PS2 Engine Stuck in Neutral

It could be something like the tether. I would try a reset first.

Already did the reset....could it be the tether even though everyone else seems to be working properly???

Joe,

Did this engine ever work properly in the past?

If not, you could try a conventional (transformer) reset. This is done when the engine is started up in conventional mode w/o a DCS TIU between the transformer and the track.

Press the transformer's whistle button once followed by the bell button 5 times, with each press being 1/2 second and with 1/2 second pauses in-between.

If the engine has worked properly in the past, check to be sure that the plug from the motor to the PS2 board is firmly seated.

Sure it could. The board is in the tender on most. What exactly is the model number so others can help?

Sometimes I've seen the board get confused and needs a full conventional reset. How's the battery? If it's dead, the sounds will cut out as soon as you kill track power.

Joe,

If it's dead, the sounds will cut out as soon as you kill track power.

He's using DCS. Under DCS, the engine's battery is not involved in a direction change.

Thanks Barry!

When the board gets messed up, I was wondering if it could be from a dead battery. For some reason, I'm still trying to remember the details. I had a used G scale engine come in with the batteries totally dead. I can't remember exactly what it did.

 I do believe that it ran though in DCS! So you're right again.

I purchased the engine used so I do not know if it worked prior. It was list at C-8 condition and the packaging and engine appear to have very little wear. 

Catalog number 20-3323-1 - 4-6-4 J-1e Hudson.

All sounds are working properly. Loud, crisp, clear. Horn, bell, smoke all work fine. Any command I send from the remote to the engine are working. Only when I get it power the engine just does not move.

Checked the pins in the tether and they all look straight. I will try disconnecting it and reconnecting to see if that helps. TY for you input.

Did you try the conventional reset Barry suggested?  You should get the quick whistle blasts if the reset is recognized.  Sometimes a conventional reset will clear issues with DCS operation.

If it is PS-2 and operating in DCS a conventional reset won't change things.  Do your engine lights work and your smoke heater in forward and reverse?  Or do engine lights go out in one direction?  Besides a tether issue, you could have a connector loose at the board (5 pin), or cracked solder joints at engine PCB.  A bad Circuit board a bad motor or a motor lead disconnected.   G

http://mthtrains.com/20-3323-1 

Does this have any switches   EX DCC   2/3 rail   etc ?

Thanks again for your input gentlemen. I tried the reset and also resetting the tether and neither works. Next stop is a ride over to my local MTH service tech. Will let you know how I make out.