 WILL be set if the PCM does not measure voltage at the solenoid connection to the computer for a period of 26 sec. This code is stored but will NOT light the Service Engine light. Apparently Chevy correctly anticipated the rush for owners to disable this function. A resistor inserted in the connector will allow voltage to the PCM input and prevent this code setting but who cares since the code is reference only.

Disabling CAGS and the Skip Shift Light

The following procedure requires a 10mm socket, extension, ratchet, and awl (or similar tool with a pointed tip):

1. Disconnect the battery.

2. Remove the two bolts holding the PCM to the inner fenderwell. (The PCM is the cigar box sized unit located near the passenger side hood hinge.)
   
   
   

3. Pull the PCM from its lower retaining slot and position the unit so that the connectors are accessible.
4. To disable CAGS, remove the 32-Way F Micro-Pack connector marked "Blue" on the PCM. There is a red retaining clip that needs to be removed first. (Once the connector is removed you will be able to see a blue connector pin guide.)   NOTE:  The two wires taped up in the picture are the two wires you'll be pulling from the PCM connectors.  I took the pictures after I performed this mod :-)
   
   
   
5. Use the awl to open the gray connector back shell (3 snap latches).
6. Use the awl again to remove the blue connector/pin guide located on the front of the connector (2 snap latches).
   
   
   
7. Find the white wire in location 15. This is the wire for the Skip Shift light.  The pins are marked on the back of the connector where the wires go in to it.
8. Gently lift the pin retainer for slot 15 while gently pulling the wire from the back of the connector. Once the wire end is clear of the retaining latches, release the pin retainer. Continue to pull the wire until it is free of the connector body. (There is a seal near the back of the connector that will add a little resistance to the pulling.)
9. Perform the above except this time for the GRAY wire in location 13 of the PCM connector labeled "Black."  This gray wire is for the Skip Shift solenoid.  This is what actually disables CAGS without having to disconnect anything under the car or insert resistors.  If this wire is pulled from the connector on a 96+ F-Body, the service engine light will remain lit.
10. Tape off the ends of the wires.
11. Reinstall the connector/pin guides. (They only go on one way.)
12. Snap the back shell in place on both connectors.
13. Reinstall the connectors on the PCM.
14. Reinstall the PCM by reversing the first two steps.
15. Reconnect the battery.

Even though the procedure looks complicated and intimidating, it should only take about 15 minutes to complete. This will cause error code 91 to be set and stored in the PCM in addition to code 84 set by removing the solenoid.  This is only detectable by use of a scan tool.  The above codes do not cause the service engine light to illuminate.