PS-2 Steam Engine Abruptly Stopped Working

Maybe try re-seating the tether. make sure it's plugged in all the way.... And a feature reset.. Menu/Advanced/ reset engine/ feature reset...

If you're operating conventionally, the engine won't move out of neutral if the battery is weak. When you start it up and then immediately turn off track power, how long do sounds persist?

I am running in the Command Control mode.  Prior to changing the battery, when cutting the power the sound ended sooner and more abruptly than normal.  So I replaced the battery with a new one, and now the sound persists for a several seconds before it appropriately reduces to zero volume.

Greg - the power is provided through the draw bar which I will double check now and I will also try resetting the features.  thx, Tom

Okay, it seems that there is a loose electrical connection on the draw bar at the interface with the locomotive.  As I press the bar upward compressing the spring at the connection with the locomotive the DCS appears to operate the locomotive properly.  If there is a loose connection, this would explain why the locomotive would nun normally part way around the loop and then abruptly come to a stop (i.e.; when the draw bar wired connection would fail).

Is it straight forward repairing the electrical connection between the draw bar and locomotive?

thanks, Tom

See if the engine 10 pin plug is partially out of the engine side drawbar.  Inspect wires for free movement but fully seated in connector housing.  Check same on tender side.  G

It is quite likely that the plug that goes into the drawbar on the locomotive end, has worked loose. Sometimes these don't have enough slack. If you remove the screw and spring attaching the drawbar, the plug should be accessible and can be reseated in the socket. Reinstall the drawbar and you're good to go.

Eric Hofberg

MTH Tech

Eric - thanks very much ... your instructions worked perfectly and the J is now back in action.  Tom