Problem with older PS2 steamer

Sounds like a PS2 3 volt engine..battery condition needs verification and probably a changeout.

Does your controller say "zcontroller" on it or something else?  I have a couple of the older z750 controllers that exhibit this behavior due to something wrong with the controller. I replaced the controller with a newer "zcontroller" and reused the brick to solve my problem.

Replace the battery with a BCR 

How dirty are the wheels and pickup? that can cause issues.  Also could be controller leakage as mentioned, try a different one.  BAttery should not cause this.  Plus if battery totally dead, it would not move in conventional.  Just start up.  AA batteries last about 7 years plus.  G

Please list the product number.  We can help you better with it.  Sounds like a 3v system.  Replace the battery with a BCR2, available from Model Train Stuff at about $20.  Install the BCR2, then power up.  It takes about 20-30 seconds for the locomotive to react and get the boards working.  Next, try the sounds, whistle, uncoupler then move it.  You must get it in neutral to do any feature/factory resets or recover.  Try these first.

bruce

New battery.

Marty Fitzhenry posted:

New battery.

No battery Replace the battery with a BCR it's the best thing and you will never have replace it !

as Marty stated it is much better to replace the battery with new one. I installed a bcr in a challenger steam engine and it works but have to start it up twice to make the volume work at full volume, otherwise it works perfectly batterys are better and BCR's do FAIL don't believe otherwise ok!!

Alan

FWIW guys, the stand MTH takes on the BCR is neutral.  I have had and seen issues.  I have also seen issues with the battery.  The company who makes the BCR has a top quality product.  MTH does recommend the battery and so do I.   I take my stand being an MTH tech and the owner of 300 plus MTH locomotives.  Neutral does not mean bad.  I know many people with them have luck.  Like any other device, they do not last forever.  The battery does not last forever also.  Your choice.  I have a list on my workbench computer of what engines have has a fresh battery and when they may need a new one.  The one thing I tell everyone with PS-1 and PS-2 if you have a white battery in your engine, THROW IT AWAY  properly.   

Like it was said before, some people like to drive a Ford and others a Chevrolet.  Your choice.

Marty, His is a PS- 2 3V  and it runs conventionally.  So it could be other issues and not battery related.  G

Agreed.  The battery/BCR issue was kicked about.   I have seen his issue before.

Would you believe that I still have a white battery that still holds a strong charge for up to a year and a half plus. Meanwhile I just tossed out two green ones that don't hold a charge at all. Now while it was one of the last white oness made, it is still over ten years old. The green ones were seven now already. Seems like I just bought them. lol... Time goes so fast.

In regards to the battery vs super caps. When it comes to the 3v I can't justify buying a battery when I can use a super cap that cost a third of the price at $4.40.

But when it comes to the 5v, the cost is the same as a battery so either I am good with. I only use the SC for 5V units that I either don't use often enough or hate to change out. 

Enjoy your white battery.   I have seen that.  Just like an earthquake, it can happen but not common.