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

I have a 48 packard with 3 speed overdrive. It gets hot and overdrive stops working. If it sets for several hours or next day when cools off overdrive works again. Light on dash works correctly and shift under dash engages and disengages fine. Looking for fix help. Would like to know if solnoid is bad or weak can you replace easily. If so where can I find parts or someone who can give me information about this problem.

With the light, am assuming you have the R9. Could be several things so a little more information please. When it gets hot, does it just drop out suddenly without you touching anything or does it not engage again after coming to a stop. When it fails, does the light come on again after a stop and then when you get back at speed does it stay on even when you attempt going into OD? Do you have the reverse lockout switch. Are there any strange sounds when it fails.

does not drop out until stopping. it will not engage after coming to a stop but only after its hot . Light stays on no noises. When you go back to another stop later it sound like it tries to shift out again but I know od was not engaged.

It sounds like solenoid--although a mechanical issue can't totally be ruled out yet. There are several sets of contacts inside solenoid and it sounds like the set that breaks the pull in coil circuit when fully engaged is not closing again when it drops out at a stop and therefore solenoid can't pull in again. The light coming on and staying on would indicate everything prior to solenoid appears to be working.

If you have an ohmmeter, it would be a good idea to confirm this before ordering a new one by disconnecting the wires from terminals 3 & 4 on the solenoid and checking those terminals to ground. There should be very low ohms on both--something like 0-2 ohms when cold, but if my reasoning is correct, when hot you will probably have either an open circuit or a very high reading when checking 4 to ground but no change on 3.

If that proves out, then as to finding one, several of the Packard vendors advertise having them.

Would suggest you download the Econo-drive service manual (item 39) from the service manual section and read through. There are a few paragraphs on changing the solenoid as well as some cautions about getting things in proper orientation.

If you find it is the solenoid it is esy to take them apart and clean and file the points to make them work again, ive done it to 3 of my cars with R9 and R11s. saves alot of time and money.

When I finally got my R-11 overdrive fixed up one of the things I did was take my solenoid apart and clean the contacts. I have some good info on how that works here if you'd like to check it out.

Pay attention to the link at "Kaiser Bill's" website.

The advice on resurrecting the solenoid is good. A new one costs about $265 I think. I base that on what Fifth Avenue garage charges for the 12 volt version that you need if you convert to 12 volts.

Jim G