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

An OD-equipped car will only free-wheel when the OD is activated.

Just to clarify the overdrive operation, yes it will freewheel when the mechanical lever is in the operating position by having the cable pushed in and before the overdrive is engaged electrically by the solenoid with the lockout switch closed.
It does not freewheel once in overdrive and engine braking will be available until the unit drops out of overdrive by speed dropping below the governor setting around 20 mph or by the lockout switch being opened to disengage it electrically.
Freewheeling is definitely a hazard to be aware of when driving in hilly country and a lockout switch separate from the lockout cable adds another element of risk.

"As I understand it, if the OD cable is pulled out and the lockout switch is turned off (toggle switch on mine) then the car is now just a 3 speed manual transmission. (Question) will it free wheel in this configuration? or only when the OD is engaged?"

Dave,

Will free wheel only when the OD is engaged. When the OD is disengaged, as you say, it's "now just a 3 speed manual transmission".

I operate my R11 with a toggle switch (breaks the signal from the governor to the relay). I don't have a kickdown switch. I almost never pull the cable out as I find it not necessary for travel on todays roads. If I need the extra oomph for climbing a hill or such I just flip the switch and touch the clutch and I'm out of OD. Anyway sometimes although rarely when I park the car and put it in 1st gear it can roll away. Therefore I always set the hand brake and try to remember to put it in reverse.