Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Trouble shooting the torsion level control operation which does not see to be operating. I had jacked both sides of the front up to remove wheels and clean yrs of dirt from suspension to inspect. When lowered back down, the rear end is in "squat mode" regardless of switch location. Searched on line for information and found a series of good answers/suggestions but looked to be addressing the "56 set up. Howard offered a bit of information on the 55 but not really detailed that I could work with. I believe the system was working properly but never heard the motor run since it was delivered to me from MO two weeks ago. Thanks for any insights.

packardinfo.com/xoops/html/uploads/registry/97266_phpPcN9Pg_sm.jpg
this is how it arrived on the truck...seems the system was working at some point. Now center wheel cover medallion is obscured by fender skirt.

They could of raised it manually .

So your checked fuses.

Since it arrived on a transport a suggestion is make sure the limit switch and solenoid bracket which is under the car and bolted to the side of the compensator assy did not get bent during the journey. If that has happened something could have activated the limit switch. If the bracket looks good and small bar on the limit switch is at center and free to move in either direction then it will be a matter of chasing wires and voltage to see what has failed. If a transverse bar has activated the limit switch then something electrical is forcing the car to drive to a limit and that needs to be investigated.

If the bracket and limit switch looks good check fuses. There are two and on a 55 the one protecting the motor and solenoids is inline and should be in a red wire with the holder positioned a few inches away from the battery terminal on the starter solenoid. If that one is blown and if after replacing it blows again the issue must be sorted. The second fuse is under the dash and is the fuse labeled body feed in the fuse holder. That fuse protects the brake light switch which directs power to the TL control switch circuit when the brakes are relaxed. Power is provided to the TL circuit by the light green wire which goes to the on/off switch under the dash. Also check in that dash switch area to make sure there is no disconnect in the green wire. Sometimes the wire is accidentally pulled out or even purposely disconnected when cars are in transit to prevent inadvertent activating of the level system.

If you still have the original 3 terminal brake switch age seems to have made those a high failure item and it could be the problem. The brake switch is located between the air vent tube and top of the left frame rail almost directly below the battery.

Here is a complete diagram of the 55 control circuit showing all hidden contacts. One photo (source unknown) shows the solenoid and limit switch bracket properly positioned on the compensator, the second photo Stewart provided shows the location of the limit switch which is not seen in the first photo and the movable bar which must be free to move.

Attach file:

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  55 cont sw Schem.jpg (65.67 KB)


  55TL 4 copy.jpg (57.92 KB)


  55 Limit and solenoid.jpg (148.81 KB)

Howard,
Thanks for the detailed response and diagrams. The "well of knowledge" here is bottomless it appears. Will let all know how I fare on this issue. Most everything else is working as normal.
Cheers

You mentioned "removing years of dirt from the suspension". A common problem on the TL electrical system, especially the '55 years is corrosion at the various electrical connection points. Like the crimped fitting on connector to the wire itself.

I soldered all of these to the wire and cleaned up the point of contact where the connection is made. If your problem lies elsewhere, this is a step well worth considering to do.