Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

My son and I are trying to get this 55 packard running but when I turn the key to run it engages the starter.. We wired in the the Ignition switch ourselves of's and I did the best I could but I cannot find any diagrams of how to wire it.. Also on the starter itself there are 3 posts post one post for the power and 2 others 1 that says R and 1 that reads S both green and Brown wires are wired to are wired to the R post it is that correct?

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Judging by the starter, it is a Senior car. You should be able to find a schematic on this site or on line.
You will enjoy a smoother journey with factory service literature. Ask me how I know!
Best wishes!

You can download the 55 wiring diagram from the literature archive, Electrical Diagrams section. Here is an excerpt showing the starter motor and solenoid. Most Packard diagrams are a sort of birds eye view.

On your photo, check out the light green wire and see if it is in fact going to the ballast resistor. I believe it should be on the small empty terminal opposite where it is now connected. If it is going to the ballast resistor its purpose is to supply a solid 12v from the terminal on the solenoid active only when the engine is cranking so as to provide a hotter spark. With being connected to the ballast resistor and the solenoid start terminal, it would be supplying a reduced voltage thru the resistor provided by the yellow wire direct from the ign switch as soon as the ign switch was turned on and could be the cause of the problem.

There should only be one wire (brown) on the terminal that commands a start. The brown wire originates at the start terminal (center terminal) protruding from the middle of the ignition switch, goes to the neutral safety switch located on the steering column, engine side of the firewall if the car has an Ultramatic. It then leaves the neutral switch to go to the solenoid start terminal. If the car has a standard trans, there is no neutral switch and brown wire is direct from the ign switch.

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Thank you guys! We are very appreciative of your help!!!

G'day Frank,
to PackardInfo.

I invite you to include your '55 Patrician in the Packard Vehicle Registry.

Just did thank you!

Frank, for including your '55 Patrician Touring Sedan in the Packard Vehicle Registry.