Re: Attention 1934 Packard Owners - Headlight problem driving me batty

Posted by Owen_Dyneto On 2009/3/22 17:19:53

You don't reset the breaker, it resets itself (assuming it's still functional). Again reading the owner's manual, if you have a short in the headlight circuit, the breaker will allow enough current to flow for minimal lighting, but will prevent enough from flowing thru a short to cause damage (assuming the 70+ year-old breaker still knows what to do). EDIT - correction, it's not a breaker per se but a resistance wire that allows some current for the headlights in the event of a short. But since you say you now have some headlight positions but not others, I doubt that's the issue.

Suggestion - remove the lenses, put on whatever headlamp positions don't work, and wiggle the bulbs. If nothing, remove the bulbs and clean the bases, bayonet and socket, and try again. If nothing, replace them one at a time with new bulbs (the repro of these bulbs was a one-shot deal - if you didn't get a set, better do it QUICKLY).

Any chance the headlights were on with the engine running while the battery disconnect switch was thrown? That immediately will burn out whatever headlamp filaments were active at the moment.

PS - I submitted an original copy of the owner's manual for you car and it's on this site - maybe you should download it and print a copy off to keep with the car?

You asked where the breaker is, as I think I indicated before it's within the fuse block.

PPS - another thought - is the wire bail clasp till holding the headlight switch tightly to the base of the steering column?