I was wondering if anyone else with a 85 T/A or Camaro has this problem? My button for my hatch will not work unless the emergency brake is applied. My car is an 85 T/A. I owned a 85 Z-28 a long time ago and it seems it was the same way. I have several friends that own 3rd gens from different years and their cars aren't like this. Is this an 85 only thing or do I have something wrong?

 

I see your car has as TH350 in it...any chance it used to be a manual? Pretty sure that's how manuals operate from the factory.

 

Its a safety switch so ya cant pop the hatch.

My buds Rustang GT ragtop u couldnt put the top down unless the parking brake was on.
I wondered why the top switch was UNDER the park brake handle on the console?
DUH me!

 

Hatch button should also be enabled if in park. If not in park, then E-brake must be on.

 

My 89 the ebrake had to be up for the hatch button to work if car was off. If the car was running it would work in park but no e-brake. Factory auto.

Here is the 92 diagram I couldn't find others. But notice its grounded through the Starter Solenoid, I can't find the related power distribution diagram but I bet the ground goes through the e brake)
http://www.austinthirdgen.org/mkport...wn_release.jpg

 

I only have experience with the '85.