Reverse Light Switch - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

BlackSheepz · 05-07-2020

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?

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 · 05-07-2020

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 · 05-07-2020

Quote:

Originally Posted by Great White

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 · 05-07-2020

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....

jw63 · 05-08-2020

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 · 05-08-2020

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

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 · 05-08-2020

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 · 05-09-2020

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

DRM500RUBYZR-1 · 05-09-2020

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!!

Marty

05-07-2020	#1
BlackSheepz Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 160	Reverse Light Switch 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? 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! __________________ --Marc 1990 ZR-1 #2530 Gone but not forgotten: 1988 Z52 4+3 1992 LT1 6 speed

05-07-2020	#2
Great White Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Misery Posts: 79	Re: Reverse Light Switch 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.

05-07-2020	#4
32valvZ Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sunshine State Posts: 1,071	Re: Reverse Light Switch 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.... __________________ [B]1990 #2815[/B] [COLOR="Red"][B]Red/Red[/B][/COLOR] Ported Plenum & IH (by Pete) Haibeck Chip Rebuilt FPR (by Phil) FIC Injectors Watson LT Headers 3" Stainless Works exhaust Lingenfelter Open Air Lid Bill B Built Transmission Shifter & C Beam Plates [FONT=Impact][COLOR=red]1992 [COLOR=black]#[/COLOR] 091[/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Impact][COLOR=#ff0000]Red/[COLOR=silver]Gray[/COLOR][/COLOR][/FONT] [B]SOLD[/B]

05-08-2020	#5
jw63 Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 44	Re: Reverse Light Switch 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. __________________ '90 #413 Red/Red Sold '90 #1583 Red/Red

05-08-2020	#7
Young1 Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Ocala, FL Posts: 880	Re: Reverse Light Switch 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. __________________ Steve Young 1991 ZR-1 Quasar Blue Metallic/Black #729 Second Owner 1991 ZR-1 Dark Red Metallic/Black #2040 SOLD 1990 ZR-1 Dark Red Metallic/Saddle #1670 SOLD Double your happiness.....complain half as much.

05-09-2020	#8
efnfast Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Dunbarton NH Posts: 7,290	Re: Reverse Light Switch I used a 7/8" box wrench and cut it off about 4" long. Worked great.

05-09-2020	#9
DRM500RUBYZR-1 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Mullica Hill, New Jersey Posts: 2,566	Re: Reverse Light Switch 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!! Marty