Re: Generator cut out issues

Posted by Owen_Dyneto On 2011/5/29 16:26:26

Since the lights got a bit brighter when you increased engine speed, it may not be the generator at all. Sounds to me like the thermal circuit breaker on the lighting circuit. The thermal breaker will cycle but allow the headlights to function (after a fashion). I suspect you've got a short circuit.

Turn everything off on the car, and remove and then retouch one of the battery cables to the battery post. If you hear a spark or see it, and nothing is intentionally "on", you've got a short circuit.

PS - if you've got an owner's manual I suspect the interplay between the body fuse, the thermal breaker and the headlights is explained in there, it is in most of the other Packard manuals of the era that I've browsed.