Lionel 990 command set problem

Sid's TrainsOGR Forum Member

So I have had this Lionel 990 command set for a few years now. It was originally a slightly used set off of eBay and for the entire time I have had it, it has worked flawlessly. Now I come into my train room one day and turn on the power and all the engines don't respond. The remote doesn't connect and the engines just sit due to the older trainmaster base being plugged in. I let the remote scan and that didn't work. I reset the remote and that didn't work. I then tried changing the channels on the base and the yellow light just doesn't flash. So basically I can't change the channels for some reason. So there is some transmitting or connection issue going on here. Does anyone have a clue of what the issue could be?

10/5/183:54 PM

❤️ 0

Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

RickM46OGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER

Have you checked all connections; have you replaced the batteries with freshly charged ones?

I have a unit I bought in 2015 and have had it back to Lionel twice; once to fix the #2 key that stopped working (they replaced the keyboard); lastly for the red speed control knob that wouldn't work (they replaced the main board).

10/5/186:39 PM

❤️ 0

Sid's TrainsOGR Forum Member

RickM46 posted:
Have you checked all connections; have you replaced the batteries with freshly charged ones?
I have a unit I bought in 2015 and have had it back to Lionel twice; once to fix the #2 key that stopped working (they replaced the keyboard); lastly for the red speed control knob that wouldn't work (they replaced the main board).

It's not the remote because the base isn't functioning properly. I can't change the channel to see if it's the remote.

10/5/186:52 PM

❤️ 0

rtraincollectorOGR Forum Member

Contact Lionel, you may have to pay to ship but they seem to want this system to keep working. But first go out and buy a set of fresh batteries and change them out. This can be the cheap ones from dollar store, but this is just to test it. If you batteries are not charging and are low what your describing may happen

Wait a minute you have me confused are you using original TMCC or legacy ( which would be the 990 ) I'm not positive but I do not believe a 990 hand set will operate the original TMCC base.

10/5/187:31 PM

❤️ 0

Sid's TrainsOGR Forum Member

rtraincollector posted:
Contact Lionel, you may have to pay to ship but they seem to want this system to keep working. But first go out and buy a set of fresh batteries and change them out. This can be the cheap ones from dollar store, but this is just to test it. If you batteries are not charging and are low what your describing may happen
Wait a minute you have me confused are you using original TMCC or legacy ( which would be the 990 ) I'm not positive but I do not believe a 990 hand set will operate the original TMCC base.

I am using the newer 990 legacy set, but have the older trainmaster hooked up as well and this is why the engines didn't shoot off with no command signal.

10/5/188:32 PM

❤️ 0

DavePOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

I would swap batteries as others recommended. I would also disconnect the older TMCC unit. I come to discover these 990 units are sensitive to fluctuations in household electricity. Especially when thunderstorms are in play. I always unplug mine when not in use.

10/5/189:07 PM

❤️ 1