Question - 1992 Manual Trans - Backup Light Switch Source & Guidance

[Gary C.]

Questions on 1992 Manual ZF Transmission - Backup Light Switch Replacement:

1) best source to purchase a replacement switch

2) have seen replacement switches with pig tail wiring and without - which is the correct & best replacement

3) guidance on how to easiest remove and replace the backup light switch & any special wrenches required

Thanks in advance,

Gary
....

[Joe L.]

Re: Question - 1992 Manual Trans - Backup Light Switch Source & Guidance

Questions on 1992 Manual ZF Transmission - Backup Light Switch Replacement:

1) best source to purchase a replacement switch

2) have seen replacement switches with pig tail wiring and without - which is the correct & best replacement

3) guidance on how to easiest remove and replace the backup light switch & any special wrenches required

Thanks in advance,

Gary
....

Gary------

The original GM switch, GM #10159402 aka AC Delco D2245A, is discontinued without supercession. This switch included no pig-tail; the wiring harness connector plugged into a connector which was integral with the switch.

Airtex # 1S5042 is a switch very similar to the original without pigtail. It's the only aftermarket switch I know with near-original configuration. Of course, it's possible there are others. The type with the pigtail may work OK but it's definitely not configured as-original.

As far as I know, no special tool is required to remove and install the switch, just an open-end wrench. It threads directly into the transmission case.

[Gary C.]

Re: Question - 1992 Manual Trans - Backup Light Switch Source & Guidance

Joe, appreciate your research and information. Thanks, Gary....

Appears Airtex # 1S5042 isn't available?

Found this switch @ Corvette Mods https://www.corvettemods.com/C4-Corv...iABEgJzn_D_BwE

[Richard M.]

Re: Question - 1992 Manual Trans - Backup Light Switch Source & Guidance

Gary, Be aware Corvette Mods has had many problematic reviews.....

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...he-plague.html

[Gary C.]

Re: Question - 1992 Manual Trans - Backup Light Switch Source & Guidance

thanks Rich - haven't had any luck for finding the source of the 1992 backup light switch they sell

[Joe L.]

Re: Question - 1992 Manual Trans - Backup Light Switch Source & Guidance

thanks Rich - haven't had any luck for finding the source of the 1992 backup light switch they sell

Gary------


It could well be that the switch shown in the "corvettemods" item is an "old photo" and not the part one actually gets if they order it now.

I have not been able to find any current availability of this switch except for the pig-tail version. I actually have little doubt that this version would be functionally OK, if not configurationally correct. So, if functionality is the main thing one is after, I think one would be well-served.

It must be that the original switch is uniquely applicable to ZF 6 speed manual transmissions. As far as US autos go, this transmission was exclusively used in 89-96 Corvettes. There must now be not enough demand for this switch for any manufacturer to continue to offer it. It could be that the "pig-tail" switch is an adaption of another switch that is in much more demand and currently being manufactured.

[Gary C.]

Re: Question - 1992 Manual Trans - Backup Light Switch Source & Guidance

Joe,

Much appreciate your input. Will call corvettemods and see which switch it is.

Thanks,

Gary
....

[Floyd B.]

Re: Question - 1992 Manual Trans - Backup Light Switch Source & Guidance

I had to replace this switch in my LT4 a few months ago. I will tell you that while it's possible to replace it w/o lowering the transmission, it's a grand PITA. I used the pigtail version from Corvette Central. As difficult as it was to remove the old one, I honestly don't think I could have reinstalled it without lowering the trans. The non-pigtail version is quite a bit longer and there is very little clearance from the transmission well. I think plugging the harness back into the original configuration would have been impossible. The pigtail version is a much better configuration for a replacement job - which may be why they changed the service replacements to this configuration. In either case I hope you have a lift. I could not have performed this job with the car on the ground and you don't want women or children within earshot while doing this repair.

[Joe L.]

Re: Question - 1992 Manual Trans - Backup Light Switch Source & Guidance

I had to replace this switch in my LT4 a few months ago. I will tell you that while it's possible to replace it w/o lowering the transmission, it's a grand PITA. I used the pigtail version from Corvette Central. As difficult as it was to remove the old one, I honestly don't think I could have reinstalled it without lowering the trans. The non-pigtail version is quite a bit longer and there is very little clearance from the transmission well. I think plugging the harness back into the original configuration would have been impossible. The pigtail version is a much better configuration for a replacement job - which may be why they changed the service replacements to this configuration. In either case I hope you have a lift. I could not have performed this job with the car on the ground and you don't want women or children within earshot while doing this repair.

Floyd------


I kind of suspected that there might be some sort of servicing advantage to the pig-tail switch but I hesitated to offer that because I've never replaced this switch. However, I know the switch is pretty high up on the side of the enormously large ZF transmission and might be difficult to get to.

[Keith K.]

Re: Question - 1992 Manual Trans - Backup Light Switch Source & Guidance

When mine went out ('93 LT4), I went to the Chevrolet dealer who said their procedure was to drop the transmission. I didn't want to go thru that. I put the car up on my lift, and found that I couldn't get a tool on it. It needs a 7/8" with an offset. I found the tool I needed in a set at Harbor Freight. Once I had the right tool, it was not difficult to change. Of course the lift made it much easier, but with the right tool you can probably do it with ramps. Here is a pic of the tool that you will need.

[Gary C.]

Re: Question - 1992 Manual Trans - Backup Light Switch Source & Guidance

Floyd, Dave, Keith, Rich and Joe,

Appreciate everyone sharing their info.

I ordered both types of parts with and without pigtail. Will have to go to a friends shop to use his lift.

Thanks again. NCRS truly is a big family. Regards,

Gary
....

[Patrick H.]

Re: Question - 1992 Manual Trans - Backup Light Switch Source & Guidance

Floyd, Dave, Keith, Rich and Joe,

Appreciate everyone sharing their info.

I ordered both types of parts with and without pigtail. Will have to go to a friends shop to use his lift.

Thanks again. NCRS truly is a big family. Regards,

Gary
....

Gary,

Where did you order them from?
I have to do this on Dad's 92, and I'm hoping you share your experiences.

Patrick

[Gary C.]

Re: Question - 1992 Manual Trans - Backup Light Switch Source & Guidance

Patrick,

I ordered one without a pigtail from corvettemods https://www.corvettemods.com/C4-Corv...SABEgJqkPD_BwE

Ordered one with pigtail from Corvette Central https://www.corvettecentral.com/c4-8...ch%26count%3d9

Gary
....

[Joe L.]

Re: Question - 1992 Manual Trans - Backup Light Switch Source & Guidance

Patrick,

I ordered one without a pigtail from corvettemods https://www.corvettemods.com/C4-Corv...SABEgJqkPD_BwE

Ordered one with pigtail from Corvette Central https://www.corvettecentral.com/c4-8...ch%26count%3d9

Gary
....

Gary------


It will be interesting to see if you can get any manufacturer's information off of either switch.

[Floyd B.]

Re: Question - 1992 Manual Trans - Backup Light Switch Source & Guidance

Gary please let us know if the one you receive from Corvette Mods actually looks like the one pictured. I wouldn't be surprised if they send you the pigtail version.

Thanx