Re: Packard transmission question

Posted by HH56 On 2022/9/26 16:09:10

A standard 3 speed will only have a 1:1 output in third and can do no more. Anything acting like a kickdown sounds like the car has an Overdrive and it may have been in overdrive mode which will give a 4th ratio.

Is there a round knob under the dash edge a few inches to the right of the steering column? If so, when the knob is pushed all the way in, at about 20-25 mph the OD will automatically go into prep mode and a brief release of the accelerator will let the solenoid engage so the 4th ratio is being used. This will drop engine RPM and noise significantly.

Anytime you are actually in OD and want more power such as when you want to pass a car a quick push of the accelerator to the floor will cause the OD to release and transmission goes back into a standard ratio. When the pass is complete, releasing the accelerator will let the overdrive engage again.

Pulling the knob out locks the OD out of operation so the transmission can no longer use it and straight 1:1 in 3rd is the highest ratio usable.