Reverse Light Switch

[BlackSheepz]

Hey everybody, I'm getting ready to do an oil change (in the next week or two) on my Z and I remembered my backup lights aren't working. They were working fine until recently and I can't believe that both would go at the same time so I need to check is my Backup switch.

I know that it's high on the drivers side of the transmission but all I'm finding are very old posts where the photos and etc have been removed (thanks Photobucket). This includes the Tech Stickies. (This is both here an on CF)

I also know that the OEM ones aren't available if it is broken. Does anybody have any experience with the aftermarket one? IE THIS ONE from Corvette Central (https://www.corvettecentral.com/c4-84-96/wiring-harness-swit/switches-transmission-engine/89-96-back-up-light-switch-with-manual-594347?returnurl=%2fsearch%3fcurrentsearchcategory id%3d%26q%3dbackup%2blight%2bswitch%26count%3d9)?

Or if it's intact should I just plan to pull the old one and soak the Detent? Will the Transmission lose any oil when I remove the sensor?

Thanks everyone!

[Great White]

That one from corvette central works well. I tried cleaning my original one but it went back to not working shortly after. To replace it I removed my clutch slave cylinder to gain better access and used a "crows foot" style O2 sensor socket. The oil level is well below the switch so you shouldn't lose any. Just an FYI others above my pay scale have suggested that leaving the car in reverse when parked is what causes these switches to fail prematurely. I personally leave my car in 1st gear when parked to aviod this issue.

[secondchance]

Just an FYI others above my pay scale have suggested that leaving the car in reverse when parked is what causes these switches to fail prematurely. I personally leave my car in 1st gear when parked to aviod this issue.

Fully agree! I stopped leaving the car is reverse position. I too installed the switch from Corvette Central with success.

[32valvZ]

I worked mine with WD-40 and reinstalled it. Been working for about 6 months now. I never park the car in R. Always 1st.... :cheers:

[jw63]

Anybody have a recommendation on how to remove the old switch?

Tried tackling this project over winter a few months ago but was unable to get the old sensor out. Purchased an O2 sensor socket to fit over the existing but couldn't get it to move. Perhaps I just need to jack it up higher and get more leverage on it?

Thanks in advance.

[32valvZ]

Anybody have a recommendation on how to remove the old switch?

Tried tackling this project over winter a few months ago but was unable to get the old sensor out. Purchased an O2 sensor socket to fit over the existing but couldn't get it to move. Perhaps I just need to jack it up higher and get more leverage on it?

Thanks in advance.

IIRC, I used an offset box wrench to get mine off. I have mine up on a Kwik Lift, so maybe raising up will help you with leverage.

[Young1]

I know I purchased an inexpensive set of offset metric box wrenches at Harbor freight to do it. I think it was 20 or 22 mm.

[efnfast]

I used a 7/8" box wrench and cut it off about 4" long. Worked great.

[DRM500RUBYZR-1]

An O2 sensor socket also works well.
The replacement switches are fine, and should they ever fail are much easier to remove due to their changed / improved design.
Also, these are the first posts that I ever recall suggesting leaving it in reverse may contribute to an early failure of the switch. Makes sense. Love to learn new things! So thanks for mentioning that!!
:cheers:
Marty