MTH Switches Not Working

Well, it could be any number of issues, including: 

* a short between the rails. Use compressed air and blow out the switch real good. 

* your switch block may not be inserted completely. Unseat it completely, then re-insert gently. Sometimes they take some pressure to insert. 

* your remote switch wiring may have crossed, creating a short. Double check that it is G-R-B, and that the jumper in the last two positions hasn't come loose. 

* two trains on the switch at once? I know, it's the equivalent of "... is the computer plugged into the wall socket," but if you have a truck touching the turnout and another truck just inside the straight, the switch will get confused. 

Lastly, it could just be a bad switch. I've had that happen. Something about the internal wiring. Others in the Forum will know of what I speak. 

Dr. Joe 

Ricky,

Most likely the switch track's control rails aren't insulated from the adjacent outside rails of the tracks to which the switch track connects.

Hi,

Thanks for your help. 

Ricky

I agree with Barry's answer. Has happened several times with me. BUT, do not rule out LARIMEJOE's answers if it is not Barry's.

AND that iw what is great about this forum. You can post questions and get almost immediate results. Ain't it Grand? A slight derail and thousands of hands to help nurse it back on track with nothing but a post to the dispatcher.

Ricky, here is a photo to add to Barry's advice. Make sure the gap between the short rails of the switch track and the connected track didn't expand and close up.

I would also like to add to remove the cover on the controller and make sure one of the wires didn't come off.  If the green or the red came off, you'll get a chatter like your experiencing.

Hi,

I have insulated the switch on two ends and it still is malfunctioning. Thanks,

Ricky 

Ricky,

Does it chatter with he control box disconnected? If so, the problem is local to the switch itself. If not, it's in the control box.

Hi,

I am using the AIU. 

Ricky

I should probably check and see if the wires are not touching at the ports. 

Ricky