I have a new GP7 that is not responding to TMCC. The unit runs fine on a loop powered by a vintage conventional transformer. On the TMCC track, when I power up the track the loco lights up and starts the diesel idle, but does not respond to the Cab1 commands. I have lots of locos, but this is my first Lionel in several years... am I missing something obvious, or is there a defect?
Jan
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Did you set the TMCC ID? That would be the "something obvious" you mention. The engine won't respond unless you have selected the proper engine number on your remote that matches what the engine is set for.
The engine does not respond when I attempt to set the ID. I've never had a Lionel engine start idling before it is selected; it's behaving like an MTH PS1!
Well, if you've power cycled it a few times and it doesn't take off, it sounds like the engine has a problem. Obviously, the exact Lionel product number would be useful if you want more information.
Product number is 2133171. The unit has Legacy and Bluetooth; Bluetooth is turned off. I had it custom painted - the painter may have removed the shell in painting.
Check the batteries in the cab1. I had a similar problem and it was the batteries. If it will move by pushing boost and then stop right away once you let go, it most likely your batteries. It will switch directions, blow the horn, etc but doesn't have enough power to make it move. From what was explain to me years ago when I had this problem it takes a stronger signal to get it to move
Since this is a Legacy engine and it's coming up in conventional mode immediately, it's really unlikely to be the batteries in the remote. Clearly, it's not seeing (or reacting) to the TMCC signal on the tracks or it would come up silent. My first step would be to make sure the command base is actually functional with other engines. If so, there appears to be some internal issue with this engine, top suspect is the antenna since it was out for painting.
Yes, I checked out the track with another loco. Where is the antenna on this GP7? I should be able to look for a disconnected antenna... I'm not worried about the warranty, assume that is history by now.
If it's been painted, the warranty ship has sailed! 
The Antenna connects to the top board of the RCMC in a 2-pin connector, it's the only connector on the small top board. Just follow that, it should go to a plate antenna. Don't know exactly in that model what it will look like, but it should be obvious if there's no wire connected to the antenna connector.
I had the same issue on my legacy CP GP35. The locomotive would start up when powered was applied and become unresponsive. Sometimes cycling power several times would clear it. No loose connections and antenna was in good shape.
I ended up replacing the RCMC and that solved the problem.
Well, I think checking for things less than the most expensive part in the engine is a good first step.
John: the antenna is in place and firmly connected to the board. I think this loco requires some professional attention. If you do this sort of work give me your shipping details and I'll send you the loco.
Well, the engine hasn't shown up in Lionel parts yet, so it may be a spell before we can get the likely part. The TMCC receiver is part of the overall RCMC package on newer locomotives, if the antenna is secure and not shorted to the frame, it sounds like that's the part that's going to be needed.
OK, let me know when you are ready for me to send it...
John, another question... is it feasible to convert this loco to run just on TMCC, as if it were an MTH loco? I imagine those parts are readily available.
That seems pointless, it would end up being more expensive than just getting the correct part and fixing this one.
OK, just a thought... I can wait, I have other locos...
I think that's the right move. 
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