What exactly is TAPshift? Features and technical parameters of the gearbox

TAPshift (Touch Activated Power) is a manual shift function for automatic transmissions . It is used in General Motors Group vehicles such as Saturn, Pontiac, Cadillac and Chevrolet cars.

How TAPshift works

TAPshift is available for the electronically controlled Hydramatic transmissions. The paddle shifters marked “+” and “-” are used for manual shifting. To do this, the shift lever must be placed in the DSC position.

Popular TAPshift transmissions

Index Number of gears Max. Torque, Nm Max. Displacement, l Type of drive Year of manufacture Applicable models
6L90 6 900 6.5 Rear wheel, all-wheel drive 2006 Chevrolet Silverado; Chevrolet Camaro; Cadillac CTS-V
6L80 6 800 6,2 Rear, 4WD 2006 Chevrolet Corvette; Chevrolet Tahoe; Chevrolet Camaro; Cadillac Escalade; Chevrolet Silverado; Holden VF Commodore; Cadillac XLR
6L50 6 500 5,3 Rear, 4WD 2006 Cadillac CTS; Holden Statesman; Cadillac SRX; Chevrolet Caprice; Cadillac SLS; Chevrolet Colorado; Cadillac STS; Holden Commodore
6Т40 6 250 2,5 Front Wheel, 4WD 2007 Chevrolet Malibu; Chevrolet Equinox
8L90 8 1000 6.5 Rear Wheel, 4WD 2015 Chevrolet Corvette; Cadillac ATS-V; Chevrolet Silverado; Cadillac Escalade; Cadillac CT6; Chevrolet Camaro; Cadillac CTS-V

Common defects in TAPshift transmissions

Defects Transmission
The bushings and seals break pretty quickly. GM 6L90; GM 6L50
Continuous driving at high speeds can block the transmission pump. GM 6L90; GM 6L50; GM 6L80
The gear hub doesn't last long. GM 6L90; GM 6L80
Due to lack of fluid, the mechanical components of the transmission wear out prematurely. GM 6L80
The corrugated plate breaks, which can damage other parts of the gearbox. GM 6Т40
The hydraulic valve housing lines clog if the fluid is not is changed in time. GM 6Т40; GM 6L90; GM 6L80
The gearbox is prone to overheating. GM 6Т40
Due to clogging of the solenoid valves the gearbox jerks. GM 8L90