PS2/3 VO-1000 Behaving Badly

I didn't even know that had the 3/2 switch?

http://mthtrains.com/20-20175-1

The wheels should be grounded together in three rail mode. So the wiring should connect them at the 3/2 switch.

 I'm not sure if the techs have a wiring diagram. You could try and trace the wires from the wheels on each side of the trucks.

  You may need some electrical back ground. Make sure you don't short anything at the board! Test and then re- test before running! Pretty simple to have the wheels act as pickups, as the wiring is already there.

According to the MTH Web this is a PS-3 engine.  S0 there is only a 3R and 2R switch.  The other switch is DCS or DCC.  The engine will not run on DCC unless you have DCC system.

For 3R position the pickups go via the switch to the center post which feeds the red AC in to the PS-3 board.  The left side is chassis ground and feeds directly to the center post of the black wire which feeds AC to the PS-3 board.  When in 3R the Right side wheels feed the black center post via the switch.

When you put it into 2R position,  The Right side wheels feed the center red wire post and the Left wheels still feed the Black center post.

CHeck the switch for continuity.  There have been some problems with switches or check wiring.   G

George, say it isn't so!  Isn't this the switch that has the million to one failure rate?

Poor ground.  Clean the black off of the wheels.  Ditch the switch.  OR  Connect your outside rails with a jumper.   OR do all of the above.

Dave

I figured you jump in, I was going to put a caveat, but figured I would wait for your post. 

I recently had a PS-3 with a bad switch, so we are up to 7 worldwide now!

But seriously, based on his specific issue of wheel side continuity it Is either bad wiring/screw or the switch.   G

I couldn't believe you'd leave an opening like that by mistake.

It does sound like something associated with the switch, or wiring to the switch, I have to agree.

Thanks for the comments and suggestions, guys. I'll keep them in mind when I take another crack at this thing later this week.

8...pulled the bad switch and wired for 2 railsymptoms were intermittent z1000 cb trip.