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

There is a discussion on the PAC forum but since this one is more active, a question for the 22-23 guys on heater switch construction or application.

Tucson Packards has a switch labeled as 48-50 with 3 terminals. A photo BDeB posted shows a switch with a resistor assy on the end. Do not see a third terminal on that switch although it may just be the angle of the photo.

The question: Is the resistor assy a separate piece and if so, how does it attach. If it is not separate but a part of the switch assy, then what is the application of the switch for sale that it would need 3 terminals or is the switch misidentifed?

Only found one heater switch listed in the accessory section. Were there revisions or more than one?

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The heater switch on my 23rd has a ceramic coated resistor that gets hotter'n hell and I believe is prone to failure. The button is a push once for high fan speed, once more for low, and again for off.

Edit: went out and looked at both the 22nd and 23rd series. Same switch. Wire spring resistor with a ceramic shield. Two wire switch. Exactly as shown in BDeB's photo.

The Tucson Packard item is a fog light switch.

As JD noted, there is only one heater switch for 22nd-23rd Series and the wire resistor is attached to the extended phenolic backing plate. It is quite common for these heater switches to fail from overheating of the resistor. The heater blower in these cars is so quiet on the low speed setting that it is easy for the motor to be inadvertently left running in warm weather.