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C8 Corvette DCT Park Release Tool
$45 · one machined tool · free US shipping
Have your recovery plan before you need it. A handheld park-release tool, demonstrated on my own C8.
- Turns the DCT manual park release, releasing the park pawl
- Releases the park pawl only, not the electric parking brake or a damaged wheel
- Must be held throughout movement, does not latch
- 30 day physical returns after delivery, subject to store policy
Secure Shopify checkout · Free US shipping.
ONE TOOL INCLUDED
Photos show two tools for comparison. Each $45 order includes one tool.
What is a C8 DCT park release tool?
- A manual tool for the park release on the Chevrolet Corvette C8 Tremec TR-9080 dual clutch transmission
- It turns the factory release so the transmission park pawl can be released and the car can roll for loading or recovery
- It applies when a park pawl is what is holding the car, for example when the car will not shift out of Park
- The release must be held by hand while the car moves. This tool does not lock it open and does not latch
- It releases the park pawl only. It does not release the electric parking brake and does not free a wheel stuck for another reason
Demonstrated on my own car
Insert, hold the release, car rolls. Short, unedited clip on my own C8. Read the operation limits below before you use the tool.
Read this before you buy
- This is an independent tool and is not an official GM tool. It is not GM sanctioned or GM approved. You use it at your own risk
- The 2025 C8 owner's manual (printed pages 327–328) states the electric parking brake must be released, that an unsuccessful jump start may leave non-rolling wheels, and that skates or dollies under the non-rolling tires are used for professional flatbed loading. See the manual: 2025 Chevrolet Corvette owner's manual (PDF)
- This tool releases the transmission park pawl only. It does not release the electric parking brake and it does not free a wheel that is non-rolling for another reason, such as damage
- The release must be held by hand throughout any movement. It does not latch. Two people per the procedure on this site: one holding the tool, one guiding the car
- Do not strap, wedge, or lock the release open, and never leave it unattended. Leaving a park release held open risks the parking pawl
- Follow the vehicle owner's manual and the direction of a professional recovery operator. Never use it on a hill. Chock the wheels and keep the car on level ground before releasing anything
- If a wheel is non-rolling, the manual's approach is skates or dollies under the non-rolling tires for a professional flatbed load. This tool and skates solve different parts of the same problem; use both as the situation and the operator require
Tool or tire skates
| Situation | Use |
|---|---|
| Short roll on a smooth garage floor, no other lock | Tire skates |
| Park pawl is what is holding the car | This tool, per the manual, with someone holding it |
| A wheel is non-rolling (electric parking brake or damage) | Address the electric parking brake per the manual; skates or dollies under the non-rolling tires for a professional flatbed load |
| Flatbed or trailer recovery | Manual procedure and this tool as applicable, with a professional recovery operator |
Weighing this against a bolt-on release or the GM dealer route? Compare the C8 park release options.
Returns and shipping
- 30 day physical returns after delivery, subject to store policy. For an ordinary return the buyer pays return shipping; if an item arrives damaged, defective, or incorrect, the seller handles it
- Free US shipping on one machined tool. Other shipping rates are calculated at checkout
- Ships from California, tracked, to United States addresses. International shipping is not currently offered
- Need to know dispatch timing or a deadline? Contact us before ordering
FAQ
What does this tool actually release?
It turns the manual park release on the Tremec TR-9080 DCT, which releases the transmission park pawl. It does not release the electric parking brake and it does not free a wheel that is stuck for another reason.
How do I get a C8 out of Park to move it?
The procedure is in the vehicle owner's manual. On the 2025 manual it is printed on pages 327–328: the electric parking brake has to be released, then the transmission park pawl can be released with a tool, and the car can roll. The clip above shows the tool on my own C8. Follow the manual and the recovery operator's direction.
Does releasing the park pawl make the car roll freely?
No. Even after the park pawl is released, a wheel can stay non-rolling, for example if the electric parking brake is applied or a wheel is damaged. The manual describes placing skates or dollies under the non-rolling tires so a professional flatbed operator can load the car.
Should I hold it open with a strap or wedge?
No. The release must be held by hand throughout any movement and does not latch. Do not strap, wedge, or lock it open, and never leave it unattended.
Can I use it on a hill?
No. Keep the car on level ground and chock the wheels before you release anything. Plan for two people on a flatbed load: one holding the tool and one guiding the car.
Do I still need a recovery operator?
Yes. This is a tool, not a recovery service. A dead battery, a fault, or a mechanical failure can present in ways a tool alone does not solve, and professional loading is the operator's job. Speak to a professional recovery operator and follow their direction.
Do I need this if my C8 has never been stuck?
Many owners keep a small tool like this in the car so they have it the day the car will not shift out of Park. You can also simply contact a professional recovery operator; the tool is not a substitute for one.