Engine will not move forward or reverse. Neutral sound works. It seems to me it is in a locked mode. How do I reset the system back to factory default. I have tried to follow the instructions but they make no sense.
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You didn't say if it is PS1 or PS2 but all MTH engines need a charged battery to get out of neutral. Do the sounds cut off when you cycle the power?
Neil
The model number would be useful here. 
Hi The engine is an Amtrak 805
Genesis Diesel - ♦ Amtrak ♦ Cab No. 805Genesis Diesel - With Proto - Amtrak ...
Genesis Diesel - 3-Rail Horn ♦ Amtrak ♦ Cab No. 805Genesis Diesel - 3-Rail Horn - Amtrakhi It is that engine theitem number on the box is 30-4018-1
It appears to be the conventional control Genesis with cab # 805, at least that's what that number points to.
yes this is it
Amtrak Genesis Set featuring Amtrak Genesis engine and 4-car Amtrak Superliner Set
Product Number: 30-4018-1
M.S.R.P. $ 379.95
First appeared in: 1998 Volume 2 - Blue Come
Per the MTH instructions: "The locomotive is controlled by a ProtoSound® DCRU® electronic
reverse unit. The reverse unit operates in the same manner that all
reverse units function by using forward, neutral and reverse states that
are entered each time the throttle is turned on and off or by using the
transformer direction switch
(if so equipped).
The reverse unit is designed
to ignore dirty track, dead
spots on switches or minor
short circuits without
disrupting the engine
operation, even at slow, prototypical speeds. Once the engine is
placed on the track, the transformer throttle can be advanced. You will
see that only the engines lights come on and two dings from the
sound system will chime followed by the air compressor pump sounds.
The engine does not run. This is known as the RESET state and is
explained in more detail below. The ProtoSound® DCRU® will not
power the motor until the throttle is turned OFF and then ON again. At
this point, the engine will now function just like any other electronic or
mechanical E--unit."
Most likely a dead battery. Power up the engine and then throttle off the power. If the engine sounds run less then 7 to 10 seconds, the problem is a low or dead battery. You can use a regular 9 volt to see if it will run temporarily until you get a rechargeable replacement or BCR.
http://www.mthtrains.com/content/50-1008
I see by your profile that you're in Michigan. If you're still having difficulties you may contact me (either by email, in my profile) or at Rider's Hobby Shop, in Flint tomorrow afternoon and I can help you.
Thank you I might be trying to contact you tomorrow. I have tried resetting it and charging the battery will try more later Thanks.
Originally Posted by Joe Allen:
Most likely a dead battery. Power up the engine and then throttle off the power. If the engine sounds run less then 7 to 10 seconds, the problem is a low or dead battery. You can use a regular 9 volt to see if it will run temporarily until you get a rechargeable replacement or BCR.
http://www.mthtrains.com/content/50-1008
Thank you very much tried the 9 volt battery and that was my problem Thanks
Where is the best place to buy a new battery
Use an Energizer Rechargeable Nickel-Metal Hydride & NiCd Battery charger that can charge the 9v batteries for the MTH battery in the Proto.Sounds 1 diesels.
Andrew
Originally Posted by stapleto:
Where is the best place to buy a new battery
Harbor Freight. NIMH type.
Is this okay
Energizer-Eveready 00916 NH22NBP Rechargeable Battery
Originally Posted by SPSF:
Originally Posted by stapleto:
Where is the best place to buy a new battery
Harbor Freight. NIMH type.
Thanks
get a BCR. cheaper in the long run and no more changing batteries.
You can use that type of battery, but they reccommend recharging them before use.
http://www.energizer.com/batte...l-value-charger.aspx
Energizer Recharge Value Charger will work for these batteries.
Andrew
Get a NIMH battery at Harbor Freight, either a green one (there are two types of green batteries) or a black NIMH that is already charged.
The RK Genesis was my first modern O Gauge set. I have not replaced the battery yet but probably should.
stapleto, your avatar looks much nicer now that your engine is running again. 
Do remember that many rechargeable "9V" batteries only have an operating voltage of 7.2 volts. These are NOT suitable, you want the ones with the extra cell that have the 8.4 volt operating voltage. Make sure you're getting the right type of batteries.
If interested I have in stock BCR's (Battery replacement). Won't ever have to replace a battery again. 24.95.
Chuck
You can use a regular 9V battery temorarily as a test. For a PS-1 engine to come out of the reset state you need to make sure the voltage is less than 10V. Listen to the engine start up and you should hear 2 dings and then the diesel sounds. With voltage at about the 1/3 setting of your transformer press the direction button. The engine should start moving. You can then raise the throttle. At this point the throttle setting is not as critical, it is very critical at the initial start up when the engine is in the reset state. G
All good advice. That is what I love about the Forum.
Forgot about the extra cell needed in a 9 volt rechargeable battery. Another reason to buy and use a BCR.
Ed Boyle
Originally Posted by Ed Boyle:
Forgot about the extra cell needed in a 9 volt rechargeable battery. Another reason to buy and use a BCR.
Ed Boyle
I can not tell you how many people at the club have had problems with their PS1 and PS2 engines untill they put in a BCR.
Stapleto.....first, I see you joined 2 days ago...SO, a warm welcome to the Forum!! Seems that you have received some pretty fine advice here from folks that know. BCR is quite a good way to go. Always happy to help if you have any issues. Jim
Yes, BCRs solve a lot of problems. It is worth noting that the PS-3 locomotives use the same technology.
Ed Boyle
Hi Stapleto, welcome to the forum. I think the BCR is the best way to go also. If you contact Charley above she can probably hook you up with one. They don't cost that much more then a battery but they can save you a ton of problems.
One of the issues with PS1 engines is if the battery runs to far down and you try to run your engine it could cause the program to be wiped out in the chip. MTH sells a kit to fix this, but it is a pain in the neck.
Good luck and always have fun.
Chuck,
I need one of those..
Good excuse to check out the shop
I found the part number for the Proto Sound Reset kit I spoke of above, 50-1023. Finding one is the question, I don't know who would still have one in stock.
The part number is current on the MTH web site so I guess it could be ordered through them if needed.
The Reset or Make PS chip is only good for one fault which is 3 clanks. Other faults will not be solved by the Make PS chip. You can do more damage to the programming if the chip is used when the symptoms are not there. That is the reason the specific sounds the engine makes need to be determined. Everyone is recommending a BCR and the voltage may just be too high to come out of reset. Before she buys a BCR it is best to put a new 9V alkaline in and make sure that a dead battery is the only problem.
G
Thank You G, good stuff to know.
Thank you everyone for all your help. I tried the 9 volt battery and then went and bought a BCR battery and the problem is solved. I am very impressed by the helpfulness of this forum.
Originally Posted by stapleto:
Thank you everyone for all your help. I tried the 9 volt battery and then went and bought a BCR battery and the problem is solved. I am very impressed by the helpfulness of this forum.
Best choice in my opinion for MTH PS1 engines. And it is a good idea to try a 9 volt battery first as GGG states to make sure that the battery is the problem. I've seen many buy BCR's thinking it's going to fix a scrambled PS1 board, which it won't. And then blame the BCR for their problem.
