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One of the most annoying "features" of the C4 and C5 Corvettes both have is the Computer Aided Gear Selection (CAGS). For most Corvette owners, it is neither a "feature" nor an Aid. CAGS is only installed on manual Corvettes. It was designed by GM to avoid the gas guzzler tax. This feature forces the driver to shift from first to fourth gear when the engine is warm and the rpm is in the lower range and the gas pedal is only slightly depressed.

While some may consider the forced shift a positive thing, because surely the first to fourth shift increases gas milage, most driver want control of what gear the transmission is in.

Fortunately, there is a simple bypass you can install in minutes that will eliminate this feature. The CAGS eliminator is a small wiring harness that plugs into the existing wiring so that the Corvette's computers will not throw error codes. The CAGS eliminator is available for years 1989-2001 and can be purchased through the VetteFinders.com online store.

First, block the front tires. Use a floor jack to raise the rear end of the car. (See "How to Jack a C5) Then place jackstands under the rear support. The transmission is located at the rear of the car just in front of the rear differential. Look on the driver's side of the transmission near the top. You will see a blue and white wiring harness plugged into the transmission

Next, gently pry up the clip holding the harness into the transmission and pull it out. Take the small bypass plug and plug it in from where you just removed the harness. Then take the larger bypass harness and plug it into the original wire that went into the transmission. Now, you will notice, that if you didn't secure the wiring, it would hang down and possibly contact some hot surfaces. You can eliminate this with the use of a zip-tie. There is a round hole that you can zip-tie the harness to. After the harness is secure, you are done.

The 1st to 4th shift light on the dashboard will still illuminate, however, the computer will not force the shift and the computers will not display any error codes.

For questions or comments about this article, drop RHYS a line at chrisg@VetteFinders.com .

CAGS Bypass Installation on a C5 (Manual)

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