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

As I get to know our 48 Super 8 a little better ... I'm still a little perplexed about the tranny. The manual overdrive cable definitely works - as the car seems to free-wheel ( no engine drag when I let off on the gas ). But what does the "trans" switch on the instrument panel do ? I don't detect any noticeable sound or change in feel of the car when I push this switch. Is it an option that doesn't exist on my car ? a faulty switch ? neither ? And how would I differentiate between an R9 and an R11 ? Just a start to a plethera of trans ?'s. Thanks , BigT

Obviously your overdrive is out of order. The cable switch simply puts it mechanically into "free wheeling"

If it were working, you'd feel a "clunk" as the selonoid engaged the reduction gears in the over-drive unit that would take it out of direct drive, and give you about a 70% over-drive.

Suggest you get hold of a shop manual and an ohmmeter so you can trace out the failure.

I believe the trans switch is the one for the Electromatic Clutch. Your car may have originally had one, but a considerable many systems have been removed over the years. If you have it, there will be a bunch of components on drivers side of engine above starter motor. Some but not all might still be there. The switch location was always there but on non equipped cars, usually had a blank knob or a dummy block to keep anything from being depressed. The only switch for the overdrive inside the car is on the OD lockout knob assy.

The easiest way to tell the difference on OD is to look at the firewall. If there is a large black relay box with 6 wires and about the same size,shape as regulator then it is an R9. There will also be an indicator light on instrument panel that comes on when OD speed is reached. The R11 has a relay in a smaller silver box with fuse on side and only 4 wires. There is no indicator light.

So , if Ive got this right , then this car probably had an electromatic clutch at one time - but no longer. And it has an R 9 overdrive unit. Is there an electrical switch associated with the manual cable under the dash ? Thanks , BigT

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Here's a little better angle.

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Does your car have a red clutch pedal? That's one indicator of an electromatic clutch.

You do have the R9 and did have an electromatic. The small box just to left of OD relay with the 2 wires and long rod is the accelerator switch for the clutch. The OD lockout switch is at the end of the lockout knob bracket under the dash. Should be about 3/4" diameter mounted vertically and have 2 wires on it.

It's hard to see in your photograph. But, think I can see the strap around the starter with a protrusion where the electromatic activation cable was attached.

That will confirm the prior existence of the electromatic if it is there.

Yes , my car does have a red clutch. I've been wandering about that ! So, when there was an electromatic unit - does this mean that the starter solenoid and the starter would not be visible ( in the top pic ) - or have an obstructed view ? Also ,
I just assumed that the switch to the left of the OD switch and above the trinagular plate was the kickdown switch ??? Thanks for all the knowledge ! BigT

Here's a quick grab of the mechanical components. In addition to the two switches already mentioned, there was another mounted low on engine operated by shift lever. This is a much simpler version than the one offered pre war, being mostly mechanical but still requires periodic adjustment which can be quite tedious. The components were in the way when working on things and if not understood as to adjustments, was generally considered a P.I.A. so frequently removed. If you want to read up on it, the technical training book "Clutch and Electromatic Clutch" (brown cover) available on site is the correct one for your car.

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