6 sp shifter locks up between 1st & 2nd

[1996purplelt4]

OK

All my previous vettes where automatics and this is my first 6 speed corvette and I know that there is a 1st to 4th light but I need some help. When going slow say 15 mph and shift from 1st to second the shifter locks up and you have to almost force it into either 2nd or 4th. If i get on it and get above 30 mph it seems to shift ok. I just got the car and don't want to break anything. I am going to try and get it up in the air and check the trans fluid ( what type was used ? ) Other than this the car is really nice and the LT4 is fast. I do hear a noise in the rear but I can't identify it yet. seems to be on the LH rear and more when I shift. The car has 61K miles on it .
Thanks

 

[6 Shooter]

My LT4 use to do that, I pushed it back into 1st then brought it into 2nd a bit harder. Changed the tranny fluid and she worked a lot better.

 

[6 Shooter]

FYI - 6 speed oil change, how do you fill it up?

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15776

Hope this helps!

Later . . . . . .
6 Shooter

 

[Stinger !!]

OK

All my previous vettes where automatics and this is my first 6 speed corvette and I know that there is a 1st to 4th light but I need some help. When going slow say 15 mph and shift from 1st to second the shifter locks up and you have to almost force it into either 2nd or 4th. If i get on it and get above 30 mph it seems to shift ok. I just got the car and don't want to break anything. I am going to try and get it up in the air and check the trans fluid ( what type was used ? ) Other than this the car is really nice and the LT4 is fast. I do hear a noise in the rear but I can't identify it yet. seems to be on the LH rear and more when I shift. The car has 61K miles on it .
Thanks

This sounds like you need a 'CAGS' plug...if you are not familiar with this it is available from Ecklers, Corvette Central and other Vette shops. All of these 6-speeds are "pre-rigged" to not shift from 1st to 2nd in low speed conditions right from GM. It is their answer to "forced" fuel economy...although it is stupid it is what they came up with as their answer...the trans will only shift from 1st to 4th if you are going slow, forcing you skip 2nd and 3rd...if this is your problem, this CAGS plug will stop that lovely GM feature instantly. They cost about $25.00 or so. Installs in the trany wire harness in about 30 seconds!!

Most likely there is nothing wrong with your shifter....Hope this helps!!

 

[Stinger !!]

My LT4 use to do that, I pushed it back into 1st then brought it into 2nd a bit harder. Changed the tranny fluid and she worked a lot better.

Come on 6 shooter!!!!

Did you forget about adding the 'CAGS' plug on these 6-speeds??

Oil change will have no effect on this problem...."just jam it in gear"....come on!!

 

[6 Shooter]

Did you forget about adding the 'CAGS' plug on these 6-speeds?

No - I have not forgotten, I have a 6 Speed!

I was not offering info on CAGS. otfl

 

[Stinger !!]

No - I have not forgotten, I have a 6 Speed!

I was not offering info on CAGS. otfl

6 Shooter...just 'bustin' on you alittle!! Please don't take me to serious!

 

[6 Shooter]

Eliminate 1st to 4th "Skip Shift"!

If you have disconnected the Computer Aided Gear Selection (CAGS) system, use our 1989-96 Performance Choice 6-Speed Skip Shift Bypass to protect the open ends of the harness. Dirt and corrosion can enter the open ends and cause problems. These plugs are custom made for the harness and allow you to reconnect it, if necessary, with no modifications or problems

http://www.madvet.com/shop?frame=3.327.721​

 

[6 Shooter]

Please don't take me to serious!

Not taken that way at all!

 

[Skyguy007]

You might want to check the fluid level in the clutch master cylinder. One cause of hard shifting on ZF 6-speeds is improper clutch maintenance. According to ZF Doc, improper clutch maintenance is the most common caused of transmission failure for ZF transmissions. Fairlure to fully disengage the clutch puts undo stress on the internal parts of the tranny.

I suggest you check out http://www.zfdoc.com/

The slave cylinder on my '96 used to have a slow leak. Each time the clutch fluid got low the transmission became hard to shift between 1st and 2nd gears, particularly before the car was warmed up. This was less noticable in the 3rd to 4th shift and in the higher gears. As it turned out, the clutch fluid on my Vette had never been bled. I ultimately replaced the clutch and put in Doug Rippie slave and master clutch cylinders.

 

[davec0_17]

There's a lot of very useful info on that site. I liked the power shifting tips, including the exercises to practice out of the car.

 

[Skyguy007]

I found many things on the ZF Doc site to be helpful. Especially when considering the expense involved in a transmission rebuild.

If you're going to practice the shifting exercise, I suggest you forewarn anyone who's around you. It looks silly, but it does work. I've practiced this before going to the track and found it helpful in reminding me how to shfit quickly without tearing up the clutch or the tranny.