Dave, thanks. Min/Max set to Max.
BUT..... when I put the car back on the track, I tried to reprogram it again, and this time, I got crew chatter and my eletrocoupler operational! I think the real issue I'm having is that there is, at best, intermittent continuity with track power .... it's cutting out a lot as it rolls down the track, although my engine in the built train or other cars that have lights don't have this issue. (i.e., not dirty track).
Is there anything to check here to improve power pickup?