TAPshift (Touch Activated Power) is a manual shifting mode implemented on automatic transmissions. It is used on vehicles produced by the General Motors Group. In particular, on Saturn, Pontiac, Cadillac, and Chevrolet cars.
Operating principle
TAPshift is offered for electronically-controlled Hydramatic transmissions. Paddle shifters with “+” and “-” markings are used for shifting in manual mode. For this, the gear lever should be in the DSC position.
Popular TAPshift transmissions
| Transmission code | Number of gears | Max torque, N⋅m | Max engine capacity, l | Drive type | Production start | Model applications |
| 6L90 | 6 | 900 | 6.5 | RWD, AWD | 2006 | Chevrolet Silverado; Chevrolet Camaro; Cadillac CTS-V |
| 6L80 | 6 | 800 | 6.2 | RWD, AWD | 2006 | Chevrolet Corvette; Chevrolet Tahoe; Chevrolet Camaro; Cadillac Escalade; Chevrolet Silverado; Holden VF Commodore; Cadillac XLR |
| 6L50 | 6 | 500 | 5.3 | RWD, AWD | 2006 | Cadillac CTS; Holden Statesman; Cadillac SRX; Chevrolet Caprice; Cadillac SLS; Chevrolet Colorado; Cadillac STS; Holden Commodore |
| 6Т40 | 6 | 250 | 2.5 | FWD, AWD | 2007 | Chevrolet Malibu; Chevrolet Equinox |
| 8L90 | 8 | 1000 | 6.5 | RWD, AWD | 2015 | Chevrolet Corvette; Cadillac ATS-V; Chevrolet Silverado; Cadillac Escalade; Cadillac CT6; Chevrolet Camaro; Cadillac CTS-V |
Common malfunctions of TAPshift transmissions
| Malfunctions | Transmissions |
| Bushes and seals break down rather fast. | GM 6L90; GM 6L50 |
| The transmission pump can seize during continuous high-speed driving. | GM 6L90; GM 6L50; GM 6L80 |
| The gearbox hub has a short lifespan. | GM 6L90; GM 6L80 |
| Mechanical parts of the transmission wear out prematurely due to insufficient fluid. | GM 6L80 |
| The wave plate gets destroyed, which can lead to other transmission elements being damaged. | GM 6Т40 |
| The hydraulic valve body channels get clogged if fluid is not replaced on time. | GM 6Т40; GM 6L90; GM 6L80 |
| The transmission is prone to overheating. | GM 6Т40 |
| Clogged solenoids cause the transmission to jerk. | GM 8L90 |
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