Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

On the courtesy light of the 1955 Caribbean there are 2 light bulb, one with 2 contacts and one with only 1 contact. My question is which one is at the top and which one is at the bottom of the unit?
Also, under what condition are both on and what makes only one light bulb come on?
Any information is appreciated,
Walter

Have you looked in the owners manual? You might see a bulb size, number and usage chart.

The brighter bulb is the courtesy light that comes on when you open the door. The dimmer bulb is a "running light" and is on whenever the parking or headlights are on. The former is activated by the door jam switches, the latter by the headlight circuit. I never really looked but I suppose that both are on if the parking or headlights are on and you open a door.

I have looked at the Owners manual but it only shows the bulb sizes. Thanks Owen for your information. I was wondering what makes them light up besides when the door opens. I believe that both will be on when the door is open as one it has 2 contacts.
But I am still wondering which bulb is the upper one the single contact or the dual one.

The lower one has dual contacts - one contact is a hot wire. The other contact is a ground that makes contact when you open the door.
The top one is a single contact which grounds thru the base of the bulb to chassis. It only comes on when the parking or headlights are on. It is NOT controlled by the door.