Re: '56 Patrician wont go into drive!

Posted by BH On 2008/4/8 14:40:23

Graham -

I know of no way to manually engage the transmission when it has the pushbutton control - not without removing some pieces down at the actuator, which should be a last resort.

Eric's suggestion to check that connector on the driver's side of the firewall is a good first step. Pay attention to two circuits in particular: an orange and a red with white tracer. Sometimes these terminals were not fully-seated in the connector bodies and eventually work loose. They can be nudged back in with a small screwdriver.

When you get a chance, do a site search on:

autolite

You'll find an article containing a complete scan of Auto-Lite's Service Manual Bulletin for the "1956 Packard Transmission Control". Be sure to download, it print it, and add those pages to your shop manual.

It has some very telling approaches to troubleshooting this system, and the only additional materials you'll need are some wire and a couple of 12V bulbs, sockets, and alligator clips.

However, if you are unlucky enough to have a problem with the actuator (down at the trans) or its wiring, you may need help from Mr. Pushbutton, who frequents this forum.