Need help with Warhorse J

It may be time to start swapping boards, I'd start with the R2LC.

A flickering head light doesn't mean it is receiving command, it means it is having difficulty receiving command.  First make sure the R2LC is seated correctly.  I would also check the antenna wiring to the hand rails ensuring they are not grounded.  If you hold your hand over the engine does it respond correctly?  I am assuming you changed the id to a known number, and then set the AUX code.  If nothing is functioning correctly after checking above items, then at that point swapping in a known good board to see if that fixes it, or move the offending board to a known good engine to see if it works.  G

First don't go looking for a R2LC as this loco is equiped with a LCRU. Since your engine runs fine in conventional mode, the radio circuit on the LCRU is probably bad.

 

Bill

Good call Bill, early model, but I would still check the antenna first.  G

I guess looking for an LCRU would be a better call for this one.

This engine is not modular electronics as already pointed out. The whole electronics package will have to be replaced, including, TMCC receiver and motor driver. Make sure the engine mechanical system is not bound up, like rods, loose motor, etc.

Is this set named after the recent "Warhorse" movie?

It might be more cost effective to consider the ERR AC Commander, they're pretty cheap and readily available.  They're also a similar size as the LCRU.  Lionel has the LCRU listed for $90.

If the headlight is flickering then my diagnosis would be the tuner pot on the LCRU is slightly outside of the 455 Khz range. This can be adjusted using a digital meter and a screwdriver. If you want to attempt it email me the best time to reach you to mreagan@lionel.com Thanks, Mike

Could you just post the info, I would like to know.  What reading do you take?  Thanks, G

I'd love to know how to do this as well.

The conditions the op had with the warhorse J are identical to the problems I have with my 6-18046 wabash 4-6-4 loco even down to the flickering headlight!  I believe both these locos are from the same time period in lionel!