Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

The reading light switch in the V8 sedans often doesn't work, but it's easy to repair.

First, take precision needle nose and bend up the tabs.

Then, polish the contacts. Obviously the contacts in the back plate, but also the sliding contact, and importantly the back plate holding tabs themselves must be polished on the insides, since the switch grounds through the case. In addition the mounting holes and mounting screws should be polished. Of course, by "polished" I'm taking cleaned up with steel wool or sandpaper, not brought to a bright polish necessarily. Just the oxidation/rust cleaned off.

Note: wrapping some sandpaper in the tips of pliers is a good way to get in the tiny spaces.

Take some light grease and sparingly apply to the moving contact and the sides of the front of the switch slider.

Reassemble. Be sure to note the white dot (white dot is down when installed and also white dot shown = on).

Test.

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Correction: the part number is 416439.

Relevant topic: https://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?order=ASC&status=$status&topic_id=13458

It took so incredibly long to proof the 1948-1954 parts book that I’ve not yet gotten started on the 1955-1956 edition so there are likely quite a few errors in it.