Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

My question is about the operation of the reverse light, not how it turns on or off with the transmission switch (that works fine) ,but when it works. As you can see by the wiring diagram the tail light, reverse light and the dash lights all tie to position 4 on the light switch. This position is not energized until the main light switch is in the parking light position or either of the headlight positions, so if the lights are off, the reverse light is not operational. Is this correct?

Attach file:

---

  Wiring.JPG (0.00 KB)

Correct. It only worked when the lights were on. It's not like today where it also serves as a warning to others you are back up, it really was only to provise some light to see when reserving in the dark.

If I remember right, in later years even the trunk light only worked when the regular lights were on.

Thanks for putting my mind at rest!

Kev, not sure which later years you mean in particular, but that is incorrect for the V-8’s. Fortunately, the map light, rear interior light(s), outside courtesy lights (seniors), and trunk light were all powered off the main body fuse directly connected to the battery. The trunk light of course worked thru change of orientation; the other lights were powered by the respective door switches. On a senior 2 door, they all come on when one door is opened. On a sedan, the reading light is switched by the rear doors; the map light and outside courtesy lights are switched by the fronts. The exception is the Deluxe; while all sedans have a switch on the B pillar interior to switch on the reading light in addition to the door switches, the Deluxe has no door switches in the rear.

Annoyingly, the 2drs have no rear reading light switch so can only be switched by the doors, or the map light setting of the main headlight switch.

My point of reference was 51-54.