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

Just went out to start my 52 Packard 200; turned on the ignition, pushed the pedal to the floor to activate the starter and there was a short 'click' then nothing. Continued with additional tries, but the starter did not engage; not noise, no click, battery is fine...where do I start? Thanks for any suggestions!

It could be the carb starter switch if absolutely nothing happens but most of the time that symptom of just a click is due to low voltage. Could be an oxidized or dirty cable terminal at the battery connection or a failed cell in the battery.

I would clean the battery terminals well and try again. If still no luck use a voltmeter across the battery. It should read 6.3 volts at rest. Continue reading while the starter is engaged. Voltage should not drop appreciably. Batteries can check good with no load but as soon as there is high current demand, fail.

If the battery voltage holds and the connections are clean then start investigating the switch, solenoid or starter. You can use a short jumper to touch the two terminals on the carb switch together. If the starter engages as soon as the connection is made then the switch has failed.

Thank you, Howard! The battery is new; car was started a week or so ago without issues; will check the cables. Thank you!

If it is the carb switch, sometimes just a tap on the side will free up the switch. I have had problems with mine off and on over the years. I wired a push button switch to the two terminals on the solenoid. I mounted the switch on the bottom lip of the dash board so it isn't even noticeable. So if the carb switch doesn't work, I have an over-ride. Packard got rid of the carb switch in 1954.