Skip to main content

I was searching through some older posts, but didn't find an answer to the Misfiring Lionel Electro Coupler question. I have a new Legacy AC6000 that has a rear misfiring electro coupler. Has anyone solved this issue? Has Lionel ever stated what might be causing this? Any advice is appreciated.

 

Thanks,

 

Marc

Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

I am not sure what you mean by mis-firing.  I assume you mean it is not opening on command.  If so, hold the coupler between your fingers and give it the command to open.  If you feel it buzz, the electronics are fine.  If you are running the train at less then 18VAC, bump up the power and see if it will open.

 

Good Luck...

Earl

What kind of misfire? Does it not uncouple or is it randomly firing? If so there was a way on the older TMCC locomotives to wire in a capacitor, I think, to prevent a voltage spike from firing the coupler. However, gunrunnerjohn would know for sure and I am under the belief that this issue was corrected with the Legacy engines. If it is not firing it is likely and R4LC or Legacy board issue.

Originally Posted by Marc C:
I definitely used the wrong word. What I meant by misfiring is it fires open on its own when running around the layout. I never hear it happen. I just notice it. I'm pretty certain it's electrical. The coupler, mechanically, seems to be in good working condition. Wasn't sure if this had a known fix.

Okay, now that makes sense. Now assuming you are not hearing coupler sounds as if it is firing then the following should help. If this is a mechanical issue try some powdered graphite into the coupler since the pin could be sticking allowing the coupler to randomly open also.

 

 

I hope this helps.

Last edited by Captaincog
Originally Posted by Marty Fitzhenry:

Jeff, his engine does not use the R4LC it has the current RCMC board system.  I get to see these often.  I work for a dealer who sells a few trains each week.

 

Thanks Marty. I could not remember to if that one had the newer RMCM board system and I went blank on the name.

I recently got a Canadian Pacific Trainmaster that was released last month. When trying to operate the front coupler I get the sound from the speaker but no buzzing or operation from the knuckle of the coupler. The rear coupler works fine. I phone the Lionel service department and spoke to Pattie. After I told her about the coupler not working she spoke to the service manager and they sent me a coupler assembly from their sample Trainmaster and told me to just keep the nonworking one. It looks easy to make the swap. Just remove the truck with a twist, unplug the socket with the two wires from the connection in the truck and replace the truck into the motor housing. No more having to unscrew the truck from the motor housing and then having to lineup the truck's worm wheel with the worm gear from the armature.

Great customer service from the Lionel parts department.

Larry has the right first step IMO.  Unplug the coupler and isolate it to mechanical or electrical.  My bet is with Marty, it's probably mechanical.  I have had several that seem fine when you test them, but when running, they work their way open.

 

I've had good luck taking them apart and smoothing the mating surfaces.  Not only does this fix the random opening, but it also makes them close much easier so you don't have to bash the car you're coupling with to close the coupler.

I had a similar problem. it was caused bu a bad roller spring, the roller would bounce up and cause an arc against the frame. this arc mimics the uncouple command and opened my coupler. something to check. I would think an arc caused by anything might fire the coupler. going over a turnout or even dirty wheels or track.

It's amazing how much we put up with in our hobby.  If we bought cars with the variety of defects listed on the forum we wouldn't be fixing them ourselves.  We'd expect the dealer to do it under warranty. At least there are lemon laws for cars.

 

The spontaneous uncoupling with Legacy engines is not uncommon.  It happened to my PWC NP GP.  My dealer called Lionel and was told to install a capacitor at the coupler. This really didn't help.  It worked out because I like to run the long hood forward as it is depicted in the catalog.  That puts the bad coupler in front now.  But, it should be the rear coupler as it is designed to run short hood forward.

Alan

Originally Posted by Ron S:

Also check to see if one of the wires has a rubbed spot in it.  If the ground side is rubbed it can cause the coupler to fire.  I have seen this happen on both Lionel and MTH, though it has been a while.

I have a Legacy NKP ES44 that came with the coupler buzzing by itself continuously. I started to check it out and it quit doing that when I rearranged the wires somewhat. I had no idea at first what was making the noise...the smoke fan was also an issue at the same time but that cured itself also after some restarts.

Add Reply

Post

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×
×