Driver Shift Control (DSC) is the manual shift function in automatic transmissions of Pontiac, Chevrolet, Cadillac, and Buick cars. It allows maximum driving smoothness and helps to save fuel. This system allows engine braking and improves the vehicle’s dynamics and manoeuvrability.
How it works
The Driver Shift Control (DSC) function is found in classic automatic gearboxes with a hydraulic torque converter, a planetary gear set, and electronic control. Manual control is possible thanks to specialised firmware. The driver changes gear using the gear lever. In order to switch to manual mode, the driver slides the lever from the “D” position to the right (for left-hand-drive cars) or to the left (for right-hand-drive cars) and then moves it to the “+” or “-” position to shift gear up or down.
Popular transmissions with the Driver Shift Control (DSC) function
| Gearbox code | Manufacturer | Number of gears | Max engine torque, N·m | Max engine capacity, L | Car layout | Production start | Model applications |
| 4T65E | GM | 4 | 380 | 3.8 | FWD, AWD | 1996 | Pontiac Grand Prix; Chevrolet Impala; Pontiac Montana; Buick LeSabre; Pontiac Aztek; Buick Rendezvous; Chevrolet Malibu; Pontiac Bonneville |
| 4L65E | GM | 4 | 515 | 6.2 | RWD | 2001 | Chevrolet Silverado; Pontiac GTO; Cadillac Escalade; Chevrolet Corvette. |
| 5L50E | GM | 5 | 450 | 4.6 | RWD, AWD | 2000 | Cadillac STS; Pontiac Solstice; Buick Park Avenue; Cadillac SRX; Cadillac XLR |
| 5L40E | GM | 5 | 360 | 3.6 | RWD, AWD | 1999 | Pontiac Solstice; Cadillac SRX; Cadillac CTS; Cadillac STS |
| 6L80 | GM | 6 | 800 | 6.2 | RWD, AWD | 2006 | Cadillac Escalade; Chevrolet Corvette; Pontiac G8; Cadillac XLR |
| 8L90 | GM | 8 | 1000 | 6.2 | RWD, AWD | 2015 | Cadillac Escalade; Cadillac CT6; Chevrolet Silverado; Cadillac CTS-V; Chevrolet Corvette; Chevrolet Camaro; Cadillac ATS-V |
Common malfunctions of transmissions with Driver Shift Control (DSC)
| Malfunctions | Transmissions |
| The friction plates of the torque converter have a short lifespan. | 4L65E |
| The channels and solenoids of the hydraulic valve body get clogged due to contaminated oil. | 4Т65Е; 8L90; 5L50E; 6L80; 5L40E; 4L65E |
| The clutch pack wears out prematurely. | 4L65E; 4Т65Е |
| The transmission brake band gets stretched due to frequent high-speed driving. | 4L65E |
| The separator plate of the hydraulic valve body wears out over time. | 4L65E |
| The transmission pump often breaks down. It is prone to jamming at high RPMs. | 5L40E; 5L50E; 6L80; 4L65E |
| The bearings are prone to damage. | 4Т65Е |
| The moulded rubber pistons melt due to overheating. | 5L40E |
| The clutch pack starts to burn quickly in case of insufficient oil pressure. | 5L50E |
| The hub and bushes of the hydraulic torque converter break down fast. | 6L80 |
| The transmission pump starts to leak due to slipping of the seal rings. | 6L80 |
Comment