Reply to "Eyeing a 1999 PS-1 MTH Doodlebug: how do I check for the "three clanks?""

IIRC the MTH doodlebugs weren't part of the list of proto-1 that were most susceptible to the "3-clanks" problem.  However a very low or bad battery can lock you into neutral w/ idle sounds.  If the store owner permits a test, also bring a small phillips screwdriver and brand new 9 volt alkaline battery to swap out the original white MTH white 9v nicad battery for the temporary test.  You can then power up the d-bug to see if you get normal start-up sounds and can then move fwd and rev from neutral.  Also test the horn, bell and passenger sounds.  You can then remove the temporary alkaline and then reassemble when the test is done.  FWIW, I still run my PS1 d-bug but with a new battery or BCR (I forget which).  Good luck.