Parking brake & trans. question

[cphilip]

Sort of a related question I read a very old thread on...

I have a 99 Damon Challenger with Chevy 454 (Vin 1GBLP37J3W3314889) that I can assume is a pre workhorse made chassis

but because it has the push button Parking brake system it has the "Green Pressure switch"? And replacement of that switch and carrying a spare might be advised?

also

Does anyone know the Transmission designation of this thing? I think its a 4 speed older type.

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cphilip Does anyone know the Transmission designation of this thing? I think its a 4 speed older type.

You may have a 4L80E Transmission however if you call the folks at Brazels RV they will be able to assist you further.

[cphilip]

My understanding is these old things are fairly bullet proof? Assuming you keep them cool and good fluid in them that is?

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cphilip My understanding is these old things are fairly bullet proof? Assuming you keep them cool and good fluid in them that is?

I would not disagree with that!

[cphilip]

Might you also agree they are not fast and not for the impatient? LOL..

I found this old 454 to be quite the slug up steep hills but, for some reason, it was an endearing quality to it. Who needs to go fast anyway?

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cphilip Might you also agree they are not fast and not for the impatient? LOL..

If you take care of your equipment your equipment will take care of you!

[tropical36]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cphilip Sort of a related question I read a very old thread on... I have a 99 Damon Challenger with Chevy 454 (Vin 1GBLP37J3W3314889) that I can assume is a pre workhorse made chassis but because it has the push button Parking brake system it has the "Green Pressure switch"? And replacement of that switch and carrying a spare might be advised? also Does anyone know the Transmission designation of this thing? I think its a 4 speed older type.

If you're speaking of the large yellow knob, it does the same thing as putting the tranny in park. Pushed in is brake off and must be pulled for the brake to be on which is default for this brake system, meaning that it is always on unless the pump is run to release it.
There is no might for carrying a spare and better yet, change it out now to buy some time and learn how to do this simple procedure at home rather than on the road, keeping your old one for a road emergency.
I agree with Driver on your tranny and you're almost certain to have the 4L80E, which is a 3 speed with overdrive (4 speed if you wish).
Your chassis is a 1998 Chevy.... https://secure.carfax.com/creditCard.cfx
even though the coach could have been sold by WH in late 99 when they took over from GM, but thats just a guess since you are in a transition year.
Hope this helps...

[cphilip]

I would assume it is as the date on the sticker inside by the drivers door says 11/98 on it. So it would be pre-workhorse ownership I am fairly sure.

Yep.. the big yellow one. And one reported to fail from time to time. I think I will indeed change that Pressure switch out. I read an old thread here on it from about two years back but wondered if there was any new info on this issue. New part number or something? New source for it or something?

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cphilip .. New source for it or something.

cphillip, Same switch - no change. There is also a "gray" switch that you also have to keep an eye out for but that one doesn't fail quite as often.

I once spoke with a owner who told quite honestly that he changes the green switch every 18 months whether it needs it or not because you will never know when its going to rupture at the wrong time. His experience with his P Series motorhome chassis was over several years of experience and quite a few switch failures.

[cphilip]

Hmmm read of a Brown one but not a Grey. But then again never saw an exact location or confirmation which ones had the Brown one... or if it was simply a later version or not. Confusion about that one.

Did see a picture of the exact location of the Green one though. But need to go back and find that part number...

This one? 15961566

Do I order the one says for Chevy or GMC? Doesn't show any of them but lists them as simply "Switch" and then they have five GM products listed too.

[tropical36]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cphilip Hmmm read of a Brown one but not a Grey. But then again never saw an exact location or confirmation which ones had the Brown one... or if it was simply a later version or not. Confusion about that one. Did see a picture of the exact location of the Green one though. But need to go back and find that part number...

The brown switch on later models is the same as the green one and you could have this one. They are the same with the same function and are interchangeable. There is no evidence that one is any better than the other.
They gray switch only turns on the dash warning light and does not control the pump, so about the only way this one could stop you, would be if it ruptured and drained away your fluid which is usually the way it happens with the green or brown one. The difference is that if the pump motor itself doesn't continually trip out under thermal overload, it could eventually fail along with some other things. I carry a green, but no gray, even though maybe I should considering that it's inexpensive by comparison. Part numbers follow......

GM part #15961566 for the Green pressure switch and 15034355 for the brown one if so equipped (may be on later workhorse chassis)..that starts and stops the pump...this should be kept on board for a spare...since it's failure rate is very high and is most always the cause. The switch closes at 1200 psi and opens at 1600 psi
The thread is a 3/8 24 - - a straight thread, not tapered like a pipe thread and screws into a hex head body (DO NOT REMOVE THIS PART WHEN CHANGING THE SWITCH).

Gm part #10218778 is the gray pressure switch that turns on the auto park light...when the tranny is in park...

Mail order for GM parts...
GM Auto Parts at Wholesale

Uptime Parts-Supplier of Walk-In Truck Parts and Solutions > Home

Amazon.com: Used and New: ACDelco 15961566 Switch Assembly

[cphilip]

Which one is the Amazon link one? The Green one?

[DriVer]

There you go! Chevy pressure switch 101!

[cphilip]

Otay! It is just a tad short of $80 to get two from Amazon with free shipping...so... seemed a good idea. One for immediate use, a new back up and the old one for a real emergency beyond that.

Thanks Gents.