Feature 18 Reset in Conventional Mode

If stuck in neutral, you can't enter reset mode.  But this is assuming it's a ProtoSound 1 locomotive and not a PS2 or PS3 engine.  To unlock it you have to apply power, hold down the horn button, and while holding it, cut the track power.  Once you hear a horn blast or bell ring (can't remember right now without actually doing it) let go of the horn button and then reapply track power.  It should now be in neutral before forward.

But note, this also requires a fully charged battery in it.  If the battery is weak or dead, you could ruin the locomotive.

Sorry... Should have mentioned.  PS2 Railking F3.

I did do the "hold horn and shut down"  Nothing happens.  It is the original battery, I guess it could be low.  But the engine still makes sound for 5 seconds after turning off power.

When I power up the horn and bell work.  Direction button or movement of the throttle does nothing.

Ron

Okay, my understanding that reset 18 was only for PS 1 locomotives.  PS2 have a different reset procedure.  Have you gone to MTH's site and downloaded the manual for this locomotive? 

Factory reset.. You need to do the horn/bell combination.

1 horn press and 5 bell presses about 1/2 second apart

Gregg,

FYI, that's a Feature Reset, not a Factory Reset.

I think you meant 1 Bell, 5 horn.  I tried that just now and I tried your way too with the horn first.  Neither worked.  Just in case I did 1 bell, 4 horn and the front coupler popped open.

Any other thoughts?  My father in law is gloating that his 1950 Lionel engine still works while my sons new digital engine is stuck in neutral. 

Please... I'm here for 4 more days.

Ron

OK... Obviously I'm the idiot.  My son just did the 1 Horn, 5 bells and it reset.  All works now.  Still getting ribbed by my father in law though.

Thanks all for the feedback.

Do yourself a BIG  favor ==  replace the battery. ps1 doesnt play well with a low/bad battery. dont ask how i know !!

No, you are not an idiot. PS-1 systems move from one RESET feature to another by moving track voltage UP and DOWN but not OFF. Each feature is identified by CLINKS and CLANKS. Takes time but it's simple. PS-1 systems are designed for Lionel postwar transformers.

PS-2 systems move through RESET features by pushing HORN and BELL buttons. Timing has to be exactly right. Apparently your son hit it after you missed it - just missed it, probably.

I second the advice about installing a BCR (PS-1) or BCR-2 (PS-2). For details, go to www.jandwelectronics.com

PS-2 don't move through resets.  The combination of bell and whistle are distinct command to the PS-2 board when in conventional mode.  Fire front or rear coupler, activate PFA, lock in direction, or turn speed control on or off.  G

Thanks all for the help.  The engine is running fine after the Horn, 5 Bell reset.  It is a PS 2 engine.  I have BCR's in my other engines, just have not got around to doing this newer one yet.

My son hooked up his NS A/B and the B/A from the 1950's NYC F3 that my father in law has.  He got the setup just right so both powered units are going in the correct direction.  All was fun until my mother in law cut me off after two cups of coffee.

I'd be happy going from Halloween straight to New Years Day.