Skip Shift Disable and Dashboard Access

[ViperInBlack]

Is the skip shift aftermarket kit installed at the dash level or at the transmission? (How difficult?)

I have a light out on the dash. Getting to the dash beneath the steering column is somewhat obscure. How is it done?

Thank you.


Alice

P.S. I am a new VCA Member

 

[Joseph Dell]

This is installed at the transmission... there is a part # for the corvette piece that you can get from Summit Racing for like $25 or $35 bucks. Jack up the car, disconnect one harness from the tranny, plug this harness into the tranny, and connect the piece you just took out back to this piece. piece of cake... 5 minutes max.

Good luck!

Joseph

 

[ViperInBlack]

That was extremely helpful.

May I ask two more questions:

1. This wire harness into the transmission....is there a schematic for what/where each wire in the factory harness

2. Is skip shift implemented by the tach, speedo or transmission rotation?

Thanks.


Alice

 

[Viper Specialty]

It plugs into the existing connector for the transmission, no tapping wires. There are only two connectors on the trans, so it is difficult to get it wrong. One is skip-shift, the other is reverse lockout.

Skipshift is controlled by engine temp, Intake air temp, Speed, and RPM. (Mainly RPM However)

 

[ViperInBlack]

General question: But does not the transmission send a signal to the speedometer (electrical) that measures speed. The Viper does not use a mechanical speedometer does it?

I have not seen the wires out of the transmission, but I assumed that one or more went from the transmission to the speedometer directly.

Have many mechanical questions. Have only had this Viper since Sunday, less than 72 hours.

Alice

 

[GR8_ASP]

For the SRT the speed signal is provided by the ABS module and not the transmission. If you change gears no recal for the speedo is required.

 

[ViperInBlack]

Ron:

Where is the ABS module located, then?

Thanks,

Alice

 

[Viper Specialty]

ABS module is located in the front bumper, it is attached to the ABS hydraulic actuator.

May I ask... what are you trying to accomplish here...?

 

[ViperInBlack]

Daniel:

Acquisition of knowledge.

Thanks for your help.

Alice

 

[Y2K5SRT]

And don't forget that nifty search link that will fill your knowledge cup until it runneth over...

One other thought on the skip-shift: In the five years I have been driving Vipers I have only had it "activate" a couple times, and that was early on. Your brain will intuitively take it past the 2K RPM mark and thereby bypass the actual 1-4 shift. Don't like the skip shift? Pavlov is far easier than the modification route.

Also note that the 3.55 gearing will shorten the span of first gear even more and further negate the worry of the 1-4 shift. 3.73? Even more so. My advice to ALL new Viper owners is to get a good feel for the car in relatively stock form for a few weeks and then decide what you need to "fix". It appears you may be creating more work for yourself than necessary.

Best of luck!

 

[ViperInBlack]

Thanks for your input. Deciding whether to go 3.55 or 3.73 is unclear to me, and it is entirely dependent upon one's goals. From the moment I dropped this car into 1st, I realized that the rear end was not a good choice by the factory (for me).

Alice

 

[Paul Hawker]

Alice.
If you are considering changing your rear gear ratio, no speedometer changes need to be made. The Speedometer is driven by the abs sensors. Previous generations of Vipers needed to have special calibration boxes installed, usually under the dash, however SRT's do not need this box. Vehicle speed will be accurate no matter which gear you choose.
In addition, if you change gears the skip shift issue usually goes away, as it rarely interviens.
If you have a bulb burnt out on your dash it will be covered by factory warranty. No need for you to mess with dash. Your local Viper Tech will be happy to replace it for you at no charge.
3:55 gears are a good choice for this car. 3:73's are also fine, but the car becomes a little frantic, and shifting more frequent.
Hope you are enjoying your new car.

 

[ViperInBlack]

Paul:

Thanks for a very complete answer. If they ever post my avatar, you can see my Viper being delivered four days ago.

3.55 it is then. Shall make arrangements tomorrow. The Corsa exhaust comes next week.

I wanted dash access to see the back of the stereo and perhaps replace the head.

With regard to enjoying...I would describe the Viper as "not ready for prime time" (that's not a bad thing). It is noisey, hostile, not a Corvette (thankfully), uncommon, hot, rough riding...it is a mini-workout...great car.

Alice

 

[Joseph Dell]

I love the way you describe the SRT... and if you ever decide to get rid of it, I want first dibs. Not sure if you ever took a ride in an older RT... words like noisey, hostile, hot, and rough riding will take on a new meaning... and that doesn't include getting in and out of it.

Enjoy!!!

JD

 

[Viper Specialty]

For instructions on removing the radio, e-mail me. I also believe I may have pictures of the back of the radio if you need them.

 

[ViperInBlack]

Thank you once again, I wrote you privately, but always feel free to contact me by ICQ or e-mail (below)

Alice

 

[Dash Riprock]

I can't believe no one has issued the phrase "drive it like you stole it." If you do and have the 3.55's you'll never notice the skip shift.

Dash
2004 SRT-10

 

[ViperInBlack]

Brandon:

I was never clear on the intent of the skip shift..although the little arrow thingy is cute. I do find the skip shift more than annoying.

With 3.55's it is no longer an issue?

Alice

 

[snakebitdave]

Ok, I hope I am not asking a stupid question but having four Vipers and driving them over the course of 11 years I have never had a skip shift issue. So, what am I doing right or wrong?

 

[ViperInBlack]

Steven:

OK, this is how it occurs. That extrusion in the center console is a shift lever. Most often you can just ignore it; really has no function. But if you decide to move it from 1st to 2nd, it will skip 2nd and go to 4th under some pre-programmed conditions.

It is more than annoying.


Alice

 

[Janni]

Dave,
You are doing it right. I've never had it happen to me either - what this means is that you aren't shifting out of first below 2500 RPM....

Skip shift eliminator is a HUGE waste of money - since the real fix is "more throttle" which ought to be the best fix of all for any Viper owner!

On another note, by disabling the skip shift does it also disable the shift light feature? My guess would be no, but not sure if you're shifting at 2500 RPM if you'd ever get to see that feature in the first place.

 

[Steamroller]

Janni,

No, the skip-shift eliminator does not disable the skip-shift indicator light.

 

[Janni]

Steamroller - thanks - as I thought.