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Here's the problem with my MTH Z-4000:

Left variable handle outputs 12 volts when "fully" down(off). When Z-4000  switch (I/O) is turned on the digital readout shows 0 volts, as does a digital multimeter, in 5-10 seconds the voltage climbs to 8-10 volts then tops off at 12 volts where it seems to stabilize, the handle is still at its off position.  At this point handle movement does not seem to affect the voltage reading until near maximum travel, where it stops at 16-18 volts. Returning the handle to the minimum position still leaves 12 volts output. No amperage is indicated at anytime.

Background info:

Z-4000 was purchased new in 2018, it has less than 5 hours of total power on time. The Z-4000 was totally isolated from accessories and track for the testing after the problem was noticed. The right side variable output is fine as is the 10 volt and 14 volt fixed outputs. All readings were verified with a Fluke multimeter.

Any help in diagnosing my problem and potential repair path would be greatly appreciated.

Steve

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@rrman posted:

Although I do not own this, I wonder if there needs to be load on output such as good low voltage light bulb to pull the output down to zero?  A meter is a high impedance "open, no load", so the output "floats" until loaded.

Will be curious if my guess is right or not.

As he says, have you measured actual track voltage with a lighted car on the track?

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