Re: Stuck in park question

Posted by HH56 On 2010/9/8 21:57:51

I don't know if you have driven Packards of that era before but starting and acceleration in high can best be described as leisurely -- particularly if comparing to later Packard models or a modern car. The motor does sound as if it is revving and doing nothing because there being only one gear, essentially it is a straight piece of metal to the wheels and all the work is done by the torque converter while picking up speed.

It is also possible the long sit has resulted in valves sticking causing an issue. The harsh shift could be normal as the transmission was not designed to be shifted when in motion and when doing so, the timing and pressures are not regulated properly. Slipping and harsh shift can also be caused if the throttle linkage is out of adjustment causing improper pressures, and of course if the high range clutches are worn. If the trans fluid smells burned, I would look into that possibility. Packard53 makes a good suggestion in downloading the Ultramatic information. There is a trouble shooting guide there that lists some causes of various symptoms you or your mechanic can check.

Park is a mechanical function. When you move the lever to park, the linkage pushes a pawl against a spring up into mesh with a toothed gear preventing it from rotating. When you release park and go into another gear, the spring pulls the pawl out of engagement so the gear can turn. It sounds as if either the long sit has varnished up the shaft or pawl to the point it is sticking, something has been bent and is jammed, or else the spring has broken or does not have the strength to pull it down. The pan can be removed and all is available within view to see exactly what is happening.