So I'm pretty sure the hatch safety switch in my '88's e-brake killed itself or shorted - my BRAKE light is on all the time and I can pop the hatch when the e-brake isn't up, which I know isn't supposed to happen (5-speed car).

Where can I buy the sensor/switch for the e-brake if I find out that it's faulty.

Also, was the electric pull-down motor optional or was it included in the IROC package? I know I need to slam the crap out of my hatch to close it because it's been abused and so on, but I haven't gotten to look and see if it's got that motor in the back. I know when I use the hatch switch the interior lights will dim as long as I hold it down, but I don't hear the window motor when I pop the hatch or try to close it.

Just need to know what parts I need to buy to continue my resto.

 

There's a wire connected to your E_Brake handle inside the console. When the E-Brake is pulled up the wire is grounded....... this turns on the dash light and allows the hatch relay to operate if the button is pushed. It sounds like that wire is always touching ground. Remove your shifter bezel and inspect the base of the E-Brake to insopect that tan wire.

All 86 + Camaro and Firebiords got a Power Pull Down Hatch motor. ( Not all cars got a hatch release button. ) The whole point of the PPD motor is so that the hatch doea NOT need to be slammed....... sounds like you need another PPD hatch motor.

 

Awesome, thank you. I'll be ordering the motor soon, as well as new relays just to make sure it works.