Problem Fixed by Lionel; Legacy cab not functioning properly

First make sure the base is plugged into a grounded plug. Any improvement? Next, I would reload the soft ware it came with, better-yet get the latest version, 1.52,  If this does not help, you will have to send it back to Lionel.

There is also a recessed reset button on the back, try holding that down with the batteries INSTALLED, maybe that will get it's mind right.  Also, check for any stuck keys, like the Boost key.

The track wire would have nothing to do with the red light.  The output from the Legacy base is "write only", there is no feedback.  It'll act the same with no connection as with a track connection.

J Daddy and GunrunnerJohn: Thank you for the responses. I tried the plug and the reset button but they did not do the trick. Tonight I will reload the software. Hope it works.

I appreciate your help.

As Gunrunner suggested, rock the brake boost switch.

Marty, 

Never heard of this, what does that do?

It has been reported, that some of these rocker switcher could get "stuck".  This could be the issue and unless exercised might not release and keep sending a signal.  Same as a stuck button.

Some folks have success fully used canned air to help clean it out.  I would not recommend any spray unless it is 100% safe for plastics and then very sparingly. 

Lionel would most likely rather you return it if the button seems to be "electronically sticky".

Have you tried changing the remote and base channel? The "word on the street is the higher channels work better. They must be on the same channel to work properly as well.

Thank you. Decided to wait on reloading software till I connected with Lionel web site so I could save the data in my base....just in case. May not get to that till the weekend. Will try the "stuck key" issue and changing the channel tonight(been on "5" since legacy came out).

Top suspect here is the stuck key.  Changing the channel isn't likely to change anything, if you're standing next to the base with the remote and it doesn't work, it's not the channel selection.

Did you rock the boost button back and forth a few times?

Yes. This morning I tried rocking the boost button (and then others) to no avail.

Is this a common problem with Legacy? (the stuck button?)

Can Lionel repair them at a reasonable cost?

Or is it "toast"?

Lionel will most likely repair it at no cost other than shipping to them.

It's not common but has been reported.

It seems clear that you should contact Lionel and send it back.  I'm going to suggest you send both the CAB2 and the command base, and I think they'll ask for both.

Jeff, 

Call them, get an RA no.. The only cost to you is shipping. They really have improved in customer service. It will surprise you. 

The only bummer is you will have to run your trains conventionally for while.

Thanks to all. I did call customer service and they asked me to try one more thing before we go the RA route. The technician asked me to "slightly back off" a screw that is on the rear of the Cab 2, slightly above the boost/brake(on the front of the Cab 2). She said sometimes the screw is pressing against the circuit board. I will try that tonight and let everyone know the outcome. 

Backing off the screw did not help. I have an RA from Lionel and will be shipping to them on Monday. Thanks to everyone for your suggestions.

Wow! What a "horror story"!

I always knew if I periodically checked , sooner or later someone would be having

the same problem I have. Mine is intermittent and began about 7 months ago. My

cab two will be working fine when for no reason engine brakes will be applied. When this occurs the other controls will not function. Looking at the cab two reveals the = sign in the lower right of the screen. Also the red light is blinking on the base. These indicators tell me that the cab two is in continuous communication

with the base. I have found that often, but not always the cycle can be broken

by maipulating the brake -boost wheel. I believe the problem is with this part of

the cab two. I have declined to send my unit back because the problem is not continuous and it may work fine for three or four sessions before malfunctioning. It

is unlikely to me that a tech. at Lionel will take the time to make this problem occur,and will send the unit back with a nothing wrong note. Now that I know others have this issue I believe I will take a stab a customer support. If anyone who has this problem would mind posting their R.A. numbers, I will use them as

evidence that this problem is genuine when I speak to Lionel.

Stop with the drama and request a RA.  Geez you assume to much. Call them, tell them the issue and its intermittent, refer to this thread if you must, but call them. You don't need "evidence". 

I've gotta' go with Marty here, badmouthing Lionel about something you haven't given them a chance to fix is pretty low.  They're actually very good at fixing their stuff, you might be pleasantly surprised.

Thank you for the replies, however my comments ARE based on past experience with another problem that I had with the legacy system. The unit was sent back exactly as requested by Lionel and returned to me with the exact same problem. It was not until I saw a similar problem on this forum, that I was able to get the support person to believe the problem was in fact with Legacy and once again return it for repair

Absolutely the correct way.  More information is better.  The good news is they have seen this before so the chances are good they'll know what you are talking about.

Not that this is your issue, but as a general remark, if the rocker switch is engaged either accidentally or by malfunction when the CAB2 is turned on, it will remember that setting as default.  So the CAB 2 will continue to output the command even if the button isn't really stuck.

I believe the more information I can provide about a problem the better are the chances it will be fixed without having to go through multiple RA numbers.

Now, that's something I didn't realize.  It's obviously never happened to me, but it's an interesting observation.

When this happens, if you turn it off again with the button not engaged, does it restore the defaults to normal?

I will have to give that a try.

I know right? Fixed by Lionel for the cost of shipping?

The horror..........the horror..........

The real horror is, if you're a veteran, they'll even pick up the shipping both ways.

I shipped complete Legacy system to Lionel, per their instructions. The day they received it, they made the repair, and sent it back into the UPS system. Nice service.

They replaced the brake/boost button (multi-function button part # 6104295135) and 3 other components. The cab-2 now works flawlessly. They also repaired the command base, as the battery charging system was not working properly. It now works. Lionel also upgraded to version 1.52 for both the cab and base.

The other 3 components are: 691SMZD51V diode/zener/SMT/5.1 volt 500 MW; 691SMRS020 resistor/SMT/20 ohm 1/8 watt; and 691SMFS150 fuse/bourns/SMT/1.50 amp 63 volt. I don't know if they were for the cab repair or the base repair.

I am retired Air Force, and Lionel told me the free shipping to Lionel was for active duty military. That is fine with me. Lionel did pay for the repair and the return shipping, even though I bought the Legacy System when it first came out.

I am very happy with Lionel service.

Unless they changed policy that is not correct, it is for veterans. May be worth a follow up call

Check this thread along with the video of the announcement

https://ogrforum.com/t...if-you-are-a-veteran

I have this same issue.