Parking light switch
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 156
Likes: 19
From: Reading Pennsylvania
Parking light switch
I have a 1998 Convertible. The parking brake works as well as can be expected for a Corvette. My problem is the switch and the indicator light on the dash. It works occasionally, without the switch I cannot open the trunk or get the top button to release with the engine running , with the parking brake on, According to Cultrag Performance the switch is only available with the parking brake assembly for $250. Does anyone have an alternative or is there an aftermarket switch available ? Thanks for your help.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 367,781
Likes: 24,683
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
I agree - its got to be cheaper than $250.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 36,836
Likes: 244
From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Pull your center console out and get the PB boot off to get access to the switch. It's nothing more than a simple Micro-switch that uses a flat lever arm. The arm may be bent/misaligned. The wire may also be pulled off and need reattaching. Easy fix.
You can see it in this pic off ebay. The blue thing on the left:
You can see it in this pic off ebay. The blue thing on the left:
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 6,366
Likes: 249
From: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
You mentioned that your park brake doesn't work so well either. While you are checking out the park brake lever assembly, clean it totally removing all the old grease and relubricate with good quality grease such as Lubriplate white grease. After you've finished your switch problem, remove your rear discs and adjust your park brake shoes. You should be able to now have a good working parking brake. My brake works when only pulled halfway up.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 36,836
Likes: 244
From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
You mentioned that your park brake doesn't work so well either. While you are checking out the park brake lever assembly, clean it totally removing all the old grease and relubricate with good quality grease such as Lubriplate white grease. After you've finished your switch problem, remove your rear discs and adjust your park brake shoes. You should be able to now have a good working parking brake. My brake works when only pulled halfway up.
Halfway up (11 clicks) is the correct spec from GM. 
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 156
Likes: 19
From: Reading Pennsylvania
Update to parking light switch problem
I pulled apart the console and sprayed the switch with electrical cleaner, than exercised the arm. Then,took the advice of Lone Star and Striper and cleaned the mechanism and regreased. Put it back together and all works well. On a warmer day I will pull the rotors and adjust the parking brake assy. Thanks to all for your good advice, total cost, my labor. 
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski