PS 2 engine gone rogue

Thanks Marty.

I think the battery is original (2 AAA in a green wrap). It measured only 2.69v as opposed to 3v+ for new batteries.  I have replaced the battery.
Tach reader seems OK. The tape is in place, no damage, and the gap looks good @ 0.029" (0.76mm).
I tried to reset the engine but as soon as you apply power the engine takes off. The remote says it was deleted.  For fun I tried to add the engine while it was running around.  The remote found it and added it, correctly, to the display BUT the locomotive still does not respond.
A board, maybe?

Boards need to be tested repaired.  I would be careful still running it as you may have an overload condition with a damaged component and risk processor damage.  If that occurs new boards needed vice component repair.  G

The tape in place is no indication the tach reader is OK.  

Sure sounds like the tach reader failure I had.

Take a look at the wires at the motor,,, If one of the wires is touching the motor casing the engine will take off... even a small strand of wire  will cause havoc.   

Scott T Johnson posted:

Sure sounds like the tach reader failure I had.

If it takes off immediately when powered up before any throttle application, it's not just the tach reader.

Gregg, yes, that will get it going.  Not as common as the tach.  If it ran before the motor connection did not happen on it's own.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions.

Through a process of elimination (swapping parts with a similar engine) I determined that the problem was the main board.  A replacement is on the way.

Danr posted:

Thanks everyone for your suggestions.

Through a process of elimination (swapping parts with a similar engine) I determined that the problem was the main board.  A replacement is on the way.

Which board was bad?  How are you getting a replacement?  Your engine requires a special Flash processor if that is the board you are changing to operate the pantographs.  G

G, the bad board was the bottom board of the two board sandwich.  The board is coming from Brasseur.

Danr posted:

G, the bad board was the bottom board of the two board sandwich.  The board is coming from Brasseur.

Unless you specified an AE-0000014 board flashed for GG-1 it won't operate your pantographs.   Interesting symptom for a processor board.  Worth having tested by a tech.  Might be something repairable.  G

Getting the AE-0000014 board will be a neat trick as well, they're not stocked at MTH anymore.

Swell.  I am beginning to like open frame motors and e units.

G - I sent you and email about this.

Answered it, not all hope is lost on AE-14.  Any board MTH has that is flash capable EEPROM can be reprogramed.  I have one on order that processed and a handful of flash boards in stock.  But none with your GG-1 code until my order is filled.  G

Positive outcome.

I sent the damaged board to GGG who repaired and returned it in less than a week for much less than a replacement, assuming we could find one.

George had posted a few days ago about being careful when choosing a repairman.  I chose one of the best.

Thank you George.

Dan your welcome and thank you for the kind words.   George