Re: new to packards and have a lot of questions please help

Posted by HH56 On 2012/10/22 11:06:26

Usually the problem on 55s was that it wouldn't come out of park. Don't remember any complaints of not going in.


The park pawl is operated by a spring loaded lever cam arrangement on the shaft. Once park is selected, the lever pushes against the pawl to lift it up. If park gear is not in position to accept the pawl, the spring is at the ready until the gear can rotate so the pawl can enter the teeth of park gear. If a pin or the spring has broken or that assy has loosened it may not be pushing pawl up. If a different spring has broken or the stop pin that prevents the pawl from moving too far has broken (known issue), either of those could also be a cause. Since car has sat for a spell, also possible is the pawl is just gummed up and sticking.

Assuming the linkage and lever to shaft outside of trans is secure then about the only option is to remove pan and check things out. Once you do also pay attention to the pot metal lever operating the manual valve. Those had a tendency to strip the setscrew hole and loosen on the shaft. If there is much slop between detents or trouble in finding a detent, that would be the first place to look. The small pin at end of lever connecting the lever to the link to manual valve also bears checking to make sure it is intact.