DCS Coupler Fires Sporadically

Not normally an issue with PS-2/3 engines. Unplug the coupler and run engine.  If it open it is mechanical and replace coupler.  If it only fires when plugged in either coupler is shorting or the harness has a break in the insulation.  G

Odd ball coupler firings can be attributed to dirty wheels, and or track. Those crazy little spark arcs can make a coil coupler fire off, ….doesn’t just happen to DCS locomotives…..look for pitting spots on your switches, pick up rollers, and wheels,…..I always try & follow the clues, and eliminate simple culprits first….

Pat    

I appreciate the advice, and I'll give it try.  I don't think it's dirty track, happens on freshly cleaned and fairly new Fastrack switch, as well as very old tubular portion of my layout.  The shorting makes more sense and I hear it fire, so it's not just a mechanical failure.  It doesn't sound like it's an errant signal, or at least that doesn't sound like a common issue.

You all put me onto the problem.  It was a pinched wire when assembled at the factory between the shell and the frame.  I had not run that engine much since adding my yard, which has O31 curves.  Those curves were evidently tight enough to tug on the wire which had less play than intended because it was pinched and couldn't move.  In time, it wore / tore a tiny spot on the insulation.  The O54 and O72 curves were not enough it stress it and make this happen.  If you hadn't had me start looking for shorts, I wouldn't have found the problem.  Thanks!!

  Lucky, many time that can result in damage coupler fet.  G