A Lionel Locomotive Coupler Problem

Switch to Kadees.

Switching to Kadee's is not an option. I have 15 other locomotives that work well. Anyone else care to offer a solution?

Jim

Typically, when a TMCC loco has an issue and is unresponsive, and you've checked all the basics things (track power is sufficient, no derailments, etc.) the next step is a reboot or hard reset.  The exact process is set forth in the instructions.  If I remembered what it was, I would write it down for you here.  (It is easy to do, however, so don't worry about it.)  If you don't have the manual, but google search the locomotive, it will typically come up on Lionel's website with a link to PDF version of the instructions. 

If this doesn't work, my advice would be to run the loco for a while.  Sometimes prolonged storage can make any machine act "funky" for lack of a better term, and sometimes a good running session will fix these issues.  If after running it for 15 minutes or half an hour it still does not work, I would then open it up and make sure the basic wiring connections are intact.  If that is not an issue, then you have an issue with the boards.  Then you can ship it back to Lionel (you need to contact them first to get a return authorization) or use one of the many skilled repairmen here (Boxcar Bill, Marty F., etc.).

If I were going to send it to Lionel, however, I would get hopping.  I would imagine post holiday returns are always a lot, and given the issues we read about here, they will be busy.

HTH.  Good luck.

Thanks for your help, I will heed your sugestions.

Jim

Look for a broken wire at the coupler.

If it sounds like the magnet is buzzing but the knuckle isnt opening, try a puff of dry graphite into the knuckle joint. Sometimes they just need to be freed up.

My GG1 had this issue.  I could hear it buzz, but it didn't open.  So while holding the button down I tried yanking on it, and it still wouldn't open.  Since it's an old K-Line locomotive, I couldn't send it back, so I just ran it backwards (not like it matters on a GG1).  Every once in a while I would try it again why pulling on it, and one day it popped open, and it has work fine ever since.

How many volts are you running at?  Some take more voltage to open than others.  Maybe find another coupler & swap it out.