I recently purchased one of the new VL Challengers and noticed that there was an issue right out of the box. Upon first testing it, I saw that not a single one of the smoke units in the engine worked. Then, after just a few hours of running, all the sounds cut out and now it just runs silently. The factory reset didn’t work unfortunately, so looks like it’s gonna go back to Lionel for service. Anyone else having similar issues?
Replies sorted oldest to newest
N&W Guy,
The sound power plug was pulled tightly in the Zip Tied bundle and worked out of the sound board socket on my 1931250 Greyhound Challenger #3977. Check the tender to see that the power plug is in the sound board socket. I had to pull a little more slack from the Zip Tied Bundle to re-plug it.
The smoke could be a switch problem. Try switching the smoke to OFF. Sometimes switches get installed backward in an engine. You probably already did these things, but it gives you something to do while you wait for an RA from Lionel. They are very nice engines. I unfortunately had to return mine to the seller because of Work light and Generator Steam Effect issues. I have enough items that need to go back to Lionel for service. I did not need one more.
Sincerely, John Rowlen
I am having an issue with my new 2019 Vision Challenger as well. Ran fine for a few laps and then stalled with no response. The sounds remained on but the headlight is flickering as if it is not getting antenna signal. If I tap on the shell, the engine resumes for a bit and stalls again with the same symptoms. I tested several other legacy engines with no issue to rule out track and control. I got a RA number yesterday and am sending in for service. Anyone else have this issue? I assume a loose connection but I am not about to try and troubleshoot this myself. Hoping for a quick fix from Lionel so I can get it back on the layout.
I just got my VL Challenger out this weekend. After running around a few times, the smoke unit now makes a very loud noise when it is turned on. It still smokes, but it's waaaayy loud and drowns out the real sound effects.
Needs a new fan, or the impeller is hitting the top or bottom of the chamber, either is a pretty simple and cheap fix.
After some further testing, it's the Dyna Chuff Unit making the noise. When I turn it off, noise goes away. The main smoke unit works fine. There is no smoke being produced by the Dyna Chuff unit when it's turned on and it has fluid.
Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership
