New engine - no response

Does it run in conventional mode?  That would be my first check.  If it runs conventional, see if the wiring from the PGM/RUN switch and the seating of the boards.

Is this the modular board set or the older LCRU electronics?

Thanks for the response. The train works in conventional but without sound. It is an older engine so I am not sure about the board. It was an Ebay purchase and I should know better. They have no standards anymore. At least the seller will take it back with full refund but I really wanted that engine.

Remove the shell and check for loose circuit boards and connectors. The radio board may have worked loose.

Pete

Do you have the exact model number of the engine?  That will help us help you.

Hopefully, if it has a RUN/PGM switch, it has the TMCC, but I suppose that's no certainty!

Thanks for all the concern. I'm a bit hesitant to remove the shell as the seller says I can return it for full refund and yet I like the engine and would like to keep it. It is a Lionel H16-44 diesel (Santa Fe) #72-8806-250 built in 7/01. It has Trainmaster Command, RailSounds and Odyssey. I seem to hear a very faint engine sound when its on the track and addressed with Engine#1 but there is no whistle or bell and no movement forward or backward (as I said above it operated F and R in conventional mode but with no sound). I might VERY CAREFULLY remove the shell to check for loose connections (after all it was shipped). I just don't want to jeopardize my chances for a refund. Seller also said her husband never used TMCC and ran it only in conventional which might have added to the problem. Does anyone know if there are still replacement parts (electronic) for this engine? I really appreciate your interest. Mike

PS: There is an excellent repair shop outside my area that I could take it to but I'm wondering about the cost. I got this engine for $225 which is not too bad if repairs would be minor but perhaps a new board would be cost prohibitive. So many "ifs"!

There are indeed too many if's.  In conventional mode, can you use the horn/bell?  Did you locate the volume control and crank it up?  The volume is located at the rear under the fan cover.  I'm assuming you checked the position of the sound switch to make sure it's on, right?  Do the lights reverse when you run in conventional mode and reverse direction?

If you don't remove the shell, you have very limited debugging options I would think.  I'd be reseating all the boards and connections as a first step, and also just inspecting all the wires to see if there are any pinched, etc.

No horn or bell in conventional. Volume has been cranked up to the max. Sound is ON. I have removed the shell and find no loose connections nor pinched wires. Just no response from TMCC mode as if no signal is reaching the engine even though other Lionels are responding fine. Also no sound in conventional. I'm going to probe a bit more but as per above I need to protect the option to return the item. Thanks again for your interest. Mike

Hmm...  At this point, I'd be leaning to returning it.  I see a new one that was also the Santa Fe with Odyssey & TMCC that went for $153, so I don't think I'd be wanting to put any money into this one.  I'll bet more will come along and they'll be working.

Did you try to reprogram the engine to a different number, not eng #1?  Are you sure the previousowner didn't already change it?

Doug

Well, the audio doesn't work in conventional, which is a concern as well.  That would not be affected by what TMCC engine number it is.

Believe it or not, I tried addressing it with numbers 1 to 99 but still no action, and since there is no sound in conventional, I think something must be "fried". The seller said that sometimes it gets "stuck" (whatever that means) and he has taken it in for service. Of course that was never mentioned in the description on line. Best to just return it with promised full refund and look for other Santa Fe's of the 50's-60's style (I'm stuck in that era). I'm considering an Atlas RSD- 5 with TMCC but would have to upgrade with ERR speed control. Thanks for all your attempts at help. This is a great site. Mike

I think you're making the right choice.  FWIW, I was never impressed with the original Odyssey performance anyway.  I think you'll be far happier with the ERR Cruise Commander M.  When Lionel came out with Odyssey II, it really started working like it should.

I'm sure this is a moot discussion at this point, but I would like to point out that I have had control problems with every TMCC unit I have purchased, (even SCIIs), with internal antennas.  I now automatically replace the aluminum 2 inch strip antenna with a copper antenna as long as will fit. Virtually every time, problem solved with the exception of the SCII which also required three wraps of earth ground wire secured tightly around the unit to obtain reliable function.

  I doubt that this fix would have remedied the problem with the engine in question since there was no horn/whistle response in conventional, but still a good procedure for any TMCC engine.

Any engine is fixable but when people buy ebay locomotives,  not always a good story.  Your engine seems to have a few issues.  John gave good advice.

I will buy an ebay locomotive with a declared problem for the adjusted price.  The problem I see is that many self proclaimed experts get in over their head and then sell it  to stiff honest people on ebay.

Some of these things are tough at best.  I always ask people where they got the locomotive before I jump in.

If you have someone close with a Lionel board tester, you could give it a shot.

Thanks for the advice. The engine is returned and I am promised full refund plus the shipping return cost. A good Ebayer. I have had good luck many times in selling and buying on Ebay, but I thoroughly check my engines before selling and foolishly believe the same happens on the other end especially when the seller has a good record. We live and learn (most of the time). Mike