Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

Thank you so much - I am getting an education in Packard wiring !

Well, I checked with a test light , and I do have power to the brake light switch That's good - Now to check to see if switch is bad. Does it matter which wire goes to the contact posts ? Also, what size wrench to remove the switch ?

On the two terminal switches, it does not matter which wire goes to the terminals. I believe the wrench size will be a 1" however that really depends on the switch. Other than the part which threads into the plumbing, nothing else has to be a given size.

Since there is power, you can positively determine if the switch is the culprit by removing the wires off the switch and short them together by inserting a small length of wire into the round terminal ends. Just make sure there is a good connection and then look at the lights. They should be on.

You had mentioned low fluid so as long as you have a good firm pedal that doesn't go all the way to the floor, that is not likely an issue.

Thanks, I will do that =

If you have to remove the switch, make sure to back up the distribution block with a thick wrench so it doesn't move.

The switch is screwed into the top of the fitting

After having my oils changed, I had a new brake light switch installed ( Napa SL 134 ) . Still no brake lights, so I must check the wire from the switch to rear lights. Also, need to remove the license plate light. Anyone know offhand what size wrench fits the mounting bolts ? Thanks

Don't know the wrench size off hand but with all the light problems, look carefully up under the dash on the left hand side. There are several push on connectors joining the main part of the loom to the 5 or 6 wires that go overhead along the left side of the car under headliner and into trunk area. On a 47 the exit point is just below the windshield "A" pillar and a few inches slightly toward the car center. I expect the 48 may be similar.

Verify whether your car has the brake light go thru the turn signal switch or not. 22nd series supposedly did not but good to check and make sure. If you only have 3 wires exiting the steering column just under the dash edge, it does not. If you have 6 wires going into a round plug exiting, then it does.

If you have the system where brake light does not go thru turn signal, since you have power to the brake switch & a new switch, to me unless the wire is broken or you have a very poor ground to the bulbs that only leaves the connector.

The hot wire that connects to the brake switch is not in the greatest condition, may need to be cleaned up. If I get a good connection across the switch , then will have to trace the wire to back lights ( haven't tried the the outgoing post on the switch with brake down yet ) I dont think it goes thru the turn signal switch, but will look. I didnt know the wire goes under the headliner to trunk area - I may have to run a new wire from switch to rear.

Usually the wires under the headliner don't cause much problem because they are protected and well secured -- unless a mouse has got to them. The exposed unprotected portions and particularly the connectors at each end of the wires have caused problems.