Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

I've just rewired my 833 coupe, seems the wiring instructions leave much to be desired as far as details,
can anyone give me some more detail info regarding the lighting switch and troubleshooting, replacement or repair?
any help and input regarding this would be very appreciated!
Barry
336-516-7009

This was in a 33 service letter but no idea on what year(s) the info covers. If the switch is the same as yours maybe it can help.

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Thanks Howard mine doesn't have that many light but I'd assume the layout is the same.
Do you know if anyone who sells replacement switcges

All of the 8th series cars used the same light switch, a Clum 9170 and the switch was unique to the series, the prior 7th series using a Packard-made switch, and the 9th using a Culver-Stearns unit. Whether there is any interchangeability I don't know but the Culver-Sterns used in 1932 was model G-841-A. There is a wiring diagram including the switch on The Packard Club (PAC) website (select "Wiring" from the left side menu bar) and probably on this site as well. But the very best wiring diagram in terms of clarity on the switch is in the Standard Auto-Electrician's Manual of which I have a copy. But it is a bound volume and getting it to lay flat on a scanner bed is not easy or even possible. But if the other wiring diagrams don't do it for you, let me know and I'll see what I can do, perhaps a photo of the page.

These switches had very long service lives and thus there never was much replacement stock, you're probably going to have to repair your switch. The good news is that Clum switches were used on many makes of cars so you aren't limited to just Packard parts sources. In addition of Clum and Culver-Sterns, the other significant makers of light switches at the steering column base were Delco, Briggs & Stratton, Pines, and Soreng-Manegold and it's possible they made service replacements for each other's units. Wish I had some interchange info but I don't, hopefully someone else does.

Hi Barry:

I used to do those switches using first principles. So if you don't find a diagram that helps this method should work.

Both headlamps have high beams so the diagram shown above will not work.

You can use a cheap multi-meter to determine continuity between the voltage lead and the low and high beam posts.
That is, in the second position a post will connect, and in third position that post will disconnect and another will connect. Those are your high and low beams.

However, don't confuse this post with the front park and tail lamp posts. You have to do the headlights first.

In first position you should have continuity to two posts. These are the park/fender lamps and the tail/courtesy/reverse lamps. It really doesn't matter which you use.

Note that the brake light feed is shared with the main power post.

If you really want to be confused, the owner's manual has a diagram in it with Packard's special terminology for the parking lights and little numbers.

Hope this helps.

Im very open to more information and pics etc, I just installed the new wiring harness and I can't say for certain that I have the correct wires on the correct switch connection.
the only one I know for sure is correct is the horn ground....
So any help with which connection takes which wire harness connections?
I do appreciate all the in put, I'm learning and its great fun and very addictive, but also frustrating when there seems to be voids of information on something that to me should be readily available.
Thanks guys
Barry
336-516-7009

Tim;
I was doing some of what you mention earlier today, I guess as stated in my last post, I would love to know which position on the switch the hot wire connects to?
The switch was working prior to replacing the wiring harness so I am fairly convinced the switch is nt wired up correctly.

Ok guys I'm back.
It's apparent my light switch In need of repair or replacement, I read through your responses above and hope you can point me in a direct of someone who can repair it or more acceptable would be to find a replacement.
Thanks in advance
Barry
336-516-7009