Re: 39 Packard OD solenoid

Posted by Ross On 2022/3/23 20:43:30

An R6 overdrive is internally governed by flyweights that turn with the mainshaft. That means that at 25 or so the overdrive becomes available to use by merely lifting your foot off the gas. As your speed drops below approx. 20 the flyweights let go and the car can return to direct. No electricity is involved.

As I mentioned in post #2, any time you put your foot down hard the kickdown switch will close and you will hear the solenoid fire. If driving in OD the unit will kickdown as the pawl is withdrawn by the solenoid. If you are below OD speed or just setting the choke the solenoid will still fire but it makes no difference whatsoever.

There is only one power wire to the R6 solenoid and the change from pull-in coil to hold-in coil is handled by a pair of contacts within. The other wire is connected to ever so briefly ground the ignition coil. That little stumble relieves torque on the driveline long enough to complete the downshift. The trans will stay out of overdrive until you lift your foot off the gas long enough to complete an normal upshift. Clicking of the solenoid is normal. Find something else to worry about.