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

I have a 1951 model 200 that I have been sorting out. I have driven about 500 miles since I have acquired her, and this is something new. When I first got her the ignition switch showed no lights on off, or accessory. The other day it showed oil and gen on on, gen on off, and gen on accessory. So I disconnected the battery overnight. The next day it was back to oil/gen on, on only again. I drove around a bit and now I get oil/gen on, on, and on accessory, but nothing on off. I suspect the ignition switch. Any ideas? Car starts and runs fine on the on position. Engine turned over on accessory, but doesn't start.

It could be the switch but before condemning it check the back and make sure none of the wires or terminals on the GA post is oriented so vibration could cause it to touch the battery feed on the AM post which is very close to GA. If the loom is the old fabric and rubber stuff it could also have a chunk of insulation off somewhere allowing wires to touch.

If the switch is mounted in the normal position with the bulb on top, looking from the back GA is the long post about 11:00 and AM will be about 1:00. COIL is the remaining post at about 7:00.

When the key is off there should be no power on anything except AM. GA gets power in both run (on) or acc position and you can crank the engine (no starting) in acc position. Since there is a single feed from GA spliced to both lamp sockets you should have the BAT and OIL lights in both positions. COIL gets power only in the run (on) position. Typically only the coil is fed off that post and lets you start the car when the key is in the run position only.