Problem with TMCC switcher

It sounds like the motor driver has a problem.  Does it try to move in reverse at all?  If so, it could be a mechanical issue.

No.  Nuttin'.  Reverse light also not on.  Forgot to mention the front and rear couplers work.  Thus, can we assume that the engine has been appropriately recognized by Legacy?

This is my 3rd Lionel engine.  One, a Vision Line Hudson, is currently sitting idle on the floor because it's not working.  It failed during the warranty and Lionel fixed it.  But it failed again after warranty expired.  Another, a TMCC Big Boy, will not hold the programming for more than a few starts.  To me, it is a pain to have to turn the engine over, turn the program button to pgm, and then place the engine back on the track, run the program, followed by turning the button back to run.

I have a dozen or so MTH dcs engines that have never had a problem.  Seems I just don't have any luck with high tech Lionel products.  Reference my posts in mid-Dec re Fastrack Command switches.  

If the reverse light doesn't come on, I'd first try swapping out the R2LC.  That wouldn't be affected by the motor driver, so maybe the R2LC is the way to start.

I hope you have done the full reset of function from the manual, if not, do that first!

I did not do that.  Will do so today.

Excuse my ignorance, but what is R2LC?

This is a 6-28700 cab #543 Burlington Route 0-8-0 switcher manuf. circa 2005 , as owner's manual is dated 2005.

Before swapping anything it is best to try a reset using the appropriate number from the instruction manual as Mark eludes too in his post.  G

As it turns out, the reset Mark posted is the same for your locomotive, page 25 in the manual.  As I said previously, first step is to do the reset, if that doesn't do it, the R2LC would probably be my next swap.

The R2LC is the TMCC receiver and the logic control for direction, etc.  It's in the locomotive.

Tried the reset program - twice- but no dice.  Most of the functions I use work, but a functioning reverse is a must.  This engine was sold as new, but I noticed some tell tale black marks on the pickup rollers indicating it had been run.  If this was sold as a used engine (as is, etc.) I would consider going the parts replacement route.  Since the seller offered a return if I was not satisfied that is exactly what I plan to do unless someone here comes up with another prgm idea to try.  Guess I'll have to wait to see what comes out in the future re steam switchers.  MTH has a current production 0-4-0 but it's appearance to me is too toy-like - similar to pre-war not-to-scale proportions and at over $650, I'm not willing to spend that given my opinion on the non-scale appearance.   An 0-6-0 or 0-8-0 is preferable.

Thanks for everyone's help.

Before sending it back I would pull the shell off and reseat all of the boards and connectors. The 4 pin white connector on the DCDS motor driver board has the direction information. Check both ends of that cable and make sure there are no pins sticking out. The Lionel USRA 0-8-0s from the mid 2000s are great engines and can be had at reasonable prices. You will be hard pressed to find better value.

Pete

Pete,

Pull shell off tender or engine?

Bill, the radio board and motor driver are in the engine. Only Railsounds in the tender. 

Pete

I decided to test run on my conventional Christmas layout.  Reverse function, including tender backup light, work fine.  Does that provide any clues?  Of course, I bought this engine to run on my permanent layout using Legacy, since I did not have a steam switcher.

I am very hesitant to remove the engine shell because it was sold as new and I want to make sure, if l return it, there is no evidence of "tampering".  My local hs can have this repaired for me, but he does not work on modern engines, only pre- and post war.  He has a friend who is a certified repair technician that does high tech work for him.  However, that would add additional cost to my investment, but worse is how long it would take to get it back.  The two get together about 4 times a year.  The technician lives at least 150 miles away.

If the engine runs fine in both directions in conventional, but won't run in reverse in command, my top suspect is the R2LC.  I presume other TMCC locomotives have no problem reversing using the same layout and Legacy system, right?

I have only two other Lionel engines: a Vision Line Hudson that does not run at all in command mode, and a TMCC Big Boy (Lionmaster) that also does not run at all.  The rest of my motive power, a dozen engines, are DCS and have had no problems including ones dating back to circa 2005.

Well, clearly I'd want to test this on a TMCC or Legacy command base that I know is fully functional!

It so happens I have two Legacy command bases - bought a second one to use for remote operation of Fastrack switches (of which two out of four don't work) on my Christmas layout.  I will try that one on the switcher.

I would have never thought that could be the problem, but the reverse function works on the Christmas layout using the newer Legacy base and remote.  The one on my main layout is at least 5 years old.  Given that all functions work except reverse using the older Legacy unit, does that mean the reverse button is defective?  The only other variable I can think of is the Christmas layout uses Fastrack and the main one uses Gargraves track.

At least I can keep the engine.

It's not uncommon for that button to have a problem, it's a multi-function button with the reverse/boost/brake function.  Send it back to Lionel, they'll fix it for free.  It's not the track, it's the remote.

Is it the Legacy Controller/Base or is it the layout?  There were 2 variables changed in the equation.

You certainly have symptoms of a bad button on the controller but still you are still 0 for 3 on Legacy locomotives on the main layout. 

However, it will be easy to install the newer Legacy base/remote on the main layout.  But when the other two engines were working the reverse units also worked.  Those two will not start up.  The TMCC Big Boy will run for a while following a re-program.  It seems to lose it's program after a shutdown.  Thus, those engines have their own problems not related to a faulty reverse button on the remote.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

It's not uncommon for that button to have a problem, it's a multi-function button with the reverse/boost/brake function.  Send it back to Lionel, they'll fix it for free.  It's not the track, it's the remote.

Thanks.  Would I need to send both base and remote?

I would think that is best that way Lionel can check it end to end, and resolve any other issue that may be there.  G