Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

where is the stop light switch on my new 56 4 door executive? the stop lights are not working and i cannot find it. i need help to get the stop lights to work. the turn signals work, the rear lights work but the brake lights do not. i cnnot drive the car without stop lights. need help.

It is located underneath the air vent tube on the drivers side which is about five inches in diameter. Look down between the exhaust manifold and that vent tube and you will see the three wires going into the top of the switch.

Thanks for the quick reply. It is an electrical switch, and not a hydraulic switch? Are these switches available for purchase and if so, where?

Also verify the fuses are good. If the suspension is working properly, then all OK. If not, there are two fuse pigtails connected to the torsion level solenoids on the inner under side of fender in the area above the brake light switch. The 30 amp supplies the entire torsion level system and also via the 7 1/2 amp fuse the brake light circuit and level control switch.

EDIT: It is hydraulic. The switches are probably available locally as replacement for one VW used. Here is a thread with some alternative numbers including a mechanical conversion.packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb ... ic.php?post_id=16977#forumpost16977

I can make the torsion leveling system raise and lower the rear end manually by two white-knobbed switches just to the left of the emergency brake. I don't know if the leveling system works 'automatically'. The car wouldn't start and is being repaired now. I did replace a 'blown' 30 amp fuse, but the others were ok.
There is also a small toggle switch to the left of the manual switches. I don't know what this does (there's a lt-green wire connected on either side of the switch (one of which has a disconnected black wire attached).

The toggle switch turns the automatic level control on and off. The two white buttons are something someone has added as the factory manual switch was an option and would be a single knob that you push up or pull down. The light green wires are coming from the brake light switch, thru the manual switch and then to the control switch. When you step on the brakes, the level does not operate.

The two white-knobbed switches are of the pull-down and push-up type (the left one, when pulled down, lowers the rear-end while the right when pulled down raises it). It looks almost original, but the small toggle switch looks a little more up-to-date.

The mechanic, who has the car, has repaired the starter, but couldn't locate the stop light switch.

I'll forward these messages to him and I'm sure your help is greatly appreciated, it is to me.

A couple of snippets from manuals & service bulletins available on site here.

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Quote:G'day bhappy,
to PackardInfo, can't help with the technical matters, but certainly want you to be happy with your new Packard.

And speaking of which, could you please include your '56 Executive in the Packard Owner's Registry here, together with a pic, any known history and how you acquired it?

to bhappy for including his very nice '56 Executive Touring Sedan in the Packard Owner's Registry Makes me very happy.