Thanks everyone for all the input and ideas.
@Hancock52The TIU firmware is v 06.10 according to the app. I upgraded from the standard to the premium version which gave me a lot more app functionality than I need right now. Meaning I have not one accessory to use or an AIU for that.
@Keystone Today I fuddled around with trying different combinations of the lighting soft switches. Not one combination turns on the firebox glow. Attached here is what the app looks like. The "Beacon" switch controls the Christmas LED lights. Sad to admit I don't know what a beacon is on a loco.
The loco was not bought locally. The nearest decent Hobby shop that has a decent model train section is about a 40 minute one way drive from me. I did get it from a reputible MTH authorized dealer. I wonder if the loco software itself needs an update/bug fix. Last I looked a month ago there was nothing.