The drawbar could indeed be the issue because...
This is an "all new 8 pin magnetic wireless drawbar".
( Why did Lionel not use the bullet proof I.R. drawbar??? Is it not compatible with the Lionchief electronics?)
Go to the 3:00 mark on Daves Lionchief plus 2.0 video:
This is a new $1000 locomotive. I'd get Lionel to repair it when this virus thing is over.